Flash for S2IS

[Patriot]

Hi

I find the built-in flash of s2is grossly unsatisfactory. Other than the Canon flash unit mentioned in the manual which other flash (can use only slave units I suppose) can be operated with this cam? Anyone using these pl. share your experiences.
Thanx in advance

[JohnnyE]

It's got a flash range of only about 5m, but that's at ISO 100. If you need to extend it without an external slave flash, you could try increasing the ISO speed. I've tried the Canon HF-DC1 slave flash, which works well.

[RossW]

The Vivitar DF200 gets good marks from some; I actually bought one, but haven't used it yet other than for one very quick test shot. It did OK, but it wasn't really a tricky situation where I needed it. You are correct, you have to get a "slave" flash, or a slave sensor that would work with a wide range of flashes.

[Patriot]

Hi JohnnyE and RossW
Immense thanx for the inputs. Anybody else out there using additional flash units for this cam?
Bye!

[padylyn]

I bought a S2IS recently, like many, I feel I need a bit more flash power at times. I have an old UNOMATB24 CT, which is fully automatic and quite powerful, and a slave unit. Will that flash work with the S2IS?. If yes, how should I go about using it?
Hopeful:)

[GyRob]

IF you have a slave unit your on camera flash should fire it as long as it hits the slave cell.
Rob.

[padylyn]

Rob, thanks very much. It fires ok but it appears to be firing too eatrly or too late as the photo is not being effected by it.
Any ideas,
Thanks Padylyn

[mermoz]

padylyn, I suppose it is firing too early, not too late.
And that is due to the fact that the camera uses the flash in order to set the white balance before releasing the shutter. Therefore, the flash strikes twice every time, and it's not something you can change in the settings.
So, unless the slave flash can be set to react only at the second light, it's useless for the S2.

[paul gotiong]

hi, i am a newbie in this group and would love to get more infos. i am also looking for a flash unit for my S2IS since my most problems encoutered is when shooting indoors and in a dimmed environment. i happen to see a sunpak digital flash adapter bracket at B&Hphoto. would this work?

If it can work with the S2, it would be great and what flash units can be used for it? i was thinking of a sunpak PZ-5000 AF TTL hoe mount flash or the canon 430EX or a sigma flash eventhou some of its features can't be of full use. Hope somebody can shed light on this.

please check it out www.bhphotovideo.com

Thanks.

[Jon]

Got a link to the specific products you're contemplating?

Slave flashes for these cameras need to be specifically designed for use as digital slaves (able to "ignore" the pre-flash most digicams use). You can also use a non-dedicated regular flash with a "digital slave" trigger device (sold separately). Buying a "dedicated" flash with manufacturer-specific master or stand-alone functionality isn't worth the effort unless you also have a camera which can use that functionality.

[Pixel9ine]

i was thinking of a sunpak PZ-5000 AF TTL hoe mount flash or the canon 430EX or a sigma flash eventhou some of its features can't be of full use.I looked at the Sunpak gear back when I was shopping for a digital slave flash, and wasn't too impressed. Also, if you're thinking of buying a Canon flash, keep in mind that the 430EX: (a) will not work as an optical slave independant of wireless E-TTL and will still need an optical trigger = more $$, and (b) has MANY features that will be disabled without TTL communication from the camera.

...The best choice you can make, IMO, is the Vivitar DF-200. I bought one myself almost a year ago, and still use it with my compact digital camera. (I DID buy a 430EX for my DRebel, but that's another story). It's smart, it looks good, very adjustable and has a "learning" mode that will ensure it works with any flash pre-fire pattern. Great value.

[paul gotiong]

Thanks for the great info and help guys. I will look into the vivitar flash but how will i mount it? That is what i thought of if i buy a canon 430EX flash. But is the sunpak digital slave adapter flash bracket i mentioned useful? i need the flash above the lens and the flash bracket makes it possible.

[paul gotiong]

i saw the vivitar DF-200 flash. it looks great but i am concerned if it has a diffuser for it. i haven't seen an online store where i can purchase one. Thanks croesus

[paul gotiong]

hi. i tried searching for the vivitar DF-200 flash but unfortunately found nothing for sale. the stores says it has been discontinued by the manufacturer already. Is there an alternative flash i can use that is somehow the same with the DF-200?

I rily need your help guys. i thought the flashes i mentioned like the sigma or sunpak were compatible with my camera or the sunpak digital falsh adapter bracket that i am planing to use.

What should i look for in a flash that can be used for a camera with a built-in flash and no hot shoe?

Thanks again.

[Pixel9ine]

i saw the vivitar DF-200 flash. it looks great but i am concerned if it has a diffuser for it. i haven't seen an online store where i can purchase one. Thanks croesusA diffuser? In my cheapness, I constructed one out of paper shaped into a box... slipped it over the flash lens & it seemed to work fine.

I've just checked around.. and sadly it appears you're right. The DF-200 isn't for sale anywhere onine. A shame. I'll keep my eyes open for you though...

[paul gotiong]

that's the problem. i don't know why they discontinued it. but with your experience, would the sunpak digital flash adapter bracket be a good choice? i can't use a slave bracket since its too low and its ifficult to get good light angle also. the wide angle or tele converter lens might coverage its flash coverage like when you use the built in flash and when using a lens hood or converter lens.

but i till would nee a flash unit for it.

[juxtapose]

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=311151&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

I have the Phoenix model I've linked here that I use with my s3. For the little that I've used it, it seems to work great! It has a learning mode as discussed earlier to ensure it will fire at the correct time when used, and it has a powerful range. The head is fully adjustable, making for good bounced light shots.

It came with a small tripod and a bracket allowing you to attach it to your camera using the tripod mount (much like a wedding photog's setup). The bracket feels a little flimsy due to the size of the flash unit in relation to the camera, so I haven't used it really. That would be my only complaint. Uses four AA batteries for power, and seems to have a decent battery life so far.

[RossW]

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=311151&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

I have the Phoenix model I've linked here that I use with my s3.

That looks very much like the Vivitar D200. Specs seem quite similar as well.