High Speed Sync (HSS) is a specialized flash technology that allows you to use your flash at shutter speeds faster than your camera's native sync speed (often 1/200s or 1/250s). Because HSS requires a fast, pulsing light output to cover the sensor's movements, it changes how the flash operates.
Functionality and Overrides
When you activate HSS via a compatible Profoto Air Remote or Connect trigger, it automatically takes priority over specific flash discharge modes. This means that if your flash is set to ECO, BOOST, or FREEZE mode, these settings will be temporarily overridden while HSS is in use.
- FREEZE Mode: This mode is designed to provide the shortest possible flash duration to stop action at normal sync speeds. Since HSS requires a continuous-like pulsing light, it is technically incompatible with the ultra-short flash durations used in FREEZE mode.
- ECO & BOOST Modes: These modes manage power recycling speeds and color stability. When HSS is engaged, the flash adjusts its energy distribution and firing pattern to ensure high-speed compatibility, bypassing the standard ECO or BOOST parameters.
What to Expect
You do not need to manually disable your flash modes when switching to HSS; your Profoto gear is designed to handle this transition seamlessly. Once HSS is deactivated (by lowering your shutter speed back to the camera's native sync range), the flash will automatically return to your previously selected mode, whether it was ECO, BOOST, or FREEZE.
For the best results using HSS, ensure your Profoto Air Remote and your Flash Unit are updated with the latest firmware to maintain optimal communication and performance.
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