Understanding Flash Sync Speeds & Global Shutters (2024) Flash synchronisation, often referred to as flash sync, is a crucial aspect of photography that ensures a burst of flash coincides perfectly with the camera’s shutter. Over the years, digital cameras have had limitations on the maximum shutter speed at which flash can synchronise. However, with advancements in technology such as electronic leaf shutters and global shutters, photographers can now achieve much higher flash sync speeds.

To understand the concept of flash synchronisation, it’s essential to grasp how conventional shutters operate. Think of them as elevated doors opening and closing to capture light, not people. When light, in the form of photons, enters the camera, it hits the digital sensor, generating electrical signals that are then transformed into an image. The duration for which the shutter remains open impacts the resulting image - longer exposure times lead to blur, while quick shutter speeds freeze action.

When it comes to using flash, timing is crucial. The challenge lies in coordinating the opening of the shutter doors with the burst of flash. Most cameras have a maximum shutter speed of 1/4000th of a second, fast enough to capture fast-moving subjects sharply. However, traditional shutters cannot synchronize with the flash beyond certain speeds, typically 1/250th of a second.

Leaf shutters, found in more expensive medium format lenses, operate differently and can sync with flash at high speeds up to 1/4000th of a second. On the other hand, manufacturers of 35mm cameras have introduced high-speed sync technology to address this limitation. By extending the duration of the flash burst to match the slit scanning across the sensor, high-speed sync allows for flash synchronization at faster shutter speeds. However, this technique comes with a trade-off of reduced flash power and compromised image quality in certain scenarios.

The introduction of Global Shutters by Sony marks a significant advancement in flash synchronisation technology. By eliminating the need for mechanical shutters and adopting electronic shutters that can turn the entire sensor on and off, Sony cameras can achieve flash sync speeds up to an impressive 1/80,000th of a second. This innovation ensures that the entire sensor is exposed uniformly, eliminating issues like wobbly lines and banding.

With technologies like global shutters revolutionising the way we synchronise flash, photographers now have more flexibility and control over their images. Stay tuned for the exciting developments in flash synchronisation in the year 2024 and beyond.

Understanding Flash Sync Speeds with Karl Taylor (2014):
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