High speed sync..

[TamiAz]

I have a Nikon d5100 and it does not have high speed sync.. Would a neutral density filter help compensate for this??? I would like to be able to control the ambient light when using a flash, but without high speed syn I can't, right?? My shutter speed with flash only goes to 1/200s.

 

[Rephargotohp]

A ND filter would allow you to shoot at a Wider aperture constrained at 1/200, It won't help you to balance Ambient to flash. Really the best way to do that consistently, is to shoot Manual Camera, Manual Flash And use shutter speed to control the ambient and flash power to control the flash/subject exposure.

It can be done using combinations of Exp Compensation and Flash Exposure combinations, But that tends to end up being even more difficult and inconsistent

 

[Mach0]

Anything above the camera's max flash sync speed will give a black line. I don't think the camera has auto FP. You can achieve a similar effect by stopping down the aperture but I haven't done it.

 

[KmH]

Nikon calls it Auto FP sync (FP = Focal Plane).

An ND filter will also reduce the apparent output of the flash.

Shooting outside entails a whole slew of problems that have to be addressed.

The best outdoor solution is to avoid having your subject in direct sunlight. The best way to a avoid direct sunlight is to use open shade. The trick is to find open shade such that the subject can be kept well away from the background. Say at least 8 feet, but more is better if you want to use selective focus (shallow DoF).

What I often did was to set up an overhead diffusion panel that created open shade wherever, and whenever I wanted it.

Outdoor portrait photogaphy requiires a fair amount of equipment beyond a camera, lens, and single flash unit.

 

[onerugrat]

can i ask if there is a specific project that your working on? someone may be able to offer advice based on your application?