300d Flashgun?

[andyfreeman]

Hi all

I have been having a look around for a flash to go with my 300D camera.

I onlly really want to spend £150 max(i know this isnt a lot" but i only use the camera for taking photos of my little boy and 8months time new baby :)

Jessops do a
Jessops 300AFD Digital Flashgun for Canon AF for £ 100

http://www.jessops.com/Store/s35585/0/Flashguns/Jessops/300AFD-Digital-Flashgun-for-Canon-AF/details.aspx?&IsSearch=y&pageindex=1&comp=y

Is this my only option for the budget i have.
And is it a good option? Anyone else have one of these?

Thanks
Andy

[Curtis N]

Chapter 2 (http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=207470) of the Flash Photography 101 tutorial series outlines the advantages of a good flash unit vs. the built-in unit. It might be a good idea to give that a once-over, then check to see if the unit you're considering has the features described in the article.

The unit in your link has decent power and bounce capability, both of which I consider pretty important. Its lack of swivel would limit your creative options, especially with vertical shots.

Most importantly though, I strongly feel that any flash that will be used on a 300D should have built-in flash exposure compensation (FEC). Canon did not include this feature on the 300D, so unless you use one of the firmware hacks, you'll wind up with a lot of underexposed flash pictures without the ability to adjust FEC on the flash. The unit you linked to does not appear to have either FEC or manual adjustment capability, which will make shooting with it an exercise in frustration.

I don't know if the Sigma EF-500 DG ST has FEC or not (I doubt it). If not, then the least expensive unit that I know of with built-in FEC is the Sigma EF-500 DG Super (http://sigmaphoto.com/flashes/flashes_flashes_details.asp?id=3257&navigator=1). You may also be able to find a used Canon 550EX Speedlite in the same price range.

I certainly understand budgetary limitations, but when it comes to flash units I usually recommend waiting until you can afford the features you'll need, rather than hastily buying what you can afford and finding it has limited usefulness.