lindmike

When shooting with this Speedlight, which setting ETTL,
or manual is right for a particular situation. Or are both settings simply means of adjusting the flash power?

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

I always shoot in manual, I only use ETTL for subjects that constantly change the distance to the camera.

lindmike

Thanks for replying. What is the advantage of either?

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

In TTL you don't have to change the distance setting youself, in certain situations, you just don't have the time , you could not keep up and miss a lot of shots, etc. But in manual you have the most control and can "fine-tune" your setting to exactly what you like.

lindmike

Thanks again speters. Time to experiment.

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

BOTH are a means of adjusting flash power to get a correct exposure.


ETTL is where the camera shoots out an invisible "pre flash" to gauge how close the subject is and then changes it's flash power accordingly to get a good exposure.

Manual is just that...where YOU decide what power to put the flash on.


ETTL is best used where subjects are moving around and the distance from flash to subject is always changing.

Manual is for when the distance from flash to subject is constant or close to it.

ETTL example: party where you are walking around and taking pictures of party guests and nobody is the same distance to the flash.


Manual example: You have a special spot set up with a background where the party goers all come and "stand on the x" to get their picture taken and the flash distance isn't changing.

Make sense?

Here is how I use ETTL: I put the flash on the camera, and bounce the flash into the nearest wall or wall/ceiling joint to get "side lighting" simulating a large umbrella. (the larger the light source, the softer the light, and a wall makes the tiny flash a BIG light source)

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Lindmike, ettl is kinda like putting your camera on either Av or Tv then just shooting to your hearts content.
Manual flash is like putting your camera on manual and then walking around shooting without changing any settings. I think you know what will happen.

lindmike

Thanks for that explanation rpavich. It seems that ETTL would do the same function as manual in the situation where you say "stand on the x" Am I missing something?

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

Yes it would BUT....it would vary depending on what the camera decides...and you MAY get some unexpected results...not necessarily but maybe.

Shooting in manual assures you get what you intend, and that each shot is identical in light strength and direction.

lindmike

Thanks again rpavich. Is there any way to tell if an increase or decrease in flash power is needed in the manual mode in a given situation? Or is it a "crap shoot "
I'm asking because I was taking a group photo picture this weekend and it took several shots to get the right exposure. Needless to say there were a few unfavorable comments regarding my photography expertise.

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

Lol...been there!

Unless you buy an incident meter ( I highly recommend one) then you just shoot, chimp, adjust, shoot, chimp, adjust....etc.

Take a look at the "how to blend ambient and flash" article that I posted earlier and practice it...it's an eye opener.

If you have more questions...I can walk you through it in real time...just PM me, and I'll give you my cell number and inside of 10 minutes i promise you'll get it...it's MUCH easier than typing to explain.

lindmike

Thanks Sharpshooter.

I've definitely done that. When that happened, I wouldn't know what to do to make the change that would correct it. It comes down to explanations like yours that simplify flash settings. Thanks again

lindmike

Thanks rpavich.
I wasn't able to find the link to "how to blend ambient light with flash.

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

ah...maybe it wasn't this thread lol...

Here it is:

http://strobist.blogspot.com/2007/09/lighting-102-33-balancing-flashambient.html

lindmike

Thanks again rpavich.
This should keep me busy for a while