Fill-in Flash Recommendations

[pizelli]

I am in need of some fill-in flash recommendations. I have a Canon 5D Mark II with a 24-105mm L Lens and a 580EXII flash. I love using the flash outdoors for fill-in to take away the harsh shadows. I shoot in the Av mode and have my flash sync set to 1/60 to 1/200 of a second.

Some times I get awesome shots. Most times the fill-in is erratic with the pictures being blown out and somewhat grainy. I thought that when shooting in the Av mode, the flash is suppose to automatically fill-in with the flash.

Can someone tell me how to either shot outdoor flash fill-in or to get more consistent flash fill-in.

Ask an further questions for clarification.

I would appreciate any help.

[apersson850]

Are you using evaluative or center-weighted flash metering?

[rdavisdesign]

Are you using off camera flash?

[Titus213]

If 1/200 on the shutter isn't enough for the ambient light you will get blown out images.

Set the flash to HSS and let the shutter speed go where it needs to for proper exposure. Note that this reduces flash range.
or
Set the camera to manual, select your ISO, f-stop, and shutter speed to give appropriate exposure staying under max sync speed and use FEC to adjust the flash down.

[rdavisdesign]

I would shoot manual if you're not getting consistent results.

[bobbyz]

What Dave said above.

[pizelli]

I basically use the evaluative metering mode, but have started to experiment with center weighted metering - sometimes spot metering also

[pizelli]

I do NOT use off camera flash - right off the hot shoe.

Are you using off camera flash?

[tim]

Read Dave's answer again. When you put a flash on the shotshoe it will automatically limit the shutter speed to 1/200th unless you turn on high speed sync mode. In the sun 1/200th isn't fast enough which is why you're blowing out some images.

Grain has nothing to do with flash.

[pizelli]

I got it TIM ....

[pizelli]

I would like to give everyone an update. I did find my problem regarding blown-out pictures with the 580EXII Flash.

I had my flash sync in my camera to 1/60 to 1/200 in the Av mode. My speed would NEVER go over 1/200 (even if the ambient light needed to go higher. I switched the flash sync to auto and low and behold the high speed flash sync allowed the speed to go to the ambient conditions.

So ... tuck this learning into your bag of tricks.