That limited to 1/200 flash speed sync specification wasn't listed by the store or promo ads on the Nikon site, and I had no idea that such a thing was even an issue with these types of DSLR cameras. I had to dig deep into the manual to find it. I was kinda pissed off at being so limited. I have a 5mp P&S from 10 years ago that will do 1/2000 in manual mode using the built in flash no problem. I can't see how I'd be able to use a shutter speed of 1/4000 with no flash, unless I point it at the sun - which is something I'm sure isn't recommended. The best I can get is 1/1250 and that's on an insanely bright and sunny day, of course I'm using an ISO under 400, and little to none exposure compensation. Unless there's a damn good technical explanation for this limitation on the shutter speed, I see it as an inexcusable design defect. I questioned Nikon directly about it but got nothing. However, the pictures I've taken so far totally blow away anything I ever got with any of my previous P&S type cameras, so I can kind of forgive this limitation. Some of them are freaking amazing. I'm not about to give up on it, but I'll be looking for a camera that will do high speed flash sync.
I like taking all kinds of fast-paced action shots. Anything with fast motion is going to be a problem in low light, or without a flash. Cars, fast moving machinery, water, animals in motion - especially birds. I crank up the ISO but even with the noise reduction on I'll still get noise, and that doesn't compensate for the low shutter speed. I've been using software to correct for lighting issues, but I can only go so far with that.
This is why I was wondering if using a low-light lens with around f/1.8 will allow me to use a faster shutter speed under (more or less) normal lighting conditions.
At present, the best I can get with my AF-S DX 18-55mm G VR is f/3.5. I very rarely use auto mode, or any of the other modes. I use manual mode for almost all my pictures, and when I'm using a tripod I'll sometimes do a full manual focus.