Isn't the 580EX II supposed to be a beefed up version of the 430EX?

Ok so I recently got a 580EX II after borrowing a friend's 430EX for quite some time...

I used to get on fine with my friends 430EX on auto TTL

then my 580 II arrived and I'm having trouble with it in TTL mode...
it ALWAYS shoots too much or too little...

I either get WAY too much power and thus a white image or WAY too little power and the flash white balance I set is useless and gives shots a weird color cast...

anyone know what's going on?

can someone give me a few rules of thumb to go by...for example:

1. what's a general starting setting for low light indoor shots?
2. what's a general starting setting for adding fill flash in outdoor shots in shadow
3. is it bad to point the flash head at the subject in large rooms or should a large room be treated like outside and point the flash directly at the subjecdt
4. etc...

sorry if these are stupid questions but I'm kind of stumped...I've read the manual like 3 times and I just can't figure it out...

thanks all!

caesar2164 wrote in post #5513261
anyone know what's going on?

Without a few samples with EXIF data, probably not.

Please post an image with the exif data intact, then we can help you.

But from the sounds of things, your FEC might be too high or too low. I can't really say until I see an image that you've shot first though.

ok so here are a few pics using the 430EX:
(btw, does the EXIF say "program (auto) when Av mode is used? because I'm almost positive I used Av mode for these)

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'text/html' | Byte size: ZERO

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'text/html' | Byte size: ZERO

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'text/html' | Byte size: ZERO

On my calibrated monitor they look fine.

NSWESP wrote in post #5513836
On my calibrated monitor they look fine.

I guess they would do as these were taken with the 430EX - still waiting for the "problem" pics!

TJ

yeah, those are the 430EX ones that are supposed to BE fine.

now for the not fine ones (I just took these with stuff in my room, so be kind on composition... =P)

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'image/gif' | Byte size: ZERO | PHOTOBUCKET ERROR IMAGE

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'image/gif' | Byte size: ZERO | PHOTOBUCKET ERROR IMAGE

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'image/gif' | Byte size: ZERO | PHOTOBUCKET ERROR IMAGE

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'image/gif' | Byte size: ZERO | PHOTOBUCKET ERROR IMAGE

more developments:

turns out I was able to replicate the good results of the 430EX using my 40d on auto (green box) mode

what setting can the auto mode possibly turn on that isn't in either program or Av??

PEBAC. Without exif we can't tell you what you're doing wrong.

Tim, clicking on the images takes you to the original, with the EXIF data shown below.

TJ

TeeJay wrote in post #5514010
Tim, clicking on the images takes you to the original, with the EXIF data shown below.

Ah, I found it hidden under "show details".

I have a couple of thoughts:
- When in Av the flash is fill. Shoot manual if you want the flash to be the main light.
- You have to deal with multiple light sources, including the position and strength of all light sources when thinking about white balance. Or just set the camera to ISO 100 F8 1/250th and ambient light will be ignored. At the setting you've chosen ambient light will make it into the image, and you'll have to manually set white balance. Canon cameras aren't very good at WB.
- You have the camera in "manual white balance" according to PhotoBucket - I suspect that means you set the white balance. Make sure you set it to the lightening bolt.

Your problem is using Av for flash. Unless you want the main exposure to be ambient light with nothing more than flash fill, then don't use Av for flash pictures. This is why the white balance is off and why you can't see the effects of the flash very well. Having the camera set for a flash white balance when most of the light is from the incandescent ambient light will seriously mess up the white balance. The same thing happens with Tv, but you are limited to the maximum aperture of the lens you are using, so it is possible to get a picture mostly lit by flash, but at maximum aperture. Most of us suggest using M for indoor flash pictures where you want the flash to actually be the light source. You can also use P and the green box, but that gives you less control than M.

just noticed something,

with the flash set and in manual mode the exposure conpensation blinks at -2
and I can't figure out how to put it back to the center...

caesar2164 wrote in post #5515821
just noticed something,

with the flash set and in manual mode the exposure conpensation blinks at -2
and I can't figure out how to put it back to the center...

You're fine. If you're not exposing fully for the ambient light, it doesn't matter that the meter is showing severe underexposure. Just make sure that it's not on the other extreme, i.e. showing overexposure.

Caesar,

Flash Photography 101 (link in my signature) is a short series of articles covering some basic concepts that will make your learning experience less painful. Have a look, I think it will help.