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10/18/2004 07:13:15 AM · #1 |
| Hi, I've had the Canon 300D for a while and have recently acquired the 550EX flash. I noticed that in dark conditions, the camera tends to under-expose photos when taken using the P setting (same with Av). In fact the resulting histogram never has pixels in the light half. Anyone has this problem? |
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10/18/2004 07:15:24 AM · #2 |
The DR does tend to do this. I overcome this issue with my 420EX by installing the Russian Firmware which will give you the much needed Flash Exposure Compensation of -2 to +2 full stops. That will fix the issue for you.
Bill
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10/18/2004 07:30:35 AM · #3 |
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10/18/2004 07:31:47 AM · #4 |
You could also try two other methods:-
1. Use the flash exposure compensation on the 550ex itself
2. try manual mode on the camera and use flash exposure lock
I got some good results using either method with the 300D
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10/18/2004 07:31:57 AM · #5 |
I am still hesitant from installing the russian firmware since the camera is still under guarantee. How is the flash exposure compensation different from normal exposure compensation then (pressing AV and turning the wheel that is)?
Message edited by author 2004-10-18 07:34:46. |
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10/18/2004 07:37:02 AM · #6 |
Originally posted by gajmaj:
2. try manual mode on the camera and use flash exposure lock
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With flash exposure lock it will give a pre-flash and since I use the camera in varying light situations (stages, bars, etc) it messes things up. Also when using manual mode, the metering is useless and I would have to calculate by hand, unless I am missing something ! |
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10/18/2004 11:05:43 AM · #7 |
Originally posted by jcordina:
I am still hesitant from installing the russian firmware since the camera is still under guarantee. How is the flash exposure compensation different from normal exposure compensation then (pressing AV and turning the wheel that is)? |
Exposure compensation when used to overcompensate extends the time the shutter is open. Flash Exposure Compensation actually boost the power output of the flahs itself while leaving the camera shutter speed alone.
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10/18/2004 01:27:38 PM · #8 |
Originally posted by jcordina:
I am still hesitant from installing the russian firmware since the camera is still under guarantee. |
I wouldn't worry. A bunch of people here have installed it without a problem. I installed it too, and 2300 shots later I've still had no problems related to the firmware hack. Exposure compensation helps out a lot and so does being able to select 'one shot mode' because the damn default auto mode kicks into ai servo at the worst times.
You can always roll back to the canon firmware if a warranty issue arises (if the camera still turns on the firmware can be changed back).
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10/18/2004 01:45:08 PM · #9 |
Originally posted by lykofos:
You can always roll back to the canon firmware if a warranty issue arises (if the camera still turns on the firmware can be changed back). |
That's the whole problem. If your camera stops functioning and you are unable to return the firmware, then you could have your warranty voided and be stuck with a hunk of plastic and electronics, instead of a warranty repaired camera.
That's why I am waiting until the camera is outside of warranty before applying the firmware patch.
Anyway, back to the thread...
This is a great deal of useful information. I have been considering whether to go for a flash, Sigma clone of the 500ex, or a new lense as my next mid-priced camera related purchase, it's good to know what issues/solutions exist for this peripheral equipment. Thanks for the thread. |
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10/18/2004 01:55:21 PM · #10 |
2 things:
(1) if you have the 550, you should be able to boost the flash output from there.
(2) it's my understanding that the rebel was designed to do this on purpose as not to blow out highlights, but perhaps I'm wrong on that ... and also i believe it's designed for straight on flash (not bounced off a ceiling will weaken the strength a bit as opposed to straight on) |
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10/18/2004 01:55:49 PM · #11 |
Originally posted by hopper:
2 things:
(1) if you have the 550, you should be able to boost the flash output from there.
(2) it's my understanding that the rebel was designed to do this on purpose as not to blow out highlights, but perhaps I'm wrong on that ... and also i believe it's designed for straight on flash (not bounced off a ceiling which will weaken the strength a bit as opposed to straight on) |
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10/18/2004 03:18:58 PM · #12 |
Originally posted by hopper:
(2) it's my understanding that the rebel was designed to do this on purpose as not to blow out highlights, but perhaps I'm wrong on that ... and also i believe it's designed for straight on flash (not bounced off a ceiling which will weaken the strength a bit as opposed to straight on) |
In my case, its far from blowing out highlights. The light half of the histogram is empty. Also I just noticed the underexposure problem is not so bad when using Tv. Its worse when using Av and P settings.
As for bounce flash, I thought its all up to the ETTL for setting the strength and thus should not affect the camera. The camera sees the preflash and then gives the desired output back to the flash thus it should not make a difference if its bounce or not and in fact the results seem the same. |
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10/18/2004 03:21:10 PM · #13 |
Originally posted by wackybill:
Exposure compensation when used to overcompensate extends the time the shutter is open. Flash Exposure Compensation actually boost the power output of the flahs itself while leaving the camera shutter speed alone. |
Thus exposure compensation will have no effect on the flash output? Basically increasing exposure compensation in dark places will have no effect and the photo will still be under exposed? |
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10/18/2004 03:46:57 PM · #14 |
Originally posted by jcordina:
Originally posted by wackybill:
Exposure compensation when used to overcompensate extends the time the shutter is open. Flash Exposure Compensation actually boost the power output of the flahs itself while leaving the camera shutter speed alone. |
Thus exposure compensation will have no effect on the flash output? Basically increasing exposure compensation in dark places will have no effect and the photo will still be under exposed? |
That's right. Because you aren't actually increasing the flash output or extending the actual flash duration, all exposure compensation will do is allow more of the available light to enter the exposure. The flash exposure however will still be the same. The only way to get more light into the camera by way of the flash is for the actual power of the flash to be increased, be it either by the cameras FEC control or the flashes FEC control.
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