Need help with flash on my Canon 50D
Nov 19, 2014 07:46:30 #
Hi everyone! Posting my first question on UHH, so please let me know if I do anything wrong in the process. I've never been happy with my flash pictures; just not knowledgeable enough to do it well, I guess. I rarely use flash because of my inconsistencies, but last weekend I was taking pictures at a retirement dinner. Lighting wasn't good, so I had to use my flash. Here's my frustration: some of the pictures turned out well, but some were too blown-out. The flash just always seems so harsh. I even switched to "automatic" for a couple pics, thinking the camera will figure it out and do a better job. But, still the same inconsistent result. I would really appreciate and love to get some advice on how to take good flash pictures. Settings, technique, etc. Thank you, in advance, for any help you guys can give. :)
Nov 19, 2014 10:27:35 #
PattyW60 wrote:
Hi everyone! Posting my first question on UHH, so... (show quote)
Hi PattyW60, I'm no expert on flash though I have some experience and there are many here who are better than me. But first things first - are you using the pop-up flash on the 50D or an external flash?
Nov 19, 2014 11:10:11 #
I found that the pop-up flash is inconsistent and causes red eye, so I always use my 580ex set for TTL. I also have it set for high speed sync.
Nov 19, 2014 22:17:40 #
The 580EX II is a wonderful flash. The older 580 EX is as well. You can find the older model for around $250 used at KEH. That's not a cheap investment but such a flash may completely change your 50D if you begin to use a flash to maintain a lower ISO. The usage you described is exactly why speedlights exist (among others, of course ...)
Nov 19, 2014 22:34:45 #
Using the pop-up flash. I appreciate any help I can get. Thank you!
Nov 19, 2014 22:38:21 #
Thanks, guys. I've been thinking about getting a speedlight. I don't know that much about them, but I'll learn. I was getting the feeling my pop-up flash is inadequate.
Nov 20, 2014 08:51:32 #
PattyW60 wrote:
Hi everyone! Posting my first question on UHH, so... (show quote)
While using the pop up flash, it is very harsh. Short of investing in an external flash, I have tried a Flash Diffuser. They work and are reasonable. I just can't remember the name of mine at the moment. Have had it a few years now. It slides over the pop up flash once open and softens the light considerably. I've used it in crowds for night shots. You may have to increase the flash "amount" in camera to compensate for light loss. I have an external flash, but this is lighter to carry, and safer with bumping into people, or vice versa.
Nov 20, 2014 09:05:22 #
PattyW60 wrote:
Hi everyone! Posting my first question on UHH, so... (show quote)
If you are saying that you used the on-camera-built-in flash then I don't doubt it...that kind of flash looks horrible.
Buy a Canon 430EXII or 580EXII or a TTL capable off brand like Yongnuo and learn to bounce flash and you will be miles ahead of most other amateur photogs.
A good place to start is Neil Van Niekerk's site.
Nov 20, 2014 09:06:17 #
PattyW60 wrote:
Thanks, guys. I've been thinking about getting a speedlight. I don't know that much about them, but I'll learn. I was getting the feeling my pop-up flash is inadequate.
Yes, get a speedlight. Yes, your pop up flash is close to worthless...it's only good for a "slight fill" if all other aspects are in place.
Nov 20, 2014 09:34:21 #
Thank you for all the advice and help! A speedlight is on my list;just need to research the two Canon options. It's also good to know it's not just me and my complete inability to get good pics and be consistent!!! :)
Nov 20, 2014 09:38:40 #
PattyW60 wrote:
The above mention of a diffuser is spot on. Also get a full and 1/2 cut of cto to warm things up, also you can't go wrong with a 580ex ii as you can use it as a master with other slaves.Thanks, guys. I've been thinking about getting a speedlight. I don't know that much about them, but I'll learn. I was getting the feeling my pop-up flash is inadequate.
Nov 20, 2014 09:47:05 #
The problem with any of the little gadgets that mount to a speedlight to diffuse it is this; the light source is still two things:
1.) On axis from camera; aka the same direction in relationship to the subject.
2.) The light source is still small in relation to the subject.
If you want pleasing, soft shadows and to see detail or features in your lighting you need to do two things:
1.) Get the light away from the camera by either flagging and bouncing to the an object that will then reflect it and become the new "source"
2.) Either shine the flash through a large object or bounce the flash into a large object and that object becomes the new "source" and is large in relationship to the subject.
1.) On axis from camera; aka the same direction in relationship to the subject.
2.) The light source is still small in relation to the subject.
If you want pleasing, soft shadows and to see detail or features in your lighting you need to do two things:
1.) Get the light away from the camera by either flagging and bouncing to the an object that will then reflect it and become the new "source"
2.) Either shine the flash through a large object or bounce the flash into a large object and that object becomes the new "source" and is large in relationship to the subject.
Nov 20, 2014 10:07:33 #
There is one other use for the pop-up flash. It can be used to trigger an off-camera Speedlite, when that Speedlite acts as a slave. There is a setting on the camera that will handle this. When in this mode, the pop-up will not produce enough light to affect the shot, but it will trigger the slave. The one drawback to this approach is that, even though the slave may have HSS capability, the pop-up doesn't, so you won't be able to use a shutter speed faster than the shutter sync speed of your camera. If you aren't shooting faster than 1/200 or 1/250, this approach works fine.
Nov 20, 2014 10:38:01 #
Anvil wrote:
There is one other use for the pop-up flash. It c... (show quote)
The 50D is not capable of using the popup as a master.
The 430exii also can not be used as a master.
The 580exII can be either a master or a slave.
I have an ST-E2 to control both of my speedlites as needed.
Nov 20, 2014 11:20:10 #
Sorry, I should not have assumed that features that exist in my camera would exist in earlier models.
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