high speed synch for the flash

Qarik

is there any reason why high speed synch setting should be turned off at default? Another way to put the question..why isn't the high speed synch just built in part of camera firmware?

oh my I think this will be post # 999 for me

Tim Kamppinen

Qarik wrote:

is there any reason why high speed synch setting should be turned off at default? Another way to put the question..why isn't the high speed synch just built in part of camera firmware?

oh my I think this will be post # 999 for me

I think it's because most people don't realize how it works. As you increase shutter speed over the max sync speed, the flash power is reduced, and by the time you get to your max shutter speed, there's not a whole lot left. If it was left on by default most users would probably think "Hey, my flashes will sync at any speed! Awesome! Hey wait, they're like, weak! WTF mate?" I just leave it on all the time though, since I know what it does and when I want to use it. It is actually quite useful for balancing with ambient at large apertures, although it's not all that great if you're trying to outright overpower the sun... unless you have 8 SB800's like Joe McNally.