Asia Pacific
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Lighting SystemBasic technique 3: High-speed sync
Flash with fast shutter for controlled background bokeh in brightly lit or backlit scenes
High-speed sync flash: 1/4000 sec. shutter speed with F1.8 aperture
Normal flash mode: 1/250 sec. shutter speed with F8 aperture
Using fill-in flash for this shot limits maximum shutter speed to 1/250 sec. (see “Flash and X-sync speed,” below), requiring an aperture of F8 that keeps both the subject and background in focus. High-speed sync allowed the larger image to be shot with a shutter speed of 1/4000 sec. and a large aperture of F2.8, blurring the background so the subject is isolated and emphasized.
HSS lets you use the fastest available shutter speed
In order to create a beautifully blurred background in a brightly lit environment it is necessary to use a fast shutter speed with a large aperture. Using flash limits the maximum shutter speed (see “Flash and X-sync speed” below), often making it impossible to use an aperture that's large enough.
High-speed sync (HSS) makes it possible to use flash with up to the highest shutter speed provided by the camera. This allows you to increase the aperture as needed to create a narrow depth of field that keeps your subject in perfect focus while the background dissolves into smooth, beautiful blur.
Tech Note Flash and X-sync speed
- Nomal flash (X-sync)
- When the shutter speed increases beyond a certain point the shutter can obstruct part of the image during the flash pulse, resulting in a partly-exposed image. That shutter speed threshold is the “X-sync speed.”
- High-speed sync
- High-speed sync allows higher shutter speeds by producing a series of closely spaced flashes that illuminate the subject for the length of time it takes the shutter opening to pass in front of the sensor.
- Note: Light output and therefore maximum distance are reduced when using high-speed sync.
 HVL-F60M |
 HVL-F43AM |
 HVL-F20M |
 HVL-F20S |
 Built-in Flash |
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High-speed sync | Available*1 | Available*1 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
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Wireless / Remote HSS | Available*1 *2 | Available*1 *2 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
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