Speedlite 550ex flash question - DPChallenge Forums

02/11/2005 11:45:44 AM · #1

I've been lucky enough to recently be able to buy myself a Speedlite 550EX flash to go with my 300D.

I've never had a dedicated flash before and am a bit daunted by all the different modes etc.

It seems like High Speed Sync (HSS) is what I'm going to be using as a default because it will allow me to use whatever shutter speed I like and still use the flash for fill etc. Is that correct?

Also the flash manual says, (Pg. 32), that when HSS is selected the flash symbol and the letter H is displayed in the viewfinder.

With my setup that symbol appears in the display on the back of the flash, but Not in the viewfinder. Is this correct?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Mr_Pants

SiPix Blink

02/11/2005 12:13:28 PM · #2

I haven't got the 550EX, I've got the Sigma 500, but I believe that the camera acts the same with both. When the flash is attached and switched on, a little flash symbol appears in the lower left of the viewfinder. When FP mode is enabled on the flash, a little 'H' appears next to this symbol.

02/11/2005 12:29:37 PM · #3

Thanks, I need to be presise here. FP mode is high speed sync right?

When I attach the flash and switch it on the flash symbol does appear in the viewfinder. If I enable FP mode, nothing else appears, in the viewfinder.

The flash and H symbol appears on the back of the flash only.

Mr_Pants

SiPix Blink

02/11/2005 12:41:27 PM · #4

Originally posted by Blackdog:

I don't know why you don't get the little 'H' in the viewfinder - maybe someone else does. If, however, you can take a picture using the flash at, say 1/1000 secs. and everything's exposed properly, then I'd guess that high speed sync mode (yes, FP) works OK.

I'm not helping much, am I?

soup

Canon EOS-30D

02/11/2005 12:54:14 PM · #5

once you turn on high speed sync, AND set the shutter above 1/200th you'll see the H in the viewfinder...

it's not using high speed sync until the shutter is over the Xsync speed of 1/200th

02/11/2005 01:05:12 PM · #6

Thanks soup, that's relief, thought there was something wrong with it there...

Thanks also to AJAger, yes you did help.

Message edited by author 2005-02-11 13:05:46.

floyd

Canon EOS-5D

02/11/2005 01:16:18 PM · #7

More importantly you shouldn't be using high speed sync mode unless you really need to. For a start it'll eat your batteries at a hell of a rate.

I was recently in a similar position to you. I bought a Speedlite 420ex which is the baby brother of yours but has similar capabilities but less buttons. Someone (Gordon or Setz, I forget which) pointed me at the following website where you can read ALL about how flashes work and when and how to use them.

//photonotes.org/articles/eos-flash/

It's long but worth reading through. Helped me a lot.

I'm still getting to grips with how to use my flash most effectively, though. There's no substitute for experience I guess.

John

soup

Canon EOS-30D

02/11/2005 01:27:56 PM · #8

the flash is also going to rely on the ambient light being enough to expose the scene in high speed sync. so the flash is'nt going to fire powerful enough to actually light your subject. you'll have to expose according the camera meter.

Originally posted by floyd:

More importantly you shouldn't be using high speed sync mode unless you really need to. For a start it'll eat your batteries at a hell of a rate.

02/11/2005 01:37:06 PM · #9

OK, now I know that I know nothing about flash photography!

Thanks for the link floyd, that's some lengthy article but I will read it all and remember some of it...

soup, your last comment baffles me, (refer to the first line of this comment), perhaps after I've read the article I will understand it, if not I'll be back!

Thanks again for your time and trouble to help a fellow picture taker.

PS Like the portfolios floyd, soup, particulat favs being: Grampa and Cloud break over the grand pier.

GoldBerry

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

02/11/2005 02:20:12 PM · #10

when it doubt use the full auto mode :-)

soup

Canon EOS-30D

02/11/2005 02:57:04 PM · #11

if in high speed sync, the camera meter is at 2 stops under proper exposure, and you snap the photo expecting the flash to compensate for the lack of light - you will be disappointed.

floyd

Canon EOS-5D