Why does Nikon limit flash shutter speed, and how do I use flash when 1/60s is too slow?
Asked 7/13/2012
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On a Nikon DSLR (for example, moving from a D300 to a D800), Auto ISO can normally choose a minimum shutter speed based on focal length, which is very useful with zooms. But when an SB-600 flash is attached, the camera instead follows the flash shutter/sync settings in the menu, and that can seem to force a fixed shutter speed such as 1/60s in some exposure modes.
Why does Nikon handle flash this way instead of using the same focal-length-based logic? Also, if 1/60s is too slow for a long lens or for subject motion, what is the practical way to shoot with flash on Nikon?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
14y ago
2 Answers
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The maximum sync speed is the speed where the whole sensor is exposed. At higher speeds, the two shutters form a slit as they cross the sensor. But most modern cameras have a max sync speed of 1/250 or so. 1/60 is really slow, I think my 40 year old Nikon F could do that.
When you use a flash, its the light of the flash that stops action/motion. Most flashes are lit only for 1/1000 or shorter. Look at the T.1 time of your flash's specs.
Originally by user8620. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user8620
14y ago
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The key limit is flash sync speed, not focal length logic. A focal-plane shutter can fully expose the whole sensor only up to about 1/200–1/250s on many DSLRs. Above that, the shutter travels as a narrow slit, so normal flash can’t light the whole frame unless you use high-speed sync/Auto FP.
The 1/60s setting is not the maximum sync speed; it is the slowest shutter the camera will choose with flash in certain auto modes. Check Nikon custom setting e1 (flash sync speed) and e2 (flash shutter speed). e1 can usually be set around 1/250s; e2 controls how slow the camera is willing to go, often down to 1/60s.
In dim light, flash duration itself often freezes motion, since the burst can be around 1/1000s or shorter. In brighter scenes, where ambient light matters more, 1/60s may allow blur. Then the practical approach is to set shutter speed yourself: use Manual mode, or enable Auto FP/high-speed sync if needed, and choose a faster shutter that suits the focal length and subject motion.
A workable method is to meter/compose first, then copy the needed shutter/aperture/ISO into Manual and add flash.
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