Flash Study

On my Sony digital camera there are 3 basic flash settings. On, Off and SL. I didn’t know what the SL mode meant so I did what any self respecting person in 2010 would do and consulted Google. From the website http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies-archive.cfm/367004.html, I learned that this setting keeps the shutter speed slow but the flash goes off. It is called the “slow synchro flash mode”. It it intended to be used in darker settings.

I decided to go into the basement and take a picture of an item with each of the flash settings so I could compare the results. My subject is the 15 ball on our pool table. There are no overhead lights on but there is a small window 8-10 feet behind me that faces north. Therefore a bit of light from outside came in since this was during the daytime but not direct sunlight.

The first picture is with the regular flash setting.



The next picture is with the flash SL mode setting.



The last picture is without flash.



I like the picture with the flash SL mode the best. I can see the benefits and now will know when to use it properly. I’m on my way to better pictures already.