HyperSync
| Next recommended reading: High Speed Sync |
Contents
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| The information on this page is potentially changing hour by hour or day by day as authors are actively generating content. This could be due to a recently improved feature or announcement, or as the result of a large body of behind-the-scenes work coming to fruition. We appreciate your patience as we work hard to bring the best information to you as quickly as we can. |
On this page you will find everything you need to know about HyperSync®, and how to make it a valuable tool you can rely on.
In the sections below you will be introduced to the main principles of HyperSync and how you might use it in your own photography. There are links to additional pages with in-depth information explaining how HyperSync works, how to set up your radios for HyperSync, and some example images illustrating the results you can expect.
What is HyperSync?
HyperSync is a feature exclusive to PocketWizard radios that allows you to shoot at speeds faster than your cameras X-Sync while using studio strobes.
Unlike HSS/Auto-FP (High Speed Sync) which allows speedlights to sync up to 1/8000th with pulsed light, HyperSync uses precise timing to capture the most flash energy in the frame. If you are curious about how HyperSync works on a more scientific level and how it differs from HSS, the Understanding HyperSync and High Speed Sync page provides an in-depth look at how these features work.
HyperSync Setup
HyperSync timing adjustments can only be calculated by our ControlTL line of transmitters (MiniTT1 and FlexTT5), but can be used by any of our Standard or ControlTL receivers.
Depending on what you are photographing and what equipment you are using there are several different ways to optimize your radios. Visit the HyperSync Setup page to learn how to use the HyperSync/HSS Tab located in the PocketWizard Utility to configure your radios for optimal HyperSync performance with your photo equipment.
When to Use HyperSync
HyperSync has been available since just after the introduction of the MiniTT1 and FlexTT5, but we have found that there are still many photographers who don’t know how HyperSync can help them. Below are three of the most common uses of/reasons to use HyperSync.
Freezing Action
The ability to use flash above your cameras X-Sync (in some cases up to 1/8000th!) allows you to freeze action like never before. With HyperSync you can light fast moving subjects without worrying about motion blur; be it on the sports field, dance floor, or in the studio.
Overpowering the Sun
When using HyperSync you can reduce the ambient light apparent in your photograph by using higher shutter speeds, but still achieve sync with studio strobes. This means in bright sunlight you can darken the ambient light in the background. Being able to achieve higher shutter speeds also allows you to use a wider aperture. A wider aperture allows for a shallower depth of field. More control over both the ambient light and the depth of field means more creative control for you in any situation.
More Power
Photographers have been able to reach shutter speeds of 1/8000th with speedlites with HSS/Auto-FP for years, but one of the biggest differences between HSS and HyperSync is power. Studio strobes are able to provide much more flash power. This gives the option of lighting larger subjects at higher shutter speeds with the flash further away.
White Wall vs. Real World
Here are some examples of white wall HyperSync performance for specific camera and flash combinations. Select your camera from one of the grids below to get started. More combinations will be coming in the future!
Please note that white wall performance is presented so you can see what is happening in the harshest and most clinical conditions for HyperSync. White wall performance is often not representative of what HyperSync can do for your photography in real-world conditions. We present the white wall images because it is impossible to recreate every real-world situation photographically, nor can every photographer’s level of acceptability be captured scientifically.
| Canon 1D X | Canon 7D | Canon 70D | Canon Rebel T5i (700D) |
| Canon 1D Mark IV | Canon 6D | Canon 60D | Canon Rebel T5 (1200D) |
| Canon 1Ds Mark III | Canon 5D Mark III | Canon 50D | Canon Rebel SL1 (650D) |
| Canon 1D Mark III | Canon 5D Mark II | Canon 40D | Canon Rebel T4i (650D) |
| Canon 1Ds Mark II | Canon 5D | Canon 30D | Canon Rebel T3i (600D) |
| Canon 1D Mark II N | Canon 20D | Canon Rebel T3 (110D) | |
| Canon 1D Mark II | Canon Rebel T2i (550D) | ||
| Canon Rebel T1i (500D) | |||
| Canon Rebel XSi (450D) | |||
| Canon Rebel XTi (400D) | |||
| Canon Rebel XT (350D) | |||
| Canon Rebel XS (1000D) |
| Nikon D4S | Nikon D810 | Nikon D7100 | Nikon Df |
| Nikon D4 | Nikon D800 | Nikon D7000 | |
| Nikon D3x | Nikon D800E | Nikon D5300* | Nikon D90 |
| Nikon D3s | Nikon D700 | Nikon D5200* | Nikon D80 |
| Nikon D3 | Nikon D610 | Nikon D5100* | Nikon D40x* |
| Nikon D2x | Nikon D600 | Nikon D5000* | Nikon D40* |
| Nikon D300s | Nikon D3300* | ||
| Nikon D300 | Nikon D3200* | ||
| Nikon D200 | Nikon D3100* | ||
| Nikon D3000* |
* These cameras do not support HyperSync or HSS/FP-Sync operation: D5300, D5200, D5100, D5000, D3300, D3200, D3100, D3000, D40x, D40
| Don't see your gear? |
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| We have paused our HyperSync testing and PDF production for the time being. We may be adding more results to the wiki as they become available. Check back in the future. |
Configuring HyperSync
HyperSync requires at least one ControlTL radio like the MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 to serve as the transmitter. Receiving radios may be ControlTL radios like the FlexTT5, PowerMC2, or PowerST4, or Standard Channel radios like the MultiMAX, Plus II, Plus III, or PlusX.
Setting up your radios for HyperSync is easy with a few quick adjustments in the PocketWizard Utility. Choose your radios below and follow the links to detailed instructions.
| MiniTT1 or FlexTT5 transmitter, FlexTT5 and AC9 AlienBees Adapter receiver | Transmitter Setup | Receiver Setup |
| MiniTT1 or FlexTT5 transmitter, PowerMC2 receiver | Transmitter Setup | Receiver Setup |
| MiniTT1 or FlexTT5 transmitter, PowerST4 receiver | Transmitter Setup | Receiver Setup |
| MiniTT1 or FlexTT5 transmitter, FlexTT5 P2 Port receiver | Transmitter Setup | Receiver Setup |
| MiniTT1 or FlexTT5 transmitter, Standard Channel receiver (Plus II, Plus III, PlusX, MultiMAX) | Transmitter Setup | Receiver Setup |
