Auto-FP High Speed Flash Tutorial

[TheBieberNinjaz]

I have a Nikon D3100, and a Speedlite db-700.

I usually shoot at football games, is this possible? I really need to be able to set the shutter speed higher with a flash.

[Lilkiwiguy87]

D3100 doesn't support this feature. 1/200s is the fastest you can go with a flash.

[TheBieberNinjaz]

@Lilkiwiguy87 So is there any tips you have to reduce blurriness? I'd be in the stands for the game, taking pictures of the plays in actions and stuff..

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Flash doesn't freeze the action; it only adds light to the action. It's the shutter speed that adds or freezes the action. Well, we don't know what lens you're using and whenever the game is (daylight or nighttime). Please be specific then we might help.

[TheBieberNinjaz]

@Lilkiwiguy87

I have a Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 SLD DG Macro Lens.

The game is usually at night, but football fields have those large lights, so it's pretty well lit.

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Ah, it's your lens that is slowing your camera down.

Due to its low maximum aperture (ƒ/4.0-5.6), it requires a lot—A LOT—more light. Those stadium lights are fluorescent and they go through a rapid cycle between light and dark. so, they're not bright enough.

Try increasing the ISO sensitivity to 800, 1600, or 3200 and use shutter speeds no slower than 1/320s. Just to warn you, increasing the ISO will result in grainy images. You don't need to increase the ISO sensitivity during daytime.

[TheBieberNinjaz]

@Lilkiwiguy87 I see, so, without the flash on right? Because with the flash on you can't go any higher than 1/200s for the shutter speed.

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Correct. Flash will only limit your camera's shutter speed to 1/200s and it doesn't freeze the close action. Not to mention, flash won't be effective at all if you're shooting from a far distance.

[TheBieberNinjaz]

@Lilkiwiguy87 Yeah it's just stressful, y'know? Here I am with this 700$ camera and I can't even shoot sports shots without blurring!

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Oh, relax, you're not the only one who is having a trouble taking fast action sports photos. It takes a great practice and patience. Nothing's wrong with your D3100. It's the lack of light because of your lens' maximum aperture that blocks more light from entering the lens. Try cranking the ISO up high and use 1/320s shutter speed, you might have some success.

[DeathStar012]

If the camera doesn't support Auto-FP is it still possible to do it? Camera and flash on manual?

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Nope. It's possible to fire the shutter and flash but the photo will be black or half burnt out.

[lienojor]

thank you for this video, it answered my question...

[gulfman101]

I just took the Sto-Fen diffuser off of my SB 600 and it's synching fine. I guess the diffuser is for single shots only.

[gulfman101]

Got another question for you, Lilkiwiguy87. Sometimes when I set my SB 600 to TTL FP mode and shoot on continous mode on my D80, the first two frames a well lit but the third is either poory lit or completely dark. What's going on?

[Lilkiwiguy87]

That's what happens when your SB-600's batteries run out of charge. You need to give your batteries few seconds to recycle for the next shots.

[IAMJWORLDTV]

CAN I USE THE FP MODE WITH MY SB900 ON A D5000 PLEASE HELP!

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Nada, D5000 doesn't support Auto-FP.

[markko1337]

Does auto FP work with Nikon D90 and SB-900 using commander mode?

[Lilkiwiguy87]

(copy/paste)

You really need to read your D90 user manual.

1) Auto FP High-Speed Sync is not available when using the built-in flash. (Pg. 195)

2) Auto FP is possible with SU-800 Commander or SB-800 / -900 as Master (additional SB-600 / -800 / -900 / -R200 is required as a remote flash). For further compatibility information, refer to page 235

[larkolena]

what do you refer to with the term "x-sync" that is nowhere in my user manual for my sb-600 or my d700...

[superkiwizorro]

@larkolena x-sync is flash shutter speed. i.e. d700's non-auto-fp x-sync is 1/250s.

[jleite5136]

@larkolena

Early film camera models had an x mark on the shutter speed dial to tell you the top shutter speed you could use with flash. Some camera manufacturers replaced that x mark with a shutter speed in a different colour (usually red) while others kept both, although the sync speed would be exactly the same (e.g., Nikon F3 or Nikon F4 have both with x-sync shutter speed marked in red for flash. Orange shuter speeds indicate that they are in seconds).

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Whoa, no need to repost that comment 4 times. All comments require an approval.

[jleite5136]

@larkolena

Early models usually had x-sync speeds ranging from 60 (Canon A1) up to 90 (Canon's 1981 F1) only beaten by high end cameras in the late 80's that could use shutter speeds up to 250. Nowadays almost every camera has a 250 sync speed.

The x-sync term is only used in focal plane cameras because your camera can shoot as high as 8000. With leaf shutter cameras (see Wikipedia for more details), you can use flash with all available speeds although they seldom get higher than 500.

[PistaxitoDePlaymobil]

I've got a Nikon D7000 and a Speedlight SB-80DX and even if you've got this strobe flash at the supported list, I can't make it work. I'm doing everything exactly like in this video, anyone managed to make the SB-80DX work?

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Please be specific, exactly why doesn't the setup work?

[PistaxitoDePlaymobil]

@Lilkiwiguy87 I adjust the settings in the camera as shown in this video, put the flash on TTL mode but I can't see any "FP" sign on it. When I take a photo, The shutter speed is faster than the flash so I only get lighten the upper part of the image. I'm trying to find the instructor's manual of the SB-80DX among my room's mess to see if I can find any answers to my problems. If I can manage to solve it I'll post whatever I find just in case it's useful to any other SB-80DX user ;)

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Okay, we don't know what's the problem. D7000 and SB-80DX user manuals made it clear Auto-FP is supported. Somehow SB-80DX isn't listed on D7000 manual.

D7000 manual, pg 222: "Use auto FP high-speed sync with SB-900, SB-800, SB-700, SB-600, and SB-R200 flash units. If other flash units are used, shutter speed is set to 1/250s."

SB-80DX manual, pg 51: "High-speed flash synchronization at shutter speeds between 1/250 and 1/4000 sec. (1/500 and 1/16000 sec. for the D1-Series) is possible..."

[PistaxitoDePlaymobil]

I don't know either why it's not working, but actually it doesn't allow me to select the "FP" mode on the flash (instructor's manual, p.51). You are supposed to be able to change the "M" mode to "M + FP" but it doesn't, it just varies the strenght of the flash... I've tried with my Nikon D7000 and with my old D100 but netiher of them worked. I guess I'll have to search deeply on the internet and/or check with Nikon directly. Thank you anyway and great video ;)

[rickydelatejera]

Thanks a lot this was crucial information for me to know!!

[preachable]

Great video answered the question for me well done

[skypoponamac]

I've got questions... you've got the answers. I've got the flash player... you've got the videos. Thanks once again for some ultra precise, 'on-the-button' info. Nice one!!

[Lov3fm]

so how do i use it off camera

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Via SU-800 Commander or SC-29 iTTL Off Camera Cord.

[Lov3fm]

@Lilkiwiguy87 but im using a d90 with a sb900 ....do i still need a SU-800 Commander or SC-29 ??

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Yes. According to D90's manual (yes, you really need to read it) —

1) Auto FP High-Speed Sync is not available when using the built-in flash. (Pg. 195)

2) Auto FP is possible with SU-800 Commander or SB-800 / -900 as Master (additional SB-600 / -800 / -900 / -R200 is required as a remote flash). For further compatibility information, refer to page 235

The SC-29 is not mentioned in the manual but Auto FP is possible. It is not a wireless solution and it is limited by your arm's length.

[micrhymesTV]

@Lilkiwiguy87 do i need a pocket wizard to use off cam to get the high sync speed ??

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Auto FP is not possible with PW PlusII and/or MultiMAX. We tried the new PW MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 because they support high speed flash sync. However, the performance on both new units are terrible.

[findus1985]

thanks guys!

[harrysamuel2]

You do not mention the reduced flash power of the flash in FP mode. Much more information is needed as this mode does not change the x-sync speed of the camera. The x-sync speed is the speed the shutter is fully open when a full power flash can be fired. The FP mode cheats and reduces power to use a following rear shutter to give photographers the appearance off a high speed sync. The D1X was the last camera with true high speed sync at 1/2000 on true x-sync. Big difference.

[Lilkiwiguy87]

We did not miss any information. D1X does not support Auto-FP and its maximum X-sync speed is 1/500s.

[pockietube]

Big Thanks

[ljudek]

Thank you!

[Lilkiwiguy87]

You was reading the D200's line, which has e1. D90's line has e5.

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Uh, yeah, it's already listed in the video description.

[LEXPIX]

Nice vid. Great step by step. Love the intro flash firing sequence.

[jispjose]

FP is flash power or focal plane ?

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Either. Nikon themselves said it's flash power. The others said it's focal plane.

[mcrema]

On D90, you have an option called auto FP on backeting/flash menu. Just change to "on", you will be allowed to use high speed sync.

Great!!!

Thank you for all the videos Lilkiwiguy87!

[LebronInCleats]

Question, can you enable the FP mode on just the flash using it off camera? for example if we want to use ebay triggers where my D5000 doesn't recognize it and allows me to go above the sync speed limitation?

[Lilkiwiguy87]

No, only your camera can enable Auto-FP, not the flash. Once it is enabled, it is also enabled on the flash as well.

[LebronInCleats]

@Lilkiwiguy87

wow so Nikon is basically forcing us to have a camera that supports it and I assume to get the Nikon Flash off camera and us Auto FP we have to use the SU-800 Commander to enable it?

Neutral Density Filter's here I come!!

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Yes, pretty much.

Even with a SU-800 Commander, you still need a camera that supports Auto-FP.

As for right now, all we know that RadioPopper supports high speed sync but we do not know how reliable it is. Not to mention, if RadioPopper module caused a damage to your setup, it will not be covered by Nikon warranty.

Pocketwizards is in the testing process with newest Pocketwizard FlexTT5 and MiniTT1 that is also capable of high speed sync. No one knows when they are due to the public yet.

[Hellborn59]

Using an SB800 or SB900 as a commander for FP sync should work fine as well as the built-in flash when set to "--".

At least the god people at flickr says so.

But why trust them...

So I made a test of my own takin photos of a water driping from a tap.

I tried the SB900 on camera as in the video.

I tried controling an off camera SB900 with built in flash.

And I tried controling an of camera SB900 with an on camera SB900.

The result from all the tests where identical.

[tuflewumamatwe]

Can a SB-800 or SB-900 (when connected to the camera as a commander) wireless shoot Auto-FP to another SB-800/900?

[Lilkiwiguy87]

No, using a flash unit as a commander does not support Auto-FP; only SU-800 Commander supports Auto-FP mode in Nikon Creative Lighting System.

[louistorres]

This is by far my absolute favorite Smiths song. Thanks for sharing...!!

[EmilyLikesCrayons]

I have a sb-600, but I don't have any of these settings on my Nikon D60... Is this a problem?

[Lilkiwiguy87]

No problem, please read the video description, your answer's there.

[dementedfish1]

Anyone know if Auto-FP works when you're using multiple strobes using Nikon's CLS?

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Yes, using Nikon SU-800 Commander only.

[dementedfish1]

@Lilkiwiguy87 Only with the SU-800? I'd think it'd work with the sb-800/900 as well.

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Again, yes, using Nikon SU-800 Commander only. It means the SB-800 / SB-900 do not support Auto-FP when using in Creative Lighting System (CLS).

[v0mitstar5]

I LOVEEE my SB 900 <3

[generalnoshame02]

call me the newbie and poke fun at my umbilical cord, but i can't get the ittl off mine. I keep getting the filler flashes not good for action, I know it's got to be in the manual somewhere, but it's proving elusive!! HELP

ps, your tutes are awesome! thank you

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Your comment don't have enough information for me to help you but have you tried pushing the Mode button on your SB-600 / -800 / -900 to cycle through the flash modes until you get to TTL?

The LCD should be showing "TTL-BL-FP" then manually adjust the flash value compensation to positive or negative numbers until you get the results that suit you.

[edkelly145]

I don't want any on camera flash

I have the D300...will fp support my sb800 and sb600 off camera thru the

command center in my d300 at FP speeds,? I just got the sc-29, will the remote flashes sync fp with the sc-29 main flash?

Thanks for the great videos.

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Yes and yes.

[llewellynsnoop]

Whoo hoo..Shutter speed 1/8000

You should see the pics I'm getting of my old tap (OK ...read faucet).

Every day I'm learning just how awesome my D700 and SB900 really is. Thanks for sharing this info... Got a pocket wizard setup coming tomorrow...now where are some fountains near me ???  Oh no...can PW PLUS II handle that 1/8000? or does it need to be on camera? No big deal I guess but was kind of looking forward to some great lighting effects

[Lilkiwiguy87]

No. Pocketwizards isn't capable of high speed flash sync, it is limited to 1/250s. You can use Auto-FP wirelessly using SU-800 commander or SC-28 / 29 off-camera iTTL cord only.

New Pocketwizards (MiniTT1 and FlexTT5) is capable of this but no one knows when it's coming out for Nikon system.

[trancein305]

@Lilkiwiguy87

i believe theres a Nikon Version coming out very very soon. I believe Mark Wallace made a video about it. However would it still be good enough to substitute the nikon CLS in Auto-FP

[Lilkiwiguy87]

*chuckles* "Very, very soon" is exactly what Pocketwizard said... Last year.

[tom45r]

thank you so much!!

great info!!

[InfoboardPC]

i have the d 90 and in the csm menu e1, id doesn`t have a function caller "Auto-FP" wich time is it???(1/60-30s)

Thanks

InfoboardPC

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Pull out your D90 user's manual and read page 195.

[noslen1968]

Pocketwizard's radio ttl will be great when it comes out for Nikon - wish it was built in to the camera and flash already though - I can dream/be unreasonable...

Are there any downsides other than incompatibilities? I sure could've used this recently, but discounted it out of ignorance as being akin to digital zoom - no picture quality/mp degradations?

[NoryDesign]

thanks a lot

This is a great presentation, its very useful, just upgraded to the D3s, and sb900,

will follow up ur comments.

thanks again

[dzungtong]

oh im sorry, disregard that last message. i just read the video description and i got my answer.

cheers though.

[dzungtong]

hi there, i have the sb800 and d70. but i can seem to increase it to more than 1/500. how can i increase it?

[ethanlphoto]

i have a d200 say if i buy a sb80dx it wont work?

[Lilkiwiguy87]

It will work because the SB-80DX have Auto-FP. Please read page 51 of the SB-80DX User's Manual for the instructions how to set it up.

[gordynor]

I noticed that you use MANUAL mode in the video... is Auto FP restricted to manual or can you also use it in Aperture/Shutter priority modes?

[Lilkiwiguy87]

No, Auto-FP works in all exposure modes if you enable it.

[Gandalfsson1]

Marvellous - thank you so much for this work - it is pro work, that explains it so fine, and with pics to see the difference.

[MrNomadr]

hehe i like it, like most people i dont read the manuals,cheers

[smahesan]

This is the best channel available ..... all my doubts cleared....

[spiro9210]

Auto FP is well documented on the internet and a big secret among professional photographers. However, most speedlight available on the market fail to document this feature since most amateur to mid level pro photographers are clueless to this feature and benefits. I wish there was website where we can compare all the speedlight that support this feature. I have a SB-900, but I was hoping to buy a cheaper off brand with Auto FP HS support.

[pedalman]

Your tutorials are fantastic and so very useful to someone like me who finds manuals difficult to use, why? well a picture paints a thousand words and all that blah , and manuals dont explain the terminology . eg "Auto FP" I didnt have a clue what it meant but your text put that right. Many thanks for the time you put in on these for us lesser mortals to learn from.

[foxgirl26]

your videos are wonderful thank you for them!

[VayCayMom]

I had no idea this was available until someone mentioned it to me, I am a beginner, so finding this video will improve my skills, thx!!

[gacoast]

excellant!!!! thanks for helping me further understand the uses of my nikon system.

[pwils10]

thanks - very useful

[miniglickersss]

does it work on nikons lower end models like D40,D40x, and D60

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Sorry, no.

[williamtobiasmoore]

Dude, awesome. Thanks for posting the video.

[antonc108]

Dude, I had been using it on the D80 with SB600 combo for sometime. So SB600 is supported, it actually displays the FP word on the SB600's LCD display panel too.

[madpipo]

Thanks a lot.

[kenjiari]

thank you so much!!! reeeally helpfull!!

[c11umw]

Thanks - very useful.

I presume this doesn't work in Commander mode - just in TTL?

[majedsultan]

great lesson thx a lot

[TRSHD]

Unsupported Nikon D80 ? My D80 has this option and it works great. Love your videos btw ! :)

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Ah, my bad, thanks for the heads-up. I wasn't paying attention there's a separate menu for Auto-FP on the D80. The information is now updated, thanks to you.

[shanyihai]

hi joy!

i notice that SB-700 is in your video,what's that?

another speedlight on the way?

[Lilkiwiguy87]

That's right.