A new type of built-in flash

[carlXSI]

Here's an idea: What if built-in flashes could be rotated upwards to allow bouncing? Would you use the built-in flash more? Would it canibalize the sales of speedlights? I would still use an external flash for OCF purposes or when I need more power. Thoughts?

[Petri]

The built-in flash is way too small and weak for bouncing in most situations. It would have to be much bigger and more powerful (thus draining the camera battery). Not much room to increase the size, I'm afraid.

It might have some limited use but probably not enough to justify the re-design and development cost.

[griptape]

The built-in flash is way too small and weak for bouncing in most situations. It would have to be much bigger and more powerful (thus draining the camera battery). Not much room to increase the size, I'm afraid.

It might have some limited use but probably not enough to justify the re-design and development cost.
Agreed 100%. I prefer the lighter weight and smaller size when I KNOW I won't be using flash. Less for me to haul around when I don't need it.

[gonzogolf]

I prefer a built in flash like they put in the 5D. :)

[carlXSI]

I've had success bouncing the built-in flash with an index card. So i'm sure it would be powerful enough for basic use. Right now I don't use the built-in flash at all but if it were possible to rotate it, I think I'd use it a lot more. Plus, using an external flash doesn't help when you're trying to be discreet.

[walsh416]

bw!I prefer a built in flash like the put in the 5D. :)

[bpaulette]

would LOVE this as an option. I think you might be onto something though, with cannibalizing speedlight sales as a reason it hasn't already been done.

your typical consumer shooter (who wouldn't even consider buying a speedlight) doesn't care about how nasty the pop-up makes their shot look, while your typical prosumer/pro might skip the speedlight if this was a possibility out of the box. dastardly

[krb]

Somebody makes one that can tilt up. Sony, maybe?

[gonzogolf]

You also have to consider the drain a more powerful flash would put on the camera battery. As modern cameras become more energy efficient they require less powerful batteries. The power requirements for a flash with enough pop to effectively bounce would wipe out the little batteries they put in the rebel line these days in a hurry.

[siginu]

I would love that option. Put it on the xxD series since the xD series folks wouldn't want it. I really don't like the prospect of hauling a speedlite to every occasion I may need a flash. Nor do I have the budget to justify a really fast wide / zoom lens and a body capable of really high ISO. I can always charge another dang battery...

[Jericobot]

If and when some one does do this please post the DIY. I don't use mine so I wouldn't mind hacking it up

[truestorytravis]

Sony makes an HD pocket cam with a lens on a swivel. I'm sure something similar could be done with the pop-up flash.

[hsmoscout]

Seems like it would break easily if they kept the size it is now.

[tkbslc]

At first glance it seems great, but it would probably increase the size and cost of the camera about the same as a 270EX does.

What would be cool is a snap on mini-bounce flash for compacts, though. It could run on 4AAA's or something to keep the size down.