external flash for s45

[quarkyvenky]

Hi,

could some one tell me if i can add an external flash unit to my s45? i havent been getting great pcitures using the built in flash and was wondering if there is some way i can use an external one

bye

[rondel]

I use a remote slave flash trigger and a Canon 540ez flash in manual mode. I have had excellent results. I use the "C" Custom Settings Mode on the S45. In the "C" mode I saved"M" Manual Mode, 1/250 sec., F2.8, Flash Adjust set to Manual, and Flash Output set to 1/3 power. I can fine tune the "C" mode settings if I need to, but this way I don't have to re-enter the settings every time I turn on the camera. You can purchase a remote flash trigger on ebay at http://www.stores.ebay.com/joesphotoauction/plistings/list/all/dept1/index.html
for $14.00. The description on ebay says you can not use it with Canon cameras because Canon has a preflash that sets the exposure information. However, you can use the S45 in TV, AV, and Manual modes with manual flash. See the description on page 94 of the Power Shot S45 User Manual.
I set the external flash unit on a 4 inch tripod with the remote flash trigger attached, or hand hold it. I then set the external flash to manual and set the output to 1/4,1/8,1/16,or 1/32 power (on the 540EZ). You have to experiment with the power settings. I use bounce flash and really like the results. The external flash also allows you to take indoor flash shots at longer distances than the S45's built-in flash.

[4walls]

To fire an external flash use a DS-1 Digital Flash Trigger (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3822227308&ssPageName= STRK:MESE:IT). Click to see eBay auction.