External flash compared to internal. 400D. XTI.

[AussieCat]

i know this question might seem really naive...

i have yet to buy an external flash for my 400d.

i'll need it for night club / social events photography i'll be doing soon.

but, is it normal that when i use my built in flash on my 400d that often

there is like a buffer / waiting periois before i can take the next shot with the flash again?

is this normal to have a waiting period sometime of 1-6 seconds?

if so

does this mean i need to just get an external flash to eliminate thi issue?

of do u ofetn have to wait even with external flashes before the batter will reload again / recharge the falsh? if u know what i mean

[cdifoto]

Flash needs to recycle. It's as simple as that. Some are faster than others, often depending how much of the total capacity has been used. In other words if a flash is rated to recycle in 6 seconds, if you only use half of it's power for a given shot, you can expect a 3 second recycle time.

Onboard flash isn't known for it's range or speed.

[AussieCat]

does this mean

if its a worry

i need to get a good external flash?

[cdifoto]

The best way I can sum it up is if you need a flash, external is the best way to go. There are still "delays" with recycling but they won't be as bad as with the onboard.

[AussieCat]

sweet

makes sense



The best way I can sum it up is if you need a flash, external is the best way to go. There are still "delays" with recycling but they won't be as bad as with the onboard.

[Bodog]

The built in is great for fill-in in a pinch, but if you intend to shot in an environment where you know you will need flash, then you gotta have a good external, no way around it.

[Jon, The Elder]

Aside from making a 'hot spot' in your image, the built in is only reaching out about 12' or so. An external will extend that quite a bit and, if diffused, will give you much better control of the light pattern.

[chris clements]

The pop-up flash is just for fill or emergency. Range, even coverage and recycling are poor; you sholdn't be relying on it.
Go get a 430 now.

[rowdyred94]

I have a 430 and just switched from alkalines to Energizer 2500 mAh rechargeables. I was shocked to find that there was no recharge delay. The red light never even flickered. I could cycle my G3 as fast as I wanted. Sweet!

[Wilt]

All flashes have to recycle. An external unit might NOT be faster on recycle than the on-board flash! The way to get fast recycle is to combine an external flash with an additional auxiliary battery pack which is designed to recycle the flash unit very quickly; an auxiliary battery pack might only offer more shots, without faster recycle (it depends on the auxiliary battery unit).

[AussieCat]

i have the 400d

whats the full oficial tittle of this flahs

i have to get it

I have a 430 and just switched from alkalines to Energizer 2500 mAh rechargeables. I was shocked to find that there was no recharge delay. The red light never even flickered. I could cycle my G3 as fast as I wanted. Sweet!

[AussieCat]

u mean a batter grip yeah?

All flashes have to recycle. An external unit might NOT be faster on recycle than the on-board flash! The way to get fast recycle is to combine an external flash with an additional auxiliary battery pack which is designed to recycle the flash unit very quickly; an auxiliary battery pack might only offer more shots, without faster recycle (it depends on the auxiliary battery unit).

[Wilt]

u mean a batter grip yeah?

No, a battery grip powers the camera...I don't know if it affects the recycle time of the built-in flash or not.

I as referring to external battery packs, like the Quantum Turbo, which provide very fast charge times for flash units that are separate from the camera.

[AussieCat]

question to anyone


if i get an external flash

will this help with the recyle time of my external big flash??


No, a battery grip powers the camera...I don't know if it affects the recycle time of the built-in flash or not.

I as referring to external battery packs, like the Quantum Turbo, which provide very fast charge times for flash units that are separate from the camera.

[Wilt]

if i get an external flash. will this help with the recyle time of my external big flash??


AussieCat,

Your question is confusing. You have a camera, you do not have an external flash (yet). I have already replied that an external flash unit may not necessarily be any better than the in-camera flash for the recycle time, unless you have an external battery like a Quantum Turbo. and I have already replied that a battery grip does not help with recycle, it simply provides more shots.

Please state what you are considering adding to your kit. And what is 'will this help'...what is the antecedent of 'this'...what are you referring to :confused:

[AussieCat]

more than one view is always appreciated...

anyhow, i was not certain of the fact that if i but a grip
it has no bearing on the recycle time on my flash.

i am about to but the 430 external f unit

.

can u advise me what the best battery is that will reduce recycle time then with that flash


AussieCat,

Your question is confusing. You have a camera, you do not have an external flash (yet). I have already replied that an external flash unit may not necessarily be any better than the in-camera flash for the recycle time, unless you have an external battery like a Quantum Turbo. and I have already replied that a battery grip does not help with recycle, it simply provides more shots.

Please state what you are considering adding to your kit. And what is 'will this help'...what is the antecedent of 'this'...what are you referring to :confused:

[AussieCat]

i guess im not sure wht u mean by external bettery for the flash?

is this differnt to the camera grip right?

and is different to the normal aa batteries that are inside the actual external flash/

is it a recharger only?

AussieCat,

Your question is confusing. You have a camera, you do not have an external flash (yet). I have already replied that an external flash unit may not necessarily be any better than the in-camera flash for the recycle time, unless you have an external battery like a Quantum Turbo. and I have already replied that a battery grip does not help with recycle, it simply provides more shots.

Please state what you are considering adding to your kit. And what is 'will this help'...what is the antecedent of 'this'...what are you referring to :confused:

[kbreit]

The name is the Canon 430EX I think. They can be picked up for around $250 or so...I think. Worth a look. Maybe go to a camera store, try it out, see what you think.

[AussieCat]

anyone?

(read below)
i guess im not sure wht u mean by external bettery for the flash?

is this differnt to the camera grip right?

and is different to the normal aa batteries that are inside the actual external flash/

is it a recharger only?

[Ukuleleman]

Don't jump the gun on this (if you'll pardon the pun) there is a bigger and better flash available and that is the Canon Speedlight 580EX, it is more powerful than the 430? and the recycle time is very quick, I don't recall having to wait for it yet, although I admit I haven't used it a great deal so far, but you should work on the principle of getting the best you can afford, the 580EX is Canon's dearest flash (Ithink , but don't quote me on it ) but it has considerable power and is an excellent bit of kit.

[AussieCat]

sweet

id say your right

but man, its so dear !!

Don't jump the gun on this (if you'll pardon the pun) there is a bigger and better flash available and that is the Canon Speedlight 580EX, it is more powerful than the 430? and the recycle time is very quick, I don't recall having to wait for it yet, although I admit I haven't used it a great deal so far, but you should work on the principle of getting the best you can afford, the 580EX is Canon's dearest flash (Ithink , but don't quote me on it ) but it has considerable power and is an excellent bit of kit.