Shooting in manual is hard enough... But with a 580EX II is it any easier?!

[chabooky386]

I just got a new flash for my camera. I am totally new to it and I really don't know if i should just leave it in Automatic. Or should I be doing everythig in Manual... All these little buttons and signs and no time to read the manual yet ahaha...

[Wilt]

The 'manual' on the camera is ONLY for exposure control in the camera itself, not for external devices like the flash. It is possible for the camera to be on M, while the flash is on ETTL control or Auto (for flashe units that have their own photosensor). So you could be in an almost dark room with the camera on M, yet the flash will output the proper amount of light for you to capture a correctly exposed shot. In fact, most pros will set their camera on M and flash on ETTL precisely so that they can have precise control over the background light intensity yet have the flash expose their primary subject automatically.

OTOH, if both camera and flash have M set on each, then everything is left to the photographer.

Read the manual.

[chabooky386]

The 'manual' on the camera is ONLY for exposure control in the camera itself, not for external devices like the flash. It is possible for the camera to be on M, while the flash is on ETTL control or Auto (for flashe units that have their own photosensor). So you could be in an almost dark room with the camera on M, yet the flash will output the proper amount of light for you to capture a correctly exposed shot. In fact, most pros will set their camera on M and flash on ETTL precisely so that they can have precise control over the background light intensity yet have the flash expose their primary subject automatically.

OTOH, if both camera and flash have M set on each, then everything is left to the photographer.

Read the manual.

Yeah I had some time after work to dig my nose into it. But, I still like knowing some cool pointers from you guys. It's like sparknotes =D

[PacAce]

Yeah I had some time after work to dig my nose into it. But, I still like knowing some cool pointers from you guys. It's like sparknotes =D

If you are referring to using the flash in manual mode (and, of course, the camera has to be, too), have a look here:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=146153

[chabooky386]

If you are referring to using the flash in manual mode (and, of course, the camera has to be, too), have a look here:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=146153


Great link! Thanks! I was wondering when the flash reads out the focal length. How do I know how far or near to set it? Do i go by the lens?

[PacAce]

Great link! Thanks! I was wondering when the flash reads out the focal length. How do I know how far or near to set it? Do i go by the lens?
Are you confusing the focal length that's indicated by the zoom setting of the flash head with the actual subject-to-flash distance? The distance I was referring to in that thread is the subject-to-flash distance. Or did I misunderstand your question?

BTW, if you have the head zoom set to auto, it will automatically adjust for the focal length of the lens or zoom lens you are using so there really won't be a need to set it yourself unless you wanted to purposely set it to something other than the lens focal length.

[chabooky386]

Are you confusing the focal length that's indicated by the zoom setting of the flash head with the actual subject-to-flash distance? The distance I was referring to in that thread is the subject-to-flash distance. Or did I misunderstand your question?

BTW, if you have the head zoom set to auto, it will automatically adjust for the focal length of the lens or zoom lens you are using so there really won't be a need to set it yourself unless you wanted to purposely set it to something other than the lens focal length.


OOOOOOOOOO ok lol i get it