Flash synchronisation
Contents
Types of Flash Sync
M Sync
used for (now obsolete) flash bulbs
FP Sync
description
X Sync
description
Types of Flash Sync Connections
PC Sync
description
Hot Shoe
description
Shutter Curtain
Most focal plane shutters are composed of two curtains: a front and a rear curtain. The front curtain slides open to begin the exposure, and then the rear curtain slides closed in the same direction to close the shutter.
Front Curtain Sync
Generally, the flash sync fires at the moment when the front curtain is at the beginning of its peak opening. This is called front curtain sync, and it is used to freeze motion at the beginning of the exposure. Front curtain sync is adequate for most flash-photography. When making long exposures while firing a flash, front curtain sync creates an effect where the motion blur appears to leave the subject behind.
Rear Curtain Sync
Some cameras offer the ability to fire the flash sync when the shutter is at the end of its peak opening. This is called rear curtain sync, and it is used to freeze motion at the end of the exposure. When making long exposures while firing a flash, rear curtain sync creates the effect of motion blur leading up to the subject.
Links
- Vivid Light - Flash Photography Made Simple