Canon Flash Question

[expositer]

Hi Guys,

I'm using a 420ex and 350D. since the fastest flash-sync speed is 1/200, wanted to ask how I can expose for fill-in flash on bright lighting conditions (mid-day sun) with subjects wearing caps, etc (i.e their faces will be dark)

If I set the exposure program to Shutter Priority, using 1/400, (so that the sky is not washed-out), can I do a FEC lock on the subjects faces? does the 420ex compensate for the faces? or will the flash fire at full power for 1/400 (since that's when the shutter closes?) will the faces be underexposed?

thanks a lot.

[tkj]

The 420ex support ETTL you can shoot with flash at any shutter speed. Plase refer to your manual.

[TechMage]

Originally Posted by expositer Hi Guys, I'm using a 420ex and 350D. since the fastest flash-sync speed is 1/200, wanted to ask how I can expose for fill-in flash on bright lighting conditions (mid-day sun) with subjects wearing caps, etc (i.e their faces will be dark) If I set the exposure program to Shutter Priority, using 1/400, (so that the sky is not washed-out), can I do a FEC lock on the subjects faces? does the 420ex compensate for the faces? or will the flash fire at full power for 1/400 (since that's when the shutter closes?) will the faces be underexposed? thanks a lot.

there is a little switch on the 420...switch from the green dot to the one with a lightning with a letter "H"....that will allow you to fire at faster than flash sync (in your case 1/400)...but only for short distance coverage. And remember to switch it back to the green dot for normal flash.

[solarii]

Exposure is calculated seperately for flash / ambient parts of the scene. The flash will attempt to expose your subject correctly regardless of your Tv/Av values.

As Techmage mentioned, swtich to what canon calls FP Flash mode if u wanna use shutter speeds faster than the x-sync.

[Snoweagle]

That's the high-speed sync mode. I use it on my 420EX all the time when doing fill-in flash. and macros.

[expositer]

Great! thanks for the answers guys.

[Splutter]

Do note that the flash power is severly reduced though. On a desperate note, you may like to try using ND filters to cut down light to get the settings you desire.