Is turning on the flash necessary for night shots?

For distant shots(e.g shots of scenery,buildings),is it better to turn the flash on than not to use flash?What is the advantage of doing that?Thanks!

[mpenza]

flash will be useless unless you need to illuminate some nearby subjects in the shadows. then again, you'll want to use slow-sync flash to enable the background/scenery to be captured.

(clarification: slow sync flash should only be used if you want to illuminate some nearby subjects AND capture the background scenery)

Quote: Originally posted by mpenza flash will be useless unless you need to illuminate some nearby subjects in the shadows. then again, you'll want to use slow-sync flash to enable the background/scenery to be captured.

I believe the pics that come out with slow-sync should be brighter than those taken without flash,though they are much further away to be affected by the flash..

[Zerstorer]

Quote: Originally posted by ngsoonle I believe the pics that come out with slow-sync should be brighter than those taken without flash,though they are much further away to be affected by the flash..

Slow sync will only work for close subjects which are illuminated by the onboard flash going off. Distant objects would be similar to you firing without flash in Aperture priority mode.

As a matter of fact, if you are only taking distant scenery, you should never turn on the flash as it will mislead the camera as to where the subject is and result in a poor exposure.

Quote: Originally posted by Zerstorer Slow sync will only work for close subjects which are illuminated by the onboard flash going off. Distant objects would be similar to you firing without flash in Aperture priority mode. As a matter of fact, if you are only taking distant scenery, you should never turn on the flash as it will mislead the camera as to where the subject is and result in a poor exposure.

I see....Thanks!

[gadgetguy]

One point is missed though: When you take pics without flash, the shutter speed will be slow unless the film (ISO) speed is high.

So remember to use a tripod.

Quote: Originally posted by gadgetguy One point is missed though: When you take pics without flash, the shutter speed will be slow unless the film (ISO) speed is high. So remember to use a tripod.

Shutter speed low = brighter pics?
Then of course no use flash better for distant night shots rite?

[NitroTech]

Quote: Originally posted by ngsoonle Shutter speed low = brighter pics? Then of course no use flash better for distant night shots rite?

http://www.gerardkoh.per.sg/articles...oto/index.html

Maybe this link will help you in some way.

Quote: Originally posted by NitroTech http://www.gerardkoh.per.sg/articles...oto/index.html Maybe this link will help you in some way.

Quite a helpful site.Thanks!
Here's the summary copied from the site :
In photography, the rule of thumb is that flash only affects the foreground subject. In most cases, built-in flashes cannot go beyond a few metres, while hot-shoe flashes can extend the range a little more. If you intend to take a photograph of your friend with the Supreme Court as a backdrop in the night, by all means, use the flash. But take note that this serves to illuminate your subject only.

In most other cases, switch off your flash. They work better in dimly-lit interiors where the flash effect is enhanced by reflections from the walls and ceiling. They are also useful for fill-flash in daylight situations.

Hope it will also help other newbies like me!