Canon flashes-need advise

[Sandy]

I am going to be shooting people receiving awards at a podium in a darkened room. I think I will need the flash unit for the Canon 20D as the internal flash seems inadequate. Will I regret buying the smaller 420 flash unit, instead of the more expensive 550?

[blackwaterstudio]

I am going to be shooting people receiving awards at a podium in a darkened room. I think I will need the flash unit for the Canon 20D as the internal flash seems inadequate. Will I regret buying the smaller 420 flash unit, instead of the more expensive 550?
Is there a reason for going with Canon? Why not pick up a sigma? I have the Sigma super 500 ETTL-II and love it. Reviews on FM rank it up there with the 580EX and about $200 cheaper.

[ian408]

I am going to be shooting people receiving awards at a podium in a darkened room. I think I will need the flash unit for the Canon 20D as the internal flash seems inadequate. Will I regret buying the smaller 420 flash unit, instead of the more expensive 550?

What jdspho says. Though depending on how far away the podium is, you might
also want something to direct the light and spread it out a bit. Examples are
3x5 cards rubber-banded to the flash, Stofen, Lumiquest Softbox, etc.

Ian

[Sandy]

Thank you so much for the advise, I will look at the Sigma. I'm not sure of what the set up will be at the podium. I can't imagine how to attach the index cards to spread out the light. :dunno

[ian408]

Thank you so much for the advise, I will look at the Sigma. I'm not sure of what the set up will be at the podium. I can't imagine how to attach the index cards to spread out the light. :dunno


A few rubber bands around the head, bend the cards and you're set. Of
course this would be backup to something more suited to the task.

Next time you see a press conference on the tube, check it out. You'll see
them occassionally though more often than not, a stofen on the flash.

Ian

[nillaismydog]

what type of flash do I need?

I'm getting ready to take wedding pictures in a few weeks (my first time ever!). The pictures will be outside around noon. Then the reception is indoors and I have no idea what the lighting will be like, but I assume not so great. Are there any suggestions for what type of flash I need. Should I use one outside? Is there a way I can use a flash to reduce shadows without making the photo overexposed? I know nothing about flashes and haven't ever bought one so I want to be prepared!

I'm using a digital rebel xt in case you need to know.

[ian408]

Welcome aboard.

Take a look up in the top of the window for the "search" feature of the site.

A quick search for "flash" results in this (http://www.dgrin.com/search.php?searchid=160597).

You can use it to find other threads about the same topic, flash. In fact,
there's another one going right now called "Canon flashes--need advise".

The two are similar so I'm going to go ahead and merge them.

Cheers,
Ian

[Michiel de Brieder]

Have you considered Metz Mecablitz? I have a CT-45 and have used it at my last wedding, I loved it :D I bought it used for €45 and it's a very capable flash unit. Be sure to use it with an x-synch cable though!!

[ziggy53]

Thank you so much for the advise, I will look at the Sigma. I'm not sure of what the set up will be at the podium. I can't imagine how to attach the index cards to spread out the light. :dunnoSandy,

Using an index card, or any reflector, involves tilting the external flash head up, straight up, and then strapping the card to the head towards the back, allowing the card to reflect some of the light forward. Most of the light is going to bounce off the ceiling, so the method works best with relatively low ceilings. If you need more light going directly towards the subject, you just bend the card forward.

I built some simple flames which allow 8 x 10" reflectors to reflect at 45 degrees from the upright flash head. Coupled with a "wide" setting on the head, I get good dispersion and I can put those flashes as slaves close to the subject(s).

ziggy53

[Sandy]

JDSPhotography, I just picked up the Sigma Flash as you suggested. Thanks again for the info. Sandy

[blackwaterstudio]

JDSPhotography, I just picked up the Sigma Flash as you suggested. Thanks again for the info. Sandy
Great, I've been nothing but pleased with mine on my 20D

[Sandy]

Ready for the shoot.

http://sandra.smugmug.com/photos/28301430-M