Flash sync allows an external lighting unit to couple with your camera.
Flash synchronization, also referred to as X sync, is the coupling of an external flash unit to a camera. When coupled correctly, the flash will fire when the camera's shutter speed is set at any of the unit's accepted sync speeds. The name is derived from the settings on old cameras that accepted either bulb or electronic flashes -- "M" represented bulb while "X" represented electric. Because today's units are built to fire at almost any speed, using X sync is easier than ever.
Instructions
1. Slide the tab on the bottom of the flash unit into the accessory shoe on the top of the camera body. The accessory shoe should have a small metal circle on the top. This makes it a "hot" shoe, which allows for electrical connectivity between the unit and the camera.
2. Push the tab on the back of the unit to the "Lock" position to secure it in place. Turn on the power to the flash unit.
3. Set your camera to "P" mode using the selector dial or by choosing it from the LCD screen. This allows you to set the shutter speed, and thus the sync speed of the flash.
4. Turn the thumb dial on the back of your camera to adjust shutter speed. For most circumstances, a shutter/sync speed of 1/250th of a second is ideal. While in "P" mode, your camera selects the aperture (size of lens opening) that will best suit the shutter speed. Because the camera recognizes that a flash is attached, the aperture will usually be small (f/8 or smaller depending on camera-to-subject distance).
5. Press the shutter button to test that the flash responds. Take several practice shots. If they appear properly exposed, the camera and flash unit is successfully synced.
Tags: flash unit, shutter speed, your camera, accessory shoe, sync speed, that flash, unit camera