SURPRISING Sony a9 III Flash Demo w/ $30 Speedlite at 1/80,000!?

Does the Sony a9 III require a high-end flash to be used at 1/80,000 shutter speed? In this video, I attempt to use a $30 speedlite to light myself and see if it works!
While this isn't something I would normally do with my own work, it's interesting to see if it's possible to turn day into night by completely underexposing the ambient light with a high shutter speed and then using a flash to light a subject. This is one of many tests I'm doing with the new Sony a9III's global shutter and there's much more to come!
Alpha Universe Video • Alpha 9 III: Off-Camer...
#sonya9III #globalshutter #a9IIIflashsync
Products Used (Affiliate Links)
Sony a9 III amzn.to/3RN7qaZ
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Aodelan Trigger amzn.to/48tq1yy
Amazon Flash (Discontinued) amzn.to/48sYo8w
Updated Flash amzn.to/3Tytg3a
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[@Bo_Hazem]

That's really what is called game changing! This phrase has been going around for incremental improvements, but this one is literally ground-breaking!

[@MiguelQuilesJr]

There is a lot of potential just in this use alone. We haven't even dug into all of the rest of the features. It's a beast if you're into that type of photography!

[@Bo_Hazem]

@@MiguelQuilesJr Believe it or not, used the a7SIII with extreme 7x macro at 4K@120fps and even at around 7.7ms I still managed to see some minor jello effect here and there. A9 III isn't just a photography camera, it's the best hybrid camera in the world right now. Warm greetings.

[@lollihonk]

Can U explain why it's a game changer for you?

[@RalfWeyer]

When Sony announced the A9III immediately some people released videos stating „this won’t have a big impact on photography“ or the typical „why you don’t need the Sony A9III“ as if people wouldn’t be able to make up their minds themselves. On one video I commented I would wish people would see the importance of the A9III not just for that specific camera but as starting point of a technology. And I know GS has been available before, but not for FF photography/hybrid cameras, at least not that I know of.

[@MiguelQuilesJr]

You're right on the money! I was there for the launch and talked to a lot of my KZbin friends, and few recognized the impact and importance of a camera like this. It definitely isn't for everyone at $6000, but as I've said a bunch of times, it's an amazing camera for the person who needs these features for their work.

[@markwang77]

i agree 100%. this introduction really is a watershed moment that will make global shutters 'mainstream' down the road. its significance is similar to when the industry moved from film to digital.

[@MiguelQuilesJr]

I've tried really hard to avoid saying "game-changer" and "watershed moment" since it's so overused on KZbin, but with each test I've done its looking more and more to be exactly that!

[@olafschermann1592]

For outdoor pictures fighting the synctime is very important. Thats why those photographers needed leaf shutters. Thats the main reason i love the Fuji X100, Nikon D70 (no joke) and Hasselblads. Especially outdoors you don’t want to carry a 1200WS strobe when you get similar effect much smaller. I am happy that now there is an option with fullframe. It is a niche market, but for those people it is very important.

[@joliver4083]

This is incredible 1/80000 with cheap speedlight. Thank you for sharing this video. The only thing that is still untested is the dynamic range of RAW under 250 native ISO. I'm switching to Sony next year. I started my career with Canon but I decided to switch because of their greed (blocking 3rd party RF autofocus lenses) even they are already behind the technology and lens options. Waiting for Canon's downfall.

[@MiguelQuilesJr]

Thanks for watching! I think that CaNikon's reluctance to see that mirrorless was the new wave hurt them. They are at least 4 years behind Sony right now and it's likely that in 4 more years Sony is only going to continue pushing their lead even further. Today, I think its easy to see they have the more robust ecosystem with cameras and lenses for pretty much everything.

[@GungKrisna12]

Imagine if Canon decided to launch a campaign that attacks camera makers that allowed third party lenses, or third party lenses themselves

[@MiguelQuilesJr]

That would be foolish, they'd never do that. They are a pretty conservative company much like Sony.

[@cecilsharps]

the world is going to look different when your speed limit isn't 1/125th

[@MiguelQuilesJr]

No doubt about it!!

[@olafschermann1592]

2 thoughts: any wireless system besides optical triggering costs some amount of time. Therefore optical triggering or a wire improves that a lot. 2. the duration of the flash is > 1/500sec at full power. The good thing: those cheap IGBT flashes cut of the flash when used at 1/2 or 1/4 setting. Due to the burn time curve you get 1/2 power at 1/4 the duration. So 1/2 or 1/4 power is the sweet spot to get reliable 1/8000 (1/4 power) sync time. Below that you not only cut the sun but also the flash and get no advantage.

[@olafschermann1592]

For outdoor pictures fighting the synctime is very important. Thats why those photographers needed leaf shutters. Thats the main reason i love the Fuji X100, Nikon D70 (no joke) and Hasselblads. Especially outdoors you don’t want to carry a 1200WS strobe when you get similar effect much smaller. I am happy that now there is an option with fullframe. It is a niche market, but for those people it is very important.

[@hyprz]

Now all we need is a light meter than can read out at 1/80,000th 🤣

[@MiguelQuilesJr]

Hopefully they can update that via firmware, it only goes to 1/16,000! 😂

[@ehwestonful]

Thanks Miguel, very interesting test.

[@MiguelQuilesJr]

Thanks for watching!

[@ccudjoe89]

This reminds me of that cheesy xmas movie with ludacris on disney+. the reindeers and sleigh will only come if you believe 🤣🤣. Even if it's not a perfect sync....getting this kind of result out of a speedlite while killing the ambient outdoors is amazing. it means a 400w strobe is good enough for soooo much more all of a sudden how this would have impacted/ will impact me is for especially product photography, i dont have to have a black out room and f22 to control my ambient anymore and inadvertently limit the creativity possible with my shot. cant wait for the tech to trickle down into more affordable bodies

[@MiguelQuilesJr]

As I test this and hear all the chatter about how this isn't possible, I feel like a guy who says he saw a sasquatch flying a UFO 😂 I swear up and sown it was real and people just doubt. There's definitely some exciting things on the horizon when it comes to flash photography. Im just enjoying the ride so far 😁📸

[@clivedowning4200]

Great video and good to see it does work… I tried it was a well known brand and even though the claim was the flash would work it did not. Quelle surprise

[@MiguelQuilesJr]

I wasn't sure if it would work given that it's a pretty cheap flash, but I was happy to see it worked out. I had to dial in the flash timing manually (which will be the topic of a different video) but in the end it did the job.

[@ccudjoe89]

@@MiguelQuilesJr 🤣🤣 @the sasquatch comment! 🤣. I felt like a crazy telling two established photographers who are both quite technical that they're wrong too! does the timing change everytime you change the flash power once you go pass "normal" sync speeds? Excited to see theirs and Manny's findings too. I bet he's super excited about what unlimited sync speed unlocks

[@MiguelQuilesJr]

@@ccudjoe89 I'll tell you what, I'm personally excited to see what others are saying with their findings. What this camera is doing right now with flash isn't so cut and dry like some might have you think. Regarding your question, the camera has a flash sync setting that allows you to manually dial in the timing. Sometimes having it off gives you a shot, but for some situations you have to go in and manually dial in a setting and test it out to see if you got it right. With the Sony 60RM2 flash, it does it automatically for you with ETTL. With off brand stuff you have to do it manually. It hasn't presented any issues for me thus far but I've been using flash for a long time. Even with that, it's been quite the learning experience.

[@fountainvalley100]

That's pretty impressive.

[@MiguelQuilesJr]

I was pretty surprised too. Based on what other folks are saying this shouldn't have worked at all, yet here we are. :)

[@fountainvalley100]

@@MiguelQuilesJr if it were a 50 megapixel camera I would be throwing my money at Sony.

[@MiguelQuilesJr]

I'm pretty spoiled on the resolution side of things too. My main camera has been the A7RV since it was released, with the A7RIV holding that spot before that. It may not become my daily camera but I'll definitely end up renting one when I have shoots that require it.

[@kylewist7745]

Quick question: what is the a9iii's max fps when flash is attached? I haven't been able to find that specification anywhere. Thank you.

[@2389jwwebf]

Miguel, sir, can you test shooting in low light, like an interior scene with people moving around, where flash is not allowed and use that RAW composite feature . See below . Composite RAW Shooting reduces noise Composite RAW Shooting captures multiple images (4, 8, 16, or 32, selectable) which can then be merged using Sony's Imaging Edge Desktop™ computer application software to create full-resolution images with very low noise.10 This makes it possible to shoot wildlife at high shutter speeds or portraits in low light, achieving exceptionally high image quality with low noise, even at higher ISO settings. What's more, when shooting at low sensitivity levels, the α9 III can take advantage of camera shake that occurs during handheld shooting and use Composite RAW to create images with reduced false colour and jaggies. (1) Standard (2) Composite RAW

[@joesb1]

How do I set the A9iii speed to 1/80000. I am limited to 1/16000 fps. Plus how to set up to shoot at 120 fps? Thanks

[@ragilsp2164]

aha, thank you for clarifying this method, impressive Sony can shoot with 1/80000s. anyone who want experience this HSS shutterless with much cheaper price: nikon D40, D50, D70, D70s, coolpix A, Fuji x100 family, fuji XT family.

[@TW-iu9zy]

… the next part in your „a9 flash story“, thx again Miguel! 👍🏻

[@MiguelQuilesJr]

It's been quite the saga! Haha Can't wait to share more of what I've learned so far. :)

[@Walter_Kircher]

flash duration times vs. shutter speed - how you took control there? As far as i know the flash changes its output with reference to spectrum and temp... i could imagine it works if you use a flash power setting where duration time suits your X time. If that brings a benefit vs. HSS... no clue.

[@MiguelQuilesJr]

I manually set the flash timing in camera to sync up 👍

[@thomastuorto9929]

So even with some of the best of speedlights or portable strobes like Profoto, elinchrome, wescott, how fast can you actually shoot regarding recycle times. I would think for sports & fashion/model photography , 3 fps should probably be enough. Y/N ? I get the over powering the sun freezing motion thing.

[@MiguelQuilesJr]

It all depends. I was shooting at 10fps with the Sony A7III and Profoto D2 and still felt there was an element of luck in getting the shot I wanted. The more shots I can get in some conditions the better.

[@thomastuorto9929]

@@MiguelQuilesJr like wildlife. Welcome to the jungle. Thank you for the reply. PS, I should have put at half power in my question.

[@markipophoto]

Hello, interestinv. I own the A9M3 and never been able to fire higher than 1/500e with Godox XProS and Godox flashes. Is there a special setting to consider on the camera?

[@MiguelQuilesJr]

The secret for me has been the use of a universal trigger. The Sony versions need to be updated by all manufacturers to get it working right.

[@markipophoto]

Thanks @@MiguelQuilesJr this is a first step looking forward with the major flashs manufacturers firmeware updates. In fact your secret is the first thing I did when I had problems fireing the Godox Sony flashes at first. It did'nt work. With your comment I gave it a new try with a basic YONGNUO only central contact pin kind of flash. It worked that time! I realised that maybe I had to change one setting : Flash > Sync Terminal Settings > ON

[@duncangroenewald]

What are good flash options to get for Sony cameras that will work properly with the A9iii ?

[@MiguelQuilesJr]

Sooo far I've tested about 6 or 7 different lights. All have been great in their own ways. I'll talk about that in my more intensive video coming soon.

[@renestaempfli1071]

By far the best flash for the A9III is the Sony HVL-F60RM2. It is also the only flash, that has a smart 2 Way communication protocol that can talk to the A9III. There is no fiddling, just put the flash on the camera and shoot. You can shoot at Hi+ 120fps) 1/16000, f/1.8, ISO 250 and get about 15 pictures until the flash capacitors have to recharge. Single shot 1/80000, f/1.8, ISO 2500 to get a well exposed picture. At 1/500 you can shoot in Hi+ until the card is full. Btw, I like your slow motion videos.

[@duncangroenewald]

@@renestaempfli1071 thanks, yes I have that flash and it seems to work great. Good to know it’s one of the best options

[@wolfamri]

Great, but why in the world would someone ask whether you can synch a cheap flash with a 6000$ camera. That’s like asking whether you can use a cheap kit lens on a medium format camera. People are weird 😅.

[@JPC009]

That’s really cool-what does ‘flash timing has been manually synced in camera’ mean though? 2:03

[@MiguelQuilesJr]

Thanks! The a9 III has a setting where you can manually dial in the flash timing so that you can sync the flash at whatever shutter speed. I had to adjust that setting to get the flash to show up in the image.

[@JPC009]

@@MiguelQuilesJr thanks! That makes way more sense and might explain why some other KZbinrs have been putting out videos where the flash wasn’t syncing with the camera.

[@MiguelQuilesJr]

@JPC009 That's quite possible and it's also why I take "Reviews" with a massive grain of salt.

[@dbmiller1961]

@@MiguelQuilesJr So @2:31, you show the graph of the flash duration. Since the full flash duration was 1/347th and your shooting at 1/80000, you can only capture less than one half of one percent of that pulse. Thus the need to adjust the timing so that the 1/80000 window overlaps the part of the graph with the most light being output.

[@MiguelQuilesJr]

That was exactly what I suspected when I first used it, and one of the main things that gets left out when others discuss the topic.

[@pal54321]

will probably have to wait at least 5 years for the global shutter to trickle down into an affordable camera

[@MartinV.]

crazy!!!

[@MiguelQuilesJr]

My thoughts exactly!!

[@ryansalasphotography]

let's get real here. this global shutter on sony is very impressive but for that price, it's not for everyone. as a flash photographer you don't need that high shutter speed unless your photographing a hummingbird but I'm pretty sure you're gonna use natural light on that. if you want to use a cheap flash and want to overpower the sun nd filter is your friend. if you make money on your expensive gears that's great but if you don't good luck my friend.

[@angelisone]

For the moment just rent the A9 III. Not worth paying over $6,500,00 just to get under 25M. Why do you think m4/3 is in trouble? ATG is coming out with 48M version in 2026.

[@MiguelQuilesJr]

Renting it is a great idea if you aren't shooting professionally or have money burning a hole in your pocket. I'm still using the Sony A7RV/A7CR for my pro work but can see situations where the a9 III will make some unique images.

[@darlingtoncd]

Perfectly proved👍

[@MiguelQuilesJr]

Thank you!

[@naimsup]

Photographer noob here, why is this so ground-breaking?

[@MiguelQuilesJr]

Good question. When you are using a flash the highest shutter speeds you can reach on most cameras is 1/250. Leaf shutter cameras can go up to maybe 1/2000. Anything beyond that and you'd need a trigger and flash that supports high speed sync. That method lowers the amount of power so that you can shoot up to 1/8,000. Here, we're syncing a flash at 1/80,000, which has literally never before been a possibility with standard sync and a flash. It opens up a new world of possibilities with flash photography. That's the gist of it 😁👍📸

[@ivarschiager8529]

When using very fast shutterspeed you can get very dark exposure in ambient light (kill the ambient light). When adding a flash, you can make your own light, as you get full control. But so far this has been limited to the cameras mecanical sync speed, which isn't fast enough to "kill" the ambient. Then you can only add light. The sync speed is the shortest shuttertime when the hole sensor receives light at the same time. At faster shutterspeed the shutter will only let light to at part of the sensor at a time. Most cameras have some kind of high speed sync, but this require more flashpower, because the flash must spread the light over longer period of time, or it pulses to sync the shutter movement. The global shutter is different, as this is an electronic shutter that does not roll over the sensor as by now, reading row by row from the sensor, but it will read out the signal from every little sensor in the same moment instead. (This requires high computing capasity in the camera!) This is totally new in photography! In the old film days made a shutter into the lense which could look like a global shutter, but it was a very limited shutterspeed. (I think Hasselblad had 1/500 sec.)

[@markwang77]

in addition to opening a new world for flash, a global shutter helps eliminate 'flaws' when shooting fast moving objects (golf swing) and banding artifacts with artificial lights. it's allowing us to fully realize the power of digital photography and video without the previous constraints

[@truthseeker6804]

@@MiguelQuilesJr couldn't you achieve the same results by bumping your aperture to f4, 8, f11 etc?

[@MiguelQuilesJr]

Sure. It would look totally different at those aperture settings though.

[@ivarschiager8529]

I wait for OM-System to release an OM1 with GS, and this is why! I guess there will be an option to sync the camera to the t 0.1 peak of the flash to get most of the flash output in the exposure. This $30 speedlight doesn't have 1/80000sec, so, as I understand, you will have to match shutterspeed to the flashduration. (At least this is how it works for my Nikon D40.)

[@MiguelQuilesJr]

That's the hope! So far from my early testing it seems that because the GS can capture an image at an instant, all you need to do is manually sync the camera flash settings to line up with the output of the flash. I've tried it so far with 7 different flashes/speedlites, and in every situation it's been the same thing. Super exciting stuff!

[@youuuuuuuuuuutube]

@@MiguelQuilesJrThat's what I've been telling people, but they don't understand (most of them): the flash duration doesn't matter, there is a peak of power, and if the camera can make the capture at that exact instant, then you get the full amount of light for that particular frame.

[@darlingtoncd]

That's exactly what I thought.@@youuuuuuuuuuutube