Sea&Sea YS-D3 DUO Strobe

High-spec underwater strobe with large light output

The YS-D3 DUO is a high-specification underwater strobe with three shooting modes: DS-TTL, RC mode, and manual. Custom settings allow the strobe to be used with high precision with a variety of cameras and shooting styles.

Shooting Mode

The mode switch can be used to switch between "DS-TTL", "RC mode", and "Manual". It is conveniently identifiable by color.

Highly accurate DS-TTL dimming

DS-TTL dimming accuracy has been greatly improved by adopting a newly designed light receiving sensor.
By applying detailed custom settings, it can be used with high accuracy with a wide variety of cameras of multiple brands.

*When shooting TTL with a camera of a brand other than OM SYSTEM (OLYMPUS), select DS-TTL as the shooting mode.
*Pre-custom settings must be made for each camera in advance when shooting with DS-TTL.

In DS-TTL mode. Exposure compensation can be made with the light level control dial on the right. +2.0 to -2.0

Highly accurate DS-TTL dimming

The "RC System" is a flash system for OM SYSTEM digital cameras, and the YS-D3 DUO was developed in collaboration with OM Digital Solutions to incorporate the RC mode.

RC mode is a light control mode in which the camera automatically controls the flash output based on the brightness through the lens. The YS-D3 DUO is equipped with a more precise "RC mode" that was developed based on system information officially provided by OM Digital Solutions. The YS-D3 DUO is equipped with a more precise "RC mode" developed based on the system information officially provided by OM Digital Solutions.

*Since the strobe is system-linked to the camera, flash output compensation can be adjusted not only on the strobe side but also on the camera side while shooting in RC mode.
*Setting the camera to RC mode can prolong (save) the camera's battery life.

In RC mode. The light level control dial on the right can be used for exposure compensation.

Manual mode has 11 steps

In manual mode, light intensity can be adjusted in 11 steps. The settings are (GN: 1 / 1.4 / 2 / 2.8 / 4 / 5.6 / 8 / 11 / 16 / 22 / 33). The value can be easily seen on the scale on the light intensity adjustment dial. Compatible with digital cameras that do not have a pre-flash function.

*Only manual flash is available, but if your camera housing is equipped with a strobe connector/converter connector, you can also use a sync cord to connect the strobe.

Customize

The YS-D3 DUO can be set up with high precision to accommodate a variety of shooting styles with different cameras by making custom settings. Refer to the table for settings according to the shooting mode used and the method of synchronizing the camera and strobe.

*For the procedure to change custom settings, please refer to page E-31 of the operation manual.
*Video of the custom setting procedure is shown below.

Shooting in DS-TTL mode and manual mode

・ Click here to shoot with DS-TTLusing an optical/TTL converter.

*Custom settings are not required when using manual trigger. Use the default settings.

・When shooting in DS-TTL/Manual using the built-in flash.

Nikon Canon Sony Others

*See page E-28 of the instruction manual for procedures to change custom settings.

Shooting in RC mode

When shooting in RC mode with an OM SYSTEMS (OLYMPUS) camera, no custom settings are required. Select "RC mode shooting" in the flash mode setting on the camera side; YS-D3 DUO should be set to "RC" for shooting mode.

*For details on "RC mode shooting," please refer to the user's manual of the camera to be used.

Light source

Uniform and even light distribution

The originally developed "aspherical toroidal lens" is placed in front of the light-emitting tube, and the two discharge tubes and the "aspherical toroidal lens" provide uniform and even light distribution to the periphery, making it an ideal light source for external illumination.

Superior consecutive firing capability to capture those critical moments.

The YS-D3 utilizes larger capacity condensers compared with those used on competing strobes. In addition, the D3 is also equipped with a newly designed charging circuit. As a result, the YS-D3 will fire at GN16 continuously without any interval time. Even when the strobe is fired at GN22, the strobe will fire again within a mere 0.8 seconds.
When the YS-D3 is fired at Guide Number over 22, a two-stage ready-to-fire signals will be issued. For instance, after the strobe fires at full power of GN33, the strobe will inform you both visually and audibly when the condenser is charged to fire at GN22. Then, when the condenser is charged enough to fire at GN33, another different signal will be issued. This design allows you to release more shutters in scenes where you want to shoot as many pictures as possible, maximizing shooting intervals between scenes

Target light with increased power

incorporating a uniquely designed aluminum heat diffuser, the target light is now powerful enough to be used as a dive light.（About 4 times brighter than YS-D2）

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), light blue (in slave TTL mode), orange (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.
* The color in DS-TTLII mode has been changed from the YS-D2 to match the color with the optical converter.