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11/11/2005 01:39:28 AM · #1 |
I've had my 20D for about 4 months. Great camera. Every once in a while, I use the built-in flash. I hate using it though, because like most built in flashes, it creates a very harsh light...almost "spotlight" effect on the subject.
I've been looking into getting a Speedlite 580ex (or the older 550ex), but I don't understand what the benefits of an external flash are? I've never used one! If my built-in flash is "harsh" at times, wouldn't a bigger flash be worse?? Why buy an external flash? There are obviously benefits to it because lots of people buy them. Please fill me in!
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11/11/2005 01:51:58 AM · #2 |
1. you can "bounce" the flash; the head swivels up and down.
2. You can get a bracket to mount it off-axis, improving the lighting dramatically. Or hand-hold it if you're using a tripod and have a synch cord.
3. You can mount a diffuser on it to soften the light.
4. More light = better penetration of flash to a dfistance.
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11/11/2005 01:57:40 AM · #3 |
Thanks bear_music, that helps a lot. I wonder how many award winning/top 10 pictures have used flashes to increase the light? Just curious.
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11/11/2005 02:12:12 AM · #4 |
Originally posted by chafer:
Thanks bear_music, that helps a lot. I wonder how many award winning/top 10 pictures have used flashes to increase the light? Just curious. |
I got no clue. Not many, if you're referring to built-in flash, maybe none. LOTS of them use "lights", but most of those are studio lights on light stahnds, with umbrellas, softboxes, whatnot. Are there any "winning" images on this site that are primarily lit with camera-mounted speedlights? I donno.
One thing I forgot to add earlier; even the on-camera flash is useful as "fill" illumination when shooting backlit people shots and such. Like your significant other against a sunset sky, you know the type. A speedlight extends the range at which you can do this.
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