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Home: Video University Forums: Digital Photography for Videographers:
Stupid flash question

 
 


Shadow
Veteran

Nov 26, 2006, 10:40 PM

Post #1 of 11 (738 views)
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Stupid flash question Can't Post
Ok, I've posted some dumb questions on here in the past so here's another one.

When you're shooting photos outside and your in av mode and it requires a low shutter speed, and you use your flash, do you stick your flash in manual mode or leave in ettl?

I noticed when I leave in ettl mode I still have the slow shutter speeds but with manual it suddenly kicks it up from say 40 to a shutter speed of 250.

Any thoughts anyone?

H


Colvin ADTR
Enthusiast

Nov 27, 2006, 1:02 AM

Post #2 of 11 (733 views)
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Re: [Shadow] Stupid flash question [In reply to] Can't Post
let the camera control flash as much as possible. You might still want to experiment with the flash settings though. On my nikon, I usually have the power turned down about 1 1/2 stops.


Shadow
Veteran

Nov 27, 2006, 1:12 AM

Post #3 of 11 (731 views)
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Re: [Colvin ADTR] Stupid flash question [In reply to] Can't Post
The problem I was getting was that I would be using the flash but still get motion blurr in portraits when hand holding. This was outdoors in the evening. I'd be in av mode and the shutter speed would go down to about 40 and there'd be some blurr in the photo.

Or maybe it wasn't at full charge between shots???

Anyway, I noticed when I put it in manual I'd get a quick release on the shutter. And so I wondered what everyone else was doing.


Colvin ADTR
Enthusiast

Nov 27, 2006, 1:30 AM

Post #4 of 11 (728 views)
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Re: [Shadow] Stupid flash question [In reply to] Can't Post
If you are using a program mode then you want shutter priority to control blur. I would have thought that the flash would help freeze it though. I use manual shutter/ap and sometimes fill flash so that I can bump up the shutter speed. I like posing with my $1 ebay lightmeter and acting like I understand it Laugh


Scott Brooks
Veteran

Nov 27, 2006, 1:32 AM

Post #5 of 11 (727 views)
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Re: [Shadow] Stupid flash question [In reply to] Can't Post
In Reply To
Ok, I've posted some dumb questions on here in the past so here's another one.

When you're shooting photos outside and your in av mode and it requires a low shutter speed, and you use your flash, do you stick your flash in manual mode or leave in ettl?

I noticed when I leave in ettl mode I still have the slow shutter speeds but with manual it suddenly kicks it up from say 40 to a shutter speed of 250.

Any thoughts anyone?

H
I don't recall if you're using Nikon or Canon. However, when using the Canon 580 and you're wanting to use it for fill flash outside, you need to put it into high sync mode. If not I believe it will allow your shutter no higher than 1/250. Actually I leave mine in high sync mode all the time.

If you'e using a shutter speed of 40 outside ... just how dark is it? Is this night?


Shadow
Veteran

Nov 27, 2006, 1:37 AM

Post #6 of 11 (723 views)
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Re: [Sparky] Stupid flash question [In reply to] Can't Post
No it isn't dark, I have my ISO set at 200 usually, I should inrease it and see how that helps. It has been evening when I shoot so the sun is nearly gone.

I'm shooting with Canon, I'll try the high sync thing.

thanks


Shadow
Veteran

Nov 27, 2006, 1:39 AM

Post #7 of 11 (721 views)
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Re: [Colvin ADTR] Stupid flash question [In reply to] Can't Post
tee hee hee. I bought a light meter, used for $120 but rarely use it. I learned photography using a light meter many years ago so figured I needed one. It's good for a few things though.

I'm going to have a big shoot day soon and try a bunch of different stuff with the flash.


videochicke
Veteran


Dec 4, 2006, 7:32 PM

Post #8 of 11 (665 views)
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Re: [Shadow] Stupid flash question [In reply to] Can't Post
I always have the camera itself in manual. I want control of the shutter so my skies are blue or fountains and flowing water looks misty or frozen in time. And I want control of the aperture so I can control the depth of field. I use ETTL and adjust the flash settings so it lights things as I want.
Julie


Shadow
Veteran

Dec 4, 2006, 7:48 PM

Post #9 of 11 (663 views)
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Re: [videochicke] Stupid flash question [In reply to] Can't Post
Thanks Video Chickie,
Do you find in ETTL mode that it makes the shutter fast enough? I was finding that I was still getting a shutter speed of 40 even with the flash.

Maybe my batteries were low or something. I'm going to have more time for testing over the holidays.

Thanks for your post, it was helpful.
:)
H


szerangue
Veteran


Dec 4, 2006, 8:11 PM

Post #10 of 11 (657 views)
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Re: [Shadow] Stupid flash question [In reply to] Can't Post
I am shooting a Canon 30D and I am using the light meter on the camera. It seems to work great.
Miracle Pictures
"If it's a good picture, it's a Miracle!"

"Life Productions, coming out of the dark, into the light"
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videochicke
Veteran


Dec 4, 2006, 10:37 PM

Post #11 of 11 (646 views)
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Re: [Shadow] Stupid flash question [In reply to] Can't Post
In Reply To
Thanks Video Chickie,
Do you find in ETTL mode that it makes the shutter fast enough? I was finding that I was still getting a shutter speed of 40 even with the flash.

Maybe my batteries were low or something. I'm going to have more time for testing over the holidays.

Thanks for your post, it was helpful.
:)
H
I set the shutter speed manually, so it is always as fast or slow as I want it.
Julie