Canon 20D - Sync Speed

[Jonathan Wienke]

Studio strobes typically require a somewhat slower sync speed than shoe-mount flashes. This is clearly noted in the camera manual. The maximum usable sync speed depends on the characteristics of the strobes. Testing is the best way to determine the fastest usable speed.

[Dinarius]

I was copying some flat art today and I noticed on the camera's screen that across the bottom of the image (with the camera set landscape format) there was slight fading. It was strongest at the edge and gradually faded inwards for about a quarter of the frame.

At first I thought that the lights were unevenly set. I checked and checked again. They were correct.

Eventually, I thought it might be the sync speed. I set the shutter to 1/125 and everything was fine again.

I should add that these artworks had a white surround so any fall-off or imbalance in the lighting would be clearly visible.

This really isn't a problem for me since the slower sync speed is just as good.

But, if Canon says it's 1/250 then that is what it should be.

Anyone else ever noticed this?

D.

[Dinarius]

Many thanks.

D.