Why there's a PC socket on 5DS ?

[Jothi]

Wikipedia says flash synchronization is achieved by either via a PC socket or a hot shoe... so why there are the both things on this camera?

 

[Keith Z Leonard]

Wikipedia says flash synchronization is achieved by either via a PC socket or a hot shoe... so why there are the both things on this camera?

Because some strobes only have PC port and it is convenient. You can get a cord/adapter to do with with the hot shoe but it's a but more expensive and bulky.

 

[Phil214757]

Wikipedia says flash synchronization is achieved by either via a PC socket or a hot shoe... so why there are the both things on this camera?

Because some strobes only have PC port and it is convenient. You can get a cord/adapter to do with with the hot shoe but it's a but more expensive and bulky.

Just in case the OP isn't distinguishing between strobes and speed-lights.

Studio strobes usually connect to the PC socket and speed-lights to the hot shoe. Studio strobes are also normally controlled with manual power settings, the PC connection which can just fire the strobe is fine. Older hot shoes would only trip the speed-light but as TTL flash came along the camera needed to modify the speed-light set-up on the fly and contacts were added to the hot shoe for these controls.

 

[Keith Z Leonard]

Wikipedia says flash synchronization is achieved by either via a PC socket or a hot shoe... so why there are the both things on this camera?

Because some strobes only have PC port and it is convenient. You can get a cord/adapter to do with with the hot shoe but it's a but more expensive and bulky.

Just in case the OP isn't distinguishing between strobes and speed-lights.

Studio strobes usually connect to the PC socket and speed-lights to the hot shoe. Studio strobes are also normally controlled with manual power settings, the PC connection which can just fire the strobe is fine. Older hot shoes would only trip the speed-light but as TTL flash came along the camera needed to modify the speed-light set-up on the fly and contacts were added to the hot shoe for these controls.

Good point, the terms get used pretty interchangeably these days.

 

[gipper51]

I really don't know why newer camera bodies still have PC sync. It's an ancient standard, and anybody using strobes these days is firing them with wireless triggers. Even old strobes work great with a trigger that can handle the voltage, far more reliable than the kludgy PC sync connector. I've fired Novatron packs from the 80s and my current White Lightning kit from the 90s via radio triggers, works great. I don't even consider PC sync a viable backup solution, and I doubt many working pros do either.

Wireless triggers have gotten so good now that even inexpensive ones are reliable. I'm sure there is some fuddy duddy out there that bought a new 5Ds but refuses to spend $50 on a wireless trigger set and still wants PC sync...but for the rest of us PC sync can finally die.

 

[AlephNull]

When the batteries run out in your wireless triggers a sync cable on the PC socket will still work - it doesn't need power.

The PC socket is usually (not always) more reliable than the hotshoe PC gizmos.

A lot of group shoots the only option you get to trigger the strobes is a sync cable. Oh, sometimes you can get your wireless triggers to work, but don't count on it.

 

[BAK]

RE>>It's an ancient standard, and anybody using strobes these days is firing them with wireless triggers.<<

I use a Nikon AS-15 on top of my camera in order to set off Dynalite power packs.

Works fine.

BAK

 

[photo_rb]

There's all sorts of things you can put on a hot shoe. I have a Hoodman magnifier and a GPS module that fit on the hot shoe so it is nice to have the option of a PC cable.

 

[gipper51]

When the batteries run out in your wireless triggers a sync cable on the PC socket will still work - it doesn't need power.

True, but a few spare sets of AAA batteries takes up way less space in the bag than a 20' PC cord.

The PC socket is usually (not always) more reliable than the hotshoe PC gizmos.

A lot of group shoots the only option you get to trigger the strobes is a sync cable. Oh, sometimes you can get your wireless triggers to work, but don't count on it.

Not sure I understand this one. Why would a sync cable be the only option? From my experience, my Cactus V5 triggers have never misfired unless I bumped the channel selector, which is a 2 second fix. I've found these triggers to be rock solid reliable in all situations.

 

[Jothi]

Ah.. So that's why there's a PC socket? So you can use a view finder or a GPS device or something on the hot shoe?

 

[Dan Marchant]

When the batteries run out in your wireless triggers a sync cable on the PC socket will still work - it doesn't need power.

True, but a few spare sets of AAA batteries takes up way less space in the bag than a 20' PC cord.

The PC socket is usually (not always) more reliable than the hotshoe PC gizmos.

A lot of group shoots the only option you get to trigger the strobes is a sync cable. Oh, sometimes you can get your wireless triggers to work, but don't count on it.

Not sure I understand this one. Why would a sync cable be the only option? From my experience, my Cactus V5 triggers have never misfired unless I bumped the channel selector, which is a 2 second fix. I've found these triggers to be rock solid reliable in all situations.

 

[Keith Z Leonard]

And all of the other reasons stated here.