Where do I go to learn about camera flashes?

I'm trying to see if there is a thread already started to explain differences in flashes. I've read the reviews of the Canon bases flashes. Does anyone have the time to give me a quick run down about them? Or is there a thread I'm overlooking? Thanks in advance!

Your request has been moved to the Flash and Studio lighting forum.

Read the stickies at the top of the forum, and ask whatever questions you need answered there after.

Start here;
https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=138907

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=46599

CyberDyneSystems wrote in post #18431907
Your request has been moved to the Flash and Studio lighting forum.

Read the stickies at the top of the forum, and ask whatever questions you need answered there after.

Start here;
https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=138907

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=46599

Sorry CyberDyneSystems, apparently this sub was hidden by me somehow. Thanks

wantafastbusa wrote in post #18431897
I'm trying to see if there is a thread already started to explain differences in flashes. I've read the reviews of the Canon bases flashes. Does anyone have the time to give me a quick run down about them? Or is there a thread I'm overlooking? Thanks in advance!

On Canon Speedlites specifically, see:
http://www.learn.usa.c​anon.com …00exrt_radio_ba​sics.shtml
&
http://www.learn.usa.c​anon.com …ite_tip_pt2_art​icle.shtml

. . navigating around those links, there are c 30 pages of useful info.

Thanks Ocean, I had this sub forum out of site, I'm catching up on all of this now.

Are you seeking a primer about the various TYPES of flashes, trying to determine which kind is appropriate for you to buy?

1. Manual flash (on camera)
   
2. photosensor 'Auto' mode flash (on camera)
   
3. Thru-the-lens flash (film on-camera)
   
4. Thru-the-lens flash (digital on-camera)
   
5. Manual studio flash (off camera)
   
6. (newly available) Thru-the-lens studio flash (digital off-camera)
   

• Canon 430EXII or 580EXII or 600EX-RT
  
• Yungnuo YN560 or YN568EX or YN685EX
  
• Godox TT685C or V860
  

I'm pretty much researching both. The in camera flash is not cutting it for me. So I'm trying to figure out a suitable replacement that works in a budget. This is mainly for pictures of my first born in doors. Next will be looking to diffuse or something bounce off of so she doesn't go cross eye'd every time I try to get some shots in.

A lot of us that are trying to keep it affordable but want a lot of options are buying Godox flash (or the Adorama equivalent)
For about $100.00 bucks you can get a flash as capable and apparently reliable as a $500.00 + Canon

This is the flagship top of the line ETTL AA powered flash comparable to a Canon 600RT;
https://www.adorama.co​m//fplfsmzca.html


These flash units can used on camera, or as a master to control other off camera flash, or used off camera as "slaves" all using built in 2.4Ghz wireless communication.

PRIMER on TYPES of flashes

1. Manual flash (on camera): You preset the output intensity using flash controls. The range of power settings is from Full power down to (depending upon flash model) 1/64 or 1/256
   
2. photosensor 'Auto' mode flash (on camera): often (erroneously) written as 'thyristor flash'...the photosensor sees light reflected back from the scene and terminates light output when 'proper exposure' is read by the photosensor
   
3. Thru-the-lens flash (film on-camera) : film camera TTL is not compatible with digital camera TTL. With film camera TTL, the flash fires (always at full intensity) and the sensor in the camera reads the light during exposure (shutter open) and sends a command to the flash to shorten the light output (less time duration).
   
4. Thru-the-lens flash (digital on-camera) : With digital camera TTL (Canon eTTL mode), the camera tells the eTTL flash to emit a preflash to the camera can meter the light; after metering the light the eTTL camera commands the eTTL flash to output a PREDETERMINED amount of light when the shutter is open.
   
5. Manual studio flash (off camera) (newly available) : this is just like #1
   
6. Thru-the-lens studio flash (digital off-camera) : this is just like #4
   

• mounted on the camera hotshoe
  
• mounted on a eTTL compatible extension cable
  
• remote control via IR signal: this is the original control mechanism used by Canon in the 580EX and 430EX before changing over to a radio-control in the 600EX-RT
  
• remote control via radio signal: there area Canon-compatible radio triggers and there are proprietary-radio triggers, both of which offer eTTL wireless control. So you must be careful that -- when you have multiple makes of flash -- that they all conform to a SINGLE 'standard' (I use that term very loosely since there is no set 'standard' that is followed by all!!!) And then there are triggers meant to trigger only manual (non TTL) flash
  

CyberDyneSystems wrote in post #18432493
A lot of us that are trying to keep it affordable but what a lot of options are buying Godox flash (or the Adorama equivalent)
For about $100.00 bucks you can get a flash as capable and apparently reliable as a $500.00 + Canon

This is the flagship top of the line ETTL AA powered flash comparable to a Canon 600RT;
https://www.adorama.co​m//fplfsmzca.html


These flash units can used on camera, or as a master to control other off camera flash, or used off camera as "slaves" all using built in 2.4Ghz wireless communication.

One point of awareness that novices to flash need to understand, so that they can be making product choices with EYES-WIDE-OPEN...

• Generally flashes from established manufacturers like Canon, Metz, and Sunpak offer both IN WARRANTY and OUT-OF-WARRANTY repair services.
  
• Generally the budget-priced brands offer in-warranty replacement (but it can be difficult trying to communicate with Far East companies and arranging the exchange of product while in the warranty period). Some retailers like Adorama will back their own brand with in-warranty exchanges via there store in the USA, but might not have out-of-warranty repair services.
  

Wilt wrote in post #18432513
One point of awareness that novices to flash need to understand, so that they can be making product choices with EYES-WIDE-OPEN...

........Some retailers like Adorama will back their own brand with in-warranty exchanges via there store in the USA, but might not have out-of-warranty repair services.

Even if theoretically out-of-warranty, Adorama will always work to find a way to get our loyal Flashpoint customers' back up & running.....we have faith in our brand, and we want our customers to feel fully supported if they buy in to it.

This is why I love this forum. Even if a question has been asked a thousand times, everyone seems to want to help anyways. Thank you everyone for the replies! I'm trying my best to sponge this all up!

I have few of the fancy Elinchrom strobe at studio at my work. Couple of the 500ws aren't working and fixing is going to cost as much as getting new ones. I rather have cheaper Godox. Both going to stop working if they fall.

HelenOster wrote in post #18432578
Even if theoretically out-of-warranty, Adorama will always work to find a way to get our loyal Flashpoint customers' back up & running.....we have faith in our brand, and we want our customers to feel fully supported if they buy in to it.

Thx for the clarification, Helen. When I raised the question of out-of-warranty repairs some weeks ago, you were uncertain about the exact stance...glad to hear the clarification of 'support the customer' philosophy even when out of warranty.

Here's a link to a Canon pdf on how to use their Speedlites. I found it a few years ago. It has some useful information that you can extrapolate to lighting in general.

http://software.canon-europe.com …ocuments/FlashW​ork_EN.pdf