is flash necessary?

[inazree]

been wondering whether flash is necessary for day or night shoot? sometimes the pictures turn out to be very harsh.

[elmzarcega]

flash is the next "must have" after tripod... just my 2 cents...

[jnet6]

You will need to control the flash inorder to give you the light that you want.
Not by just fully rely on the TTL.

[PuiKiaSquadLongkang]

Originally Posted by jnet6 You will need to control the flash inorder to give you the light that you want. Not by just fully rely on the TTL.

But you need to put on an diffuser and not point the head of the flash direct to the subject in order to have a good shot.

Is it true that just by controlling the flash exposure will give u a good flash shot?

[jnet6]

Originally Posted by PuiKiaSquadLongkang But you need to put on an diffuser and not point the head of the flash direct to the subject in order to have a good shot. Is it true that just by controlling the flash exposure will give u a good flash shot?

Diffuser/softbox will help to soften the lights and you still need to be in control of the light to make how much/strong/soft/wide to fall on the subject's surface, right?

[sORe-EyEz]

sometimes it is, there will always be situations where 1 cannot do without it. places too dark, lense too "slow", anti-shake not enough, no tripod, high ISO not ideal or all combinations (without a flash) simply will not do...

i would not say a flash is always necessary, but an extra tool on hand widens the options any time.

i think the topic of diffusing light is another topic itself. without a flash, there is no light to diffuse.

[jnet6]

Originally Posted by sORe-EyEz sometimes it is, there will always be situations where 1 cannot do without it. places too dark, lense too "slow", anti-shake not enough, no tripod, high ISO not ideal or all combinations (without a flash) simply will not do... i would not say a flash is always necessary, but an extra tool on hand widens the options any time. i think the topic of diffusing light is another topic itself. without a flash, there is no light to diffuse.

next alternative is to take video, unless it is total darkness then turn on night vision.

[zac08]

Depends on situation... but a good tool to have around in your bag.

[LE0LE0]

Think it depends on whether u plan to do event photography also. If you do, then you definately need one, cos alot of events are shot indoors and may not be bright enough to get fast shutter speeds of at least 1/60. And if your shutter speeds are not fast enough and the subjects are moving, you'll end up with alot of blur shots with movement. So the flash is also there to help you "freeze" the movement.

[r0n1n]

also a newbie here, I'm saving up for a decent flash. generally what are the things (i.e specs ) to consider in buying one? i basically would like to shoot more portrait shots

@ TS, sorry for butting in some questions on your thread, hope you don't mind

[marieloves-]

r0n1n, i think you should start with the SB-400?
Seems like a good beginner flash that will suit your needs.
I am using SB-600 as my body (D1x) makes it impossible to shoot at anything more then ISO 800.
Hope this is of good use to you!

Marie

[zac08]

Originally Posted by r0n1n also a newbie here, I'm saving up for a descent flash. generally what are the things (i.e specs ) to consider in buying one? i basically would like to shoot more portrait shots @ TS, sorry for butting in some questions on your thread, hope you don't mind

Swivel/tilt head to allow for bouncing the flash off walls, ceilings, etc...

Option for external batteries (good to have if you're shooting events or weddings and need a faster refresh rate)

Good Guide Number (GN), this allows a more powerful flash to be thrown a longer distance.

Optional extras, look out for diffussers, bounce cards, etc... all these can help in the correct situation.

[zac08]

Originally Posted by marieloves- r0n1n, i think you should start with the SB-400? Seems like a good beginner flash that will suit your needs. I am using SB-600 as my body (D1x) makes it impossible to shoot at anything more then ISO 800. Hope this is of good use to you! Marie

He's using Olympus, different system

[marieloves-]

Woops!
Then leave the recommeding to an Olympus expert.

Marie

[r0n1n]

Originally Posted by marieloves- r0n1n, i think you should start with the SB-400? Seems like a good beginner flash that will suit your needs. I am using SB-600 as my body (D1x) makes it impossible to shoot at anything more then ISO 800. Hope this is of good use to you! Marie

Originally Posted by zac08 He's using Olympus, different system

haha i forgot to mention that. i only know of olympus flash FL36R and FL50R but not really sure what to look for in terms of specs

thanks marie and zac

[marieloves-]

Hehe, sorry about that r0n1n, i don't know much about olympus!
Not in the right position to give advice, maybe try the olympus forum yea?

Marie

[r0n1n]

Originally Posted by zac08 Swivel/tilt head to allow for bouncing the flash off walls, ceilings, etc... Option for external batteries (good to have if you're shooting events or weddings and need a faster refresh rate) Good Guide Number (GN), this allows a more powerful flash to be thrown a longer distance. Optional extras, look out for diffussers, bounce cards, etc... all these can help in the correct situation.

thanks zac for these guide, I've been with a buddy shooting an outdoor party and i see a great difference on a shot taken with an external flash (my buddy's) and my cam's built-in flash makes me think in getting an external flash too.

thanks again

[zac08]

Originally Posted by r0n1n haha i forgot to mention that. i only know of olympus flash FL36R and FL50R but not really sure what to look for in terms of specs thanks marie and zac

Just googled up the 2 flashes... the FL36 would be a more compact one and if you do not need a high spec powerful flash, this would be a good start.

The FL50 would be more of the event, wedding shooter flash.

[r0n1n]

Originally Posted by marieloves- Hehe, sorry about that r0n1n, i don't know much about olympus! Not in the right position to give advice, maybe try the olympus forum yea? Marie

hey no worries but yes i will check with the oly guys for review of specific models. thanks again

[r0n1n]

Originally Posted by zac08 Just googled up the 2 flashes... the FL36 would be a more compact one and if you do not need a high spec powerful flash, this would be a good start. The FL50 would be more of the event, wedding shooter flash.

wow many thanks for the prompt reply. i'll consider getting the FL36R