An external flash is five times more powerful than the built-in flash. It illuminates the subject up to five times the distance. Therefore, it is more often used where there is poor illumination.
To choose a flash for Canon, Nikon or other camera, look at the models that change the position of the reflector. It must rise and unfold. Thus, you get all-round lighting, you will take a good photo even in pitch darkness.
Focus Assist measures the distance to the subject. Can focus correctly anywhere within a reasonable distance from the camera. But this feature is not provided in all models. Therefore, before choosing a flash for your camera, read the datasheet.
If the reflector is rigidly fixed, you get a bad shot, which is no different from the flash built into the camera.
A dark background appears when you have a fast flash sync speed. Making the shutter speed slower (eg 1/25 second) will brighten the background. But then the image may be blurred because the shutter speed is too slow. In this case, mount the camera on a tripod.
Here are three popular reflector positions for flash photography.
Reflector position | "Pros" | "Minuses" |
Standard (light is directed to the subject) | The beam strikes far away and illuminates the subject in the distance | The lighting is direct and rough. Used when other methods do not help |
Raised up (light reflects off the white ceiling) | Illuminated frames are obtained. Move away from the subject to achieve even lighting, so the angle of incidence on the subject will be less sharp. | If the ceiling is painted in a certain shade, the people in the frame will be the same color. We'll have to look for another option for lighting the frame. |
A softbox or record is attached to the flash (part of the light goes into the ceiling, and part is reflected on the object) | Do so so that you can see the subject in front of you and understand that the beam from the reflector hits exactly the white object. In this case, it will work as a reflective filter and the subject will be well lit. |
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Flash for Nikon and Canon: how to choose
You cannot attach Nikon Auto Flash (TTL) to Canon camera, and vice versa.
- Automatic flashes are not compatible with each other.
- Manual (manual) - no difference: that Canon, that Nikon - everything is compatible.
When Canon is around the neck and a lot of money in your pocket, Canon's external flash ring is a cool choice. The one with a built-in synchronizer. Then you do not have to cling to a separate battery unit, charge them additionally, and worry so that the settings do not go astray.
But the price of such a flash bites. This stops the enthusiasts. It's easier to buy Chinese models. They also have a built-in synchronizer, the same power as the native flash. The "disadvantages" are that they periodically fail: they show an overheating sensor even when the flash has just turned on. And they break more often. But they are 5 times cheaper than the original ones.
Note: "Types and designations of Nikon lenses"
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