newbie with a flash question

Ok, I am going to show just how little I know, but I am going to ask anyway.

I just got an external flash (speedlite 580 EX). I have never used an external flash on my Canon 30D before...When I am shooting in M mode, it doesn't appear that when metering for exposure that the camera takes into account that the flash is attached and on....is that how it is supposed to be, or am I doing something really wrong?

Thanks so much!

I think that's how it's soppused to be when in M. Set your flash to ITTL (essentially austomatic flash mode) and try that. That's the easiest way to do it. Hope this helps.

Sewtired, Welcome to POTN!

Flash metering and ambient light metering are separate operations. The ability to manage both is what makes flash such a powerful and versatile tool.

There are a few concepts to learn that will reduce the frustration level and speed up the learning curve. Click on "Flash Photography 101" in my signature for some good basic info.

Curtis N wrote in post #2984205
Sewtired, Welcome to POTN!

Flash metering and ambient light metering are separate operations. The ability to manage both is what makes flash such a powerful and versatile tool.

There are a few concepts to learn that will reduce the frustration level and speed up the learning curve. Click on "Flash Photography 101" in my signature for some good basic info.

Wise words :P

Thanks so much everyone...I will definitely print out the Flash Photography 101, I am sure that will have all the answers! I am glad to have found you all! I hope there is a section for the really newbies to ask these types of questions.

thanks again!

Sewtired wrote in post #2984453
I hope there is a section for the really newbies to ask these types of questions.

That would be pretty much every section.

ok, I have another question...in reading the flash photography 101, I am understanding everything until I get to fact 5...I have the 580EX Speedlite...I am assuming this is doing what it is supposed to do from the camera settings..is that a right assumption? or am I supposed to be doing something different with the flash setting to get a better meter read?

Sewtired wrote in post #2996583
in reading the flash photography 101, I am understanding everything until I get to fact 5...I have the 580EX Speedlite...I am assuming this is doing what it is supposed to do from the camera settings..is that a right assumption? or am I supposed to be doing something different with the flash setting to get a better meter read?

For reference, here's flash fact #5:

With any dedicated flash unit (such as your 580EX), the camera tells the flash what to do. And the camera will account for the aperture and ISO when calculating the amount of flash power required to properly illuminate your subject.

Does that answer your question?