Flash modes

Use the [Flash mode] item in the photo shooting menu to choose the effect produced by the flash. The options available vary with the shooting mode.

OptionDescriptionAvailable in
I[Fill flash]
(front-curtain sync)		This mode is recommended in most situations. In modes P and A, shutter speed will automatically be set to values between 1/200 s (or 1/4000 s with auto FP high-speed sync) and 1/60 s.b, P, S, A, M
J[Red-eye reduction]Use for portraits. The flash unit performs a red-eye reduction flash before the flash fires, reducing “red-eye”.
  • A flash unit with red-eye reduction is required. If you use a flash unit that does not support red-eye reduction, the J icon in the shooting display will flash.
  • The desired results may not be achieved if the subject or camera moves before the shutter is released (this setting is not recommended with moving subjects or in other situations requiring a quick shutter response).
b, P, S, A, M
L[Slow sync]
(Slow sync)		As for “fill flash”, except that shutter speed slows automatically to capture background lighting at night or under low light.
  • Note that photos may be prone to blurring due to camera shake at slow shutter speeds.
  • Use of a tripod is recommended.
P, A
K[Slow sync + red-eye]
(red-eye reduction with slow sync)		Use to include background lighting in portraits. Red-eye reduction is combined with slow shutter speeds to capture background lighting at night or under low light.
  • A flash unit with red-eye reduction is required. If you use a flash unit that does not support red-eye reduction, the K icon in the shooting display will flash.
  • Note that photos may be prone to blurring due to camera shake at slow shutter speeds.
  • Use of a tripod is recommended.
P, A
M[Rear-curtain sync]The flash fires just before the shutter closes, creating the effect of a stream of light behind moving light sources.
  • Selecting P or A after choosing this option sets the flash mode to slow sync.
  • Note that photos may be prone to blurring due to camera shake at slow shutter speeds.
  • Use of a tripod is recommended.
P, S, A, M
s[Flash off]The flash does not fire.b, P, S, A, M

Studio strobe lighting

Rear-curtain sync cannot be used with studio flash systems, as the correct synchronization cannot be obtained.