how effective are pop-up flash diffuser?

[choy0014]

Hi, due to the shortage of funds i m unable to afford a flash unit (sb-600) right now. hence i was wondering if getting a pop-up flash diffuser a good idea to tide me through? I would like to shoot portraits under low light conditions (evening, indoors) and the pop-up flash produces very ugly shadows.
any opinions? many thanks!

 

[Rashkae]

You will never get the same flash power, but it may be "good enough" for you. I suggest you try a google search for "pop up flash diffuser review" so you can see the effects with actual images.

 

[Shen siung]

Maybe you need to ask someone who has used it.
Those manufacturer will definitely say their pop up flash diffuser is good enough.

Would you consider 3rd party flash?

 

[Limsgp]

Somehow I noticed that when using the Pop-up flash diffuser, the pictures tends to be on the warm side.. not sure if anyone else got this issue?

To TS, having the diffuser would certainty create a less harsh flash output (and maybe a warmer picture as mentioned above). But note that the effective flash power will be reduced.

 

[puraime]

i've used the original gary fong puffer with the built-in flash, the flash diffuser did have a yellower tone colour too.
I think the diffuser does eat some of the flash power. diffused flash is slightly better than without but not phenominal.
indoors i think ceiling bounce is still nicer but outdoors the diffuser will look pretty good.
i used to use a reflective surface to bounce the built in flash up, using a mirror or a reflective paper or even my ipod touch.

 

[choy0014]

i've used the original gary fong puffer with the built-in flash, the flash diffuser did have a yellower tone colour too.
I think the diffuser does eat some of the flash power. diffused flash is slightly better than without but not phenominal.
indoors i think ceiling bounce is still nicer but outdoors the diffuser will look pretty good.
i used to use a reflective surface to bounce the built in flash up, using a mirror or a reflective paper or even my ipod touch.

hey thanks for the help. can u elaborate on the part where u use a reflective surface to bounce up the flash? esp the ipod touch part, very interesting. hahha. thanks

 

[puraime]

you can try this at home, pop up your built in flash, angle your ipod touch/mirror about 45degrees.
can try it now. heh.

tell me what you get, i manage to get pretty good results, of cos the flash power is abit lower than any dedicated flash.