flash sync problem with silent shutter: I have an Oly EM-1. When I shoot with flash and electronic (silent) shutter there is a visible sync problem. It is a dark bar in the middle of...

aphelps Loc: Central Ohio

I have an Oly EM-1. When I shoot with flash and electronic (silent) shutter there is a visible sync problem. It is a dark bar in the middle of the frame. With everything else being equal when I return to the normal shutter mode everything is fine. Are there any other settings to be considered with silent shutter? Is there a specific sync speed for silent shutter? Any ideas would be appreciated.

JD750 Loc: SoCal

I am interested in this. As usual I request you post a pic illustrating the problem.

aphelps Loc: Central Ohio

I just discovered the problem. Oly says one cannot use flash in quiet mode.

JD750 Loc: SoCal

aphelps wrote:

I just discovered the problem. Oly says one cannot use flash in quiet mode.

Are you sure that
silent mode = e-shutter?

E-shutter not compatible with flash? That means e-shutter is useless for weddings and a host of other things.

User ID

Most cameras require analog shutter for flash.

BebuLamar

User ID wrote:

Most cameras require analog shutter for flash.

Mechanical = Analog?????

There is the new meaning of the word "Analog"

w00dy4012 Loc: Thalia, East Virginia

aphelps wrote:

I have an Oly EM-1. When I shoot with flash and electronic (silent) shutter there is a visible sync problem. It is a dark bar in the middle of the frame. With everything else being equal when I return to the normal shutter mode everything is fine. Are there any other settings to be considered with silent shutter? Is there a specific sync speed for silent shutter? Any ideas would be appreciated.

It's because of the way silent shutter and flashes designed to work, and it's not together. As I understand it, in "silent shutter" the sensor is just energized and starts scanning one line at a time while capturing the image. The flash is designed to flash when it and the sensor are fully energized, at which time the mechanical shutter opens capturing the entire scene at one time.

This is probably not a good explanation, but the best I can do at 5:45 a.m. A good habit is to use mechanical shutter on for most of your flash work. If you must use silent shutter, don't use flash, just find a suitable ISO.

It has occurred to me that one may be able to use silent shutter with HSS. I think I'll give it a try and see what happens.

drzuvela Loc: Croatia

There are known limitation with "silent shutter", one of them is flash sync and control.
While control (TTL) will be hardly possible, would be possible to use flash in pure manual mode at lower shutter speed then sync speed designed for that camera.

I would also recommend to read camera manual.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

aphelps wrote:

I have an Oly EM-1. When I shoot with flash and electronic (silent) shutter there is a visible sync problem. It is a dark bar in the middle of the frame. With everything else being equal when I return to the normal shutter mode everything is fine. Are there any other settings to be considered with silent shutter? Is there a specific sync speed for silent shutter? Any ideas would be appreciated.

Sony is the same. When using flash on your camera you must go to the non silent shutter. Sony covers it in their manual, I am surprised that your Olympus manual does not tell you this.

Jeffcs Loc: Myrtle Beach South Carolina

Silent shutter will not work with electronic flash it has to do with the way the sensor captures a still image with out a shutter, when electronic or silent shutter the sensor is always exposed with a mechanical shutter the sensor is only exposed while the shutter is open

BebuLamar

The Sigma FP which doesn't have a mechanical shutter can sync with an external flash but only at top speed of 1/30 second.

John Howard Loc: SW Florida and Blue Ridge Mountains of NC.

My Nikon will not flash when on silent per the manual. Must be on mechanical
Shutter.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

John Howard wrote:

My Nikon will not flash when on silent per the manual. Must be on mechanical
Shutter.

Bill_de Loc: US

I believe that is why the manufacturers are working towards a global sensor, one which will record the entire sensor info at the same time. Once they have that licked all mechanical shutters will disappear.

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fetzler Loc: North West PA

JD750 wrote:

Are you sure that
silent mode = e-shutter?

E-shutter not compatible with flash? That means e-shutter is useless for weddings and a host of other things.

The silent mode is difficult to use with flash. Use the antishock or mechanical shutter modes.
With several menu settings you can use flash with the silent shutter but your sync speed will be 1/20 sec or slower.