flashes??

RyanCEss · 12th of January 2010 (Tue)

has anyone bought a flash (speedlight 270EX for example) for their sx20is
or is that just overkill

jr_senator · 12th of January 2010 (Tue)

I don't have a sx20is, but I do have a P&S camera (G5). I not only don't think the 270EX is overkill, but I wouldn't consider any of the flashes overkill. I mean, one needs a certain amount of light to properly do what one wishes to do. I have used from a 220EX to a 550EX on my G5. Why would you think any of Canon's flashes would be overkill? Is it about money? size?

RyanCEss · 12th of January 2010 (Tue)

no its just because ive never seen anyone do that with a point and shoot and i wanted to know if there was a reason

Bob_A · 12th of January 2010 (Tue)

Being able to use a Speedlight is one of the great things about the SX20is. I use a 420EX all the time with my G9.

The on-board flash on any point and shoot camera is only good for emergencies and outdoor fill IMO. The on-board flash:

- Has very little useful range
- Can't be bounced (practically) so you end up with ugly shadows behind your subject
- Is located too close to the lens so red-eye is a real issue

Take a look at a used 420EX instead of the 270EX. Yes it's larger (and larger than the SX20is), but they go for a decent price and you end up with a flash that you can bounce and swivel. And if you ever get a Canon DSLR in the future you can also use it for that camera.

JustShootin' · 12th of January 2010 (Tue)

First of all, I like many others consider the SX20 much more than a point and shoot camera. The fact that it has a hot shoe says that. I have the 270EX and find it to be a great addition to my SX10. Of course, there's more powerful flashes should you need more power. In my case the 270EX is just right for that extra reach that the on board flash can't provide, and also a bounce feature for less harsh lighting when desired. Generally if you need flash at all, you usally need more than the built in flash has to offer. No, an external flash is not overkill on a camera like the SX20.

tkbslc · 12th of January 2010 (Tue)

Quote:

Originally Posted by RyanCEss

no its just because ive never seen anyone do that with a point and shoot and i wanted to know if there was a reason

the vast majority of point and shoots don't have hot shoes for flash, so that is probably part of it.

Having the ability to bounce flash makes the SX20 a viable indoor camera. I would highly recommend it. If you can find a used 420EX, I would probably go that route as you will probably want a bit more power and the ability to bounce in portrait orientation as well. Used it should be the same price as a new 270EX.

Here's a comparison of normal on board direct flash vs bounce flash. Harsh, deer-in-headlights look vs soft even light (and never red-eye).

c2thew · 12th of January 2010 (Tue)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/1409577...7612953809995/

RyanCEss · 13th of January 2010 (Wed)

thank you soo much guys
im going to look into getting one
because my parents do alot of indoor things and the make me take pictures

Woolburr · 13th of January 2010 (Wed)

Not a tremendous shot....but you can't get this with a pop up flash....
SX20IS and 580EX

12th of January 2010 (Tue)	#1
RyanCEss Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 71 IMAGE EDITING OK	flashes?? has anyone bought a flash (speedlight 270EX for example) for their sx20is or is that just overkill

12th of January 2010 (Tue)	#2
jr_senator Goldmember Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 4,861	Re: flashes?? I don't have a sx20is, but I do have a P&S camera (G5). I not only don't think the 270EX is overkill, but I wouldn't consider any of the flashes overkill. I mean, one needs a certain amount of light to properly do what one wishes to do. I have used from a 220EX to a 550EX on my G5. Why would you think any of Canon's flashes would be overkill? Is it about money? size? __________________

12th of January 2010 (Tue)	#3
RyanCEss Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 71 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: flashes?? no its just because ive never seen anyone do that with a point and shoot and i wanted to know if there was a reason

12th of January 2010 (Tue)	#4
Bob_A Cream of the Crop Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 7,371 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: flashes?? Being able to use a Speedlight is one of the great things about the SX20is. I use a 420EX all the time with my G9. The on-board flash on any point and shoot camera is only good for emergencies and outdoor fill IMO. The on-board flash: - Has very little useful range - Can't be bounced (practically) so you end up with ugly shadows behind your subject - Is located too close to the lens so red-eye is a real issue Take a look at a used 420EX instead of the 270EX. Yes it's larger (and larger than the SX20is), but they go for a decent price and you end up with a flash that you can bounce and swivel. And if you ever get a Canon DSLR in the future you can also use it for that camera. __________________ Bob Last edited by Bob_A : 12th of January 2010 (Tue) at 22:03.

12th of January 2010 (Tue)	#5
JustShootin' Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: South Florida Posts: 820	Re: flashes?? First of all, I like many others consider the SX20 much more than a point and shoot camera. The fact that it has a hot shoe says that. I have the 270EX and find it to be a great addition to my SX10. Of course, there's more powerful flashes should you need more power. In my case the 270EX is just right for that extra reach that the on board flash can't provide, and also a bounce feature for less harsh lighting when desired. Generally if you need flash at all, you usally need more than the built in flash has to offer. No, an external flash is not overkill on a camera like the SX20. __________________ Gary Canon SX40, S100 and a Non Canon dSLR “Any darn fool can make something complex; it takes a genius to make something simple.”—Pete Seeger

12th of January 2010 (Tue)	#7
c2thew Goldmember Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 3,735 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: flashes?? http://www.flickr.com/photos/1409577...7612953809995/ __________________ Flickr \|Gear\|The-Digital-Picture\|The $6 mic for 5dmkii \| MAGIC LANTERN \| Tundra underwater kinetic cases are great, affordable alternatives to pelican cases. Go Support Magic Lantern 2.3!!

13th of January 2010 (Wed)	#8
RyanCEss Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 71 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: flashes?? thank you soo much guys im going to look into getting one because my parents do alot of indoor things and the make me take pictures

13th of January 2010 (Wed)	#9
Woolburr Mr. PMS Himself Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: The Tupperware capitol of eastern Oregon...Leicester, NC! Posts: 65,378 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: flashes?? Not a tremendous shot....but you can't get this with a pop up flash.... SX20IS and 580EX __________________ *People that know me call me Dan* *You'll never be a legitimate photographer until you have an award winning duck in your portfolio!* Crayons, Coloring Book, Refrigerator Art and What I Really Think About

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