ILCE-9M3 

Flash 

Adjusting the flash timing

Adjusting the flash timing manually

When shooting with a flash manufactured by Sony that is not global shutter sync photography compatible, high-speed sync (HSS) flat flash is used and the amount of flash light may be insufficient at fast shutter speeds. The camera’s [Flash Timing Setting] function can be used to set whether to fire the flash and adjust the flash timing manually, allowing you to shoot with a larger amount of flash light.

Flash firing starts with the timing moved forward by the setting duration.
To set [Flash Timing Setting] to [On], it is necessary to set the flash mode to manual mode.

Example of manual adjustment of flash timing

Timing change：0 microseconds

Illustration showing when flash firing does not start within the shutter-open duration

Timing change：400 microseconds

Illustration showing when flash firing starts with the timing moved forward by the setting duration
  • A：Amount of flash light
  • B：Time
  • C：Shutter speed
  • D：Amount of flash light when firing at 1/1
  • E：Delay
  • F：Amount of flash light of exposure
  • I：Firing trigger
  • J：Timing change: 400 microseconds

Adjustment procedure

  1. Set the camera’s shutter speed, aperture, and ISO to match the shooting environment.
  2. Set the amount of flash light higher than the desired amount.
  3. On the camera, configure the following settings.

    Select MENU → (Exposure/Color) → [Flash] → [Flash Timing Setting] → [On] → 0 microseconds.

    Hint

    • By assigning [Flash Timing Adjust.] to the desired dial in [Custom Key/Dial Set.] or [My Dial Settings], you can simplify the procedure for adjusting the flash timing.
  4. Perform test adjustments until you are able to shoot still images of the appropriate brightness.

    For [Flash Timing Setting], increase the flash timing in increments or 20 microseconds to adjust the flash timing to the appropriate brightness.

    Illustration of shooting with the flash timing set to 60 microseconds

    60 microseconds

    Illustration of shooting with the flash timing set to 80 microseconds

    80 microseconds

    Illustration of shooting with the flash timing set to 100 microseconds

    100 microseconds

    If during adjustment the brightness starts to decrease, it is not possible to set a higher brightness level.
    If this happens, change the following camera or flash settings, then once again adjust the flash timing starting from step 3.

    Settings to change

    • Select a slower shutter speed.
    • Select a brighter aperture value.
    • Select a higher ISO sensitivity.
    • Increase the amount of flash light.
    • Reduce the distance between the flash and the subject.

    Note

    • The brightness may change with each shot depending on the camera and flash settings. You may be able to reduce variations in brightness by shooting as follows.
      • Increase the light intensity of the flash
      • Slow down shutter speed
      • Longer the interval between shots
    • The color tone may change due to the flash timing. Adjusting the flash timing to an appropriate setting may reduce the effect on the color, but if this is an issue, the custom white balance can be used to adjust the color tone.
    • You may not be able to adjust the flash timing adequately with some third-party flashes because the desired flash timing may not be within the adjustable range or the flash timing may be inconsistent. In such cases, select a lower shutter speed setting. However, operation cannot be guaranteed with all flash units.
  5. Once you are able to shoot still images of appropriate brightness, use the settings at that time for the actual shoot.