Flashguns

[Bayla]

I've saved up some money in order to buy a flashgun for my Canon 300D. I just wondered if anyone had any specific recommendations?

Bayla

[Codebreaker]

I use a Canon 420EX and have no complaints. I'd advise buying a diffuser to use as well. I have one made by Stofen.

Colin

[Bayla]

Thanks Colin.

I think the Canon 420EX has been replaced by the Canon 430EX. What are the reasons for using a diffuser?

Bayla

[jo]

My neighbor/photographer uses a coffee filter as a diffuser. :rolleyes:

[Codebreaker]

The diffuser produces a softer light so for some shots you can avoid harsh shadows.

Take a look here....

http://www.stofen.com/Info/HowItWorks.htm

Colin

[Wendy]

Hi Bayla ...

I went for the Speedlite 550EX as it had FEC compensation.


Wendy :)

[Bayla]

Wendy,

OK. Here comes the obvious question....what on earth is FEC compensation & what advantages does it give you?

Bayla

[Codebreaker]

Bayla....

I hope Wendy doesn't mind me jumping in here :)

FEC is Flash Exposure Compensation. Essentially its a setting on a Flash or Camera that lets you tweak the automatic exposure that was calculated.

The Flash or Camera may not always get it right and the image could come out under exposed (or over exposed). FEC lets you dial in some compensation to add or subtract a stop or two.


Colin

[kImages]

Colin is right on with the FEC explanation. Even thought the flash is calibrated to the specific model camera there are times (especially when zooming in very close) that the flash will be too bright and you'll need to knock it down a level or two. Same thought as when you are photographing groups and you have to back up a foot or two you need to bump up the amount of flash produced to adequately light the whole group.

The other important thing is that a flash bracket is very useful too. My issue was taking portrait photos and the flash would be coming in from the side of the person leaving me with goofy shadows. The bracket allows you to flip the flash and keep it above the camera at all times.

You know once you head down this path there is no turning back!:D

[Wendy]

Hi Bayla ...

The 300D doesn't have FEC compensation so having it on the flash allows you to do the compensation that way.

Also I seem to remember when I was deciding which one to get the 550EX could be used as Master with a Slave Unit and the other couldn't. I didn't need it at the time but thought that I might at some time in the future :)

Wendy

[LeeOtsubo]

The 550EX is what I recommend to all amateurs using Canon dSLR. It's been replaced by the 580EX but the 580 is overkill for most people. There are still many stores with 550EX in stock and they're cheaper than the 580EX.

The 550EX and 420EX work well together in a master/slave configuration. I use the 420EX as a hair light and the 550EX as the main light.

The most useful flash accessory (after the Stofen Omnibounce) is an Off Camera Shoe Cord (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=12972&is=REG&addedTroughType=search). It's a bit pricey but it allows you to connect the flash to the camera and hold the flash off to the side. Holding the flash off to the side reduces harsh shadows and allows for more creative lighting.

[johnfranklin]

Colin is right on with the FEC explanation. Even thought the flash is calibrated to the specific model camera there are times (especially when zooming in very close) that the flash will be too bright and you'll need to knock it down a level or two. Same thought as when you are photographing groups and you have to back up a foot or two you need to bump up the amount of flash produced to adequately light the whole group.
:D

It's all about "Kentucky Windage"! Once upon a time, um dare I say it, when people put film in cameras, we lied to our cameras, shamelessly, and with malice aforethought. We simply told the camera (or the flashgun)that the film was faster or slower than the box said, and viola! Instant FEC! 2X the film speed rating = 1 stop underexposed. 1/2 X the film speed rating 1 stop overexposed. You can lie to digital cameras too, I believe.

[Bayla]

Thanks to everyone for their input.....

Well I managed to get a nearly new, mint condition, only used a few times 550EX (including Omnibounce) from Ebay for about half the price of a brand new one:) (It's owner had had her camera stolen & replaced it with a different make so didn't need the flashgun anymore)

Tried it out a bit last night and am very impressed so far, though I could do with a class in how to use it to it's full ability....

Bayla

[Wendy]

Bayla ...

Oh that was a great find .. I am sure that once you get used to using it you will love it :)

Wendy

[lowbone]

The 430EX is a nice unit but if you are planning to shoot in a large area you will need more power and then I would recommend the 580EX

[lowbone]

Read the manual, it explains everything you will want to know.

[Wendy]

Lowbone ......

Bayla has just said that she bought the 550 EX

Wendy

[LeeOtsubo]

I don't know about the 580EX but my 550EX and 420EX both came with typical Canon manuals, written by bad-English speaking Japanese engineers who had stayed up too late with too many bottles of sake. :D

The definitive work on Canon EOS flash system can be found here (http://photonotes.org/articles/eos-flash/). DO NOT attempt to read and absorb this entire article in one sitting. Your brain will turn to mush, your teeth will fall out and you will end up looking like "Yoda" of Star Wars fame. :D

[Bayla]

Lee,

Thanks for that link. I've bookmarked it for a quiet day (ho!ho!ho!) I've also found that all Canon manuals are either too wordy & impossible to understand or simply lacking in words, merely diagrams! (& I'm speaking from experience having a Canon SLR, a Canon dSLR, a Canon scanner, a Canon printer & a Canon camcorder!)

Bayla

PS. And it is the 550EX I bought......