Why the Highest Sync Speed?

I just wish my flash would sync at 1/1000 so I would not need as much flash power to overpower the sun when outside.

Wow, tons of information here in this thread. Thanks a bunch. I'm going to need some time to digest it all.

epatt250 wrote in post #5831498
I just wish my flash would sync at 1/1000 so I would not need as much flash power to overpower the sun when outside.

some cameras and flashes can do a "high speed sync" that fires off a lower power continues (relatively) light so that you can sync at up to 1/8000....but you need to have a commander to do that (i'm a nikon guy, so for me that means putting an sb800 on my d2x in commander mode then having a second sb800 in remote mode off camera)

epatt250 wrote in post #5831498
I just wish my flash would sync at 1/1000 so I would not need as much flash power to overpower the sun when outside.

newbie builder wrote in post #5832477
some cameras and flashes can do a "high speed sync" that fires off a lower power continues (relatively) light so that you can sync at up to 1/8000...

The problem with high speed sync is that it's less efficient than normal flash, because it's firing into a partially closed shutter. So using HSS actually requires more power and reduces your range, even though you can use a larger aperture with it.

Some cameras with CCD sensors and electronic shutters such as the Canon G9 can sync up to 1/1000.

Not it! On high speed sync.

The G9 sounds great though, does it accept both EF and EF-S lenses? (thats a rhetorical question and a joke btw)

Curtis N wrote in post #5833160
The problem with high speed sync is that it's less efficient than normal flash, because it's firing into a partially closed shutter. So using HSS actually requires more power and reduces your range, even though you can use a larger aperture with it.

True, a definite disadvantage that a shooter has to consider...the work I'm doing that I use high-speed sync for isn't fast moving action, it's people who are relatively stationary, so the slower recharge due to the flashes being on high power isn't a problem for me, but for some it might be.