High-Speed Sync (FP Flash) As mentioned in the previous page, FP (Focal Plane) flash, or high-Speed Sync, enables an E-TTL compatible camera equipped with an EX-series Speedlite to synchronize flash at shutter speeds faster than the camera's normal maximum sync speed and the Speedlite 220EX is also capable of this. This mode can be used to freeze fast moving subjects in fill-in flash during bright daytime shooting conditions. In addition to freezing moving subjects, the FP mode can also be utilized in situations in bright daylight with a fast lens, and can be used at wide aperture to blur the background and place more emphasis on the subject. As with the Speedlite 380EX, 550EX and the new 420EX, the 220EX allows the FP mode to be combined with E-TTL or FE Lock, and is available in all AE modes plus Manual. 220EX set to its FP mode Shot at 1/15 sec. at f/16     Shot at 1/60 sec. at f/8 Shot at 1/500 sec. at f/2.8 In the three photos of the fountain above, the first was shot at normal flash sync with the shutter speed set at a slow but still handhold-able level of 1/15 sec. This setting resulted in the water droplets being captured in a flowing effect while increasing the depth-of-field. When the shutter speed was set to 1/60 sec., the depth-of-field became shallower (now at f/8) although the water droplets were still not completely frozen. Finally, the shutter speed was set to 1/500 sec. with the aperture at its maximum level of f/2.8 (w/EF 28-70mm f/2.8L USM) - the highest setting the lighting situation would allow on an ISO 100 film. As can be seen in the photo, the water droplets were now frozen - they still have some slight motions in them but at least the renditions were clearer than before. All three photos were captured with the Speedlite 220EX fitted to the pro model Canon EOS-1v. However, it is to be noted that the use of FP mode will decrease the Guide Number of the EX Speedlite used. So, it is not unusual for some photo enthusiasts to experience slight underexposed shots when the subject's distance is way above the limit of this feature, especially if the lens fitted on the their respective Type A cameras are those of the variable maximum aperture zoom lenses via ISO 100 or lower speed films. If you are among those that don't resort to using bounce flash in your photography, the Speedlite 220EX makes for an attractive companion for your Type A or B EOS cameras. Text and photos by Philip Chong. Copyright 2000 by Canon Marketing (M) Sdn Bhd << Back to Main . 1 . 2 . 3 .