Buyers Guide for Flashes: Anybody know of a buyer's guide for flashes? I have a Canon Rebel XS/1000D. Looking for a guide that will explain ALL the features/options to consider in a...

BrettOssman Loc: near Tampa, Florida

Anybody know of a buyer's guide for flashes? I have a Canon Rebel XS/1000D. Looking for a guide that will explain ALL the features/options to consider in a flash, so I can make an informed decision.

I've seen multiple guides for everything, but flashes.

capsar050 Loc: Piedmont in North Carolina

I don't know if they do the flashes but my first pick to check would be DPreview, Is my most trusted, amd VERY thorough. I think it's always the better review to view.

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

BrettOssman wrote:

Anybody know of a buyer's guide for flashes? I have a Canon Rebel XS/1000D. Looking for a guide that will explain ALL the features/options to consider in a flash, so I can make an informed decision.

I've seen multiple guides for everything, but flashes.

I would recommend going online to Adorama or B&H. They give an overview and specifications of every flash unit they sell. By comparing this information, you will be able to make an informed decision.

capsar050 Loc: Piedmont in North Carolina

RWR wrote:

I would recommend going online to Adorama or B&H. They give an overview and specifications of every flash unit they sell. By comparing this information, you will be able to make an informed decision.

:thumbup:

BrettOssman Loc: near Tampa, Florida

Just a clarification.

Reviews and specs will be great later. However, right now, I'm looking for an explanation of ALL options that flashes might have, in general. Also, what does the feature do, and why might I care, unless it is obvious. :-)

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

BrettOssman wrote:

Just a clarification.

Reviews and specs will be great later. However, right now, I'm looking for an explanation of ALL options that flashes might have, in general. Also, what does the feature do, and why might I care, unless it is obvious. :-)

I should think only you can decide why you might care what the features do. To describe in detail here everything that can be done with flash would fill many pages. Might I suggest attending a photography class with an emphasis on this subject, or perhaps an online class, such as New York Institute of Photography? You are looking for detailed information, which is good, and a class may provide that.
If you could give a general idea of what you wish to accomplish with flash, we could help you better.
I hope this helps. Let us know how you do. :)

sueyeisert Loc: New Jersey

I would go to the Canon website and compare all the flashes available for your camera from the most expensive to the cheapest and see what the differences are.

BrettOssman wrote:

Anybody know of a buyer's guide for flashes? I have a Canon Rebel XS/1000D. Looking for a guide that will explain ALL the features/options to consider in a flash, so I can make an informed decision.

I've seen multiple guides for everything, but flashes.

BrettOssman Loc: near Tampa, Florida

RWR wrote:

I should think only you can decide why you might c... (show quote)

I think "care" was a bad choice of words. You are absolutely right that only I can decide that.

More what I'm looking for is a guide the explains different features and what they do. Some guides may even give examples of how that feature might be used that you may not think of. Then I can decide which features I want in a flash.

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

BrettOssman wrote:

I think "care" was a bad choice of words. You are absolutely right that only I can decide that.

More what I'm looking for is a guide the explains different features and what they do. Some guides may even give examples of how that feature might be used that you may not think of. Then I can decide which features I want in a flash.

A Google search "electronic flash photography" brought this up: http://www.ppsop.com/efmr.aspx

Check out some other links also, and different brands, as some other brand may have features Canon does not.

anotherview Loc: California

Neil Van Niekerk discusses how to use flash lighting with dedicated flash units. His Web-site may help you decide.

http://neilvn.com/tangents/flash-photography-techniques/

Good luck.

Blasthoff Loc: Life halved NY and IN

It depends a lot on what you plan to do. That said, if this will be your first, only or main flash, then stick to your own camera brands flash choices for your camera. You won't regret it. All features will be integrated with your camera and it generally is the best way to start. I am a Nikon user but I'm sure the same holds true for Canon. Once you want to add flash units and or know where your going, then aftermarket units become more viable options.

pete-m Loc: Casper, WY

I suggest you go to the Canon site and download flash instruction manuals. That should answer a lot of questions. Or bring up specific questions people here could help you with.

Pete :D

Capture48 Loc: Arizona

Here is the KISS view of flashes

1. Are you comfortable shooting a Flash in manual? This is different that shooting a camera in manual.

2. Do you need TTL? That is do you beed the flash to decide how much power to fire with.

If you are comfortable shooting in manual you can purchase cheeper 3rd party flashes, but just realize you will have to operate the controls yourself.

If you are not comfortable shooting in manual, stick to your camera brand of flashes to make sure they are fully compatible.

acelow Loc: Alabama

You may want to look at yongnuo flashes, I have use their flash on my 40d and 5d mkiii.

Robeng Loc: California

BrettOssman wrote:

Anybody know of a buyer's guide for flashes? I have a Canon Rebel XS/1000D. Looking for a guide that will explain ALL the features/options to consider in a flash, so I can make an informed decision.

I've seen multiple guides for everything, but flashes.

Google Strobist and check out their website. They have info for beginners on up. Good luck.