Flash for FZ20

funtasy · 29th December 2004

I noticed that many users will recommend the Suntax 328DTZ for the FZ20. Is it because it is cheaper than the original Panasonic flash DMW-FL28 or is there another reason?

gunny · 29th December 2004

Because FZ20 uses a standard (non-dedicated) ISO hot-shoe, it means you can practically use any flash with standard ISO hot-shoe. Standard hot-shoe means the camera only instruct the flash to fire only. That's it. No point of getting expensive flash that only need to be instructed to fire. All the TTL setting is via auto mode, at the flash body itself. If you notice, there are one small hole to measure the surrounding light so the flash know how much power should it fire to fill the necessary additional light.

The only advantage that I know of using the orig pana flash is it can do three burst shooting, while using Suntax 328DTZ at the max you can get only two. FL28 can't swivel and so does 328DTZ. They only can be tilted up-down.

Also, read one of the comment from other user here:
http://www.dcresource.com/forums/arc...hp/t-1337.html

Not only Suntax 328DTZ, you can get almost any flash with ISO hot-shoe, even a dedicated one (e.g. Nikon Speedlite SB-xx). But remember, since the camera can only instruct the flash to fire only, all other special functionalities in the flash will be wasted except for the "auto" mode where the flash is using its own built-in TTL to measure the exposure. And of course, manual mode will help if you know what you need.

Watch out for the strobe trigger voltage, though, if you are getting thrid-party external flash. I'm sure you don't want to BBQ your FZ20....

Cheers,
SG

funtasy · 29th December 2004

Thanks for the in depth reply!

29th December 2004	#1
funtasy Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 1,096	Flash for FZ20 I noticed that many users will recommend the Suntax 328DTZ for the FZ20. Is it because it is cheaper than the original Panasonic flash DMW-FL28 or is there another reason?

29th December 2004	#2
gunny Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: North East Posts: 89	Because FZ20 uses a standard (non-dedicated) ISO hot-shoe, it means you can practically use any flash with standard ISO hot-shoe. Standard hot-shoe means the camera only instruct the flash to fire only. That's it. No point of getting expensive flash that only need to be instructed to fire. All the TTL setting is via auto mode, at the flash body itself. If you notice, there are one small hole to measure the surrounding light so the flash know how much power should it fire to fill the necessary additional light. The only advantage that I know of using the orig pana flash is it can do three burst shooting, while using Suntax 328DTZ at the max you can get only two. FL28 can't swivel and so does 328DTZ. They only can be tilted up-down. Also, read one of the comment from other user here: http://www.dcresource.com/forums/arc...hp/t-1337.html Not only Suntax 328DTZ, you can get almost any flash with ISO hot-shoe, even a dedicated one (e.g. Nikon Speedlite SB-xx). But remember, since the camera can only instruct the flash to fire only, all other special functionalities in the flash will be wasted except for the "auto" mode where the flash is using its own built-in TTL to measure the exposure. And of course, manual mode will help if you know what you need. Watch out for the strobe trigger voltage, though, if you are getting thrid-party external flash. I'm sure you don't want to BBQ your FZ20.... Cheers, SG