New Canon 470EX AI Automatically Bounces Flash So You Dont Have To

mdvaden wrote in post #18900252
With the exception that doesn't automatically reposition the flash rotating from landscape to portrait position. For certain photographers, they could capture more photos by just shooting and sparing stopping to manually adjust.

Both options are covered in the videos I shared previous.

Except they then wont intentionally alter the position to achieve a more falttering angle of the light on the subject + in the full auto mode its about effective exposure not quality and optimal angle of the light seen from the photographers point of view. And Notice how Neil in the review only use the automation in very simple setups i.e. where there is not much direction to the light. He shows how to use the BFT briefly and doesnt use the automation there.

Edit to say if one spend a little on a compact lightstand you only need to set the angle once and it wont change even if you turn a little or move a step sideways

Wilt wrote in post #18895498
I liked the idea, as im terrible with flash (especially bouncing and stuff) and it is a really cool thing and something actually new


Old thread, but for any newbies reading it, and thinking the 470EX sounds cool...
With an ordinary flash you simply AIM the flashhead upward (e.g. pointing at a 45-60 degree angle upward to illuminate the ceiling between you and your subject),
and with the camera in nTTL mode (n depends on what brand of camera you use) you aim focus and shoot. Not at all hard!

Id rather do something like this
https://neilvn.com …echniques/bounc​ing-flash/
https://neilvn.com …create-soft-window-light/

soeren wrote in post #18906820
Old thread, but for any newbies reading it, and thinking the 470EX sounds cool...
With an ordinary flash you simply AIM the flashhead upward (e.g. pointing at a 45-60 degree angle upward to illuminate the ceiling between you and your subject),
and with the camera in nTTL mode (n depends on what brand of camera you use) you aim focus and shoot. Not at all hard!
Id rather do something like this
https://neilvn.com …echniques/bounc​ing-flash/
https://neilvn.com …create-soft-window-light/

I have his book sitting on my table right now.

soeren wrote in post #18906817
Except they then wont intentionally alter the position

It may be that you won't rather than they won't. From what I can see, with the 470EX AI ... any shot can be intentionally altered if desired. The flash conveniently keeps track of direction when flipping from landscape to portrait. As far as light stands, I already use more than one positioned when desired.

dangermoney wrote in post #18906785
They're in stock now at the Canon refurb store for $159.99.

Ordered the flash refurbished today.

In the next week or so, I'll find someone to practice, using the 470EX AI. $159.00 is reasonably affordable.

From a few review videos where the photographers were wearing mics, I could hear them and their camera, but could barely hear the flash. The 470EX may end up being pleasantly quieter than some other flashes I've tried.

mdvaden wrote in post #18908297
It may be that you won't rather than they won't. From what I can see, with the 470EX AI ... any shot can be intentionally altered if desired. The flash conveniently keeps track of direction when flipping from landscape to portrait. As far as light stands, I already use more than one positioned when desired.

Ordered the flash refurbished today.

In the next week or so, I'll find someone to practice, using the 470EX AI. $159.00 is reasonably affordable.

From a few review videos where the photographers were wearing mics, I could hear them and their camera, but could barely hear the flash. The 470EX may end up being pleasantly quieter than some other flashes I've tried.

I find it the general"rule" that automation leads to lazyness and especially beginners are prone to blindly trust the cameras auto...... risking never to move beyond even when it's the wiser move.

soeren wrote in post #18908341
I find it the general"rule" that automation leads to lazyness and especially beginners are prone to blindly trust the cameras auto...... risking never to move beyond even when it's the wiser move.

Again, it can boil down to the they vs. yourself, similar to my last reply ... or even them vs. them ...

Just looking at something different altogether ... a backhoe excavator ... most of the world finds that machine a quantum leap for getting work done. Lot's of users are fat beer drinkers. On the other hand, one like myself, is opting to hand-dig several drain trenches this week with a shovel. But I also use and enjoy a backhoe from time to time.

Taking that back to photo gear, auto focus lenses vs. manual make can mute that "general rule" when it comes to portraits. The world will always have lazy people, but the realm of photography knows the value of automated focus when desired.

Picked up one of these new for £200. Double cashback from Canon. Thought it was a good price for occasional hassle free use.

soeren wrote in post #18908341
I find it the general"rule" that automation leads to lazyness and especially beginners are prone to blindly trust the cameras auto...... risking never to move beyond even when it's the wiser move.

• Using navigation systems in cars makes people too lazy to learn dead reckoning and proportional navigation... let alone how to use a map and compass.
  
• Automatic transmissions make people too lazy to learn how to drive a manual.
  
• Camera phones make people too lazy to learn how to use a real camera.
  

dangermoney wrote in post #18984249

• Using navigation systems in cars makes people too lazy to learn dead reckoning and proportional navigation... let alone how to use a map and compass.
  
• Automatic transmissions make people too lazy to learn how to drive a manual.
  
• Camera phones make people too lazy to learn how to use a real camera.
  

OK. Sarcasm over.

Not everybody has the time/requirement/desir​e to be an expert at something. For some a flash picture that's "good enough" is just that: good enough. It meets their needs. If beginners were forced to go full manual on their flash pictures, some would get so frustrated they'd give up, sell their flash at a loss and never take another flash picture.

My problem is that TTL flash is a great and powerfull invention that really makes flash photography fast and convienient but this feature of rotating the flash head for bounce doesn't really contribute anything. It takes minimal research and involvement to gain the knowlegde and muscle coordination to turn the flash head against a surface to bounce from and when moving around and changing angles youll have to anyway. Granted some people will as you say settle with "good enough"

soeren wrote in post #18984355
My problem is that TTL flash is a great and powerfull invention that really makes flash photography fast and convienient but this feature of rotating the flash head for bounce doesn't really contribute anything. It takes minimal research and involvement to gain the knowlegde and muscle coordination to turn the flash head against a surface to bounce from and when moving around and changing angles youll have to anyway. Granted some people will as you say settle with "good enough"

Don’t forget there are semi auto and manual modes to make good enough even better.

Well, this has been a thread of looking only at your own potential uses and judging others. After reading these comments, I almost canceled the order I just placed for a refurb of this flash. Then I realized I am not you guys... and most of the world isn't either.

People shoot photos with canon DSLRs that are not pros, or not even enthusiasts. Some have no clue and are not interested at all in learning. Maybe they take snapshots of their kids, or weddings, etc. I would bet there are far more of those people than us. I would be 99% of the people that would buy this flash don't care 1 little bit about wireless triggering of other flashes.

In my case.. I am an enthusiast, who loves wildlife, some landscape, transportation, and other general outdoor photography... so this flash is perfect!

Now that you are done hitting the reply button to call me a fool... read on...

Of course, my whole family knows I am the guy with the nice camera... so obviously, I have to shoot parties, holidays, etc... and I simply don't do that (its the only time the camera goes on auto..ever! I take terrible people pictures, and I have very little desire to learn... I just don't enjoy it. But to stay married, I need to do it from time to time. This flash looks like it will increase my keeper rate and quality in those circumstances...and that makes me a keeper to my wife, thus money well spent (on most days).

I am the target market... judge away.

boufa wrote in post #19065825
Well, this has been a thread of looking only at your own potential uses and judging others. After reading these comments, I almost canceled the order I just placed for a refurb of this flash. Then I realized I am not you guys... and most of the world isn't either.

People shoot photos with canon DSLRs that are not pros, or not even enthusiasts. Some have no clue and are not interested at all in learning. Maybe they take snapshots of their kids, or weddings, etc. I would bet there are far more of those people than us. I would be 99% of the people that would buy this flash don't care 1 little bit about wireless triggering of other flashes.

In my case.. I am an enthusiast, who loves wildlife, some landscape, transportation, and other general outdoor photography... so this flash is perfect!

Now that you are done hitting the reply button to call me a fool... read on...

Of course, my whole family knows I am the guy with the nice camera... so obviously, I have to shoot parties, holidays, etc... and I simply don't do that (its the only time the camera goes on auto..ever! I take terrible people pictures, and I have very little desire to learn... I just don't enjoy it. But to stay married, I need to do it from time to time. This flash looks like it will increase my keeper rate and quality in those circumstances...and that makes me a keeper to my wife, thus money well spent (on most days).

I am the target market... judge away.

Don’t let this thread end; let us know how the flash works out!

boufa wrote in post #19065825
Well, this has been a thread of looking only at your own potential uses and judging others. After reading these comments, I almost canceled the order I just placed for a refurb of this flash. Then I realized I am not you guys... and most of the world isn't either.

People shoot photos with canon DSLRs that are not pros, or not even enthusiasts. Some have no clue and are not interested at all in learning. Maybe they take snapshots of their kids, or weddings, etc. I would bet there are far more of those people than us. I would be 99% of the people that would buy this flash don't care 1 little bit about wireless triggering of other flashes.

In my case.. I am an enthusiast, who loves wildlife, some landscape, transportation, and other general outdoor photography... so this flash is perfect!

Now that you are done hitting the reply button to call me a fool... read on...

Of course, my whole family knows I am the guy with the nice camera... so obviously, I have to shoot parties, holidays, etc... and I simply don't do that (its the only time the camera goes on auto..ever! I take terrible people pictures, and I have very little desire to learn... I just don't enjoy it. But to stay married, I need to do it from time to time. This flash looks like it will increase my keeper rate and quality in those circumstances...and that makes me a keeper to my wife, thus money well spent (on most days).

I am the target market... judge away.

Totally with you. I’ve given up posting anything other than a few images as there are too many quick to criticise for no real purpose other than to add to their own sense of self importance. Best just to keep it superficial and stick to pleasantries and move on when the armchair experts move in.

Btw I’m very happy with my flash, does exactly what it says on the tin.

I will do.

I have had some luck on these forums and have gleaned out some decent info over the years...its there ya gotta look for it.

Right now I am losing a battle with camera canada as to the location of my new 90d... they swear they shipped it, the post office says nope.

Once that settles out I will give you my view of the flash.

boufa wrote in post #19065825
Well, this has been a thread of looking only at your own potential uses and judging others. After reading these comments, I almost canceled the order I just placed for a refurb of this flash. Then I realized I am not you guys... and most of the world isn't either.

People shoot photos with canon DSLRs that are not pros, or not even enthusiasts. Some have no clue and are not interested at all in learning. Maybe they take snapshots of their kids, or weddings, etc. I would bet there are far more of those people than us. I would be 99% of the people that would buy this flash don't care 1 little bit about wireless triggering of other flashes.

In my case.. I am an enthusiast, who loves wildlife, some landscape, transportation, and other general outdoor photography... so this flash is perfect!

Now that you are done hitting the reply button to call me a fool... read on...

Of course, my whole family knows I am the guy with the nice camera... so obviously, I have to shoot parties, holidays, etc... and I simply don't do that (its the only time the camera goes on auto..ever! I take terrible people pictures, and I have very little desire to learn... I just don't enjoy it. But to stay married, I need to do it from time to time. This flash looks like it will increase my keeper rate and quality in those circumstances...and that makes me a keeper to my wife, thus money well spent (on most days).

I am the target market... judge away.

Bravo !