Noob questions: bounce and FEC

[SingingSabre]

Hi there! I'm new to the world of the external flash! I have a Sigma 500 Super and am pleased as punch with it's direct-flash capabilities. My qualms are about its FEC and its bounce, though.

Any help with my two questions is most appreciated.

First off, the FEC question. I'm wondering what the differences are between adjusting my FEC on camera an on the flash.

Second off, I don't seem to be getting good results bouncing flash in M, Av, or Tv. My direct flash comes out very sharp and balanced, but when I bounce, it seems to become oversaturated and too warm or something. I can't figure it out!

I'm posting a couple comparison pics to demonstrate what I'm trying to explain. These are straight from the camera, aside from resizing.

So, how can I make my bounce flash more effective? I'm not happy with how it's working right now, and I feel I'm just missing something. I've fiddled with semi-auto modes, FEC both on the camera and on the flash, apertures, shutter speeds, flash and lens zooms, etc. I just can't figure it out!

Thanks!

Direct zoom:
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y208/SingingSabre/Tests/FlashTest002.jpg

Bounced zoom:
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y208/SingingSabre/Tests/FlashTest001.jpg

Direct wide:
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y208/SingingSabre/Tests/FlashTest003.jpg

Bounced wide:
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y208/SingingSabre/Tests/FlashTest004.jpg

Again, thanks.

[Curtis N]

You can adjust FEC on either the camera or the flash. Do whatever is easier for you.

As for the color shift with bounced flash, it could be a couple things:
1) The surface you're bouncing off may not be white. If it's another color (even slightly off-white) the bounced light will take on the color of the bouncing surface.
2) Mixing in ambient light, which is often a different color temperature than the flash. Without EXIF info I don't know if that might be the case with these shots.
3) The camera's white balance setting. With the camera set to AWB or Flash WB, the flash will report color temp info if used direct. I don't know if it also does this when in bounce position.

In any event, these color temperature issues are easily solved the usual ways - by setting a custom white balance (if shooting JPEG), or adjusting the white balance with your RAW converter (if shooting RAW).