Flash Basics

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Jayceyned

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Hi guys,

Would anyone be kind enough to explain some bare basics about Flash?

I have a Canon 1000D & am thinking of getting an off-camera flash unit to do some macro with. Thing is I have no clue about possible flash setups/ options / costs.

I'd be happy to spend a bit of money on a flash as long as I know what makes a good flash?

I suppose that the specific things I'd like to understand are:

1. What's a cheap / expensive flash? Why so?
2. Is a speedlight the same as a flash? Are there other similar devices that do diff. Things that I may mistake as a flash?
3. If I want to trigger it wirelessly off camera, how would I do so?

Any other info. Would be much appreciated.

Thanks loads,

Jay.
 
... thought if another:

4. When I'm looking for a flash are there compatability issues with camera brands ie. Do I need a Canon flash?
 
If you're only going to do off-camera stuff (and not connected by a TTL cord) you can teams all sorts of flashes together through a manual trigger system. Although, with many triggers these days being labelled for specific brands (and some featuring TTL pass-through), it is worth bearing in mind that hotshoe-based trigger systems might require branded stuff; connection via PC ports isn't an issue - if the flash has a PC sync port you're sorted, and if it doesn't you can get an adaptor that bring this facility.

In terms of flashes to buy, for macro you're going to want full power adjustment, possibly down to 1/64th or even 1/128th so you can freeze action (wings etc). For cheap, new flashes check out the Yongnuo units; there are several in the range, some designed solely for use off-camera in manual, others with TTL capabilities.

I use a selection of old Nikon units; something like an SB24 or SB25 can still be had for about £40 and these have good power adjustment AND they feature a PC sync port. Would be a good option.

If you want to use a flash on-camera at any point then you're going to need the brand that matches your camera, or a 3rd-party offering that's been designed to work with Canon. There are plenty around; Sigma, Metz, Jessops, Sunpak, Yongnuo, Lumepro.... all at various price points and with varying features. The Jessops ones (AF360 I think) get good reviews - think they're about £70 and give TTL exposure.

To trigger it wirelessly the main consideration you need from a flash is manual power adjustment; because cheap triggers don't support TTL exposure (they send a fire signal, that's all) the flash needs to be able to be adjusted manually to get the right output level. Cheap triggers are the RF-603s, seemingly the best cheap trigger around. Next you have Phottix Strato and then you start going up on price into the hundreds for a set. I'd go with 603s to start with; theink you can get a transmitter and 2x receiver bundle for less than £40....

As for what's a speedlight and what's a flash - it's the same. Yanks call them strobes (hence 'strobist'). You do need to be mindful of old flashguns that have weird voltages that could fry your camera but anything made in the last 15 years by a half-reputable brand will be fine.

If you need additional info I'd check out the 'lighting: 101' section of strobist
 
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1. What's a cheap / expensive flash? Why so?
Cheaper flash guns have less features such as tilt and swivel heads and full manual settings. More expensive units are usually more powerful too.

2. Is a speedlight the same as a flash? Are there other similar devices that do diff. Things that I may mistake as a flash?

As far as I know the terms are interchangable.

3. If I want to trigger it wirelessly off camera, how would I do so?

Radio triggers. Cheap one from ebay are about £20 for a transmitter and receiver but only work with the flash in manual mode. Pocket Wizards and similar cost £100's but are more flexible and allow ettl flash. Don't dismiss hot shoe cords for macro either.

4. You would need a Canon specific unit for hot shoe or ettl cable use. I'm pretty sure that most flash guns can be used with radio triggers.

Have a look at the "sticky" - Show us your macro rig in the macro section loads of ideas there.

HTH
 
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