Flash = Better Sharpness?

[chump1979]

I've always had to sharpen my images (mainly as I shoot RAW) and tend to always use approx. the same USM settings.

I recently aquired a 580 EX II and after a few test shots I noticed immediately that in PS I actually had to tone down the sharpening by about 50%

So i was wondering if it is a known thing that a shot taken using a decent flash (in a dark room i might add) produces a far sharper image than the equivalent shot in perfect daylight with the same lens?

Can't seem to figure out why? :shrug:

 

[EdinburghGary]

Much faster shutter speed?

 

[8utters]

Yeah it's due to a faster shutter speed.

I don't find shots sharper with a flash compared to perfect daylight though.

A flashgun is essential for low light though, you are never going to get sharp photos without it if you have to shoot at under 1/150.

 

[WeddingHack]

You are probably seeing higher contrast levels rather than apparent sharpness - especially if you're shooting in a dark room where the flash is the only source.

 

[WeddingHack]

A flashgun is essential for low light though, you are never going to get sharp photos without it if you have to shoot at under 1/150.

That's not true, with good technique you can easily get sharp shots at 1/lens focal length and sometimes even slower.

I do most of my work indoors in low light and rarely use a flash, only when it's so dark that subject movement becomes an issue.

 

[8utters]

I ment to say never get as sharp. I'v often got sharp ones at under 1/100.

Generally speaking low light needs a flash to freeze the action...

 

[theory]

You are probably seeing higher contrast levels rather than apparent sharpness.

Thats what I think too. Sharpening adds contrast to edges and overdoing it can make your shots look really busy and ugly pretty quickly.

 

[chump1979]

well thanks for the replies. I think I agree with what you're both saying now I've had chance to think about it and get over the shock of potentially owning a 'super-hyper-mega-sharpening flash unit' !