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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Flash of confusion. Please help?
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09/01/2007 05:22:31 AM · #1
I got an SLR recently, and I'd like to get a couple of external flash units to use with it at some point. However, my knowledge on the topic is non-existent. What's the difference between different flashes? Which ones will work on my camera? Which ones should I get?

Ideally I'd like 2 which I can set to fire at the end of a long exposure so I can freeze fire spinners in mid-movement. Oh, and I'd like to use them for portraits as well (not that I know how yet).

If anyone has any advice or useful links, I'd really appreciate it.
09/01/2007 10:17:27 AM · #2
Spend the money and get good flashes. That is the best advice anyone can offer. If you are looking to slave the flashes, the low-end models will not do what you want. I think the 580EX is the one you want, but I am not terribly familiar with Canon crap umm...stuff.
09/01/2007 10:18:04 AM · #3
Ideally ... I'd recommend the Canon 580EX. It's made for the camera and the camera and it know how to talk to each other. If you're wanting multiple flash units, then I'd recommend the Canon 430EX as a slave because the 580EX knows how to talk to it. So you know have a "system". The camera and the flashes use e-TTL to get proper exposure.

Having said, there are cheaper solutions. And if you're on a budget, you may want to explore those. I'll have to let others make recommendations in that arena as I only have the Canon flashes (580, 550 and 420).

09/01/2007 10:25:51 AM · #4
An additional thread on using the Canon flashes you might be interested in.
09/01/2007 01:06:13 PM · #5
Thanks guys :)
David, the photos you posted in that thread are absolutely gorgeous!

Yeah, those do seem expensive, but at the same time, I'd rather spend a bit more money and get decent equipment. Conveniently, I've got a 2 month burst of temporary employment coming up that could conceivably pay for them... Damn this expensive addiction :)
09/01/2007 01:14:23 PM · #6
I suggest you do some reading at this guy's site- he does amazing work with relatively simple flashes and has very good tutorials and discussions-

strobist.blogspot.com

The effect you're describing- slow exposure with a rear curtain flash- is controlled more by your camera than the flash. Most flashes are able to do that if instructed to do so by the camera. I imagine your 400D can do it- not sure.

Read (lots) before you buy.
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