These aren't necessarily coming out unless I can see into the future but more towards what I'd like in the next tt5 II or whatever it maybe called.
Excuse some sketchy concepts on photoshop
1. Connect to Ipad 2/Iphone
Okay first thing is to be able to plug the tt5 via cable to Apple Ipad 2/Iphone and use the PW program to change settings. The Apple Macbook Air is amazing and easy enough to carry around so maybe this isn't a big one but for someone who's traveling light it could be good if they suddenly need to change ETTL channel, etc.
It would be great to have the Multimax features on the tt5 and access them through the Ipad...
2. ETTL channels
More ETTL channels. In New Zealand I haven't had too many times the problem of coming across another photographer using the same channel. On the next version I'd suggest to add another C3, C4 so you can just switch channel easier or have one extra for speedcycler, custom settings on a channel. I understand you can swap the trans with another receiver and use it for the transmitting settings it's got set.
3.Locking switch
A switch locking system like the canon 580EX II flash. It would be much nicer on the fingers with a simple push and click rather than wind it round. Plus much quicker. If your not careful sometimes if you don't screw the current tt5 footing all the contacts dont meet. It then goes a bit crazy.
With the rubber mounding also to stop water, same with the AC3 so everything can be water resistant. Unsure what can be done about the AC3 dials so water cant get in there.
4. Hole plugs
Plug the holes to stop rain similar to the 580EX II. Not that I've had a problem yet, I've put them through rain storms for hours and still been fine, touch wood though. Just to have the comfort of not worrying.
5. Telescopic antenna
Add on telescopic antenna for further distance. popping up the current antenna theres a slight hole, could a version II have a screw in antenna that can pull out for extra distance. Not that I want further distance than 400m like achieved with the 430EX II. Its when you place it in very awkward places like behind a huge boulders or on the other side of a hill to light up the skier but blocked by snow, or your hidden limiting the range
Or make...
A middle man transceiver, it could be be really small and just receive then send off the message to the receiving tt5s hidden somewhere.
6.Telescopic tt5 extender holder
There's a few cool tt5 clips that clamps round a lightstand leg or tripod leg but if you want distance with the 580EX II you need the tt5 up high not below. I don't want a manfrotto superclamp and bendy arm to have the tt5 up high. Too much weight and mucking around to do it. How about a telescopic arm like a monopod, its just folds with the tripod when attached but can flip up and extend vertically and have the tt5 ontop?
7. Dual flash trigger from one tt5.
There's a lot of people who use dual flashes, triple, quad ... etc , mounted on monopods or as such, just the slightest bit lighter would be nice. Oh and forgot to mention the cost of each tt5 but I think that would be down on PWs 'to do list' haha. I've previously tried a test dual ETTL cord from Michael Bass but didn't work well, Click HERE for results I got from them. Also tested a massive quad cord, it had all these dials to experiment if we could trick the flashes to listen just one but didn't work.
8. AC3 battery level meter for AC3 version II
Sometimes your shooting and one flash is acting all weird and your not too sure whats going on, different power output, not flashing, then it is. All it is a low/flat battery on the flash or tt5. Just like the current flashing LED light on the AC3 add one also underneath group A and C. Flash if everything is correct. Per group; go red if a group's flash or tt5's batteries flat/low, flash orange if the reception is limited and not receiving the signal properly/none at all. If they aren't using a group turn it off so it won't blink.
If that can't be done is there a way to do it to the Ipad with an app suggested above?
9. Battery door
Not a major as you don't need to change the batteries that often. Its more me searching for more. Just replacing the batteries sometimes can be a pain if you don't want to take off the tt5 due to it being on a tripod. Like I mentioned above with the switch locking system that would solve it with taking the tt5 on and off easily.
10. Test button instant like the Plus II
The tt5's test/ learn button is annoying. It'd be good if it was like the plus II, instant and mutiple clicks. Saves carrying round an extra Plus II for that. Maybe another one on top in the middle?
11. Auto relay with multiple cameras
Have an simple way to shoot from one camera as well as trigger another camera while both syncing off one set off flashes. I understand there's ways to do this but not too easily.
But the big ask if you'e got variable conditions to have a way if you can control the remote camera from yours, mimicking the settings or have a in-camera menu or camera settings transferred by the tt5s.
Those are a bit more difficult that the others but could be something to think about.
That's all I can think off the top of my head for further features thats can be added on for another version. Some are dead obvious to add after heaps of complaints like the test button but just put them out there incase. I'm sure some of those won't be too hard to add.
Let me know what you think.
Enjoy, Stefan Haworth
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