Olympus EVOLT E-330 Advanced Manual page 46

Flash shooting
Slow synchronization (1st curtain) #SLOW
The slow synchronization flash is designed for slow shutter speeds. Normally,
when shooting with a flash, shutter speeds cannot go below a certain level to
prevent camera movement. But when shooting a subject against a night
scene, fast shutter speeds can make the background too dark. Slow
synchronization allows you to capture both the background and the subject.
Since the shutter speed is slow, be sure to stabilize the camera by using a
tripod so as not to cause the picture to be blurred.
3
1st curtain
Usually, the flash fires right after the shutter fully opens. This is called 1st
curtain. Unless you change it, this is how the flash always fires.
Slow synchronization (2nd curtain) #SLOW2
2nd curtain flash fires just before the shutter closes. Changing the flash timing
can create interesting effects in your picture, such as expressing the
movement of a car by showing the tail-lights streaming backwards. The slower
the shutter speed, the better the effects turn out. The slowest possible shutter
speed depends on the shooting mode.
When the shutter speed is set to 2 sec.
2
seconds
2
2nd curtain 1st curtain
0
seconds
1st curtain flash fires
2nd curtain flash fires
Shutter fully opens
Shutter closes
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