PocketWizard unveils Plus IV transceiver with lower profile, integrated hot shoe mount

by Gannon Burgett

posted Friday, October 23, 2015 at 1:53 PM EDT

PocketWizard has announced the Plus IV transceiver, the newest in its steadily-updated collection that includes a new form factor, the ability to fire off more flashes than before, as well as a built-in hot shoe.

The new form factor takes most of the height of out of the equation, opting instead for a shorter, more protrusive design, similar to that used in their Mini TT1 transmitter, albeit on a larger scale. This design change not only makes the device less prone breaking from accidental bumps, but also means minimal height is added to an on-camera flash when you use the new metal hot shoe.

The button layout has changed, but only in the sense of rearrangement, as no buttons have been added or removed.

Like its predecessors, the Plus IV offers TTL functionality with most cameras and flashes from the main camera manufacturers, such as Canon, Nikon, Panasonic, Fujifilm and Olympus, although the final two aren’t yet confirmed through PocketWizard’s testing yet.

When using it off-camera as a receiver, the Plus IV enables you to fire off any hot shoe mounted flash. Also included is Quad-Zone Triggering, Long Range Mode and Repeater Mode, all of which are also present in PocketWizard’s Plus III.

PocketWizard makes it clear that the Plus IV ‘is by no means a replacement for the Plus III.’ Instead, PocketWizard says the best are used in conjuncture with one another to create a more streamlined workflow that offers more creative potential.

The PocketWizard Plus IV is set to ship in January 2016 for a yet-to-be-announced price. For a rough comparison and estimate, PocketWizard’s Plus III transceiver sells for around $150.