The Canon EOS R5 is renowned for its advanced features and professional capabilities.
One such feature that photographers often look for is high-speed sync (HSS).
This article explores the Canon R5’s high-speed sync functionality and how it can be utilized for creative photography.
What is High-Speed Sync?
High-speed sync is a flash feature that allows you to use flash at shutter speeds faster than the camera’s native sync speed, typically 1/200 or 1/250 of a second.
This is particularly useful in bright lighting conditions or when you want to use a wide aperture to achieve a shallow depth of field while still controlling ambient light.
Benefits of High-Speed Sync
- Outdoor Portraits: Achieve a balanced exposure between the subject and the bright background.
- Motion Freeze: Capture fast-moving subjects without motion blur.
- Creative Lighting: Combine wide apertures with fill flash for artistic effects.
High-Speed Sync on the Canon R5
The Canon EOS R5 supports high-speed sync (HSS) when used with compatible external flash units, such as the Canon Speedlite series.
This feature is not built into the camera itself but is facilitated through external flash units that offer HSS capability.
How to Use High-Speed Sync on the Canon R5
- Attach a Compatible Flash:
- Connect an HSS-capable external flash, such as the Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT, to the hot shoe of the R5.
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>> Discover More <<- Enable High-Speed Sync:
- Turn on the flash and navigate to the flash settings.
- Enable high-speed sync mode, often indicated by an “H” or a flash icon with an “H” symbol.
- Set the Desired Shutter Speed:
- On your Canon R5, set the shutter speed to your desired value, even if it exceeds the camera’s native sync speed.
- Adjust Flash Settings:
- Adjust the flash output power according to your shooting requirements. The camera and flash will communicate to ensure proper exposure.
Tips for Using High-Speed Sync
- Flash Power: Be mindful that using high-speed sync reduces the effective power of the flash. You may need to increase the flash output or move the flash closer to the subject.
- Battery Life: High-speed sync can drain the flash battery more quickly. Carry spare batteries for extended shoots.
- Experiment: Practice using different shutter speeds and flash settings to understand the balance between ambient light and flash illumination.
Limitations of High-Speed Sync
While HSS is a powerful feature, it does come with certain limitations:
- Reduced Flash Range: The effective range of the flash is reduced when using high-speed sync.
- Increased Power Consumption: The flash consumes more power in HSS mode, leading to faster battery depletion.
- Potential Overheating: Extended use of high-speed sync can cause the flash unit to overheat, especially during continuous shooting sessions.
Conclusion
The Canon EOS R5, when paired with a compatible external flash unit, supports high-speed sync, providing photographers with greater flexibility in various lighting conditions.
By understanding and utilizing HSS, you can achieve stunning creative effects, balance ambient light with flash, and capture fast-moving subjects with ease.
Ensure you have the right equipment and settings to make the most out of this advanced feature on your Canon R5.
Brad is a seasoned photographer whose journey began in 2006 with a 3.1-megapixel digital camera. Over the years, he has specialized in various photography genres—from weddings and portraiture to product and studio photography. Based on the Sunshine Coast of QLD, Brad combines his love for education and photography, sharing his expertise on DSLRAD.com, a platform committed to capturing life’s treasured moments and empowering photography enthusiasts.