SB-800: Shutter speed problems

[Classic96]

Last week I wanted to use my SB-800 outdoors in bright sunlight to get rid of shadows on a face. However, all of the photos were coming out overexposed. After looking at the EXIF on the camera, I found that the max shutter speed was 1/500 or HI as listed on the camera display. I tried moving to S priority and could not manually move the shutter speed faster than 1/500 IF the SB-800 was turned on. The moment I powered it off I could set it to anything I wanted such as 1/4000. I tried every mode listing on the flash itself. Anyone have ideas on how to resolve this?

[achuang]

The maximum shutter sync or x-sync speed of the D50 is 1/500. So when you're outdoors in bright conditions you have to lower the ISO as much as possible or stop down the aperture until you get it at 1/500 or below. The higher end nikon cameras like the D2X can sync at any speed in a mode called Auto FP but the lower end cameras can't. One way of cutting out the light is to use a polarizer or neutral density filter.

[Stoller]

You can try the SB800 straight up with the bounce card out.
You can try it 45 degrees with or without the diffuser.
You can drop the EV on the SB800.
Use bounce flash anytime you can.
Make sure the SB800 is in TTL, easiest way to get good results.

SB800 is very powerful and I find more often than not I have to tune it down to get the results I want. I have also been amazed at how far and well it can flash when I needed it.

Have fun :D

[Classic96]

The max shutter sync makes sense but actually makes me pretty upset. I tried moving the EV down really far etc. I didn't want to move the aperture as I was trying to still have good portrait DOF.

In reply to the second poster, I could cover the flash completely and the photos are still washed out due to the shutter speed being too low.

All in all sounds like I've found the first thing about the D50 that I don't like. I'd have to do a heck of a lot to try and reduce the amount of light coming into the camera just so I could use my flash outdoors. grrrrr :mad:

[tcadwall]

I know what you are talking about. I have successfully used my SB600 in a concert to fill flash Kerrie Underwood @ 4pm - end of May, Charlotte NC. BRIGHT sky. I would imagine that if I could get good shots with fill flash in those conditions, then your ISO must have been higher than 200 or your aperture was too open. But seems like you already checked the aperture.

What was your entire EXIF info? If you know you need to hit a certain shutterspeed, then lower your ISO, and stop down your Aperture. The shot I am posting here is not the best shot I got, but it does show the shadow from the flash to prove that it is possible.

here is the EXIF for some samples...

Shot 1 - No Flash (harsh sunlight/shadows on face and arm)
D70s 18-200mm VR (all shots)
ISO 200; f/6.7; SS 1/750th; 105mm
http://home.earthlink.net/~tracey.cadwall/images/DSC_0810.jpg


Shot 2 - Flash (you can see the shadow - not good shot however)
ISO 200; f/9.5; SS 1/350th; 200mm
http://home.earthlink.net/~tracey.cadwall/images/DSC_0851.jpg


Shot 3 - Flash (Should have cropped it - framing was a challenge with other people's heads in my way!)
ISO200; f/9.5; SS 1/350; 200mm
http://home.earthlink.net/~tracey.cadwall/images/DSC_0854.jpg

[tcadwall]

Sorry - was writing while you posted that last post.

Unless you want to spend $4k on a camera... There are flash synch limitations.

I think there are other options though, I'll do a little research and get back to this if I find something.

[jcon]

I have successfully used my SB600 in a concert to fill flash Kerrie Underwood @ 4pm - end of May, Charlotte NC.


:eek: Not too sure Id be admitting to that one 'Cad! :eek:


Admitting you were at her concert could have grave impact on your clique status!:p :D :p

Sorry, I couldnt resist! :cool:

[Classic96]

Thanks tcadwall. Maybe I should just sacrifice the DOF for getting the shot period. I didn't try any apertures above f/4.5 (sweet spot for my f/1.4) because I was crunched for time and didn't have many chances for setup. FYI I always shoot on ISO200 unless I absolutely have to raise it for low light, but I always have my flash with me so that rarely happens.

I do plan on purchasing a much nicer camera, but not for several years. So I don't have any choice but to find a setup that works with my D50. I appreciate the input everyone :cool:

[Stoller]

I do plan on purchasing a much nicer camera

:confused: Dude the D50 is a nice camera. I've taken lots of great pictures and made good money with mine. I still grab it as much as my D200.:cool:

[Stoller]

:eek: Not too sure Id be admitting to that one 'Cad! :eek:


Admitting you were at her concert could have grave impact on your clique status!:p :D :p

Sorry, I couldnt resist! :cool:

Hey I like the eyes in the second...:D :D :D

[Classic96]

:confused: Dude the D50 is a nice camera. I've taken lots of great pictures and made good money with mine. I still grab it as much as my D200.:cool:

I never said the D50 wasn't a nice camera. I've taken over 10k shots with mine and this is the first time I've found something about it that I was unhappy about.

All I said was "a nicer camera". I am not a Nikon or D50 hater at all, in fact I've talked many people out of buying more expensive Canon and Sony DSLR's because they were mistaken about the D50's quality until I showed them what it could do.

[rawpaw18]

I know what you are talking about. I have successfully used my SB600 in a concert to fill flash Kerrie Underwood @ 4pm - end of May, Charlotte NC.

Tracey, I thought we were friends, I would of drove down to help you out. Keep this between you and me, but we might have to ditch Jason.

[jcon]

LOL!!! Good to see you around here again Rich, I been wondering where you were!

[tcadwall]

I actually think she is talented, and you know what - HOT!:cool:

Let's just say I found myself very priveleged to be there.... for free. This was the Coca Cola 600. Since I had a COLD pass (ok, it could have been better - HOT pass, but I am NOT going to complain in the least). The pass allowed us access to the infield for the pre-race concert. I have another pic of her waving at me. After I started using the fill-flash, she was probably getting a bit annoyed by the flashes, and smiled and waved at me. I got the shot, but the flash was re-charging so it didn't fill.

Oh and Rich, it was before I was on this board... If it happens again (and I haven't received an invite yet), and I get an extra pass (good luck with that), I'll have to give you a shout.

[jcon]

Ohhhhh, well racing is different......:p

She is hot though, Ill give ya that:D

[rawpaw18]

I think she has lost a little too much weight recently.

Were there restrictions as to what lenses you could take to the track?

I had a ticket for the Bristol race, and was set to drive 7 hours to watch and then back home for work the following Monday but came to my senses.

[tcadwall]

Were there restrictions as to what lenses you could take to the track?No, but I signed away all ownership of images or "likenesses" when I applied for the pass. I am unable to sell any images I took at the event.

They don't care what you take in there though as far as gear.