Nikon SB-800 with Microwave Popcorn Snoot
Delux Butter Version with built-in barn doors
A light conversation between the camera and the TTL flash
Camera: "Light Infantry, initiate preflash sequence."
TTL flash: "Yes, Sir! Initiating preflash sequence."
(Flash sends out a series of short flashes, hits the subjects in the scene, light bounces back Through The Lens, hence the name, hits the TTL sensor, onboard computer figures out the flash power required to properly expose the subject...)
Camera: "Give me Photon Blaster at 200%"
TTL flash: "Roger that. 200%"
(First shutter curtain opens, flash fires, second shutter closes.)
Mission accomplished at the speed of light. Sorta. Pun fully intended.
Note: this is true up to the sync speed, front curtain sync. Some flashes allow you to go as fast as the camera will support, like 1/8,000s, in high speed sync. For an excellent explanation on sync speed and flash duration, see this video by Mark.
Kel and I were just discussing this the other day. Great explanation. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Larry! Now I just need to figure out how to adjust my flash strength! LOL!
ReplyDeleteKel, the beauty of TTL is that it takes care of adjusting the flash strength for you. Now accurate focusing is important when using TTL. If the camera is focused on the back wall instead of the person, it'll try to light up the wall, and in the process, hit you person with way too many photons.
ReplyDelete