Diffusing built in flashes...

TheNissanMan

TheNissanMan

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I had to take some close up pics in the showroom yesterday for display purposes, on some of the photo's the flash would come on and kill the shot...

I needed some amount of light but as it was close no way near what the on board flash (500D) was putting out, I tried paper in front of the flash although it was a b****r with one hand lol, is there anyway to diffuse the built in flash or lower it's power ?
 
Something like this...

ko_df_hs1.jpg
 
LOL, we all must have been typing at the same time! I win!!
 
There is also a Flash Compensation function to reduce the power of the flash. Just having quick look at the review of the 500D at DPReview, I think one way to access it is via menu on the back. Press 'Set', and then scroll around the all the shooting setting still you get to Flash Compensation, then I think 'Set' again to allow you to adjust the power level. :)
 
redhed17 said:
There is also a Flash Compensation function to reduce the power of the flash. Just having quick look at the review of the 500D at DPReview, I think one way to access it is via menu on the back. Press 'Set', and then scroll around the all the shooting setting still you get to Flash Compensation, then I think 'Set' again to allow you to adjust the power level. :)
Click to expand...

Thanks Redhead, for future posts can someone set a function to just post RTFM after I've posted :bang:
 
I got one of the on-board flash diffusers from Flash-in-the-Pan and it works well - same effect as a Stofen diffuser has on an external flash. Well worth keeping in your pocket!
 
All you need are these. :)

rizla-papers.jpg


They stick on without a mess and even come in light, medium and heavy diffusion
 
If the problem is that the flash is too bright, then a diffuser won't help. You need to turn it down, as Redhead suggests.
 
redhed17 said:
There is also a Flash Compensation function to reduce the power of the flash. Just having quick look at the review of the 500D at DPReview, I think one way to access it is via menu on the back. Press 'Set', and then scroll around the all the shooting setting still you get to Flash Compensation, then I think 'Set' again to allow you to adjust the power level. :)
Click to expand...

I didn't know reducing the power 'diffused' the flash.

Diffusing = softening.

Power reduction = harsh flash, but less power.

Please correct me if I'm wrong.:shrug:
 
Dave in Wales said:
I didn't know reducing the power 'diffused' the flash.

Diffusing = softening.

Power reduction = harsh flash, but less power.

Please correct me if I'm wrong.:shrug:
Click to expand...

You're not wrong :thumbs:

And... how cute are those 'sunglasses' for your oncamera flash :lol:

DD
 
Dave in Wales said:
I didn't know reducing the power 'diffused' the flash.

Diffusing = softening.

Power reduction = harsh flash, but less power.

Please correct me if I'm wrong.:shrug:
Click to expand...

Yes, reducing flash power doesn't diffuse anything, just makes it less bright.

TBH those little pop-up diffusers are not very good. The idea is that they spread the light over a wide area in the hope that some of it will bounce back and soften the effect with some fill-in. The best way to do that is by pointing the flash at the ceiling.

All those little puffer things do is spread the light very wide, which reduces the brightness a lot. You don't get much fill-in but the flash quickly runs out of power. However, I think they have been very good for Mr Fong.
 
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