Is this possible? Flash question

08/16/2005 12:09:43 AM · #1

I have the Sony 717 and I have the Sony HVL 1000 flash which works well for it. If I want more coverage, say for a larger indoor group shot of 20 or so people, is it possible to buy another flash that will go off when my other one flashes? I know there are some that are set off by the other flash going off. I was thinking about buying a diffuser for both flashes and purchasing the extra off-camera flash.

If so, does the timing of the two flashes work okay together? I mean, the flash that gets set off by the first flash...it's not too far behind? I hope this question makes sense!

If all this is possible, what kind of flash would I be looking for? Any specific "names" or types I should be pricing?

08/16/2005 12:13:44 AM · #2

You would be looking a slave flash, which goes off when it senses another flash going off. The only problem is if someone else is using a flash they would also set it off. If it's a studio condition you have nothing to worry about.

I believe there are modules you can place on some cameras that will activate a # of flashes, but not sure if they are compatible with the Sony.

Edit: Love the Sony HVL 1000 flash.

Message edited by author 2005-08-16 00:16:46.

08/16/2005 12:25:02 AM · #3

Slave flash...that's what I was looking for, thanks. I'm not too concerned with other flashes because I would be using it mostly for large group wedding shots after the ceremony. There may be other flashes, but as long as it doesn't set the camera off I don't care if the flash goes off again.

08/16/2005 12:26:55 AM · #4

They have some with radio signals, so I believe only the camera with the same frequency would set it off.

jab119

08/16/2005 12:32:55 AM · #5

I just picked up a couple of these today

MS-1 Slave flash

I used a gift card that was for my B-day to get some stuff at wolf. I have read good things about them, but Im still trying to figure them out.

James

08/16/2005 12:37:29 AM · #6

Originally posted by jab119:

Wow, cheap.

08/16/2005 12:39:16 AM · #7

I noticed some flashes come with "guide numbers." Is this an output measure of some kind for the flash?

Sony DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 Aspherical ED Zoom Lens for Sony Alpha

08/16/2005 02:17:07 AM · #8

Originally posted by jpochard:

I noticed some flashes come with "guide numbers." Is this an output measure of some kind for the flash?

Yup, The higher the guide number, the greater the strength of the flash. If it's too powerful of a flash you may need to look into covers like omnibounce, etc to soften the lighting especially for portait type shots.

kiwinick

Sony DSLR-A550

08/16/2005 02:40:10 AM · #9

The Starblitz 2800DSF iis also a good buy, it was designed for digital, I have one and they are an excellent unit.

cbonsall

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM for Canon

08/16/2005 04:55:05 AM · #10

I was wandering round town yesterday and came a cross a Â£5 flash trigger in a little second hand shop, but its brand new. Up to now I used my vivitar flash eiter on camera or using its short cable, now I can use my on camera flash and trigger the vivitar, its great!!

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

08/16/2005 04:03:04 PM · #11

Would something like this be overkill? I want to be able to take larger group shots indoors.

Spork99

OM System OM-1

08/16/2005 04:23:10 PM · #12

Honestly, if you want to take group shots indoors, you might be better off looking into lighting with a lot more power than camera flash units. Something like Norman 200B's or even a couple of monolights (like Alien Bees or similar) and some stands that will enable you to get the lights up high.

08/16/2005 04:23:11 PM · #13

anyone? oops didn't see that reply....thanks!

Message edited by author 2005-08-16 16:23:42.