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Features:
Product Description
The MiniTT1 transmitter is a low-profile unit that slides directly into the camera’s hot shoe. It takes the complex TTL flash data sent through the camera’s hot shoe contacts and transmits it in a secure, unique PocketWizard radio signal. Flash units must be mounted on a FlexTT5 transceiver (ordered sepretaly) for TTL operation or any PocketWizard unit for manual operation. Shoot up to 1/8000 sec. with high-speed flash sync or up to 1/500 sec. with full power flash using exclusive PocketWizard HyperSync. Unique ControlTL system enables shooting remote autoflash at up to 8fps. As all communication takes place through the dedicated hot shoes, there is no need for cables, brackets, Velcro® or tape to use them. The MiniTT1 transmitter can be used for TTL auto flash up to 800 feet* and conventional triggering up to 1200 feet*. The unit feature a two-position channel selector that is factory programmed to the PocketWizard classic channel one and two. Using the included software and USB port, you can program either channel to any of the PocketWizard system’s 32 digitally encoded channels and four zones. A special Learning Mode enables simple, in-the-field programming of all channels. Compatible with the following: Canon DSLR Cameras: 1Ds MKIII, MKII; 1D MKIII; MKII; 1DMKII N; 5D, 5D MKII; 20D, 30D, 40D, 50D; Rebel XT/350D, Rebel XTi/400D, Rebel XS/1000D, Rebel XSi/450D Canon Flash Units: 580EX, 580EXII, 430EX, and 430EXII
Customer Reviews:
Get Flex for a portable light studio.
Flex Mini TT1 and Flex TT5
I did an amateur shoot of a wedding recently and managed to get large percentage of shots that rivaled those of the pro photographer that was hired for the occasion. As I have done a couple of similar events I knew what I was looking for, so the shot angles were all spot on. However knowing what you want did not always translate into perfect shots. In this case the hall was decorated with a large number of glowing white paper globes. Just about any shot that used flash (fortunately allowed) would have this way overexposed globe and too dark faces. The problem was that the perfect angle for the shot and the flash should not have been at the same position. Its not just a matter of moving the flash a couple of inches or feet with a cord or a L bracket. It needs to be far away, and not be the only source of illumination. This is elementary in a studio situation, where you can get side and back lights and eliminate shadows as needed.
Up to now this has been very difficult to do in non controlled situation such as weddings. This is what I am doing now in similar situations. I am using a Canon Xti as a camera with a 70-200mm lens, two tripods, one with an inexpensive slave flash unit by itself, and another with a Soligor flash (an older but a powerful favorite with minimal TTL capabilities) mounted on top of the FlexTT5 unit. The Canon has the MiniTT1 on top of the flash contacts. The flash tripods are set up on either side of the stage. Yes you still have to take a number of test shots before the event to set the exact position for proper light balance and shadows. But the results are incredible. I can now shoot from the balcony, from the side, up close, etc. Everything is getting perfect exposure and I am free to concentrate on the composition. The camera unit triggers the TT5 flash, which in turn triggers the slave. The slave sensor may need to be shielded a bit such that the flash from the audience does not trigger it inadvertently (in which case you just need a couple of seconds for it to cycle again)
For the hardware details. The TT1 and TT5 worked flawlessly Straight Out of the Box! Insert the batteries (included) two AAs into the TT5 and a button cell into the TT1. You are ready to shoot. There are some things to consider. I initially just set the switches to the same position on both units and had no problems. This was true up to about 200ft shooting distance (~150 if the TT5 antenna is down). At longer distances, such as 200-300 ft I would get intermittent operation, and then the TT5 started to fire at random. I had to reset both units, and this time I held learn button down for a few seconds on both units before using. The reliable range went up to about 400ft.
Some ideas for the future. This setup should work well for macro photography as well. Also if Pocket wizard would make a light beam or a sound activated trigger module it would be great as well. For right now I am giving the units 4 stars because while they work well, the price is somewhat high. While I would like to expand with a couple more TT5s, for the time being the extra light will come from additional slave units.
Works like a Charm: A PocketWizard MiniTT1 Radio Transmitter for Canon TTL Flashes Review 
The PocketWizard miniTT1 radio transmitter slides and locks into the camera's hot shoe. The transmitter has a hot shoe on top if a compatible TTL flash is desired on camera. A TTL flash connected to a transceiver such as the FlexTT5 communicates using radio frequency with the transmitter. A direct line of sight is not required, allowing for positioning the flash behind walls or other obstacles. Using the power switch, the transmitter allows for two configured flash channels. The miniTT1 boosts 8 fps, Hypersync up to 1/500th a second, and high speed sync up to 1/8000th a second automatically. Tutorials plus downloadable software for updates and customization are available on the PocketWizard's website. While there, registering the MiniTT1 will add an additional year to the warranty as compared to registering by mail.
Having regularly followed the Strobist's blog, I was excited to receive the compact miniTT1. Set up included installing the included CR2450 battery and training each channel to your desired configuration. Training basically consists of pressing a button on the transmitter until the status LED blinks a certain way, followed by doing the same on the transceiver. After a few minutes, the miniTT1 is ready to use.
To give the miniTT1 a test, I positioned the flash on a transceiver in a large walk-in closet on one end of the house. I then went around the corner and started down the hall. I pressed the Canon 7D's shutter button and the flash triggered. I continued down the hall snapping pictures and watching for the flash in the darkened room through the windows. I got all the way to the other end of the house, over 40 feet away, and the miniTT1 had no problem communicating with the transceiver.
A USB cord is included to connect the MiniTT1 to a computer (PC or Mac) for using the downloadable software. The software isn't required for use, but helps to future proof the MiniTT1 by managing firmware updates (currently version 5) while also allowing for customizing settings on each channel. Customizable options include Modeling, Exposure, Sync Timing, and Flash settings. The only potential problem is the settings can be lost after performing a firmware upgrade.
When not in use, the MiniTT1 takes up very little space. Measuring 2 by 2 3/4 by 3/4 inches, finding a spot in most well packed camera bags won't be a problem.
PocketWizard has designed a transmitter for use by amateurs and pros alike. By using radio frequencies, the flash can be position behind objects without a direct line of site. This may be a more expensive option than a Speedlite transmitter, but provides far more opportunities. If you can take advantage of the compact MiniTT1's features and want an expandable system, PocketWizard's MiniTT1 is a purchase well worth considering.
PROS:
Simple set up
Uses radio frequency
Works over 40 feet away
Up to a 3 year warranty
Compact size
CONS:
Steep price
Firmware upgrade may reset customized settings
Awsome flash control for Canon and New Firmware 5.0 Fixes all past issues!
I received the bundle flash controler that works with Canon cameras with a hotshoe. I will note that mine has the latest verson firmware 5.0 already on it so I did not get to test how easy it was to updated but it was nice to see a USB port on it for the updating.
I was really surprised with how quickly I had it up and working. I think even a cave man could use it. It will use all the cameras flash settings,even at high shutter speeds not like some of the other competition-no names mentioned.
The size of the units is just right and does not add any noticed weight to the camera and no problems with it being so big and bulky that it is in your way or falling off due to bumping it into something. The units worked flawless for me and will pack them where ever I go. I would recomend this combo with the 5.0 firmware as it seems PocketWizard has addressed all past issuse.
The Perfect Solution
I was skeptical of the claims made for the PocketWizard MiniTT1, so of course I was excited to put it to the test to see just what it would and would not do. I can tell you now, that I was pleasantly surprised that this little unit works just as described, and works without a hitch. In fact, it's operation is so simple, it's nearly impossible not to having up and running in just seconds.
Why would a person need a wireless transmitter for a hotshoe flash when most of todays flash units can be triggered by another flash or cables? The answer is simple: the unit is small, portable, requires no wires or cables strung up anywhere to get tangled, caught, broken, chewed on, or whatever. With this unit on the camera's hot-shoe and a transciever connected to the flash places remotely, you can even trigger the flash from behind obstacles such as walls or trees, or any multitude of props.
The absolute best part I love about this is it allows any mode of flash operation that the camera body and hot-shoe flash support, and they work flawlessly. The fact that it also has a USB connector for receiving updates is a huge plus too. The PocketWizard MiniTT1 has made my flash photography a whole lot more simple, and gives me so much more flexibility, that already I wonder how I managed to do without one.
Great for professional photographers
The PocketWizard MiniTT1 is designed to give professional photographers control over external flashes. The MiniTT1 is easy to install. All you have to do is place it in the camera's hot shoe. The device then has the ability to fire external flashes when you hit the shutter.
This system seems to work well. My unit came with the latest firmware (version 5.0) already installed. I didn't experience the problems earlier reviewers experienced, so I think the new firmware has resolved a lot of the older issues. PocketWizard continually updates the firmware and allows users to download the newest firmware from their website (installed to device using the USB port). They also allow users to download and install beta versions of the newest firmware and provide feedback to the company to help make the firmware better for everyone.
This model is relatively light and I don't notice a huge difference in weight with it on my camera. Although, it is a bit larger than I would have expected - about the size of a 2005 flip cell phone.
Overall I like the PocketWizard MiniTT1. It is nice to be liberated from cords. It should work for most professional Canon DSLR owners.
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