300D flash

[ajbalazic]

I'd like some input from Digital Rebel (or other) users who may have been in my shoes not too long ago. I can't live with the built in flash anymore. No matter what I do, I can't achieve good results, especially when photographing people.

After reading the "Flash Bible" in the flash sticky I think my best course of action is to:
Invest in a 550ex for now (this would cover getting indoor events such as receptions, family gatherings, and portrait experimentation). Sound good? Is this too much flash for the Digital Rebel?

Later... invest in a 420ex as a slave for portraiture (I'm no professional, just doing the Family Christmas Cards or portraits of mom, dad, bro, sis... BUT... a casual wedding or Christening could always be a possibility).

Anyone "been there, done that". Thanks

[HJMinard]

I think it's a good plan ... if for no other reason than the availability of FEC (flash exposure compensation) on the 550. That feature is not available on the DRebel or the 420ex. It's invaluable. You should also consider the Sigma 500 Super ... it has most of the features of the 550 for a price just slightly higher than the 420.

[Jon]

Only thing about the Sigma is that a number of people have reported that it doesn't play nicely with the Canon EX flashes.

[Merle]

You have a good plan. It is amazing to me how many people will invest a lot of money in a camera and purchase inadequate lighting. First of all the built in pop-up flash on your 300D is should not be considered as your primary light source. In my opinion it is good only when you have nothing else and need a little extra light. Remember the fundamental cornerstone for all photography is light and how you use it.;) :) :D

Good Shooting to aYa !!
Merle

[ajbalazic]

Thanks for the advice. I am leaning toward the 550ex, but am still debating the SIGMA EF 500 DG SUPER. I'll see if there's anymore discussion in the 'lighting' section and make a decision soon.

I have one question about the slave functions of either of these flashes. If you have only one flash positioned as follows: "Classic" portrait setting with flash located at 45 degrees to target and camera (300D) directly in front of object.

What triggers the slave flash? As mentioned above, I'm looking at either the 550ex or the sigma EF500 DG Super.
(I'm going to ask this question in a separate post too).

Thanks

[MazerRakhm]

I hated the built in flash for the DRebel, everytime it went off it seemed to wash out the pictures, so I spent the money on the 550ex, and what a difference!

I still need some more practice with it, but the better results with it were immediate.

[robertwgross]

What triggers the slave flash?

There is a lot of information written around here about how the Canon wireless flash system works.

Basically, you have one master unit at the camera, and you have one or more slave units elsewhere. The master unit sends out an optical data signal telling the slaves to pop a pre-flash when the master does. That light is metered at the camera, and then the main pop goes a tiny fraction of a second later, with all masters and slaves in unison.

---Bob Gross---

[ajbalazic]

Thanks to all of you. Your advice has helped me tremendously. Cheers.