How do I use rear-curtain (second-curtain) flash sync on a Nikon D80, and when is it useful?
Asked 7/16/2010
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I have a Nikon D80 and remember reading about a 'second-curtain' technique. Does the D80 support this, and how do I enable it? Instructions for other camera models are also welcome.
What does second-curtain/rear-curtain sync do, and what kinds of photos is it best suited for?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
16y ago
2 Answers
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Second curtain sync is a flash-related term. In usual first curtain mode the flash is fired just after shutter opens, while in second curtain case the flash is fired just before shutter closes. This makes a difference with slow shutter speeds making the motion blur appear after moving objects instead of before them. Here's an example of second-curtain sync usage: http://www.flickr.com/photos/30093796@N07/4588904009/
Originally by user75. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user75
16y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes. On the Nikon D80, Nikon calls this rear-curtain sync. It’s a flash mode where the flash fires just before the shutter closes, instead of right after it opens.
Why it matters: with slower shutter speeds, ambient light can record motion blur during the exposure. With front/first-curtain sync, the blur can appear in front of the subject’s frozen flash image, which looks unnatural. With rear-curtain sync, the blur trails behind the subject, so motion looks more natural.
It’s most useful for shots with movement and a relatively slow shutter speed, such as people dancing, cars, bikes, or any moving subject at night or in dim light.
On the D80, enable it by holding the flash button and turning the command dial to cycle through the flash modes until rear-curtain sync is selected. It’s available in Program, Aperture Priority, and Manual modes.
Different camera brands may call it second-curtain sync or rear-curtain sync, but the idea is the same.
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