High Speed Sync with Fujifilm X & Godox flash/trigger
A year ago I started using the High-Speed Sync technic with my Fujifilm X cameras.
At first, I was kind of a pain in the ass since there was no proper off-camera flash system for FujiX.
With some help from other X-photographers, I found a way around using the amazing Cactus V6II and shared it with everyone.
But nowadays things have changed! Godox has released the first trigger and flash with built-in trigger totally compatible with Fuji X camera. This is big for Fuji X photographers, for the very fist time we are able to use off-camera flash with 2.4Ghz radio trigger providing TTL, HSS and 2d curtain (rear) sync natively.
So it's now time to update my first article about High-Speed Sync shooting with Fuji X cameras and Godox flashes!
Note: I am focusing here on HSS, but the Godox flash/trigger system works also for TTL, Manual and 2d curtain sync.
Before getting into technical details, I am going to remind what is actually High-Speed Sync and why I love to use it for my professional work. If you've read this part in my first article, just scroll down...
What is HSS
Let’s keep it simple! High-speed Sync (HSS) is the ability for a camera to trigger a flash at a shutter speed faster than what it supposed to. Most cameras native flash speed sync is between 1/180th to 1/250th of a second. High-speed sync allows you to use shutter speeds up to 1/4000th or even 1/8000th of a second while the flash illuminates perfectly your subject. Meaning without any black stripes on the pictures.
Why using HSS?
Like said above, high-speed sync allows you to trigger a flash a very fast shutter speed. So why would you want to do that? Personally, I found four major benefits in using HSS.
FIRST:
I can use a flash outside, with the sun behind the subject and totally overcome it. Yes, that’s right! My model doesn't need to face the sun to avoid backlit and therefore get blind after 15 minutes…
SECOND:
Since I’m shooting at a very fast shutter speed (and low ISO) I can open my lenses at their widest aperture even in a bright sunny day without the need for ND filters.. That means I can have a shallow depth of field in any situation.
THIRD:
When using HSS properly, you can create a more dramatic effect to a scene. Meaning, it could be 3 pm and still be sunny outside but capturing a very dramatic after sunset look on the picture by simply underexposing the background.
FOURTH:
I tend to spend a lot less time editing my pictures. Usually I use the sun as backlight and the flash to fill in. So I basically expose for the background and compensate the subject with the flash. If the light is good, there is not so much editing needed. And the funniest part is that some people think the sky is heavily photoshopped. That’s what we call the fake sky effect...
How to use HSS with FujiX camera and Godox flashes
The answer is even more simple than before!
STEP 1
You will need to acquire the trigger Godox X1T-F or one of the flash with built-in trigger such as Godox TT350-F or Godox V860II-F.
STEP2
Depending on the Godox flash you already own or want to buy, you will have to update the firmware so they can recognize the FujiX signal from the camera.
Everythings is available on Godox website
- You would need to install the update software (G1 or G2) on a PC (it's not available on MacOS for the moment).
- Download the firmware for the flash you own.
- Plug the flash with a micro-usb cable (You might need to remove the battery first).
- Update your flash.
After that you should be able to use HSS, TTL and 2d curtain sync with most of FujiX cameras.
Here's the compatibility table provided by Godox to know which camera will work or not.
How to set up the Godox XT1-F with Fuji X-T2 and Godox AD200?
How to set up the TT350-F as a trigger?
Quick behind the scene video of my first photo shoot using the new Godox system.
Does it work with all Godox flashes?
Apparently, not all the flash are compatible with the X1T-F trigger. The most recent ones (AD200, AD600...) won't have any problem. At this stage, I've only been able to try with the AD200. Some people report the AD360 (version I) is not working. I hope Godox will release firmware update for all their flashes.
In the meantime, my friend Donal M. Falls found a solution for his legacy Godox flashes.
Check it out, it might be useful for you:
Godox X1T-F: Hypersync/Supersync Set Up
What about the Cactus V6II
So now that Godox has given us what any other brand could, what about the 3 Cactus V6II I own? Am I gonna sell them since I don't really need them anymore to shoot in HSS?
Actually not! Cactus has created amazing triggers. The new X-TTL firmware is super stable and works perfectly with FujiX camera. So I'm definitely gonna keep them. They could always be useful if I need to shoot with flashes from other brands. The cross-brand firmware works very well. I can also use them to shoot with studio flashes if I have the proper cable to plug them in. All in all, I won't use them as much as before, but I don't want to sell them.
Finally, you can look at the new HSS pictures I took since my previous article...
