Sea & Sea YS-D3 DUO

The YS-D3 DUO is an underwater strobe that is compatible with the "Wireless RC Flash System" of OM SYSTEM (Olympus) digital cameras. The "RC System" is a light control mode where the camera automatically controls the flash output based on the brightness through the lens.

Since the camera can control the flash output based on digital optical signal, it can control the light more precisely than TTL mode of a typical underwater strobe. Of course, it is also possible to control the amount of light by selecting flash/non-flash or by manual operation.

In addition to TTL auto shooting in conjunction with the camera, the camera can also adjust the flash output compensation during TTL auto shooting.

High Performance Strobe

Newly designed circuitry and light-emitting unit produces powerful guide number of 33. In addition, a high precision aspherical optical troidal lens has been fitted over the two flash tubes to disperse an even light from the center to the edge. The strobe`s beam angle will increase to 110°by attaching the standard accessories Diffuser. When the optional Dome diffuser is attached, beam angle will increase to as wide as 150(TBD)In order to avoid misunderstanding, the YS-D3 guide number (GN) and the beam angle are based on measurements taken on land (not underwater)

Some competitors will often state a GN measured on land and the beam angle in water, for example a GN 33 and beam angle of 110 degrees. However, this GN 33 value is based on a beam angle of 60~70 degrees. The beam angle may be expanded in water by a dome effect, however the GN in water is significantly lower than the value measured on land.

Note: A land-based strobe that uses the same four AA batteries as the YS-D3 may provide a notation that the GN is 60, but these measurements are taken under the condition that the focal length is equivalent to 200 mm (= beam angle 12 °). When the beam angle becomes narrower, the brightness of the illuminated area increases due to the light-collecting effect.

Excellent visibility

Backlight panel that is effective when shooting in dark environments. The indicator color on the back of the YS-D3 changes each time the position of the mode switch is changed. Blue (in DS-TTLII mode), Red (in RC mode), Yellow (in manual mode with pre-flash), and Green (in manual mode without pre-flash) The positioning of the operation system is obvious during night diving.

YS-D3 DUO specifications: 

• Guide Number (ISO 100/m) (land): 33, 28 (with Diffuser attached)
• Beam Angle: 80°x105° (without Diffuser), 100°x110°(with Diffuser)
• Usable Batteries: 4xAA A: 6V Ni-MH: 4.8V
• Number of Flashes *1: A: 140 Ni-MH: 220
• Recycle time (full) *2: A: 3.5 sec. Ni-MH: 1.7 sec.
• Color temperature: 5800K
• Color temperature w/diffuser: 5500K
• Depth rating] : 100m / 330ft
• Dimensions (WxHxD): 92x111x147mm / 3.6 x 4.4 x 5.8 inches (excluding ball base)
• Weight: 610g / 21.5oz (w/o batteries) (excluding ball base)
• Underwater weight: Approx.-20g / -0.7oz (incl. batteries ball base)

Others:

• Exposure control: DS-TTL II, Slave TTL, Light level control dial (GN): 1 / 1.4 / 2 / 2.8 /4 / 5.6 /8 / 11 / 16 / 22 / 33 (11 steps)
• DS-TTL II function
• Slave function
• Auto power OFF function 30min
• Sync cord: 5-pin Sync cord/N, Fiber-Optic Cable
• Over-pressure relief valve
• LED target light (output is adjustable in 2 steps [300lumen/150lumen])
• Audible charge signal
• The strobe comes with: Ball Mount, Diffuser, Silicon grease

*1 Number of flashes and recycle time depends on the battery brand, temperature and frequency of use.

*2 Number of flashes and recycle time of Ni-MH batteries were tested on 2500 mAh batteries.