FP (HSS) on Olympus Saga (the long version)
Sep 19, 2017 18:34:20 #
Olympus OMD and HSS (FP) the really long version:
I switched to The Olympus OMD micro four thirds system about 3 years ago. When I made up my mind to take a look at Mirrorless Systems (I was a Nikon user for years and years), I went with least expensive EM 10. I was so pleased with my results I bought The EM1. Both cameras use pretty much the same sensor but could see some marginal improvements from the EM1 and definitely improved performance and features. That said, the EM 10 was the camera I picked up most as my carry camera, primarily the smaller size more comfortable and just easier to tote. The OM 10 mark II came out. I looked at that really hard to see if it were worth the upgrade. I finally convinced myself it was (5 axis IS instead of 3, repositioning the controls, Time lapse compiled in camera, The on-board flash sits a little higher on the camera, a larger EVF, a little more FPS, and higher resolution screen. Anyway, I bought one.
I am very happy with my choices and use all three for different shooting scenarios. All this said, one thing that always bothered me was the lack of information/discussion of HSS (FP) on camera. There was and is a lot of promotion about the use of FP in the RC (remote control) function. Also, a lot of video’s and instructions on how to accomplish this and setting it up in the menu structure but nothing on using FP on camera. For this reason I avoided buying any Olympus external flash. Even when reading the features, FP on camera did not stand out as a feature and the high end Olympus flash/speed lights are not cheap. Some of the third party units made reference to HSS or that it was supported, if they were supported only made weak mention to HSS in RC mode. For general purpose and functionality I like MK320 the best (gave up on FP) on camera. Recently I found a used Olympus FL600R for $140.00. That’s less than half the price of a new one at $299.00 and was described in excellent (like new condition). So I bought it hopping I would find a solution to the FP on camera I wanted and I did. It was a mode on the flash and did not require a configuration in menu to make it functional. Remember I said I was a long time Nikon user. Nikon configures FP in the menu system and actually only make it available on their higher end camera bodies. I had been Nikonized. I was looking for some set up on my Olympus menu’s to address the set up. It is not there because Olympus sets it up as a Flash function with the flash talking to the camera and not the camera talking to the flash.
So now what am I gonna complain about? Well the FL600R is a very nicely made very compact unit. However, after you put 4 AA batteries in, it does have some weight. That flash on my OMD EM1 is fine (well balanced) especially with a Pro lens (they tend to be heavy compared to there not pro lenses). When I am working with that camera I deal with the now not so small four thirds system. You take that FL600R and put it on the smaller EM 10 and the balance is awkward. Also, you really start defeating small and light. So the search continued. A few days ago I found a flash that implied HSS as mode but my research mostly showed results eluding to their off camera system but still implying on camera flash sync speed could be set and this for only $84.00. OK I have gone this far why not take another chance. This flash is light weight only takes 2 AA batteries (like my MK320) which has been very reliable and light and well balanced on my EM 10’s. I bought one. It works and you can set the sync mode to FP on camera. The flash is a Godox TT350 o. Godox also has a RC system using Godox triggers. I needs to do more homework on that. Actually I just ordered a 2nd unit today.
Well happy for now. I may not learn fast but I learn. Happy shooting and have a great day.
I switched to The Olympus OMD micro four thirds system about 3 years ago. When I made up my mind to take a look at Mirrorless Systems (I was a Nikon user for years and years), I went with least expensive EM 10. I was so pleased with my results I bought The EM1. Both cameras use pretty much the same sensor but could see some marginal improvements from the EM1 and definitely improved performance and features. That said, the EM 10 was the camera I picked up most as my carry camera, primarily the smaller size more comfortable and just easier to tote. The OM 10 mark II came out. I looked at that really hard to see if it were worth the upgrade. I finally convinced myself it was (5 axis IS instead of 3, repositioning the controls, Time lapse compiled in camera, The on-board flash sits a little higher on the camera, a larger EVF, a little more FPS, and higher resolution screen. Anyway, I bought one.
I am very happy with my choices and use all three for different shooting scenarios. All this said, one thing that always bothered me was the lack of information/discussion of HSS (FP) on camera. There was and is a lot of promotion about the use of FP in the RC (remote control) function. Also, a lot of video’s and instructions on how to accomplish this and setting it up in the menu structure but nothing on using FP on camera. For this reason I avoided buying any Olympus external flash. Even when reading the features, FP on camera did not stand out as a feature and the high end Olympus flash/speed lights are not cheap. Some of the third party units made reference to HSS or that it was supported, if they were supported only made weak mention to HSS in RC mode. For general purpose and functionality I like MK320 the best (gave up on FP) on camera. Recently I found a used Olympus FL600R for $140.00. That’s less than half the price of a new one at $299.00 and was described in excellent (like new condition). So I bought it hopping I would find a solution to the FP on camera I wanted and I did. It was a mode on the flash and did not require a configuration in menu to make it functional. Remember I said I was a long time Nikon user. Nikon configures FP in the menu system and actually only make it available on their higher end camera bodies. I had been Nikonized. I was looking for some set up on my Olympus menu’s to address the set up. It is not there because Olympus sets it up as a Flash function with the flash talking to the camera and not the camera talking to the flash.
So now what am I gonna complain about? Well the FL600R is a very nicely made very compact unit. However, after you put 4 AA batteries in, it does have some weight. That flash on my OMD EM1 is fine (well balanced) especially with a Pro lens (they tend to be heavy compared to there not pro lenses). When I am working with that camera I deal with the now not so small four thirds system. You take that FL600R and put it on the smaller EM 10 and the balance is awkward. Also, you really start defeating small and light. So the search continued. A few days ago I found a flash that implied HSS as mode but my research mostly showed results eluding to their off camera system but still implying on camera flash sync speed could be set and this for only $84.00. OK I have gone this far why not take another chance. This flash is light weight only takes 2 AA batteries (like my MK320) which has been very reliable and light and well balanced on my EM 10’s. I bought one. It works and you can set the sync mode to FP on camera. The flash is a Godox TT350 o. Godox also has a RC system using Godox triggers. I needs to do more homework on that. Actually I just ordered a 2nd unit today.
Well happy for now. I may not learn fast but I learn. Happy shooting and have a great day.
Sep 19, 2017 19:31:40 #
Glad you found a way to do HSS with the Olympus!
I think also with Canon, it's a setting on the flash, not in camera, like Nikon has. (I'm primarily a Nikon shooter)
I had an EM-1 for a while and had trouble with the menu system.
Other than that, that camera was a jewel! Besides the size, I miss the 5 axis in-camera stabilization and the video quality the most.
Just getting into Godox flash recently and am really jazzed with their stuff, especially the off-camera capability.
Keep shooting!
I think also with Canon, it's a setting on the flash, not in camera, like Nikon has. (I'm primarily a Nikon shooter)
I had an EM-1 for a while and had trouble with the menu system.
Other than that, that camera was a jewel! Besides the size, I miss the 5 axis in-camera stabilization and the video quality the most.
Just getting into Godox flash recently and am really jazzed with their stuff, especially the off-camera capability.
Keep shooting!
Sep 19, 2017 20:24:19 #
Sep 20, 2017 06:50:55 #
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.