Flash is a device which provides additional light to a scene. It can be used to help fill in a dark area of a photo, to provide light if there isn't sufficient light to begin with, or it can help to improve the composition of a particular photo, by creating your own source of light.
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5answers
4k views
What should I consider when choosing continuous lighting vs. strobes for studio photography?
If one were to want to get started with studio photography (I'm thinking things like portraits, headshots, perhaps pets, etc) what would be the considerations in choosing whether to go with continuous ...
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votes
3answers
945 views
Why does using my slave flash darken the image?
Why does my slave flash at full power actually seem to darken the image?
The camera (Lumix G1) is set to M-Mode, forced flash at -2, f6, 1/30s.
I set my external flash (Nissin Di466 FT) to slave mode ...
13
votes
3answers
446 views
What was my flash power?
When I am using a Canon flash in the E-TTL mode, how can I tell which flash power the E-TTL magic chose?
For example, if I got a correct exposure in the E-TTL mode, can I easily choose the same flash ...
14
votes
6answers
2k views
Which cameras can sync at faster than 1/250?
I am told that certain (mostly older) DSLRs can sync (i.e. successfully work with flash) at shutter speeds faster than 1/250 of a second.
Which makes / models can do this?
Update
Thank you for ...
8
votes
3answers
632 views
Which is faster for flashes, radio triggers or optical triggers?
Assuming you have a line of sight to all your flashes and both methods will trigger the flashes with 100% reliability, is it faster to use radio triggers or optical triggers to set them off? Or put in ...
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vote
1answer
525 views
Cheapish wireless trigger for a Nissin Di866 on a Nikon D60
I'm looking for a cheapish solution to triggering an off-camera flash. The camera is a Nikon D60 and the Flash a Nissin Di866 Pro.
So far I have not been able to find a suitable trigger. I'm hoping ...
7
votes
3answers
812 views
Metering - How to account for the light from the flash
I pretty much use Manual mode (in my Nikon D40) and learning quite a lot from it. Though I understand "Metering" for correct exposure, I've trouble understanding it while using Flash (both in-built as ...
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votes
5answers
433 views
Any suggestions on a ringlight flash for my new Canon 100mm 2.8 macro?
Just to let it be known, I want the following:
ETTL Support
The lens has a 58mm thread.
I don't care alot about extra features, and for the flash, I don't mind getting any kind of an off brand. I ...
6
votes
3answers
416 views
Why does my external flash use Ni-Cd and Ni-Mh batteries so quickly?
I've recently purchased a Canon 430EX II to use with my 550D and it's great but I'm having battery issues.
I've been trying to use 2× 800mAh Ni-Cd and 2× 2500 mAh Ni-Mh (all rechargeables, the 800mAh ...
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vote
4answers
232 views
Why do I have shutter lag when shooting flash in manual mode?
Why does my D40 have a shutter lag when using flash in full manual mode? There isn't a lag when shooting in any of the auto modes.
EDIT:
I'm shooting in single shot mode. It is a constant lag ...
10
votes
5answers
2k views
Cheap secondhand off-camera flash with manual power controls?
I have a Canon 500D and am not overly a fan of portrait shots, but thought I might give it a go with a few simple setup scenes. External lighting would be useful, but the good stuff is very expensive, ...
7
votes
3answers
229 views
Etymology of “flash gun”
I used the term "flash-gun" today in front of some non-photographers, and they looked at me blankly.
"Why," they wanted to know "is it called a flash-gun, and not just a flash? How is it anything ...
5
votes
5answers
366 views
What is needed for a photoshoot in a concert?
I have been invited to take some photos from an ensemble in a conservatory. I do photography a lot, but mostly outdoors and this is going to be my first experience.
I have a Canon 50D with 2 lenses: ...
10
votes
2answers
341 views
Why does exposure compensation have no effect with my hotshoe flash?
Taking photos with my Canon XTi and 550ex. Camera exposure compensation did not seem to effect the exposures. I figured out I needed to use the on-flash exposure comp.
But the flash output is ...
5
votes
3answers
2k views
What is the best way to trigger a canon 550 EX speedlite in a studio
I want to try my hand at off camera flash for some indoor portraits. How should I trigger the speedlite (Canon 550ex)? Should I go for wired/wireless? What's the difference between TTL cable an PC ...
4
votes
3answers
726 views
What is the difference between a hard plastic and soft material flash diffuser?
As far as image results go, what is the difference between a hard plastic diffuser and a soft material diffuser?
Also, as far as usability goes, does one last longer and/or create fewer problems than ...
11
votes
3answers
658 views
Does a flash work well with regular alkaline batteries?
In doing research prior to purchasing my first flash for my DSLR system I have come across a wealth of information, including this post that outlined many great points in selecting the best ...
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votes
4answers
4k views
When should you use a normal flash vs a second-curtain flash?
There have been many questions lately that focus on improving the quality of the image taken, where the answers circle around using a second-curtain flash to reduce blur and freeze motion.
Why not ...
12
votes
4answers
866 views
What can I expect in upgrading from built in flash to using a speedlight?
In pursuit of my low light photography passion I an considering purchasing a speed light. because I am so new to photography I am unsure of what the results will be using a speed light flash instead ...
16
votes
3answers
5k views
How do I predict exposure when using flash?
So I've got the basics down for the exposure triangle, but sometimes you just need to add more light to the room and the flash can be the most convenient way of doing that. The problem is that the ...
4
votes
2answers
2k views
Why is there a preflash from a built-in flash when using remote flash only?
When using Nikon D7000 with an off-camera SB600 (which cannot be used as commander) in TTL mode, the built-in flash must be opened to make it work (to serve as a commander), even if this built-in ...
10
votes
4answers
577 views
What remote flash triggers can you recommend, on a budget?
I'm looking for a remote flash trigger for my canon DSLR. I know that I'm going to hear Pocket Wizard or other similarly-priced options, but I'm looking for something a bit cheaper. At a minimum, I ...
6
votes
1answer
3k views
When would you use CTS (Straw) gel instead of CTO?
The Roscolux sampler pack contains several strengths of both CTO (Color Temperature Orange) and CTS (Color Temperature Straw?). The CTS seems to be a bit yellower than CTO.
What situations would you ...
12
votes
4answers
584 views
How do you carry flash gels?
I recently obtained a Rosco swatch book with about a million different speedlight-sized gels. However, the gels are hard to use while still attached. Before I break them apart, I want to make sure I ...
7
votes
5answers
676 views
Wide-angle flash for outdoor nights, or poorly-lit ballrooms
I am trying to think of good techniques that can capture the full vibrant scene of outdoor night or poorly-lit events at wide angles.
In my previous experiences, flash fitted with wide-angle plate or ...
17
votes
9answers
2k views
Prime lens or flash: which upgrade will most improve baby photos?
I current own a Nikon D5000 with kit lens (18-55mm f/3.5-5.6) and am looking to take better indoor photos of my fast-moving 9-month-old, which sometimes come out blurred or not natural I use the ...
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vote
1answer
433 views
Using an older film flashgun with a modern digial camera
I've read from many sources that film flashguns won't work with newer digital cameras due to voltage differences and timing differences (and trying may in fact damage my camera), however I have heard ...
5
votes
2answers
1k views
Can i use my old Canon Speedlite 2777T with my new 5D Mark II
Actually it's my dad's lens that he bought many many moons ago to use with his old Canon T70. I dont have a flash but have borrowed his to try out, but he mentioned that some flashes will send too ...
3
votes
4answers
400 views
CLS to work with third-party Ring Flash?
I was new to this CLS technology from Nikon and wanting to make full use of this technology. Unfortunately recently I just bought a Sunpak ring flash and it does not support CLS function. May I know ...
4
votes
1answer
757 views
What third party Speedlites work best with Canon?
I am currently picking out a flash (speedlite) for Canon XSI. There is a number of third party flashes available from manufacturers other than Canon. They all claim to be Canon compatible but I have ...
7
votes
4answers
269 views
How do I start using a hotshoe flash?
I've just been given a Sigma EF-500 DG ST flash unit. I've not really had much experience using flash. How can I get started? Are there any good learning resources?
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votes
2answers
687 views
Why do flashes make a whistling sound when recycling?
When recycling, some flashes make a whistling sound, going from low to high frequency for a few seconds. After a more intensive flash, the sound is more intense as well.
What is the source of this ...
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vote
2answers
391 views
Looking for a remote flash trigger for Sony
can anyone recommend a wireless flash set up for Sony A200 camera/Sony F58-AM flash unit?
Thanks
2
votes
1answer
256 views
Which Better Beamer model for the Sigma EF-530 DG Super Flash
I'm looking to order a Better Beamer flash extender for my Sigma EF-530 DG Super flash however, I can't find which model would fit it. Anyone can point me to the right model?
Thanks
7
votes
3answers
673 views
When should I use Flash Exposure Lock (FEL)?
I know that this function calculate the flash output required for a shot and store it in memory. When and why would you use this function in the real life.
Thanks,
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votes
2answers
987 views
Creating silhouettes in a studio environment
The trick to creating silhouettes in the field, as far as I know, is to use spot-metering and to expose for the background. However, this is a bit more difficult in a studio environment. What is the ...
8
votes
3answers
4k views
How many watt-seconds do regular battery-powered flashes have?
I'd like to know how do battery-powered system flashes compare to studio units in terms of light output.
I know that AlienBees B400 has 400 "effective" Ws, and that Canon Speedlite 580EX II has ...
15
votes
3answers
721 views
Why is it important to move the flash away from the camera?
I've read that it's not the quality of your camera, but the quality of the lighting that make pictures really good. That is probably not always true, though - there are many crappy cameras out there. ...
6
votes
1answer
110 views
image metadata - flash mode values
the 'flash mode' is saved in the image meta-data as a number, what does every value mean in words? How can it be parsed? is their any documentation for this?
2
votes
2answers
238 views
What does optional-TTL mean?
I have a Sunpak PF30x on a Nikon D40. When I take pictures with the Sunpak flash, I notice the image data has "Optional-TTL" as the flash mode.
2
votes
1answer
133 views
My Flash doesn't Flash
I have a Sunpak PF30x on a Nikon D40. I just put in new batteries and the flash worked great for two shots. After that, the flash doesn't pop. I tried turning the camera off and the flash off then ...
18
votes
3answers
5k views
What does TTL mean?
I'm new to photography and I see the term TTL all over the place. What does it mean? And how do I use it to make my pictures better?
3
votes
3answers
714 views
What is a good off-camera flash for a Nikon D40?
I have a Nikon D40 and would like to start taking pictures with the flash off the camera. The D40 doesn't have a commander in it. So what can I do? Do I need two flashes? One with a commander in it ...
9
votes
4answers
4k views
What is the best external flash for Nikon beginner?
I have read a lot about the SB-800/SB-900 but I am on a low budget (around ~120$). Is there an external flash that I can have to start learning to use it? I do not want absolutely TTL compatibility so ...
9
votes
6answers
2k views
Can a Nikon/Canon flash be used on the other brand of camera
I was just thinking about this problem and was wondering if anyone knew if/how to use a competing flash unit (EX or SB series) on a nikon or canon (respectively) camera. I would assume a lot of the ...
5
votes
2answers
451 views
Why does my 420EX Speedlite sometimes fail to start up?
I have a Canon 420EX Speedlite that sometimes won't start up. When it's not working, it behaves as if it didn't have any batteries in it... just totally dead. The odd thing is, it doesn't seem to be ...
4
votes
1answer
356 views
More powerful battery for on camera flash on Canon 5dMkII
I don't shoot weddings or enough events a year to warrant forking out the money for a full Quantum flash/battery yet.
I am trying to decide if I should either go ahead and get the Quantum battery ...
14
votes
0answers
851 views
Which AA rechargeable batteries work best for Nikon SB-600 speedlight?
I am interested what is your experience with this speedlight with regards to the type of batteries you use.
Can you recommend the batteries providing shortest recycle time and max number of flashes?
12
votes
2answers
5k views
How can I get a black background in daylight using flash sync speed with no extra gear?
I have seen sports photography where the background is completely wiped out (black) during daylight. I'm trying to achieve a similar (pure black background) effect with no extra gear, just a DSLR ...
6
votes
3answers
316 views
Flashgun for Nikon D60 and F5
So, I'm a massive fan of Nikon gear. I've got a D60 which is pretty lovely, and I've recently bought a 2nd hand F5.
However. The flash on the D60 is feeble, and there's no builtin flash on the F5. ...
