Can default flash shutter speed be changed on the K20D

jeryst · 09-27-2009, 07:27 AM

When using the internal flash on the K20D, I noticed that the shutter speed automatically is set to 1/60. Is there a setting somewhere that will allow the shutter speed to default to a faster setting?

kittykat46 · 09-27-2009, 07:47 AM

Originally posted by jeryst

When using the internal flash on the K20D, I noticed that the shutter speed automatically is set to 1/60. Is there a setting somewhere that will allow the shutter speed to default to a faster setting?

The "default" shutter speed set when you have the flash on (either on-board or hot-shoe or wireless) is dependent on the lens focal length (it won't stay on 1/60 - you can confirm this if you have a zoom lens fitted on).

Its driven by a calculation to avoid camera shake for a given focal length, assuming SR off. Its explained in the K20D manual page 139.

You can set "any" shutter speed you want maximum up to the flash-synch speed of 1/180s - just use HyperP, Tv or Manual mode.

Marc Sabatella · 09-27-2009, 08:59 AM

But also consider, shutter speed when using flash isn't as relevant as you might think. The flash duraction itself is incredibly short - much shorter than 1/60". So really, the scene is only illuminated for a very brief time. Meaning longer shutter speeds don't necessarily create blur. They do, however, allow more of the ambient light in the scene to fill in the shadows. So unless you goal is to take the shadows completely black, you're usually better off with a slower rather than a shorter shutter speed. The shutter speed chosen by the camera in the auto modes is really fine for most purposes; speeding up won't help you get a sharper picture - just a more harshly-lit one.

Yes, I realize there are occasions when you deliberately want this effect - but I'm assuming we're talking about someone new to flash who might not realzie how short the flash really is and what this means.

09-27-2009, 07:27 AM	#1
jeryst Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Western PA Posts: 136	Can default flash shutter speed be changed on the K20D When using the internal flash on the K20D, I noticed that the shutter speed automatically is set to 1/60. Is there a setting somewhere that will allow the shutter speed to default to a faster setting?

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09-27-2009, 07:47 AM	#2
kittykat46 Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 923	Originally posted by jeryst When using the internal flash on the K20D, I noticed that the shutter speed automatically is set to 1/60. Is there a setting somewhere that will allow the shutter speed to default to a faster setting? The "default" shutter speed set when you have the flash on (either on-board or hot-shoe or wireless) is dependent on the lens focal length (it won't stay on 1/60 - you can confirm this if you have a zoom lens fitted on). Its driven by a calculation to avoid camera shake for a given focal length, assuming SR off. Its explained in the K20D manual page 139. You can set "any" shutter speed you want maximum up to the flash-synch speed of 1/180s - just use HyperP, Tv or Manual mode.

09-27-2009, 08:59 AM	#3
Marc Sabatella Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Denver, CO Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,685	But also consider, shutter speed when using flash isn't as relevant as you might think. The flash duraction itself is incredibly short - much shorter than 1/60". So really, the scene is only illuminated for a very brief time. Meaning longer shutter speeds don't necessarily create blur. They do, however, allow more of the ambient light in the scene to fill in the shadows. So unless you goal is to take the shadows completely black, you're usually better off with a slower rather than a shorter shutter speed. The shutter speed chosen by the camera in the auto modes is really fine for most purposes; speeding up won't help you get a sharper picture - just a more harshly-lit one. Yes, I realize there are occasions when you deliberately want this effect - but I'm assuming we're talking about someone new to flash who might not realzie how short the flash really is and what this means.