Yet more flash problems with 300D...

[Ex Nikon]

As a new Canon DSLR user, I've been browsing the threads on this site. It seems I'm not alone with underexposure problems when using flash... I've checked out the excellent sites explaining ETTL systems, and I understand the system now, but every flash photo I've taken so far in EVERY mode is consistently underexposed.
Does the 10D have this problem? Also, would a 550Ex help, as I could dial in some compensation? I'm using the 4220EX. Also, in AV can a flash sync shutter speed be set from a menu? I read in a previous post that it can..

[PacAce]

As a new Canon DSLR user, I've been browsing the threads on this site. It seems I'm not alone with underexposure problems when using flash... I've checked out the excellent sites explaining ETTL systems, and I understand the system now, but every flash photo I've taken so far in EVERY mode is consistently underexposed.
Does the 10D have this problem? Also, would a 550Ex help, as I could dial in some compensation? I'm using the 4220EX. Also, in AV can a flash sync shutter speed be set from a menu? I read in a previous post that it can..

Are you having problems no matter how far or how close the subjects are to you? Maybe if you posted a few examples it might be helpful to explain what you're experiencing.

I've never had any problems with my 10D and the 420 or the 550 ex flashes that I couldn't explain, such as consistent underexposures. I doubt a 550ex is going to fix your problem if you're getting underexposures even with close subjects (within 10 ft. of you) unless there's something wrong with your flash.

The 10D does have a menu option which allows you to use Av without having to worry about the shutter speed going down too low for handholding. However, when you do use this option, the shutter speed is always set for 1/200. And the problem with this is that the background usually always comes out dark compared to using 1/60.

[scottbergerphoto]

PacAce raises an important issue with flash, distance. Every flash has a Guide Number. The Guide Number is the maximum distance a flash will cover at f/1.0 at Iso 100. Once you know the Guide Number of the flash, you use the following formula to determine the maximum distance you can use the flash: Distance= Guide Number / f stop. The 420EX has a Guide Number of 42Meters, the 550EX is 55 Meters. If you tilt the flash head to bounce the flash, you have to included the distance to the ceiling and ceiling to the subject.
I have used the 550EX and 420EX with my 10D and G2 and never have the problem of frequent underexposure.
Regards,
Scott

[Malaxos1]

I am not having any problems using a 440ex with the D Rebel. Another thing you could do is make sure you have very strong batteries in the flash. When I see (through my LCD0 that I am having underexposed flash or slow recycle times I swap my batteries immediatley...Dean

[timmyquest]

I am not having any problems using a 440ex with the D Rebel. Another thing you could do is make sure you have very strong batteries in the flash. When I see (through my LCD0 that I am having underexposed flash or slow recycle times I swap my batteries immediatley...Dean

As i have no issues with my 550 and my drebel

[billhercus]

Go to www.revolution.cx and get their Flash Exposure Compensation programme (free).

I had a similar problem and set +2/3. All fixed now, so far ..... :D

[Ex Nikon]

Excellent! I got that free program and dialled in +2/3 compensation. Much improved pictures and the histograms look much more balanced! Thanks a lot for the help!llent! I got that free program and dialled in +2/3 compensation. Much improved pictures and the histograms look much more balanced! Thanks a lot for the help! :D