PocketWizard FlexTT5 - How Does a Flash Work; How Does a Shutter Work

Understanding HyperSync and High Speed Sync
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Nikon Camera HyperSync Results
Nikon D4S Nikon D810 Nikon D7100 Nikon Df
Nikon D4 Nikon D800 Nikon D7000
Nikon D3x Nikon D800E Nikon D5300* Nikon D90
Nikon D3s Nikon D700 Nikon D5200* Nikon D80
Nikon D3 Nikon D610 Nikon D5100* Nikon D40x*
Nikon D2x Nikon D600 Nikon D5000* Nikon D40*
Nikon D300s Nikon D3300*
Nikon D300 Nikon D3200*
Nikon D200 Nikon D3100*
Nikon D3000*
* These cameras do not support HyperSync or HSS/FP-Sync operation: D5300, D5200, D5100, D5000, D3300,
D3200, D3100, D3000, D40x, D40
Read the HyperSync Setup page for more detailed information on how to adjust HyperSync.
Don't see your gear?
We have paused our HyperSync testing and PDF production for the time being. We may be adding more results to the wiki as they become
available. Check back in the future.
How Does a Flash Work?
A flash is designed to emit a very intense light for a short duration of time. This is done by filling a flashtube with
xenon gas, and then using a charged capacitor to energize the xenon with a very high amount of electrical current.
This produces the light that flashes use to illuminate a scene. You can visualize a single flash event as “light over
time,” plotted as a curve. The peak has the highest amount of energy emitted but energy continues to be emitted at a
decreasing rate so long as the xenon gas is energized. This drop in energy (and therefore light output) creates the
“tail” of the curve.
Typical flash duration simulation - Ranger RX pack with the S head at full power
While appearing to be instantly turned on and instantly turned off again, a flashtube can be excited for anywhere
from 1 microsecond to tens of milliseconds. Most consumer flashes usually average around 1 millisecond, with some
being longer, and some being shorter.
How Does a Shutter Work?
A camera’s shutter has two curtains that cover the sensor. When you press the shutter button, the first curtain moves,
exposing the sensor. Next, the second curtain moves, finishing the exposure. Your first curtain opens all the way
before the second curtain starts to move. This fully exposes the camera’s sensor. Your camera has a limit where it
can fully open its shutter and capture a normal flash duration across the entire exposure all at once. This is your
camera’s X-sync limit.
A simulated shutter at X-sync
Shutter speeds above X-sync act differently. The first curtain begins to move downwards. Before they reach the
bottom, the second curtain begins to move. This creates a moving slit.