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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Question about Flashes...
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09/16/2003 04:27:57 PM · #1
My camera has a hot-shoe mount for a flash. (Of course, it also has the built-in flash.) What is the use of a good flash? Should I consider getting one? When/how should it be used?

What features should I look for in a flash?
09/16/2003 04:37:27 PM · #2
While it obviously varies from camera to camera, I've found that the built in flash is sufficient for simple close up shots, but not much more than that. A good flash gives you a lot of versatility. You can adjust the number of flashes, the frequency, and fill lighting on the whole is much better. Having a good flash on hand is always a good idea, but not always necessary. Typically, I use the flash when I need a higher shutter speed, and an increased aperture value, and yield too dark an image otherwise. A worthwhile flash, will usually run about 500 bucks, but you get what you pay for. If you take a lot of pictures in low light conditions, or have moving subjects, then I'd say its definitely a good purchase.
09/16/2003 05:12:46 PM · #3
I was just checking into flashes today and came across this very useful information.
Flash Basics

I didn't even know what a "dedicated" flash was until I read this.
09/16/2003 05:25:48 PM · #4
Most decent external flashes have a tilt (and maybe swivel) head which allows you to bounce the flash off the ceiling, walls etc. This gives a much more diffuse, gentle lighting effect. With built-in flashes, you get a choice of one direction for the flash - head-on which is not very flattering for portraits and too harsh for most other subjects.

External flashes tend to be more powerful, too, giving you a longer range. On my camera, at least, my external flash does a better job of metering the shot than the built-in flash does.

You can use a flash to quite drastically alter the scene you're shooting. My Ruddy Darter from the recent 'Insects' challenge was taken outside, in fairly bright sunlight but because I used a combination of high shutter speed/small aperture (effectively underexposing the shot) and then 'spotlit' the subject with the flash, you get a quite different effect.

HTH
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