PDA

View Full Version : A book for the 580EX

RuggerJoe
20th of March 2006 (Mon), 20:43
I was wondering if there were any books (other than the manual) about using a 580EX kind of like a Magic Lantern guide. I know there are a bunch of great online resources but would like something I could keep in my camera bag as a reference.
tim
21st of March 2006 (Tue), 01:33
I don't know of any. What do you want to know?
RuggerJoe
21st of March 2006 (Tue), 08:26
I'm not really sure. I guess I'm looking for when to use what settings and such or how to set it up for different conditions. I've read some of the online resources which are great, but not readily available to check when I brain fart away from my computer. which is quite often. :)

One thing I like about Magic Lantern books is while they are basically a rewritten manual, they give suggestions as to when or how to use different settings. Unfortunately I think they only have a book on the *ikon flashes.
WannaLearn
21st of March 2006 (Tue), 10:02
Not the "book" you were looking for, but I just ordered the Blue Crane DVD (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart&A=details&Q=&sku=414626&is=REG&addedTroughValue=348457_USA&addedTroughType=accessory_detail) title for the 580EX/430EX series flashes. It should arrive today so I could have a short review for you sometime tonight or tomorrow. I also ordered the Canon 20D DVD (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=354167&is=REG&addedTroughType=search) as well. I hope they live up to what I've read.
Amorous
21st of March 2006 (Tue), 13:37
Books are great resources for sure, but you won't gain much if you don't practice. I would suggest to shoot different setups, such as portraits, parties, outdoor, etc. Then, try studying the EXIF when you load to the PC. If you are way off, try adjusting the settings and shoot again. Once you get something that you are happy with, you just try to memorize the settings, or write down on a piece of paper.
WannaLearn
22nd of March 2006 (Wed), 07:29
Well, it got late last night and I didn't get to watch the entire video, but after 25 minutes I'm pretty impressed with the Blue Crane Digital video on the 580EX/430EX series Speedlites. They spent the first 15 or so minutes covering lighting basics, stuff you may have seen or read about elsewhere, but worth watching as a refresher. What was important to me is that they explained things really well and actually show you how things are done and their resulting effects. For example, I was having issues wrapping my brain around first/second curtain sync and how that plays into flash photography. They have a really cool animation of the internals of a camera that show you exactly what happens and how the sensor is exposed using both sync methods. How about high speed sync on your EX? Yep, detailed animation showing how that works too.

If you are a visual learner, this CD is for you. In my opinion, it is highly recommended. I also purchased the 20D CD and I can't wait to watch that one.
LewisImaging
22nd of March 2006 (Wed), 08:08
where did you buy these? is it a dvd or cd?
WannaLearn
22nd of March 2006 (Wed), 08:15
These are DVDs and I bought them from B&H Photo.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart&A=details&Q=&sku=414626&is=REG&addedTroughValue=348457_USA&addedTroughType=accessory_detail

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=354167&is=REG&addedTroughType=search
LewisImaging
22nd of March 2006 (Wed), 10:21
thanks :)
RuggerJoe
22nd of March 2006 (Wed), 10:41
Books are great resources for sure, but you won't gain much if you don't practice. I would suggest to shoot different setups, such as portraits, parties, outdoor, etc. Then, try studying the EXIF when you load to the PC. If you are way off, try adjusting the settings and shoot again. Once you get something that you are happy with, you just try to memorize the settings, or write down on a piece of paper.

Very true, but I need a place to start from. Once I have a starting point I explore all over the place. Also it would be nice to have a reference that I can check when I don't have the luxury to experiment.
Cathpah
25th of March 2006 (Sat), 21:43
Well, it got late last night and I didn't get to watch the entire video, but after 25 minutes I'm pretty impressed with the Blue Crane Digital video on the 580EX/430EX series Speedlites.

have you finished the video? wanna give an updated review please?
thanks.