Sunpak 322 D with XTi

[Axton]

Before I get a 430EX, I put a Sunpak 322 D on my XTi. I don't see any difference between this and the onboard flash... I get the best results when I set the Sunpak to the "1/8" setting. Does my XTi communicate with this flash at all? Changing the ASA settings on the Sunpak seems to do nothing at all. Am I missing something here? Looking forward to any responses...

[ghostman]

I'm guessing your Sunpak 322D is similar to my Sunpak 422D. If that's true, then you have auto settings (A), a manual setting (M) and a TTL option (blue). Regardless of the option, it will not talk with your XTi, which uses ETTL. The auto feature is based on the light sensor in the front of the flash (green circle). Changing the ASA (and distance) setting only tells you what aperture you'll need to set on your camera to properly expose a photo. When set to manual mode, then the fractional settings can be used to set your desired level of light output.

But what type of difference are you expecting from the onboard flash? If you're shooting straight on, then it'll look pretty much like your onboard flash (except you can probably light further objects). Bounce the light and it will look a lot better.

EDIT: I should point out that I only got my flash yesterday and haven't had prior experience using these types of flashes, so if I got anything wrong, please let me know.

[Curtis N]

I believe Ghostman is right.

From what I can tell the Sunpak 322D is a non-dedicated, auto thyristor flash unit.
It will work fine if you set your camera's aperture and ISO to match the flash.

But I don't think it even has bounce capability, so about the only advantage over the built-in is power.

[Axton]

Thanks for your input! External flash is a whole new world...

[Curtis N]

Thanks for your input! External flash is a whole new world...Sure is!

The EOS Flash Bible (link in my sig) is highly recommended reading.