Flash Difuser Question

[Dave R.]

I do not have a decent flash "yet", so am stuck in some cases needing the on board flash (Canon350D). It sure is harsh, so I'm wondering what tricks could be used to soften the flash. I've read about the GW Puffer, but don't want to go that route, and I've read a little about other brands. It seems that collectively, the minds here may have come up with some form of home brew fix for this problem. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

[SkipD]

In my opinion, there is no real advantage in putting anything over the built-in flash because it will not make the location of the flash source change (to improve red-eye performance) and cannot make the source of the light appear much larger without losing a tremendous amount of the light (which is wimpy to start with) produced by the built-in flash.

There is no practical way to significantly improve the built-in flash in any camera. The best solution is to get a decent flash unit that can be aimed in different directions and has a source significantly above the lens.

The most cost-effective solution that I can think of for you would be a good used Canon 420EX. I use one on my 20D, and it's still a very good flash. It's a little slow to recycle (which is why I am looking for something else for income-producing portable lighting) but otherwise I have no complaints. If you want to buy new, the 430EX would be a very good choice.

[cdifoto]

I'd just shoot landscape (horizontally) then crop if I had no better flash options. Wasting money on a diffuser for a popup flash would be a...ahem...waste. My opinion is that you should save for a flash as quickly as you can. A flash and a basic kit lens will go farther than no flash and all the super mega fast primes in the world.

[jhom]

In preparation for your "decent" flash, you might want to familarize yourself with flash techniques offered at www.planetneil.com. You might find that addons are not often needed to get excellent photos with flash.

[drjiveturkey]

I wonder if you can mount a small mirror at a 45 degree angle so that it directs the light upwards to bounce of the ceiling. Or even use a semi transparent paper to diffuse some of the light forward and direct some to the ceiling

[vwjoe76]

That's a great page, JHom.

[jhom]

That's a great page, JHom.

Thanks...after you use some of his techniques, you will see how all these addons pale in comparison.

[AB8ND]

Link to a (The Strobist) shot of carrot cake shot with built in 40D flash http://************/2a5n2r
A saucer was held in front of the flash at 45degrees, than some else held up a white napkin to bounce the light back to the cake.

Jack

[jhom]

If you are interested in a movable bounce card, I would suggest a Joe Demb Flip-it or Demb Flash Diffuser: http://www.dembflashproducts.com/flipit/