In a first communication mode, a control unit controls a signal level of one contact based on a first command received from an imaging apparatus via another contact and a signal level indicated by an accessory device via yet another contact. In a second communication mode, the control unit receives a second command indicating the second communication mode and data via another contact. After the reception, the control unit transmits the data via still another contact. The control unit controls communication in the second communication mode based on the signal level of the one contact and the second command.

A technique for strobe shooting using automatic irradiation direction control. A strobe device includes a light emission section that emits light, and a drive unit that changes an irradiation direction of light emitted from the light emission section. Exposure conditions set to the camera are notified to the strobe device, and light emission conditions are set according to the exposure conditions. The irradiation direction of light emitted from the light emission section is determined based on the exposure conditions and the light emission conditions.

An extension photoflash light and a camera system using the same are provided in the present invention. The extension photoflash light is for assisting a mobile device with camera function. The extension photoflash light includes a HID, a mounting mechanism, a touch simulation device and a control circuit. The mounting mechanism is for mounting the extension photoflash light on the mobile device. The touch simulation device is disposed on the mounting mechanism. The control circuit is coupled to the HID and the touch simulation device. When the mounting device of the extension photoflash light contacts the surface of the flat panel display of the mobile device, the mobile device acquire the position information of the extension photoflash light according to the touch simulation device.

In a first communication mode, a control unit controls a signal level of one contact based on a first command received from an imaging apparatus via another contact and a signal level indicated by an accessory device via yet another contact. In a second communication mode, the control unit receives a second command indicating the second communication mode and data via another contact. After the reception, the control unit transmits the data via still another contact. The control unit controls communication in the second communication mode based on the signal level of the one contact and the second command.

A technique for strobe shooting using automatic irradiation direction control. A strobe device includes a light emission section that emits light, and a drive unit that changes an irradiation direction of light emitted from the light emission section. Exposure conditions set to the camera are notified to the strobe device, and light emission conditions are set according to the exposure conditions. The irradiation direction of light emitted from the light emission section is determined based on the exposure conditions and the light emission conditions.

An extension photoflash light and a camera system using the same are provided. The extension photoflash light to be externally mounted on a mobile device with a photographing function comprises a HID lamp, a mounting mechanism, a light sensing circuit and a control circuit. The mounting mechanism is for mounting the extension photoflash light. The light sensing circuit is disposed on the mounting mechanism. The control circuit is coupled to the HID lamp and the light sensing circuit. When a camera program is executed, a specific block on a flat panel display of the mobile device emits a light signal. The control circuit controls the light sensing circuit to detect the light signal of the specific block, and decodes a decoding message according to luminance of the detected light signal, and controls the HID lamp to perform flashing at a specific timing according to the decoding message.

An extension photoflash light and a camera system using the same are provided. The extension photoflash light to be externally mounted on a mobile device with a photographing function comprises a HID lamp, a mounting mechanism, a light sensing circuit and a control circuit. The mounting mechanism is for mounting the extension photoflash light. The light sensing circuit is disposed on the mounting mechanism. The control circuit is coupled to the HID lamp and the light sensing circuit. When a camera program is executed, a specific block on a flat panel display of the mobile device emits a light signal. The control circuit controls the light sensing circuit to detect the light signal of the specific block, and decodes a decoding message according to luminance of the detected light signal, and controls the HID lamp to perform flashing at a specific timing according to the decoding message.

An external photographic wireless communication device and related systems including an external photographic wireless communication device for connection to a camera body having a hot shoe connector for connecting to the camera body and a hot shoe connector for connecting to one or more accessory devices. The device includes a processor. The processor is connected to one or more of the contacts of the camera side hot shoe connector and to one or more of the contacts of the accessory side hot shoe connectors without the same contacts being directly connected to each other. The processor controls communication over the connections between the contacts.