PocketWizard (beta) support for the Canon 5D Mark III

After over five (5) months of owning the Canon 5D Mark III, PocketWizard finally has support (albeit via beta firmware) for the 5D Mark III with their MiniTT1/FlexTT5 radio triggers.

On 2012-08-31, PocketWizard made firmware version 6.153 beta available for their MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 transceivers (for Canon). From the 6.153 release notes:

The following new Canon gear is supported in this beta firmware release:

• Canon EOS 5D Mark III

This equipment will work in the ControlTL® system similarly to previous Canon equipment.

So far I have tested the MiniTT1+AC3 to control the Einstein+PowerMC2 and 580 EX II + FlexTT5 and remote power control works correctly. The 6.153 beta firmware still requires you to half-press the shutter button after adjusting the power dial on the AC3 to ‘push’ and commit the power adjustment setting to the Einstein+PowerMC2.

HyperSync/HSS with the 580 EX II + FlexTT5 also works correctly.

I also tested the MiniTT1+AC3 to control an Alien Bee B1600 + FlexTT5 + AC9 and remote power control works correctly.

So all my fellow PocketWizard TT1/TT5/AC3/etc owners that upgraded to the 5D Mark III can finally breathe a sigh of relief with the PocketWizard 6.153 beta firmware for the MiniTT1 and FlexTT5.

Upgrade advice for all PocketWizard TT1/TT5 users:

1. Remember / record custom settings.
2. Factory reset each unit.
3. Update to the respective firmware.
4. Factory reset each unit, again.
5. Manually set all custom settings.
6. Test PocketWizards to ensure everything is triggering.

Factory resets help to make sure the triggers are ‘clean’ after updating and ensures the best possible starting point when updating to a newer firmware. I always do the above steps and it mitigates any possible issues.

For more information on the 6.153 beta firmware, and all subsequent PocketWizard beta firmware releases, visit the PocketWizard Beta Labs webpage.