Flash sync question

[996GT2]

The fastest flash sync speed on my 40D is 1/250 sec, but for some photographs (e.g. water drops) this is not fast enough.

What do I need to do in order to use a shutter speed of say...1/1000 sec with flash? Do I need an off-camera flash like a Vivitar 285 HV?

 

[Deadtrees]

I'm not quite sure but I think Nikon locked high speed sync on entry level dslrs. If so, even with external flash unit, 1/250 would be the max.

EDIT: Oops, I read 40D as D40. On 40D, yes, you do need external flash unit in order to use high speed sync.

 

[996GT2]

How do I set up my camera to exceed 1/250 sec shutter speed with an external flash? I've read that the Vivitar 285HV is a popular off-camera flash to use. Do I just connect it with a sync cord and manually set a shutter speed faster than 1/250 sec?

 

[foghorn67]

You need to a Canon shoe mount flash like the 430EX or 580EX to activate high speed sync. I don't think the built in pop-up flash can has this feature.

 

[angry hampster]

It does not have to be a Canon flash. The flash simply needs to have a high-speed sync function. Some flashes label this as "FP" mode. My Sigma EF500 calls it FP. I can't recall what it's labeled as on the 580 and 580II. Enable this function, and you can sync as high as you please.

 

[finbarqs]

remember, the flash that flashes your subject is illuminating the scene @ 1/10,000 of a second. the 1/250 is merely just to compensate for ambient lighting

 

[virtuamike]

New PWs

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: finbarqs
remember, the flash that flashes your subject is illuminating the scene @ 1/10,000 of a second. the 1/250 is merely just to compensate for ambient lighting

uh, no, 1/250th is the shortest period of time between when the first curtain fully opens and when the second curtain starts closing. anything faster, the second curtain starts closing the shutter before the first curtain is fully open.