Phottix Odin Transmitter Controller

No system was off the table when I was doing my research.  I wanted the best system FOR ME.  And the Internet is full of couch-photographers who really don’t know what they are talking about.  I’ve rented some gear and know a few forums that have some people who I regard as experts.

There were some simple qualities I wanted my trigger system to have:

• Simplicity
• Sophistication
• Dependability

This is a pretty tough list of items to have for a product.  I mean, how many products can you apply this list to?  The Phottix Odin system comes really close.

Simplicity.  I figured out how to navigate the menu on the transmit unit in about 5 minutes.  True, I’ve been a computer-jockey for years.  So anything electronic “I get” quite quickly.  But there are other systems I was looking and have experience with that aren’t so easy.  You’re like “How do I change the channel on this?”.  ”Why isn’t this firing?”…  Everything is laid out quite simply.  And a side-effect of simplicity: speed.  Changing settings is FAST!

Sophistication.  Are there systems out there that have features that the Odin doesn’t have?  Maybe.  Will I need those features?  I doubt it.  The sophistication part is High Speed Synchronization (HSS), channels, flash-power adjustment, groups and switching between manual and TTL for each flash.  This is a pretty good list of ‘needs’.  But the Phottix Odin system does it quite easily.  The ONLY thing I wish the system had was integration with Einstein E640 strobes like how a couple of other manufacturers can do it.  It’s a nice feature because you can do  HSS with the strobes in addition to controlling power remotely.  Not a huge deal and I got a feeling Phottix has this on their ‘to-do’ list.  It should be rather easy to do.  It might be a licensing thing..  If Phottix pulls this off, it would the PERFECT system!

Dependability.  People take this for granted.  Maybe amateurs do.  As a pro, I certainly don’t.  It sucks when you’re trying to get work done and your flashes aren’t flashing.  You spend 20 minutes trying not to look stupid and you figure out how to get one light working.  I used my system a fair number of times and I keep expecting something to happen.  But it doesn’t.  It all works as advertised.  Every time.  No fussing.  I’ve never had a mis-fire.  It may not flash only because I’m stupid and shooting at full-power instead of boosting ISO a nudge and the flash is recycling.  But when I remember to adjust my settings, I can shoot like a maniac and my flash is keeping up just fine.

I think the Phottix Odin is about 90% to perfection.  Give me Einstein E640 integration and we’d get up to 98% perfect.  Use slightly tougher plastics for all the units is a minor minor thing.  Just to tell you..  I’ve had my light stand tipped over…  Several times…  With octodome, flash and trigger.  Nothing broke.  Yes, it’s damn nice quality.  And I’ve broken the plastic doors to the battery compartments of much more infamous flash-trigger systems.  It’s not going to happen with the Odins.

This system is relatively pricey.  Probably the biggest complaint.  If this was a hobby instead of a profession, I probably would too. But all the qualities I’ve talked about the system having are important to me.  Mind you, there are really great, cheap chinese systems that work great. But there are just too many trade-offs in my book.  And I got a feeling you’ll have to replace the chinese brand a couple of times when my original set finally needs replacing.  Thus spending more in the long run.

HAPPY photographer!

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But it’s done and you’ll have something good to in addition to enjoying your lunch…  Well, at least for us West Coaster’s!

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Phottix Odin Transmitter Controller

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There were enough cars parked at the venue. Good sign. Walked in. $10. Reasonable cover. The music I was hearing from the band was very good. Also good.

But, there were about 30 EXTRA guys standing around and no women to dance with. I thought “Hey, let’s see when a new song comes on and I can ask someone to dance?” No. Each time the women would go back to the groups they came with when a song ended and was going to dance with someone else.

So a message was sent out over facebook by the DJ who organized it: Another great night of dancing and great jamz!

Well yes, for those who came in a group….

I experience this all the time.  You want to pump yourself up or the event you did so you’ll get people to talk and have people buy your service.  Unfortunately, the people who actually used your service know the truth.  And the ones standing around are going to talk too.  The seller will then have their integrity questioned.  Their words will lessen in truthfulness.

This is business 101 folks.  And why many dance/party organizers fail after a year or so.  No amount of advertising and selling is going to bring back people you’ve lied to.  Sure you’ll get new people who haven’t tried your service come in and check you out…  But that group will get smaller and smaller and eventually, your business will die.

A better message they could’ve made that could’ve worked:  GREAT music and dancing!  It was cold out ladies, but there were lots of men to dance with!  Come on out next time!

Not being truthful and positive is about as bad as competing on price.  VALUE is EVERYTHING  in business.  Both in your word and services.

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