How much would I benefit from a flash?

[angryhampster]

I've been considering getting a 420EX if I can find a good deal on ebay ( under $120), but I was just wondering how much I'd even use it. If I get one, I'll probably get a big flip-it as well, but I just don't know if it'd be worth the expense. Having said that, I'm going to India next month to visit a children's home, and I'd love to be able to take high-quality, well-lit photos of the kids.

How else will I benefit from having a flash?

[Curtis N]

Have a read:
(Why) Should I get a flash unit for my camera? (http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=207470)

[FlashZebra]

I estimate that a Canon 420EX will improve your life by 2.37%.

Enjoy! Lon

[Curtis N]

Well, it can improve your people shots by 100%.
If people shots are 10% of your photography, then your photography will be improved by 10%.
So if photography is 23.7% of your life, then I agree with Lon.

[FlashZebra]

Well, it can improve your people shots by 100%.
If people shots are 10% of your photography, then your photography will be improved by 10%.
So if photography is 23.7% of your life, then I agree with Lon.
Curtis, your math looks fudged.

But, by comparison a new deck on your house only improves your life by 1.28 %.

One of the best values for life improment is that "aerosol string in a can" it improve your life amost 2 % (actually 1.83 %) and it cost less than $10.00.

Enjoy! Lon

[Jim G]

Bah, everyone knows that 87% of statistics are made up on the spot...

For that price especially I'd definitely pick up a flash unit. Makes a massive difference to your people photography and the difference between a hotshoe unit and the onboard flash is huge. Gives you many more lighting options.

[canuck_newbie]

bah - don't listen to londuck - I say the flash would improve your life by 2.39%

[sboerup]

Just buy it. Look for a cheaper Metz flash, they have a much higher quality light IMHO, and they are cheaper 2nd hand. Considering I bought 2 54 mz-3s for $150 each, keep looking.

420ex is a wimpy flash, but for starters, it can do the job.

[Redbird_xo]

Flash in indoor people photography is indispensable. For outdoor purposes, there's the big free light (the sun), but you might still need the flash to light some shadows. Any flash (with proper diffusion) is better than no flash. So if a 420EX is all you want to spend for now, it's still a good idea to get it.

[Curtis N]

If your budget is tight, the Sunpak 383 ($80 new at B&H) is more powerful and in some ways more versatile than the 420EX.

But you have to be willing to learn how to use it. ;)

[In2Photos]

Flash in indoor people photography is indispensable. For outdoor purposes, there's the big free light (the sun), but you might still need the flash to light some shadows. Any flash (with proper diffusion) is better than no flash. So if a 420EX is all you want to spend for now, it's still a good idea to get it.
I agree wholeheartily with RedBird. Even with a fast prime my indoor shots were still just OK. After getting the 430EX and learning how to use it my shots have vastly improved. I rarely shoot indoors without it and use it frequently outdoors as well.