flash advice please

Gr8Shot

Gr8Shot

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Steve
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Sorry if its a dumbass question :shrug:, but flash photography is something i'm still trying to understand...

I have a d5100 (would like a d7000 if anyone want to px :))

I would like a flash that will fast sync - ie allow me to shoot at faster than 1/180 shutter speed without getting the black lines caused by the shutter.
Reason is i'm trying to photograph the puppies in the house and i need to get a faster shutter to freeze their very fast actions.
I could be wrong, as i havent actually fully investigated but i don't think my d5100 has a pc syn cable socket for flash. Does this mean with this camera it is not possible?
Do i-TTL flashes do the job?

And to add to the complexity, i cannot really afford to spend a fortune on it. I currently use a Yongnuo 560II which is great for off camera flash into a white umbrella i use.

Would i also be able to use the fast sync flash on top of the rf-603 i use for wirelessly triggering the Yongnuo?

Lots of question, i hope i've explained it clearly enough.
 
The Nikon D5100 has a 1/200 second maximum X-Sync speed, and its built-in flash is not FP-capable. Basically, this means that the on-board flash can't sync at shutter speeds greater than 1/200 second. There also doesn't appear to be any support for external flash units that are FP-capable, so it seems that 1/200 second is the fastest shutter speed you'll be able to use with the flash, regardless of mode or flash source.

You will not be able to HSS (or what ever Nikon call it FP) with your camera
 
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Gr8Shot said:
thank you
that saves me wasting my money
Click to expand...

But not true. You just need a flash gun that has high speed sync capability, or FP Sync as Nikon calls it, ie most Nikon guns if not all of them, and high-end third party guns from Nissin, Metz etc.

High speed sync is a flash gun function, not camera. But you should be able to freeze a subject like a puppy with normal x-sync when the flash duration (very fast) effectively becomes the shutter speed. Shoot at 1/200sec to minimise the possibility of any ambient light introducing blur. Have you tried this?
 
Flash are very very fast, they are called Speedlight for a reason.

1/200s, smaller aperture, low ISO. take a shot, it should come out almost pitch black. Use flash as your single light source, and it will freeze anything.

Think about this, if I can use flash to freeze water, then you should be able to use flash to freeze an animal. :)

8411383709_fc49b28589_c.jpg

52 - 3 - Gravity by wuyanxu, on Flickr
 
The problem I am having is over exposure. Normal light room, too dull without flash, too bright with flash so I though I could speed flash up to compensate as I don't want a large f stop.
I suppose I could just reduce the natural light in the room.

OK thanks everyone
 
Gr8Shot said:
The problem I am having is over exposure. Normal light room, too dull without flash, too bright with flash so I though I could speed flash up to compensate as I don't want a large f stop.
I suppose I could just reduce the natural light in the room.

OK thanks everyone
Click to expand...

It's the flash that's overexposing. You need flash exposure compensation if using TTL or just stop the lens down if manual.
 
Gr8Shot said:
Its a yongnuo 560II so no TTL.
Click to expand...

That's easy then, you're in total control. The only things which alter the flash exposure are.
Flash power
Flash to subject distance
Aperture
ISO

The sync speed is a bit of a red herring. The shutter speed plays a part in balancing the ambient if that's important to you. But if you're just shooting flash lit, and you have your distance fixed, choose your aperture to suit your DoF and then you have ISO and flash power to play with.
 
Thanks Phil
I'll try and be a little more patient and set it up better next time.
 
Anyone used the sunpak rd2000? Looking for a portable flash, to carry around.
 
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