Canon 600RT Flash

Can you use the latest 600RT flash in E-TTL radio mode and also multi-flash radio mode with bodies other than the 5D3 or 1DX? Looking at the instruction manual on-line is unclear. Specifically I'm using 1D4, 1DS3, and 1D3 bodies. Thanks.

Yes, provided you don't want to use the group mode. As long as you use the functions you can get with the 580 EX II (using optical communication), you can do the same with the 600 EX-RT via radio, regardless of the camera.
The new group mode requires support from a 1DX or similar, or using Youngno's equivalent flash controller. That's supposed to give group mode and stuff with older cameras too, with some limitations.

If you want to use all the 600EX-RT system capabilities with older cameras, the only available solution is the YongNou YN-E3 controller. It offers complete Gr mode support for earlier cameras such as those you listed.

HERE is an article on my blog with my first impressions.

There are been 3 or 4 firmware updates to perfect and/or add capabilities. The latest firmware is version 1.09

The 600ex manual also states that the flash sync speed is one increment lower when using with a pre-2012 camera (so in the case of your 1D cameras 200/sec rather than 300/sec).

However I have read elsewhere that most older cameras work fine when set to their normal sync speed. It certainly doesn't appear to be a problem with my 5D2.

apersson850 wrote in post #16696463
... with some limitations.

What limitations are you thinking about?
My testing to date hasn't uncovered any limitations compared to ST-E3.
And, GL has added some welcome capabilities that go well beyond what Canon is offering.

I'd like to know what you've found so I can test specifically. Thanks,

Thanks everyone for the help. Again looking at the Canon 600RT users manual it gets confusing on page 51 about any camera 2011 or earlier stating radio mode e-ttl isn't possible. I called Canon tech support and they're saying it's a typo.

cristphoto wrote in post #16696885
Thanks everyone for the help. Again looking at the Canon 600RT users manual it gets confusing on page 51 about any camera 2011 or earlier stating radio mode e-ttl isn't possible. I called Canon tech support and they're saying it's a typo.

The manual also states on pg 51 (see below) that wireless HSS shooting is not possible. So far no one has had an issue not being able to use HSS nor has the shooting at max sync speed been an issue. You get a very slight shadowing at the bottom of the image but is not that noticeable.

cristphoto wrote in post #16696885
Thanks everyone for the help. Again looking at the Canon 600RT users manual it gets confusing on page 51 about any camera 2011 or earlier stating radio mode e-ttl isn't possible. I called Canon tech support and they're saying it's a typo.

It must be a typo, I was shooting a wedding yesterday and 2 of my associates were using per-2012 cameras that worked just fine with 600EX-RTs for ETTL. Both on camera and via radio for remote.

People have said that is is working in other threads. Canon may have put that in just to cover themselves. Perhaps they found some bodies that did not work. I'm not sure but most of the feedback has been positive.

Would a pre-2012 camera fire multiple 600 RTs using the ST-E3-RT Transmitter.

Thanks

That will work just fine. Reports are that it will fire at sync speed as discussed. No group mode. Yongnuo has released the the YN-E3-RT which is compatible with the 600 RTs and has group mode I think. I own the ST-E3-RT so I don't really know. I'll find a thread on that for you or someone can answer that.

https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?t=1348512

The YN RT flash has not been released yet. No one knows for sure when.

https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?t=1332862

Thanks, DP

But if there is no group mode how can one control multiple flashes.

Sorry for the basic question.

Group mode is one thing. It allows fully independent settings for flashes in different groups.
The old handling of flash groups is different. It allows up to three groups, but imposes limitations on how settings for the groups can be different from each other. But there are still groups, and multiple flashes can belong to each group. The radio system allows for a maximum of 16 units, master included.

aam1234 wrote in post #16700696
Thanks, DP

But if there is no group mode how can one control multiple flashes.

Sorry for the basic question.

When using pre-2012 cameras, the 600EX-RT system works the same way the optical ETTL-II system works. It just adds the radio communication capability. Or it can continue with the optical communication capability.

The reason given to me by a Canon rep for the lower shutter speed, is the company being conservative regarding radio propagation delay.