How do I choose the right camera flash?
Guide Numbers
A flash guide number simply states how far the light will reach on optimal camera settings. A flash with a 120′ guide number is more powerful than a flash with a 60′ guide number. The flash with the higher guide number will be able to light subjects that are farther away from the flash.
How do I choose an external flash?
Choose one that best suits your intended purpose. The external flashes in the market vary in size, weight and price. A basic rule of thumb is that those that are larger in size and higher in price will have a larger guide number (GN) (see FAQ #2) as well as a wider variety of features.
How do I know if a flash is compatible with my camera?
The first thing you want to do is to check that the pins on the foot of the flash match the contacts on the hotshoe of your camera. They need to match in both the number of pins and placement so that the pins will touch the contacts exactly. Most sellers will show a picture of the foot of the flash.
How do I choose a speedlight flash?
The most important factor when choosing a speedlight, however, is how much distance you’re likely to cover. You should also consider whether the head rotates — the more rotation, the more control you’ll have over softening or changing the angle of light falling on your subject.
Does ISO matter with flash?
ISO Affects Flash And Ambient Equally
The ISO setting affects the “volume” of the signal coming from the digital sensor. It does not distinguish between flash and ambient light.
What is the difference between a speedlight and flash?
A flash uses a battery or an A/C outlet to power its LEDs, while a speedlight is powered by two AA batteries. Speedlights are portable flashes, they can be used as a standalone strobe lights without the camera, they are compact and generally smaller than standard flashes.
Are all camera flashes universal?
If flash duration is very fast (short), and if the ambient light is dim, then all that lights the picture is the short duration flash, which can be significantly faster than any shutter speed. Most studio flash units are not speedlights, but camera flashes universally are.
Do professional photographers use flash?
Generally, you will see professional photographers using external flashes or studio strobes instead of the built-in on-camera flash.
Can I put any flash on any camera?
A little secret: Nearly all flashes made to work with digital cameras will work in manual mode with any camera, no matter which camera brand. Learn more about making a mix-and-match FrankenFlash! Flash sync: Every camera has flash sync speed, usually in the 1/250-1/60 second range.
What is a TTL flash?
TTL flash uses a series or infrared flash bursts before the flash actually fires. This flash information is returned back to the camera which then adjusts the flash power accordingly to set what it thinks is a well-balanced shot. In practice this works fairly well, but what you end up with is often less than desirable.
What does TTL mean in camera flash?
Through The Lens metering
TTL means Through The Lens metering. When you focus your camera with that half push of the shutter, your camera is not only focusing, but its taking a reading (metering) of the scene. It is taking a measurement of how much ambient light is being returned Through The Lens to the sensor.
What happens if the ISO is too high?
If your ISO is too high, the image will be overexposed. The key here is to balance the ISO with the aperture. Use the base ISO value and use the shutter speed that provides the best exposure. This is more ideal when shooting with natural light, in well lit places or where there is plenty of sunshine.
How long does a camera flash last?
A full-power flash from a modern built-in or hot shoe mounted electronic flash has a typical duration of about 1ms, or a little less, so the minimum possible exposure time for even exposure across the sensor with a full-power flash is about 2.4ms + 1.0 ms = 3.4ms, corresponding to a shutter speed of about 1/290 s.
Which is better speedlight or strobe?
Strobe lights create more light, recycle faster and have a built-in modeling light for learning. Speedlights, on the other hand, are much more portable, more versatile, and can create almost all the same effects.
What do photographers use for flash?
The three most common options are the built-in on-camera flash [small], an external flash [bigger] (such as a Nikon or Canon speedlight), or a studio strobe [biggest]. Generally, you will see professional photographers using external flashes or studio strobes instead of the built-in on-camera flash.
Should I use flash for indoor photography?
Indoors. A very common reason to use your flash unit is low-light indoor environments. If there’s not enough light shining on your subject, a flash will help illuminate them. Your camera can’t see things that aren’t reflecting light, so in a poorly lit room it can make sense to use a flash.
Can I use my old flash with a digital camera?
New flash units specifically designed for use with digital cameras don’t have this problem. But you can safely use your older flash unit if it is interfaced with a small shoe-mount device that slides onto the camera’s hot shoe before you attach the shoe-mount flash to reduce the voltage.
Should I use TTL or manual flash?
Using TTL automatically adjusts the flash output for you as the distance between you and the camera changes. Manual flash is best in scenarios where you want the most control over the light source. It’s also useful if the distance between the subject and the flash doesn’t change rapidly.
What is a good guide number for a flash?
As a method of standardizing the process, manufacturers use ISO 100 a nd a flash-to-subject distance of 10′ as fixed reference points when calibrating guide numbers. An example of this formula: a flash unit with a GN of 40 would require an aperture of f/4 at a subject-to-flash distance of 10′ (GN = 10′ x f/4 = 40).
What is HSS flash?
High-Speed Sync (HSS) allows you to use your flash at a shutter speed that goes above 1/200 of a second, which is a normal flash sync speed on most digital cameras.
What is the sharpest ISO?
How to Determine the Best ISO Settings
- ISO 100-200: Best for bright daylight.
- ISO 200-400: Slightly less ambient light, such as indoors during the daytime or outdoors in the shade.
- ISO 400-800: Indoors, with a flash.
- ISO 800-1600: Low light indoors or at night when you can’t use a flash.
Do professional photographers use auto ISO?
Automatic ISO is widely used by both professional and beginner photographers alike. Rather than having to manually adjust your ISO for every photo, your camera does the work.
How many lumens is a camera flash?
From my brief research online, where a few people had done some basic calculations on camera flash units, it would appear they produce around 200,000 – 1000,000 lumens.
Does a camera flash wear out?
Re: Do flashes have a lifespan? Yes, but usually a very long lifespan. It should be good for at least 100,000 pops, maybe several times that. A few will die young, but not a large percentage, at least not with a quality brand.