Flash For Digital Rebel

Does the Digital Rebel require a digital flash?

Reason I ask is I have a Vivitar 283 Auto Thyristor that has worked well on another digital camera (Sony) and if it will work on an XT or XTi -- I won't sell it with the Sony.

Thanks!

Welcome to POTN, davvet2!

The search facility on these forums is your friend. If you search for vivitar 283 rebel you'll find a number of threads where people have asked the same question, and had it answered. In fact, I'll do the search for you. Here it is.

(The short version: It depends. Your Rebel can cope with a sync voltage of up to 250V. It seems that some 283's operate at a sync voltage below 250V, but some are higher. You'll need to read the manual or measure it, or there might be people in the Flash Forum who can help you further.)

StewartR wrote in post #2135641
Your Rebel can cope with a sync voltage of up to 250V.

I believe that depends on whether it's the original Digital Rebel (300D) or the RebelXT (350D).

According to this web page, the measured voltages on the Vivitar 283 vary greatly, depending on how old it is. You may want to measure it yourself. More info about trigger voltage issues here.

If you get past the voltage issue, any automatic flash unit such as the 283 can be used with digital cameras if you set the aperture and ISO properly. But dedicated flash units offer many features that expand their versatility tremendously. Here's a lengthy articlewhich I highly recommend reading before you buy.

Thanks Stewart & Curtis --

I'm new at all this stuff, and the information is very helpful.

I am looking at a Canon Digital Rebel XTi and wondered if the Vivitar Flash I have would work with it. I have an old Sony DSC 770 camera, and have used it with the camera since day one -- it's always worked well; and if the Vivitar would work with the XTi planned on keeping it when I sell the Sony.

I just checked the flash using a voltmeter and on the DC setting it read 8 volts. Just wanted to be sure I checked it using the right setting on my voltmeter (DC volts).
Thanks
Jim