Through-The-Lens Flash Photography - Nikon D1X User Manual

Through-the-Lens Flash Photography

To use TTL flash control, connect an SB-28DX or SB-50DX Speedlight to the cam-
era and set the flash to D-TTL auto-flash mode. Depending on the type of lens used,
one or more of the following TTL flash modes will be available. TTL flash control is
available only with the SB-28DX and the SB-50DX.
3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash for Digital SLR
Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash for Digital SLR
This mode is available when a CPU Nikkor lens is attached. Based on infor mation
from the matr ix metering system, flash output is adjusted to maintain a balance
between the main subject and ambient background lighting. When the shutter-
release button is pressed, the Speedlight emits a series of nearly invisible preflashes
(monitor preflashes) immediately before the shutter opens. The monitor preflashes
are reflected from objects in all areas of the fr ame and picked up by the camera's
TTL multi sensor, where they are analyzed instantaneously in combination with infor-
mation on the current sensitivity (ISO equivalency) setting, aper ture, lens focal length,
and exposure compensation value. The results of this analysis are used to balance
flash output with ambient light. When a type G or D lens is used, distance informa-
tion is included in the calculation for still more precise flash control (3D multi-sensor
balanced fill flash).
Center-Weighted Fill-Flash for Digital SLR
This mode is used with non-CPU lenses. When a non-CPU lens is attached, the
camera automatically chooses center-weighted metering, allowing flash output to be
roughly balanced with ambient lighting for the main subject and background. The
camera may be unable to adjust exposure correctly if the frame includes a highly
reflective object, or if the background is non-reflective. Standard TTL flash control is
recommended in such cases. Standard TTL flash control is activated automatically
when spot metering is selected.
Standard TTL Flash for Digital SLR
Standard TTL flash control is available with lenses of all types. Standard TTL flash
control does not take the br ightness of the background into account, instead adjust-
ing flash output to ensure that the main subject is correctly exposed. This makes it
suited to photogr aphs in which the main subject is emphasized at the expense of
other details, or when exposure compensation is used. This mode is also activated
automatically when spot metering is selected.
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