Godox X3S Trigger: Basic Operation, Flash Syncing & TCM Explained

[@sofiakarpova2347]

This was very useful! Idk if the voice is real or not, but it was nice, calm and easy to understand, so I’m here for it

[@TossSong]

Thank you for your comment. Glad this was helpful. Yes, it’s a real voice, mine. Just trying my best to make it clear.

[@graxxor]

Yes. This voice is amazingly calm. I love it.

[@grimlightwildoutdoors]

This video great help. I’ve shot with Nikon for over 20 years and 1/250 standard but on Sony only 1/128 power helped me loads thank you 👍

[@TossSong]

Thank you for your comment. I’m glad this was helpful. 🙏

[@rhykko77]

Great ! I think I prefer this video tutorial to the actual Godox Tutorial ! Thanks !

[@TossSong]

Thank you for your comment. Glad this video can help.

[@anthonyfeliciano1881]

Thanks for the quick test video, including the viewer fast forward-video segments options. I liked your audio/pace of all of the tips. Your explanation of the TCM feature is worthy of a longer explanation. Godox did not have the AD100 is some triggers. Again this was appreciated. "Hamburger Button"? :)

[@TossSong]

Thank you for comment and feedback! I'm glad you found the video informative and appreciated the explanation of the TCM feature. And haha yes, the "Hamburger Button" had me chuckling too. Thanks again for taking the time to leave such a thoughtful comment!

[@rickymcc9072]

Thanks for sharing and showing how they work. Was a tad difficult to see which flash was working at times since head turned away. Anyway I now have one on backorder.

[@TossSong]

Thank you for your comment. I’m glad this was helpful. Yes, I could have captured the flashes going off a bit better.

[@orbanandrey89]

Thank you very much !

[@TossSong]

Thank you for your comment. I’m happy that this was helpful.

[@chetanunindracusin664]

Well explain for new flash user

[@TossSong]

Thank you for your comment. Glad this was useful.

[@DuskoJovic]

Well done. Thanks.

[@TossSong]

Thank you for your comment. I’m happy that this is helpful.

[@AndreMorganPhotography]

nice first look at the new trigger from godox

[@TossSong]

Thank you for your comment. I’m happy that you tuned in.

[@angelisone]

ATG Gold BluTCMR Kim X costs just a little more. Has Bluetooth, TCM, Multi pins, battery changeable.

[@TossSong]

Thanks for your comment. For me, I really like the portability, touchscreen, and easy-to-see operation as well.

[@IOS.mobile]

Great video! I wish Godox would start thinking about the mobile photography crowd. I know they had the A1 but, my experience showed the syncing wasn’t great. I think since they now use usb-c, good iPhone flash syncing is near. Plus, this will open the largest photography crowd to quality flash.

[@TossSong]

Thank you for your comment. I agree. One thing I wish is Even more user-friendly interface on flashes and triggers. And as you mentioned iPhone flash syncing would be ideal.

[@dasarilochan]

Hi, is it compactable for ad200 pro and V1 pro on camera flash??

[@TossSong]

Hi, thanks for reaching out. Yes, you could see it somewhere on this video I made: Godox X3S Firmware Update v1.14 (How I Updated It) kzbin.info/www/bejne/aoakhqOllqh1qqM

[@TossSong]

And for the V1 Pro, you just have to select the flash icon in the settings.

[@linessfikere4016]

Yes I use it

[@indranilchoudhury4723]

Thanku Very Informative 🙏😍

[@TossSong]

Thank you for your comment. I’m very pleased that this video helped.

[@StefanoCasati]

Great review, thanks for all the insights and info.

[@TossSong]

Thank you very much for your comment. I’m happy this was helpful. 🙏

[@jeffreyhadfield5834]

So does it automatically connect to the camera when placed in the hot shoe?

[@TossSong]

Hi, thanks for reaching out. Yes, it the same as any trigger. This one is an “s” version for Sony. “C” would be for Canon. And etc. So each type of the camera will recognize the compatible version.

[@projectkeyps]

did you managed to find out why the trigger power setting doesn't sync with the strobe power?

[@TossSong]

Unfortunately, I haven’t found a solution yet. It seems like the power setting doesn’t sync automatically between the trigger and the strobe.

[@TheSunnySuttons]

When you slide to adjust the power, can you still see the power level change on the screen or does your finger cover the numbers? The video looks like it covers the numbers which isn't great.

[@TossSong]

Hi, thanks for your comment. Yes, the level could still be partly seen when touch operate (but your finger would be right on top of the level line, it’s going to cover it temporarily). Don’t forget you could always use the knob to do navigate, select and adjust everything.

[@TAMaBSTOAUnited]

Some of the older Godox triggers skew the white balance. I know Godox released a variant of the xPro that addresses this by allowing “legacy mode”. Did you find this WB issue with this trigger?

[@TossSong]

Hi, thank you for reaching out and commenting. For me, I haven’t. Possibly because I haven’t used it enough. Did some earlier testing without noticing WB issue. As with any electronic device, everyone’s experiences can vary. Just in case I’m be keeping a lookout for new firmware update, since new devices such as this trigger may need debugging, pretty sure.

[@sidbrun_]

What do you mean skew the white balance? You mean the temperature/hue coming from the flash itself? I didn't think the trigger would affect that, I thought it was down to the quality of the bulb.

[@TossSong]

Hi, I think that Older Godox triggers have extra pins for fancy features, but they can mess with your camera's auto white balance, making colors look off in your photos. While intended for advanced features like TTL, these pins can confuse the camera's auto white balance system. Therefore it can cause inaccurate white balance.

[@FamCamSportsMedia]

Any idea when they will start shipping preorders. Bought it from B&H 2 months ago....still waiting.

[@TossSong]

Hi, thanks for your reaching out. I’m pretty sure yours would be there soon (I ordered mine about the same time). You will be notified when they shipped. On there website, it’s first come first served. And right now, I’m sure they’re continuingly fulfilling orders-that’s why you don’t see it’s in stock.

[@aronake]

Are you able to get reliable TTL exposure when using the flashes wireless?

[@TossSong]

Thanks for your comment. For me, I have not had issues with TTL. However if you read other comments here, they seem to have. When I use TTL, I’m able to or know how to make proper needed adjustments on top of it if I want to.

[@ShaunakDe]

Thanks for this video. How do you find it compared to the XProII

[@TossSong]

Thank you for your comment. I haven’t used the XPro II, but I know of it. The II can flash remotely with your phone the X3 can’t. I imagine the size, the touchscreen and the convenient use of the X3 can be the selling point. The II is compatible with the Sekonic L-858D light meter, if that is something you use. Other than that, I think they both great.

[@finion562]

Great review. Is it possible to change the battery? Thanks.

[@TossSong]

Thank you for reaching out. Unfortunately the battery is built-in and not changeable/replaceable. I would love for it to be but we have to recharge it via a cable.

[@ettannis4916]

Actually if you are handy with electronics you can remove battery but you have to take the whole trigger apart to get at the battery if you want to take the risk

[@SuperRocket1979]

I have a question on how to use the TCM when each groups uses different strobe’s power e.g: group A is using AD100pro n group B is using AD200pro. How select and adjust them differently? Thank you. Your response is highly appreciated.

[@TossSong]

Hi thanks for reaching out. Sure, here's a more casual and concise explanation: When using TCM mode on the Nano X3, you can adjust the power levels for each group separately, even if they have different flash models. First, make sure TCM mode is enabled on the trigger. Then, use the "Group" button to select the group you want to adjust (A, B, C, etc.). Once a group is selected, use the +/- buttons to change its power level. Repeat this process for each group, setting the desired power for Group A (AD100Pro flashes) and Group B (AD200Pro flashes) individually. You can go back and forth between groups, tweaking the levels until you get the lighting just right. The power levels shown on the trigger may not match the actual flash output exactly, but TCM lets you easily balance the relative power between groups, regardless of the specific flash models used. Let me know how it goes.

[@SuperRocket1979]

@@TossSong So, in terms of choosing the types of strobe in the TCM mode (flash, 100j, 200j, 300j-1200j) I should just choose one of the highest power of 2 of my strobes which in my case is the AD200pro. Right? Since in your video you demonstrate w/ 2 same type of strobe/speedlite. Once again cheers!

[@TossSong]

Yes, choose 100j for AD100Pro and 200j for AD200Pro. I also have the AD200Pro also and I tested successfully using 200j on the trigger (off camera).

[@adamrosenberg7114]

what is the magnetic charging adaptor you used? Thank you.

[@TossSong]

Hi, thanks for your comment. There are from many manufacturers. The one in the video is from AliExpress (search “magnetic adapter usb-c”)-for very cheap. On Amazon is below. a.co/d/1OqifWA

[@adamrosenberg7114]

Thank you!@@TossSong

[@angelisone]

Do you know if this (Sony version) can do ATG wireless TTL 2.4GHz on Godox flashes made for Canon/Nikon/Sony/Olympus? Meaning this XNano (X3S) on Sony's MIS (hotshoe) will trigger in TTL (Godox in Slave 2.4GHz) on Godox TTL not for Sony camera I find no information about that like ATG & Jinbei systems.

[@TossSong]

Hi, thanks for reaching out. The Godox Xnano S (X3S) is designed to work with Godox's own wireless system, not the Jinbei one. It can do the standard 2.4GHz wireless stuff with Godox flashes, like triggering them in TTL and HSS modes. Now, Godox has this special wireless ATG protocol, which is kinda like an advanced version of their regular wireless. For the Xnano S (X3S) to be able to use those ATG features, it would need to have specific support for that ATG protocol built-in.

[@morsaPT]

Thank you for the review. "Au point!" Can you please tell if we can change power using the plus and minus touch buttons on the screen or the only way to do this is by using side wheel? Thank you so much!

[@TossSong]

Hi, thanks for reaching out. Yes, you could change the power using the touchscreen by pressing “+”. and “-“.

[@morsaPT]

@@TossSong So it's possible to hit the group A, press the "+" button and the value of 1/256 becomes 1/128 for group A? Theres no need to rotate that side knob?

[@TossSong]

Yes, no need to use the knob. The x3 can max out at 256 + 0.07. If the flash max at 128, the x3 can show pass it at 256, but the flash brightness will stay at 128.

[@morsaPT]

Thank you so much for the quick feedback. I saw another review that was pointing this as an issue, since the camera handle and shutter button are on the right side, just like the knob.

[@TossSong]

No problem. Thanks for commenting.

[@Woodworker1947]

Do you have to have Godox flashes or will it trigger other, wireless capable other makes of flash?

[@TossSong]

Hi, thanks for commenting and for reaching out. Yes, you’d have to have Godox brand flashes, unless someone can prove me wrong. This is from what I know. It would be nice with other brands.

[@Woodworker1947]

@@TossSong Many thanks for your swift reply! - but having both Canon and Yongnu flashes, I am not about to change over that soon!:)

[@TossSong]

No problem. I understand. Thank you.

[@graxxor]

It will only trigger GODOX system flashes and clones like GEEKOTO.

[@Woodworker1947]

@@graxxor Many thanks for that as I was thinking of buying one..

[@matthiasf.1577]

Great review. I have a Fuji XT-20 an my trigger won't show TTL. As soon as the trigger is on the camera the camera allows only M in the settings. What am I doing wrong?

[@TossSong]

Thank you for your comment and question. I’m not sure. Camera settings: Check your camera's flash settings. Make sure it's not set to force manual mode for external flashes. Or flash compatibility: If you're using a third-party flash, it may not support TTL with this combination of camera and trigger. Let us know.

[@matthiasf.1577]

@@TossSong It works with the flash directly on camera. But not with the trigger. Tried everything. No chance.

[@TossSong]

The flash itself support TTL?

[@matthiasf.1577]

​@@TossSongYes, the TT350 works like charm on the XT-20.

[@TossSong]

Try more. Make sure the firmware on the trigger is updated. Double-check the camera’s settings. Sometimes, custom settings or configurations can interfere with TTL mode. Make sure that the trigger is set to TTL mode and not manual (M) mode. Check the Godox X3 manual to make sure it’s configured correctly. Drastic action, If you want, resetting the camera to factory settings can help determine if this is the issue.

[@ThePatrvq]

which usb A receiver is compatilable with this trigger?

[@TossSong]

Hi, thanks for reaching out. The Godox X3 trigger typically uses a 2.4GHz wireless system and is designed to work with Godox's own wireless receivers. It's not typically used with USB-A receivers. If you're looking to connect the X3 trigger to a computer, you might be thinking of a different type of connection. The X3 trigger usually connects directly to a camera's hot shoe or sync port.

[@ThePatrvq]

@@TossSong I wanted to connect it to the Vistro AR400 Lamp which dosent have receiver build in ;/

[@stefpix]

Nice! How can you use TCM with 2 different flashes at the same time? Like an AD100pro and a TT350 or a V1? Is it possible?

[@TossSong]

Hi, thanks for reaching out. It’s a great idea, but I don’t think is possible for exactly the same time, but you could set one at a time fast. Unless they announce the firmware update for it (I would definitely keep an eye out for it).

[@dentreveal3820]

Will the X3s work with Neewer N-300W flash, and also would it work with Speedlite YN560IV flash?

[@TossSong]

Hi, thanks for reaching out. I’m sorry I’m not sure. If those flashes ave a 2.4 GHz RF protocol, they might. Since I don’t have those brands to test, others may chime in. Or you may want to contact them for the info.

[@dentreveal3820]

@@TossSong thanks

[@magsshotphotography2321]

how bkout using this as remote trigger does thiis support multishots/burst

[@TossSong]

Hi, thanks for reaching out. Yes, the X3 supports multiflash mode.

[@chubbypoulet]

Nice review! Would you happen to know if X3S would work with the Godox AD100Pro flash?

[@TossSong]

Hi, thanks for your comment. Yes, it will work with the AD100Pro. I also have the 200Pro, works perfectly.

[@chubbypoulet]

@@TossSong Thank you for confirming it. I am going to get an AD100Pro then. Cheers!

[@TossSong]

No problem. 👍

[@carlosandreviana9448]

I don't see the v1 option in tcm nor AD200 pro. Do they exist?

[@TossSong]

Hi, thanks for reaching out. Yes, you could use it with both. For the V1, select the “small flash” icon. For the AD200 Pro, select “200j”. Hope this helps.

[@carlosandreviana9448]

@@TossSong thanks. I only asked because both are not an option in the manual

[@TossSong]

I see, you’re right the manual is not very clear. They (Godox) could have been more thoughtful when writing up these manuals.

[@carlosandreviana9448]

@@TossSong this TCM looks a bit cumbersome to use and non intuitive .I hope they simplify its use in a future firmware. Should have a dedicated button like the v1

[@carlosandreviana9448]

It should be on each group instead of being a global option and with a long press picking the flash of that group

[@jaym5938]

Godox states we will get Legacy Hotshoe feature in a future update. Interesting that my Nikon X3 came with 1.0 firmware; but, the Canon X3 came with 1.12 firmware. Your gear looks like you never actually use it...unless making a video?

[@TossSong]

Hi, thanks for your comment. That would be awesome for the feature that may allow the flash to work with older cameras. For the firmware, I should still be patient but still checking for new version, since a new product is likely need bug fixing, tweaking and making it more compatible to the camera it’s made for. About my gear (keen eyes you have), the small flashes don’t see much of light of day, because I use more powerful ones like the V1 Pro and AD200Pro. Therefore, those in the video can be considered for testing. But I do use them on occasion for small gigs And clean them immediately. As for this camera, I do take care of it like a baby. I would clean it with high quality lint-free baby wipes (literally) every time it’s back indoors. I even thought about making a video on how to clean your camera and gear but thought people already knew and doing that.

[@SirYom]

Hi is this compatible with the tt685ii?

[@TossSong]

Hi, thanks for reaching out. Yes, the tt685ii has a 2.4 GHz X radio system for wireless triggering like the X3.

[@xistudio7731]

Do they have one for lumix ?

[@TossSong]

Hi, thanks for reaching out. Not yet I think. I’m sure they will eventually because they recently included Fujifilm and OM System cameras. Selling well will do it.

[@robs3557]

Your link to the manual is dead

[@TossSong]

Thanks for reaching out. Below should be current, select which is yours. www.godox.com/user-guides-control-system/

[@islamsuperchannel]

This is my first time using trigger, why when I turn on my Godox x3, the screen/lens immediately turns bright as if you were using ISO 6400, is that normal? I just want the screen, exposure, speed as normal and to be able to judge how much light I will give to the photo object

[@TossSong]

Hi, thanks for reaching out. If you are referring to the touchscreen, this behavior might seem unusual, but it might actually be a feature of the X3 trigger. The brightness adjustment on the screen is an important aspect of this trigger, to adapt to various shooting conditions-like indoors or outdoors. You could many adjust the screen brightness. Len me know if you’re referring to this.

[@islamsuperchannel]

@@TossSong That's not what I mean, my camera screen is fine, what I mean is that it looks like a lens with a 4.5 aperture but boosted with ISO 8000-10000! 😥😥😥😥😥😥 I hope you understand what I mean, and if the Godox X3 is turned off then the lens returns with normal lighting

[@islamsuperchannel]

@@TossSong my camera mode ISO is manual ISO, and I saw your video, it looks like the ISO is AUTO, can you change it to manual? If true, do you have the same problem as me?? , MANUAL or AUTO ISO then the appearance does not change sorry my english, Thank you for replying to comments

[@TossSong]

I see. (But I meant the trigger touchscreens.) I accidentally have not experienced this with any of my lenses. Try to reset the trigger and see. Let me know.

[@islamsuperchannel]

​@@TossSong i already reset my trigger 3 time 😁, i just want to know, i saw your video , ISO auto, can you try change to manual mode? so let me not think that my product is damaged

[@davidhead5751]

Anyone else notice that the x3 ttl conversion tcm is off by almost an entire stop?

[@TossSong]

Hi, thanks for reaching out. I’ll report to you here. When I get the change I would also be testing independently (not using the TCM feature) by taking a test shot in TTL mode, noting the exposure value (EV), then switching to manual and set your camera settings to match that EV. Then adjusting the flash power in manual mode to get the right exposure. Comparing the difference between the two power settings. (Then I would compare to the TCM test to see.)

[@fredericklim5559]

Is this compatible with godox sk400ii?

[@TossSong]

Hi, thanks for reaching out. Yes, it’s a Godox X system, therefore it will work.

[@fredericklim5559]

@@TossSong thank you sir

[@jensgaethje8555]

Nice little intro 👍 Is it your voice narrating or AI ?

[@TossSong]

Thank you for your comment. It's my voice. Interesting that you're saying so, because you're not the only one mentioning AI. Yes, I have to accentuate a bit because otherwise I would have an Asian accent.

[@jensgaethje8555]

​@@TossSong It's the way you raise your voice at the end of some sentences and words, and certain stops between words, where they sound a little like a computer voice reads the sentence word for word and in a whole flowing sentence. Your voice sounds very nice though ... calm and soft, great for instructional videos 👍

[@TossSong]

Thank you. Oh yes, I could see that. The accentuation is key for me, but I do try to sound as conversational as I can. This is because I'm not a native English speaker. But thank you again for you kind words, really appreciate it. 🙏

[@TheSangjy]

Hey there Great video. just increase your mic gain little more. either in post or during shooting. try to keep around -9

[@TossSong]

Hi: thank you for your comment and feedback. Yes, will do. The audio can definitely be increased. 👍

[@nourhanbalian3294]

I need help 😅😢

[@TossSong]

Hi, thanks for reaching out. Hope I can. Let me know.

[@devinwhite]

What a sexy ASMR review

[@TossSong]

Thank you much for you comment. 🙏Appreciate it.

[@mimoreque1805]

Is it compatible with all Godox Speedlights and ad200 pro? Thank you!

[@TossSong]

Hi, thanks for reaching out. Yes, it should be compatible with the ad200 pro for sure. And pretty much all the speedlights that have the Godox X wireless system.

[@graxxor]

I use it with V1, 2 x AD100pro and my new AD200 pro ii.

[@randellbooth7473]

"promo sm" 💋

[@TossSong]

Thank you for your comment.

[@Patto2276]

Don't watch anything with AI voice!

[@TossSong]

It’s my real voice, thank you. 😆

[@graxxor]

If this is AI it’s the best AI I’ve ever heard. It’s so soothing annd calming and it’s got so many ASMR elements. I could listen to this voice for ages… at least until I fall asleep… goodnight.

[@TossSong]

Thank you very much for your kind words. I’m happy to have made this video.