What Is The Difference Between HSS And TTL Flash?.
HSS vs. TTL Flash: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners
Introduction
Flash photography can be a daunting task, especially for beginners. There are so many different settings and options to choose from, and it can be difficult to know where to start. Two of the most important flash settings are HSS and TTL. But what are they, and how do they differ?
In this article, we'll take a comprehensive look at HSS and TTL flash, and explain the key differences between the two. We'll also discuss when and how to use each setting, and provide some tips for getting the best results.
What is HSS Flash?
HSS stands for High-Speed Sync. It's a flash mode that allows you to use your flash at shutter speeds that are higher than your camera's flash sync speed. This is possible because HSS fires the flash in a series of short pulses, rather than a single burst.
The flash sync speed is the maximum shutter speed that you can use with your camera and flash without causing black bars at the top and bottom of your frame. The flash sync speed is typically around 1/200th of a second, but it can vary depending on your camera and flash model.
HSS is a great option for shooting in bright conditions, or when you need to freeze motion. For example, if you're shooting a portrait in full sun, you can use HSS to set a faster shutter speed and prevent your subject from overexposing. Or, if you're shooting a sporting event, you can use HSS to freeze the motion of the athletes.
What is TTL Flash?
TTL stands for Through-the-Lens. It's a flash mode that uses your camera's metering system to automatically set the flash output. This makes TTL a very convenient and easy-to-use flash mode, especially for beginners.
When you use TTL flash, your camera sends a pre-flash to the subject before firing the main flash. The pre-flash is a low-power flash that the camera uses to measure the amount of light that's reflected by the subject. The camera then uses this information to set the power of the main flash so that the subject is correctly exposed.
TTL flash is a great option for most general-purpose photography. It's especially useful for shooting in low-light conditions, or when you need to quickly and easily adjust the flash output.
Differences between HSS and TTL Flash
The main difference between HSS and TTL flash is that HSS allows you to use your flash at higher shutter speeds. This is a key advantage for shooting in bright conditions or when you need to freeze motion.
Another difference between HSS and TTL flash is that HSS can reduce the power of your flash output. This is because HSS fires the flash in a series of short pulses, rather than a single burst. However, most modern flashes are able to compensate for this reduced power output.
When to use HSS Flash
HSS flash is a great option for shooting in the following situations:
- When you need to shoot in bright conditions and prevent your subject from overexposing.
- When you need to freeze motion.
- When you need to use a faster shutter speed than your camera's flash sync speed.
When to use TTL Flash
TTL flash is a great option for most general-purpose photography. It's especially useful for shooting in the following situations:
- When you need to shoot in low-light conditions.
- When you need to quickly and easily adjust the flash output.
- When you're not sure which flash mode to use.
Tips for using HSS and TTL Flash
Here are a few tips for using HSS and TTL flash:
- When using HSS flash, make sure to set your camera's flash mode to HSS.
- If you're shooting in bright conditions, you may need to reduce the flash output compensation. This will help to prevent your subject from overexposing.
- When using TTL flash, make sure to set your camera's metering mode to spot metering or center-weighted metering. This will help to ensure that your subject is correctly exposed.
- If you're not sure which flash mode to use, start with TTL flash. It's the most convenient and easy-to-use flash mode, and it's a good option for most general-purpose photography.
Conclusion
HSS and TTL flash are two of the most important flash settings for beginners to learn. HSS flash allows you to use your flash at higher shutter speeds, while TTL flash automatically sets the flash output for you.
By understanding the key differences between HSS and TTL flash, and when and how to use each setting, you'll be well on your way to taking amazing flash