What is TTL?

[HopeForBetter]

I have a sb600 but I dont understand what TTL is. Can someone explain to me what the TTL function is?

 

[480sparky]

Through The Lens. Meaning the flash output is monitored by sensors behind the lens.

 

[Davor]

Sparky basically broke it down for you, if you really want to know the details of this you will have allot of reading to do.

The TTL Flash System

 

[Stryker]

If you can find the video "Understanding the Canon Speedlite 580 EX / 430 EX" by Blue Crane Digital, you'll have all the answers. In the mean time try to find a camera club that could help you out. The flash is a bit diffiicult to understand and for us to explain to you the step-by-step procedure how to use it.

 

[KmH]

TTL can also refer to through-the-lens reflected light metering using the in-camera light meter.

Using strobed light (flash) in manual mode is way simpler, and easier to learn, than using flash in TTL.

You will get more consistant results by using manual mode, and can spend considerably less money for a flash unit(s).

The best lighting results are obtained using Off Camera Flash (OCF).

 

[kundalini]

If you can find the video "Understanding the Canon Speedlite 580 EX / 430 EX" by Blue Crane Digital,

Why reference a Canon video for a Nikon shooter? Wouldn't Joe McNally be a better source? Maybe Scott Kelby? Even Mark Wallace from AdoramaTV shoots or explans both cameras.

TTL is an Auto mode for your flash. Keith is correct that you will get more consistent lighting using Maual mode, but sometimes TTL is "close enough" for government work. It can certainly be a starting point, but understanding Manual flash mode will actually be more rewarding further on up the road.




Smilie for the first person to get my reference. Original will only be accepted.

 

[LarissaPhotography]

We used to use TTL all the time, but after trying manual settings, we've never gone back. Just like shooting in manual mode on your camera, it lets you control how light everything is in your scene. The problem with any automatic settings is that only you, the artist, know exactly what look you're trying to capture.

 

[HopeForBetter]

Thank you so much!

 

[Garbz]

The problem with any automatic settings is that only you, the artist, know exactly what look you're trying to capture.

While I agree, TTL Flash exposure is a godsend in many cases. Manual works fantastically when the lighting is controlled. I wouldn't ever go anything but full manual in a studio setting, however when walking around with a flash on the camera simply the process of taking a step will change the exposure as it changes the distance from subject to light source.

I have a sb600 but I dont understand what TTL is. Can someone explain to me what the TTL function is?

One thing about the above explanations is that they explain TTL. The Nikon manuals and the world at large may sometime refer to i-TTL. While the underlying principle is the same (Through The Lens metering for flash), i-TTL encompasses the entire Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS), including the wireless triggering and complete control of multiple groups of flashes. Naturally this wireless control also supports TTL metering over wireless