Light Techniques
Why External Flash Units Are So Good
It can sound a little odd that someone wants to buy an external flash when there is a flash already on the camera. So why would this be?
The secret appeal to use an external flash is their flexibility in their use. They are highly versatile. You can use them with any camera. As opposed to a fixed position, the external flash is more adaptability. They can work with just about any DSLR.
The great thing about external flash units is that give you a better range. You can control the light so much more by
changing the direction of the light for your subject. This is ideal when you are shooting a subject that needs additional light from the side or from above for example. They are also pretty great with faster recycle times.
You’ll recognize an external flash unit by the fact that it’s mounted on what’s called a hot shoe. This, simply, is a bracket that’s on top of the digital camera ready for the external flash to slide and clip into.
And if you think that’s good, listen to this. You can also add a slave flash to your digital photography experience too. It’s a wireless, external flash unit that doesn’t require a hot shoe as can be placed away from the camera.
If you are looking for an external flash unit, you will find they consist of both automatic and manual flash settings. The higher end of these flash units have parts to them that allows the heads to swivel up and down. And some even have a handy function called a zoom head that go with the focal length of the camera lens.
Another fantastic function of these handy units is their attachable (sometimes inbuilt) diffuser. A diffuser can reduce and soften the bright light that creates overexposure. They can also be used to widen the scope of light that falls on a subject that requires light over a large area.
These wonderful tools can cost, as an average, anywhere in the vicinity from
$50 on Ebay to $500. For example the Canon - Speedlite External Flash
(Model: 1946B002 | SKU: 8303356) retails for around the $500 mark. You’ll
want to check how compatible an external flash is with your digital camera.
Its important to do your research.
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Article by...
Amy Renfrey
Digital Photographer, Digital Photography Teacher & Author
