Need Info on Flashes

christopherjames · #1 07-10-2009, 10:25 AM

A friend suggested an external flash is much better then a flash that comes with the camera. Im shooting with a Canon XSI and was looking at
a "Precision Design DSLR300 High Power Auto Flash." What would be the benifit of purchasing this external flash?

MathewLodge · #2 07-10-2009, 11:58 AM

An external flash has far more power (so reaches further), and you get better results because the flash is further away from the lens barrel. With the on-camera flash, light tends to bounce right back off the subject into the lens -- so you get red-eye and shiny reflections.

If you buy a cord so you can move the flash around (off camera) then you can also get more creative with lighting and avoid "full frontal" illumination... which can wash out the subject.

I have no idea if the Precision Design flash is any good; I bought a Canon EX flash because it's integrated with the camera's exposure and focusing system (the flash you link to is not, since it isn't from Canon). I also bought a "Sto-Fen Omnibounce" flash diffuser, which helps to soften the light and radiate it more effectively, avoiding the harshness you often get with flash photos.

David_Buzzard · #3 07-10-2009, 12:18 PM

A flash unit is one of the most useful things a photographer can have. That said, if you're going to get one, get the dedicated Canon model designed to go with your camera. I had a quick look at the model you linked to, and it looks like something I haven't seen in regular use since the mid-1990's. The Canon flashes will work with the camera's internal electronics and light meter to adjust it's settings, and while the Precision Flash has an 'automatic' setting, you'll have to set at least some of the camera's settings manually.

Take my word for, the hassle you'll have to deal with with that flash will far out weigh anything you'll save in cash on it.

David Buzzard

Dennis_Vied · #4 07-10-2009, 05:58 PM

"A friend suggested an external flash is much better then a flash that comes with the camera."

Should read, "a flash built into the camera," perhaps? It's true that an external flash is more versatile and will likely give better results than one built into the camera. The down side is that it will be bulkier and less convenient to carry. If all you need is a little fill flash most of the time, the built-in flash is probably better. Otherwise, the external flash might be better. It all depends on your needs. The external flash will enable bounce flash shots.

"What would be the benifit of purchasing this external flash?"

In my opinion, it would be more trouble that it's worth. If I were buying an external flash for this camera, I would buy a Canon flash which is designed to work with the camera's automatic circuitry. There are other brands which may offer some or all of this compatibility, but a Canon flash would be the wisest choice. If you know and understand how to use a manual flash, you could save a little money buying this flash, but, in my opinion, not enough to make it worthwhile.