Quote:
Originally Posted by dighost
I just have a "newbie" question. I understand the concept behind using the flash sync speed on the camera. However...
Since my camera has a sync speed of 250, what (if any) benefit would there be if I used a shutter speed of say 60? From what I have read, the flash is so fast, that it doesn't matter what I set the camera to. On the other hand, wouldn't a slow speed let more ambient light in? (or would the flash wash it out anyways?)
Thanks!
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The faster sync speed can be useful when shooting outdoors using flash. Suppose you have a model in the shade and you use flash to light her. The camera is set at f2.8 because you want to blur the background. But you want the background to be properly exposed. If there is bright sun outside the shade and that will be part of the background, then you need the highest shutter speed you can get to properly expose the background. Even at 1/250this may not be possible. So you would have to stop down to get the background right. That means changing the power of the flash accordingly.
If shooting in low light, then dragging the shutter, already mentioned comes into play.
The basic rule is always this: Determine the fstop needed for the flash at a given distance from the subject. Then if you want to properly exposed areas lit by ambient light, meter them at the fstop already selected to get the shutter speed at that fstop for proper ambient lit exposure. There you have it.
Re: Flash and Shutter Speeds
Cheers,
rfs