Olympus E-330 EVOLT E-330 Advanced Manual (English) - Page 46

Flash shooting Slow synchronization (1st curtain) #SLOW The slow synchronization flash is designed for slow shutter speeds. Normally, when shooting with a flash, shutter speeds cannot go below a certain level to prevent camera movement. But when shooting a subject against a night scene, fast shutter speeds can make the background too dark. Slow synchronization allows you to capture both the background and the subject. Since the shutter speed is slow, be sure to stabilize the camera by using a 3 tripod so as not to cause the picture to be blurred. Various shooting functions 1st curtain Usually, the flash fires right after the shutter fully opens. This is called 1st curtain. Unless you change it, this is how the flash always fires. Slow synchronization (2nd curtain) #SLOW2 2nd curtain flash fires just before the shutter closes. Changing the flash timing can create interesting effects in your picture, such as expressing the movement of a car by showing the tail-lights streaming backwards. The slower the shutter speed, the better the effects turn out. The slowest possible shutter speed depends on the shooting mode. When the shutter speed is set to 2 sec. 2 seconds 2nd curtain 2 seconds 1st curtain flash fires 0 1st curtain 2nd curtain flash fires Shutter closes Shutter fully opens 46