Help on camera settings for flash use?

[DrRusty]

I use a flash gun (or indeed the built in flash) a lot !! this is mainly due to the subject being very dark, if not pitch black.


Today I got thinking and playing, but I am still unsure how besto approach the use of a flash gun.

1. Which mode P or A ?
2. If A what aperture should I use?
3. The camera (Nikon D5000) defaults to 1/60th is this ok or should it be higher?

I tend to use TTL mode with a defuser on the flash gun to take the edge of the brightness and fill the rest of the space.

Thanks all

 

[HoppyUK]

You control the exposure with the f/number (more light through lens), the ISO (higher sensitivity), and flash power (more output). Mix and match to taste.

In terms of exposure, it doesn't matter what f/number you use, so long as it's within the scope of the flash output. Low f/number and high ISO will maximise the flash power, basically giving you more range, or making the most of the light when using a diffuser (which spreads light everywhere, basically diluting output).

Check the camera instruction book. Flash sync on the D5000 is 1/200sec or anything longer - sounds like you have a custom function enabled. Are you playing about in artificial light? In which case, the camera is trying to match the shutter speed to the (low) ambient light, but has hit the bottom shutter speed, ie 1/60sec, for that mode and custom function setting. I think...