Sea & Sea YS-D3 DUO Strobe

Olympus / OM SYSTEM RC flash system compliant. Further evolution with RC mode.

The YS-D3 DUO is an underwater strobe that is also compatible with the “Wireless RC Flash System” of OM SYSTEM 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 a digital optical signal, it can control the light more precisely than the 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 the light-emitting unit produces a 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 centre 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, the beam angle will increase to as wide as 150(TBD)

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 a 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 narrows, the illuminated area’s brightness increases due to the light-collecting effect.

Various accessories available for all underwater imaging experiences

Snoot (optional accessory)

A strobe adaptor narrows the beam angle to be directed at a target point. The diameter of the opening is 25mm. Designed with an internal prism that aligns the target light’s light axis and the strobe’s light axis to the centre.

Dome diffuser (optional accessory)

Increases beam angle to 150°×170° Essential accessory when a fisheye lens is used or soft light is required. + Guide number will drop to -1.5EV when it is fitted.

Flash prism (optional accessory)

Optical guiding device to fire the strobe when a fibre-optic cable is not used. This device is for manual use only. The device is effective if multiple strobes are used in a fixed position. However, the flash may not fire depending on the position where multiple flashes are occurring in relation to that of the master flash.

Excellent visibility

Backlight panel that is effective when shooting in dark environments. The indicator colour 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 operating system is obvious during night diving.

Connection method with an arm that can be selected according to preference

YS-D3 comes with a straight-type ball base.

Depending on the application, an optional YS base and a new Diagonal ball base can be installed.

YS base (common to YS-D1 / D2 / D3/DUO)

Traditional YS base. Easy vertical swing.

Diagonal ball base (only for YS-DUO/D3)

A ball base inclined at 35 ° compared to the straight type. This makes it easier to lower the strobe backward, making it suitable for shooting when using a dome port. Also, when a Synchro Cord N is installed, interference between the cord and the ball clamp is minimized.

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
• Set Items］ Ball Mount Strobe Adaptor、Diffuser、Slicon 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.