Flair with Hot Shoe Flash Lighting

A flash is most often used indoors as a main source of light when not as much ambient light exists for a preferred shutter speed. Also fill flash or filled-in flash uses low power to augment ambient light to brighten a subject near the camera while at the same time using a long enough exposure to capture detail in the background. Another method is pointing a flash up onto a surface that reflects, which could be a flash umbrella or even a white ceiling, which reflects light back to your subject, also called bounce flash. Bouncing results in a more sincere light result than direct flash with no ever present glare within the highlights and impenetrable shadows, although requires increased flash power over direct flash.

I am not much of a fan for camera flash, although there times when there's no other choice. Sometimes you must be portable and still gain those few extra stops which a flash provides. In that circumstance it is best if you acquire a flash unit that may be mounted to your camera's hot-shoe. and if you're really in a bind, your last option is your built-in-flash, however, once you do this you're are treading into the realm of flat pictures, red-eye, and burnt out subjects.

The absolute best way for using an external flash unit is triggering it using a remote. (take a look at the strobist to see some terrific techniques for using off camera flash), however even if you end up as innovative as the strobster, there may be times you must just use the on camera flash. For instance: You're photographing a wedding and have only two flash unit with you. Or as you're moving along side your subject, and there's no time for setting up. So here's four basic ways of bouncing flash: The way many photographers go is never bounce at all. They use a stofen omni-bounce over their flash, set the flash head to a 45 degree angle and shoot as if there's no tomorrow. Now, the way a stofen works is by spreading a dome of light in front and bouncing part of the light to the ceiling. although it will only work if there's a nice, somewhat low, white ceiling. This is thought to be satisfactory solution by most photographers.

Why bounce?

To those just getting started in the world of DSLR photography, extended learning about photographing with flash can be overwhelming. And for good cause: Making use of an external flash will open doors to creative photographic opportunities when there were none before, however it requires technical know how that the week-end photographer just doesn’t have the time to learn. And as every professional photographer already knows, those anemic on-camera flashes are totally worthless for any sort of serious shooting (the high-end DSLR cameras don’t even include them for good reason).

Never use a flash while you're attending a sports event or photographing far-off subjects, such as a performer at a concert on staget. Built-in flashes most often only deliver light to six feet at best. By using the flash on subjects more distant than six feet, the end result will be overexposed or brightly lit objects close in while your target subject will be totally in the dark. So, turn that flash off and--if you know how to use your camera's ISO settings, choose ISO 400 for the best outcome.

Nikon changed it all when they added this SB-400 speedlight to their existing Speedlight lineup, there is no excuses for being introverted over employing an external flash unit. The SB-400 speedlight is the smallest flash unit ever for any DSLR, weighing only 1/4 as much as the SB-900, while it's harmonious with every Nikon DSLR manufactured since 2004. Its small, lightweight layout makes travel while making usie of an external flash simple. The SB-400, merely locks onto the hot shoe of your Nikon DSLR and just switch the power button. What could be any easier?

The primary benefit of employing an external flash unit is having the capacity of bouncing the flash. Most amateurs capture flash images by clobbering their subject head-on using direct on-camera flash. The consequence is harsh lighting with overblown highlights about their subject, while the backdrop becomes almost totally black. Making use of an external flash which includes the SB-400, the flash can be bounced off of a ceiling to provide even, natural, lighting over the entire scene.

One more advantage to the SB-400 unit is it's quick recycle time in between flashes (no longer wasting valuable time to photograph that next decisive moment). The SB-400 also provides enhanced flash coverage when used with a wide-angle lens, so the corners don't come out darker than the other portions of your composition. Plus, using just two AA batteries, the Nikon SB-400 will prolong the battery life of your DSLR when using flash. The Nikon SB-400 proves one more time that they're the leader for flash photography. The tiny size along with ease of use makes this flash unit a must have for every beginning Nikon DSLR photographer’s camera bag. No excuses!

Nov 2, 2011

Camera Lighting
Canon Speedlights
Canon Speedlite 580EX II - Further development of Canon's flagship Speedlite has led to the production of the 580 EX II. This is the premier Speedlite for all photographers, including professionals. Newly designed to match with the EOS-1D Mark III in terms of improved dust- and water-resistance, body strength, and the ability to control flash functions and settings from the camera menu (EOS-1D Mark III only). Other features include improved communication reliability through its direct contacts, and recycling time is both 20% shorter than the 580EX and is completely inaudible. Optional External power supply - compatible with Dust- and water- Resistant External Power Pack, Canon battery pack CP-E3 and Transistor Pack E Unit Dimensions - 3.0 x 5.3 x 4.5 inches /76 x 134 x 114mm; Weight - 13.2 oz./375g, without batteries (4 AA alkaline batteries add 3.5 oz./100g) Street Price: $422.00.
Canon Speedlite 430EX II - Bringing a new level of versatility and capability to flash photography, the Canon Speedlite 430EX II features a powerful flash (guide number of 141 ft./43m at ISO 100) with a fast recycling time in a compact, durable body. A one-touch, quick-lock mechanism makes it easy to attach or detach the 430EX II from the camera and a metal foot has been added for strength and durability. Flash controls can now be set through the camera's LCD screen on compatible EOS Digital SLR cameras. The Speedlite 430EX II is also quieter, recycle time is 20% faster (as compared to the 430EX) and since it is compatible with Canon's wireless E-TTL, it can be used as an affordable "slave unit". Provide your camera with plenty of power with 4 ultra-high capacity 2900mAh Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries and a multi-voltage rapid charger. Street Price $.
Canon Speedlite 430EX - The Speedlite 430EX flash unit replaces the popular Speedlite 420EX. The Speedlite 430EX improves on many specifications of its predecessor and includes new features to maximize digital image quality when using a flash. These include automatic selection of camera white-balance settings and auto-adjustment of the zoom flash position to match the sensor size of the camera to which the unit is attached. The Speedlite 430EX has increased its guide number to 43 (m/ISO 100 at 105mm) and has approximately 40% faster recycling time than the Speedlite 420EX. An ultra-bright, two-LED configuration focus assist-beam has been designed to be compatible with all focus points within the frame of all EOS AF systems, up to 9-point AF. Street Price $224.00. Find the
Canon Speedlite 220EX - Featuring a recycle time of 0.1 to 4.5 seconds, fully automatic flash, compatible with all Canon EOS cameras. The 220EX can also utilize E-TTL operation when paired with the Canon EOS IX, EOS ELAN II/IIE, and EOS Rebel G. Sporting a save-energy feature, whereby the flash is shut down after 90 seconds of idle, the 220EX is powered by four AA batteries, and has a flash capacity between 250 and 1,700. The convenience and ease of use ensure the 220EX a place in the hands of amateur photographers who want a high-quality flash, but aren't interested in learning to use the professional features of Canon's other offerings. Street price: $109.00.
Nikon Speedlights
The Nikon R1 wireless close-up speedlight system enables superb, close-up lighting control with exceptional flexibility and innovative options. Designed especially for use with compatible Nikon i-TTL SLRs digital cameras, such as the D90, D80, and D5000, this system offers wireless control convenience. The built-in speedlights on the compatible digital cameras serve as the system's master controller. The combined result of the speedlights and the camera's built-in flash makes it easy to produce desired close-up lighting effects.
Nikon SB-400 AF Speedlight for Nikon - an intelligent and versatile external flash unit that provides i-TTL flash operation in a super-compact and ultra-lightweight body at an affordable price. With its powerful guide number of 21, the SB-400 is an ideal flash unit for beginners in digital SLR photography, but it is also useful for hobbyists and professionals looking for a handy i-TTL flash unit offering an effortless bounce flash function. The SB-400 has been specifically developed to provide photographers with an entry-level external flash unit which is compatible with i-TTL flash operation. When combined with cameras that are compatible with the Nikon Creative Lighting System, the SB-400 is controlled in i-TTL and D40's M (manual) mode. The SB-400's flash head can be tilted in 4 steps--horizontal, as well as 60, 75, and 90 degrees--and has a flash shooting distance range of between 60cm to 20m (depending on the camera's ISO setting). Slow Sync, Red-eye Reduction and other flash modes can also be set on the camera body, enabling users to enjoy brighter and more natural lighting for better flash pictures. Street price $117.00.
Nikon SB-600 AF Speedlight for Nikon - A compact flash packed with impressive functionality inherited from the renowned SB-800. It serves as a solid base for the Nikon Creative Lighting System when used in combination with Nikon D70 or D2H digital SLRs. When used in combination with Nikon's latest digital SLRs, the D90 or D5000, the SB-600 supports Advanced Wireless Lighting as a remote Speedlight that can be positioned as one of multiple remote flashes to significantly extend creative possibilities. To assist in such situations, the Speedlight SB-600 also has two Ready Lights located on both the left and right of the front that can be easily seen from a distance. The SB-600 can also emit an audible alert for further assistance. Auto FP High-Speed Sync enables the use of Fill-Flash even in bright daylight with wide aperture settings for the achievement of outstanding results and new creative possibilities, including the effective blurring for of out-of-focus background elements. An optional color filter set SJ-1 is also available, allowing imaginative shooting to be pushed even further. Street price: $195.00.
Nikon SB-800 AF Speedlight for Nikon - A sophisticated flash unit / Special functions with NIKON D2H, D1 and D100 Digital Cameras / Supports up to 3 slave units TTL and Non-TTL Auto Flash (A) with film cameras Intelligent i-TTL system supports Advanced Wireless Lighting, including 3 remote i-TTL Speedlight groups controlled through the master SB-800 D2H and SB-800 wireless lighting system makes operation as simple as an on-camera Speedlight Auto FP High Speed Sync Mode delivers fill flash in bright light as needed FV Lock (Flash Value Lock) allows photographer to change the composition or zoom for the shot, while maintaining desired lighting of the subject Wide-area AF Illuminator covers D2H's 11 AF sensors Compatible with every AF Nikkor lens Power Source - Four 1.5 V (AA-size alkaline), AA (AA-size NiCd) or AA-size lithium batteries, Quick Recycle Battery Pack SD-800 holds a fifth AA - size battery for faster power recycling Dimensions - Width Approximately 2.8 x Height 5.1 x Depth 3.7 inch Weight without batteries - Approximately 12.3 ounces Batteries are not included. Must be purchased separately. Street Price: $445.00.
Nikon SB-700 AF Speedlight You'll be able to use the strobe directly on your camera via the hot shoe, or wirelessly as a Commander or Remote. Using the flash as a Commander allows you it to take control over other Nikon Speedlights, expanding your creative lighting options. As a Remote, it can be controlled by another Speedlight, or your camera's built-in flash. Its Quick Wireless Mode, with A:B light ratios, allows you to quickly adjust settings on multiple flash units -- giving you the ability to control two remote units in i-TTL mode.
Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight for Nikon - Powerful and versatile SB-900 works as a stand-alone flash, featuring wireless operation as a Commander or wireless remote light source. Expanded Auto Power Zoom Coverage - The SB-900 provides zoom coverage from 17-200mm in the FX-format and 12-200mm coverage in the DX-format. Choose from 3 light distribution patterns - Improve light quality by selecting Standard for general illumination, Center-weighted for portraits, or for groups or interiors. User-friendly firmware updating - Allows uploading of performance enhancement developments to the SB-900 with select Nikon digital SLR cameras. Color gel filter identification - The SB-900 automatically identifies mounted color gel filters and adjusts the camera's auto white-balance setting with select Nikon digital SLR cameras. Flash Tube Overheat Protection - An added measure of safety is provided for sustained high-speed bursts. Drip-proof mounting foot cover (Water Guard) - for enhanced moisture protection (optional). Lens Coverage - 17 to 200mm (FX-format, Automatic mode); 12 to 200mm (DX-format, Automatic mode); 12 to 17mm (FX-format, Automatic mode with built-in wide-angle panel deployed); 8 to 11mm (DX-format, Automatic mode with built-in wide-angle panel deployed) Flash head rotates horizontally 180° to the left and right with click-stops at 0°, 30°, 60°, 90°, 120°, 150°, 180° Flash head tilts down to -7° or up to 90° with click-stops at -7°, 0°, 45°, 60°, 75°, 90° Output per set of batteries - 110 Alkaline-manganese (1.5V); 230 Lithium (1.5V); 190 Ni-MH (2600 mAh) Street Price: $439.00.
Nikon SB-910 Professional Speedlight Nikon's SB-910 Speedlight unit, the most technically advanced Speedlight yet. The SB-910 makes the Nikon lighting mastery easier to operate including a menu navigation system, featuring a fresh, more simplified GUI (graphic user interface). There's a dedicated Menu knob with rapid access to customized settings also makes the flash operation simpler. There's also improved thermal protection which prevents overheating by slowing the recycle time down automatically rather than simply shutting the flash down during rapid firing.
Here's the side-by-side comparison for the current Nikon Speedlights.    SB-400 SB-600 SB-800 SB-900 GN ( ISO 100, 35FF) 69 ft, 21m @ 27mm 98 ft, 30m @ 35mm 105 ft, 32m @ 28mm 111 ft, 34m @ 35mm Weight 4.5 ounces (127g) 9.6 ounces (300g) 12.3 ounces (350g) 14.6 ounces (415g) Power 2 AA batteries 4 AA batteries 4 or 5 AA batteries, external 4 AA batteries, external Recycle Time (alkaline) 3.9 seconds 3.5 seconds 6 seconds (4 with extra battery) 2.3 seconds (NiMH) Flash Duration (max) 1/1300 NA 1/1050 1/880 Coverage 27mm (18mm DX) 14, 24, 28, 35, 50, 70, 85mm 14, 17, 24, 28, 35, 50, 70, 85, 105mm 14, 17, 18, 20, 24, 28, 35, 50, 70, 85, 105, 120, 135, 180, 200mm 35mm TTL No Yes Yes No DSLR D-TTL No Yes Yes No I-TTL Yes Yes Yes Yes Auto Aperture No No Yes Yes Automatic Flash mode No No Yes Yes Manual Flash mode Yes (7 levels) Yes (7 levels) Yes (8 levels) Yes (8 levels) Head Tilt Yes Yes Yes Yes Head Rotate No Yes Yes Yes AF Assist Yes Yes Yes Yes High Speed Sync No Yes, Auto Yes, Auto Yes, Auto Repeating Flash No No Yes Yes Modeling Light No No Yes Yes Sync Socket No No Yes Yes LCD No Yes Yes Yes Foot Style Flip lock Flip lock Flip lock Flip lock Flash Value lock Yes Yes Yes Yes Flash Color Info (requires CLS-capable body) Yes Yes Yes Yes Wireless (requires CLS-capable body) No Yes (I-TTL preflash) Yes (no preflash or I-TTL preflash) Yes (I-TTL preflash) Street price  $117.00  $219.00  $549.00  $463.99 Other includes SS-400 soft case includes stand, supports filter set includes stand, filter set, diffusion dome includes stand, filter set, diffusion dome TTL means "Though the Lens", in other words light is read through the actual lens and not just from a sensor in front of the flash. Nikon used to use a variant it called d-TTL. More recently it has used something it calls i-TTL, which only its newest cameras and flashes support. i-TTL-capable bodies: D40, D40x, D50, D60, D70/D70s, D80, D90, D200, D300, D300s, D700, D3000, D5000, D2h/D2hs, D2x/D2xs, D3, D3x, D3s, F6, Fujifilm S5 Pro. i-TTL commander-capable bodies: D70/D70s, D80, D90, D200, D300, D700. DSLR D-TTL bodies: D1, D1h, D1x, D100, Kodak Pro 14n, Kodak SLR/n, Fujifilm S3 Pro. Film TTL bodies: N65, N75, N80, F100, F4, F5, Fujifilm S2 Pro.
Olympus Flash Units
FL20, FL36, FL36R, FL50, and FL50R Flash Units. The Olympus FL-50R is an external flash unit that allows wireless flash settings to be controlled from the camera body. Wireless flash transmission channel settings enable selection of flash/no flash for groups of multiple flash units. In addition it allows TTL auto, auto, and manual modes to be set; offers a bounce and swivel head; and flash coverage is automatically adjusted in several steps to correspond to the image area when zooming. The FL-50 provides GN28 at a 12mm focal length (equivalent to 24mm on a 35mm camera; ISO 100) and GN50 at 42mm focal length (equivalent to 85mm on a 35mm camera; ISO 100).
Pentax Flash Units
AF-200 FG, AF-360 FGZ, AF-540 and FGZ Flash Units. The PENTAX AF360FGZ auto flash unit features a large guide number of 30 (at ISO100/m), which allows for effective flash photography over a lengthy distance. This clip-on, bounce auto-zoom flash includes a variety of advanced flash features, such as P-TTL auto flash, high-speed synchronization and wireless P-TTL auto flash, when mounted on a PENTAX digital SLR camera. Zoom Head - 24-85mm (flash automatically senses focal length) Flash sync mode - Leading-shutter-curtain sync, Trailing-curtain-sync, Contrast-control-sync, High-speed-sync, modeling flash, Wireless flash Power Source - Four AA size batteries (alkaline, lithium, Ni-Cd, NiMh) Dimensions W x H x D - 2.8 x 4.3 x 4.5 inches (70 x 110 x 115.5mm) Weight - 9.6 oz.
Sigma Flash Units
For Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Pentax, Samsung, Sony, Sigma, EF-530 DG ST, EF-530 DG Super,  EF-530 DG Super EO ETTl II,
Sony Flash Units
Sony HVL-F36AM, Sony HVL-F42AM, Sony HVL-F58AM, Sony HVLF32X External Auto Programmable Flash, Sony HVLF1000 External Auto Programmable Flash. The Sony HVL-F58AM Flash Unit delivers flexible lighting control for ¿ (alpha) DSLR photographers. The innovative new ¿Quick Shift Bounce¿ system allows the flash to pivot 90 degrees left and right to maintain a proper lighting position, even when shooting vertically. The HVL-F58AM can also wirelessly control up to three groups of flashes, and Wireless Ratio Control allows users to specify luminosity ratios for each group. Additionally, the HVL-F58AM features an effective range of more than 45 feet (14.5m) and a fast, 5 second recharge time. A built-in wide panel and bounce sheet provide an even greater degree of creative control.
The RFR105 Universal Mounting Adapter is designed for photographers who want to use the CAM Engineering Reporter Flash Ring on cameras not equipped with a vertical grip. With this adapter, the Reporter Flash Ring can be mounted on any SLR camera which has its tripod mounting hole centered to the lens. NOTE: On a few cameras (e.g. Canon Rebel XTi) the battery compartment is located close to the tripod mounting socket. In such cases, the RFR105 adapter will block the compartment door making it impossible to replace the battery without removing the adapter. A minimum 1½" (38mm) space between the mounting socket and the battery compartment door is required in order to open the battery cover without un-mounting the camera. Dimensions (WxDxH): 2.75"(70mm) x 1.5"(38mm) x 1.8"(46mm) Material: black anodized Aluminum Weight: 3oz (85g) Reporter RFR105 Universal Adapter for mounting the Reporter Flash Ring onto SLR cameras without a vertical grip Check prices and availability at ebay
Professor Kobre's Lightscoop, a bounce device for the pop-up flash on most 35mm DSLRs with interchangable lenses, slips over your camera's pop-up flash and allows you to bounce the flash like professionals bounce an expensive external flash. The Lightscoop is the inexpensive answer to natural-looking bounce flash and digital photography lighting. (Even professionals like it for casual shooting!) No more harsh shadows, bleached faces, red-eye, or cave effect from direct pop-up flash! Reviewers tell the story: "Bounce pop-up flash by snapping a Lightscoop over it, a little piece of plastic genius," Popular Photography, March 2008 "...just as if you had used one of those reflector umbrellas that the pros use," David Pogue, New York Times, "Circuits." -- "It slips into your camera's hot shoe, fits right over the pop up flash, and redirects the camera's flash to a ceiling or wall. That's bounce, baby, bounce... as essential as a lens cap," DingbatMag, the monthly review of Cool Tools "Your pop-up flash doesn't have to suck... I was stunned by the difference," Terry White's Tech Blog The Standard version has a normal mirror and is used in most situations. Compatible cameras Canon 10D, 20D, 30D, 40D, 50D, Rebel XTi OR 400, Rebel XT OR 350 Fuji FinePix Pro S Series, Nikon D40, D40x, D50, D60, D70, D70s, D80, D90, D100, D200, D300, Sigma SD14, Pentax K10D, K100D, K20D, K200D Olympus.
	Lighting Accessories: Diffusers & Reflecters, Booms & Stands, Flash Brackets, Flashlights, Monolights, Mounting Hardware, Slaves & Umbrellas

See my article on lighting