Any thoughts on this flash unit?

08/01/2010 07:44:03 PM · #1

Look, I'm poor, and I have a horrible low paying job. So the official flashes from Sony are a little out of my price range but I was browsing for stuff I don't need on Amazon just now and saw that this flash was compatible with my camera

//www.amazon.com/Bower-Economical-Dedicated-Digital-Cameras/dp/B001O81FNS/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_t

Now I know this won't allow me to take life changing, award winning photos, but it has to be better than the built in pop up flash? What I want is a flash that will allow to shoot faster than 1/160 which is the fastest the built in flash allows. Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

08/01/2010 07:56:22 PM · #2

If your pop-up flash only allows 1/160 then that must be your cameras sync speed and you are limited to that unless you have a flash that will do HSS (High Speed Sync).

The sync speed of your camera is the speed at which shutters of your camera are fully open. After taht speed (1/160) you will start to see black bars across the image.

Message edited by author 2010-08-01 19:57:57.

08/01/2010 08:07:34 PM · #3

Ah ok. Didn't know all that. Thanks for the reply.

08/02/2010 02:02:52 AM · #4

Kent,

If you are wanting to get into off-camera flash you could look at the following flashes. Whilst they won't work on your camera they will work fine for off-camera lighting.

YN 460 II

YN 560

I think this flash can be triggered from your onboard flash (just turn it right down to be fill flash) or the use of a trigger and receiver (below) would be the alternative.

I personally like this trigger but they don't make it for Sony that I can see

RF 602

So you would probably have to go with one of these but you would need to look into this carefully, make sure that the trigger can go on the Sony camera but that the receiver will suit a Canon/Nikon/etc flash:

Sony Trigger

08/02/2010 05:21:10 PM · #5

Cool thanks for the info. I am actually looking at buying this: //www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/800715741-USE/Nikon_9670_D60_SE_SLR_Digital.html

I'm pretty sure I can sweet talk the wife into buying this for me since it's cheaper than the fisheye lens from Sony I was looking at for my Alpha. Any thoughts or comments on this D60?

08/02/2010 06:04:00 PM · #6

I shoot with a canon but if I was to go Nikon I would start with nothing lower than a D90 (or a D80 if you can get hold of a good secondhand one). Whilst I don't know a lot about Nikons I understand that the lower models (D40, D60, etc) do not have a lens motor in the body which will restrict which lenses can be purchased in the future.

The D90 would be a great camera that you would have for many many years whereas you may wish to upgrade the D60 to soon.

Just my 2 cents.

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

08/03/2010 01:13:05 AM · #7

Yeah one of my buddies bought a D90 recently and I tried to run off with the camera when he let me mess with it. (He caught me before I made it to my car) I guess I'll keep on saving and eventually move up to something like that. I do like my Sony, its been a great camera to learn with. Thanks for all the help RamblinR

chromeydome

Nikon D7000

08/03/2010 01:22:09 AM · #8

Another vote for the D90. I upgraded to it from the d80, significant difference. It will serve me well until the full frame D700 or equiv gets within my price range someday

08/03/2010 02:06:24 AM · #9

Kent,

You could still purchase the flash and trigger I showed you.
Get a flash that will suit a Nikon (if that is what you will purchase later)
Either of the ones above are fine if using off-camera with a trigger.
Just get the trigger for your sony.

The trigger is quite cheap and you would be able to get going with it now and sell the trigger with your camera in the future as an extra and simply replace with an RF-602 or equivalent for your new camera then.

Get into it. You will love off-camera flash!!!!

Message edited by author 2010-08-03 02:10:24.

08/03/2010 02:13:44 AM · #10

You can get a cheap umbrella here

Umbrella

And someone on the site has already been advising where to get cheap 5in1 reflectors.

Use the flash and umbrella on your tripod (this will get you started) and the reflector for some fill and your on your way.

You can make some DIY grids for the flash and other this which will cost next to nothing.

Have I got you excited yet???

08/03/2010 02:15:29 AM · #11

Yeah I'm hoping this friday when I get paid I can try and get that trigger and start experimenting with the flashes. It's been rough times lately with everything going on here at home though. I'm supposed to go to a local photo store tomorrow where a friend works and see what kind of price they would give me on my Sony equipment, but it's still looking to be a while before I can upgrade. Well see what happens and I'll keep you all posted on what the store offers me.

*Added you as a favorite Ramblin ;)

Message edited by author 2010-08-03 02:16:39.

08/03/2010 02:17:50 AM · #12

Originally posted by RamblinR:

Have I got you excited yet???

You have me very excited

Message edited by author 2010-08-03 02:24:49.

08/03/2010 02:56:09 AM · #13

If you're happy with your Sony for now then work with it and save for a new camera for the future.

Try to purchase things that will be suitable for the camera of the future as well so you won't be buying twice.

If you get a Nikon or a Canon (I would recommend one of these but that's just me) then buy a dedicated flash for that camera when you can as they are always handy for fill light and bouncing light from the camera. The off-camera flash, umbrella, light stand, 5in1 reflectors, etc, can all be used with your new camera later also so you won't have wasted your money. It's just the current trigger that you will have to replace but at least you can get started now.

Cheers