What would cause this?

[WooD]

Got a couple AB800's. When I first tried them out I got the same results. I'm using a hotshoe sync cord adapter. I took the adapter off, and shot a couple frames which came out OK, then put it back on, and everything was good after that.

Tried it again tonight. Same thing, except this time it never went away, just got better, but still had the weird black at the bottom of the picture.

Is there a setting in the camera that I need to set when using these lights?

Exif:
D80
24-85 f/3.5-4.5 lens

f/11
1/320 sec
ISO-200
24mm

[cyclohexane]

The D80 has a mechanical shutter with a maximum flash sync speed of 1/200 of a second. Don't shoot above 1/200 of a second if you want your entire image lit with flash.

[WooD]

Originally Posted by cyclohexane

The D80 has a mechanical shutter with a maximum flash sync speed of 1/200 of a second. Don't shoot above 1/200 of a second if you want your entire image lit with flash.

Don't ask me if I feel stupid about now!

I knew I could only get 1/200 with the speedlight, but thought I could go higher with the AB's. I checked all the shots that came out right, and everyone of them were shot at 1/200.

Thanks
Kevin

[hotrod4x5]

Originally Posted by WooD

Don't ask me if I feel stupid about now!

I knew I could only get 1/200 with the speedlight, but thought I could go higher with the AB's. I checked all the shots that came out right, and everyone of them were shot at 1/200.

Thanks
Kevin

Different lights won't change the camera's capabilities.

[WooD]

Originally Posted by hotrod4x5

Different lights won't change the camera's capabilities.

Live, and learn.

Like to put out a special thanks to cyclohexane. I was really bumming wondering what was wrong.

[cyclohexane]

Glad I could help.

[WooD]

Originally Posted by cyclohexane

Glad I could help.

Karma was sent in your general direction.

Thanks Again,
Kevin

[Driftwood]

The video in this link may help you understand what is happening.

The best explanation of flash sync speed « manocam

[Pony]

Certain Canon shooters should note that type of flash can impact sync speed.My 30d syncs up to 1/250th w/dedicated flash and with studio strobes it will only sync up to 1/125.Standard x-sync is only considered here,not high speed.Why Canon did that I'd like to know!

[JohnC]

Why Canon did what? Not allow high-speed sync for strobes?

Highspeed sync works by lowering the strobe output power and firing a series of rapid flashes during the exposure instead of one flash.

[Pony]

Thaniks John for trying to help.My question was meant to be retorical.It seems like Canon would have allowed the camera to sync w/studio strobes at 250 since it can sync at 250(Standard) with a dedicated flash.I was trying to keep high speed sync from con-sideration.Thanks again.

[billkay]

For what it's worth, I shoot with Nikon D2xS's. Flash sync for this camera is @ 1/250th. However, sometimes while shooting outdoors I will up the shutter speed to a 500th or higher to compensate for ambient light. The higher in speed yu go, the more under-exposed the upper portion of the image becomes, (where the shutter is begining to close prior to the flash burst). However, by knowing where that dark line begins, and placing the subject in the right spot, you can get a pretty nice image. In cases where the dark portion along the top becomes a real problem or the subject can't be repositioned, I turn the camera upside down. You have to remotely fire the flashes with Pocket Wizards or something similar in order to get the camera to not automatically set the shutter at the correct 1/250th speed.