Question 'bout LIGHTING

OK, so I'm experimenting with my new Canon PowerShot SX1IS
and I'm finding out that I really need better lighting that the flash
that is built in to this camera

So, which is the best way to go...buy one of those big honkin
flashed that fits on top of your camera ($400 - $500)

Or, would it be better to get a couple of flashed that go on top
of a stand that automatically know when to flash right as you
are taking the shot.

BTW...how in the heck do these work anyway?

I dont think you are ready for off camera flashes on a stand that go off automatically (its not that simple). Look for a canon 430ex, or 430exII. Learn how to bounce it and control it while its on your camera. Then work your way up. If you are serious about advanced lighting you might want to look at stepping up to one of the rebel dslrs too.

OK, so meanwhile...what am I supposed to do about getting better lighting?

The product I'm photographing is coming out a little dark on another angle
where it's not possible for the flash on my camer to illuminate because I can't
get light onto that angle unless I have another lighting source.

I mean, the pics I got look OK...but they would look much better if I could
get lighting (that's the same as my camera's flash) on to other angles other
than the angle of looking through my camera forward

And, "if I'm not ready"....when will I be?

I figure since I have the money and the desire
to learn...I just need tips on what to buy

Get the 430exII ($250 or so), and off camera flash cord ($30 or so). With the off camera cord you can move the flash away from the camera and still retain auto exposure.

The off camera flash cord I found at http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …C_E3_Off_Camera​_Shoe.html
says it only works with Canon EOS cameras.

My Canon PowerShot SX1IS has the EOS processor, so does this count.

I actually have a shoe mount flash already, although it's not the highest
priced one that is available, but it's good for learning

So, all I would need right now is an off camera flash cord
that is compatible with my Canon PowerShot SX1IS

what shoe mount flash do you have? You need one that allows you to use the ettl II system, plus some older flashes have the potential to harm your camera electrical system.


I'd recommend getting your cord here http://www.flashzebra.​com …rds/ettlcords/i​ndex.shtml The owner is a member of this forum and a stand up guy, great products at a great price.

You can get a longer one for much cheaper (look at link below), and then just buy a lightstand (about $19) to mount the flash, and an umbrella and of course a flash.

This is 16 feet cord:
http://www.flashzebra.​com/products/0123/inde​x.shtml

This is 24 feet cord:
http://www.flashzebra.​com/products/0125/inde​x.shtml

Impact Lightstand:
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …5_Light_Stand_B​lack_.html

Umbrella Adapter:
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …117_Umbrella_Br​acket.html

An Umbrella:
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …Convertible_Umb​rella.html

With the above you will be ready for off camera lighting, also with Flash of course.

Mufutau

Rockrz wrote in post #8211911
The off camera flash cord I found at http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …C_E3_Off_Camera​_Shoe.html
says it only works with Canon EOS cameras.

My Canon PowerShot SX1IS has the EOS processor, so does this count.

I actually have a shoe mount flash already, although it's not the highest
priced one that is available, but it's good for learning

So, all I would need right now is an off camera flash cord
that is compatible with my Canon PowerShot SX1IS

Does the OP's camera have E-TTL II? Are the Speedlights fully compatible with it as far as having all of the flash features available?

I thought that Speedlights were only compatible with the 'G' cameras and DSLRs.

It would appear from DP Review that your camera supports any EX hot shoe flash. I would recommend the 430EX as an excellent on camera flash unit, fully automatic with your camera, and the head tilts and rotates for bouncing.

You can add an off shoe cord later if you want to get the flash a bit off camera.

If the OP is doing product shots, perhaps cheap constant lighting and a softbox are better options. OP, what kinds/sizes of products are you shooting?

Titus213 wrote in post #8212039
It would appear from DP Review that your camera supports any EX hot shoe flash. I would recommend the 430EX as an excellent on camera flash unit, fully automatic with your camera, and the head tilts and rotates for bouncing.

You can add an off shoe cord later if you want to get the flash a bit off camera.

Thanks, Mr. Norwood.

runninmann wrote in post #8212049
If the OP is doing product shots, perhaps cheap constant lighting and a softbox are better options. OP, what kinds/sizes of products are you shooting?

Tried to talk him through that in another thread without much succcess.

gonzogolf wrote in post #8212000
what shoe mount flash do you have? You need one that allows you to use the ettl II system, plus some older flashes have the potential to harm your camera electrical system

It's the Zeikos "Digital Professional Slave Flash" that "works with all Digital and SLR Cameras" that I picked up for the bargain price of only $29.99
I know, it's a cheapy but it may be good to learn with

gonzogolf wrote in post #8212000
I'd recommend getting your cord here http://www.flashzebra.​com …rds/ettlcords/i​ndex.shtml The owner is a member of this forum and a stand up guy, great products at a great price.

Now, all of those just say that they are for Canon cameras.
Do they work with my camera?

mufutau55 wrote in post #8212013
Umbrella Adapter:
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com/c/produc...a_Bra​cket.html

I already have a tri-pod, and this appears to enable you to
connect your flash to a tr-pod, right?

Titus213 wrote in post #8212039
It would appear from DP Review that your camera supports any EX hot shoe flash. I would recommend the 430EX as an excellent on camera flash unit, fully automatic with your camera, and the head tilts and rotates for bouncing.

Thanks for the link...

runninmann wrote in post #8212049
If the OP is doing product shots, perhaps cheap constant lighting and a softbox are better options. OP, what kinds/sizes of products are you shooting?

Just small card payment terminals. I thought of that, but after experimenting
yesterday I am getting great pictures...I just need lighting from another
angle to illuminate the item a little more and I think it'll provide a good image
May look into that at some point in the future though

gonzogolf wrote in post #8212078
Tried to talk him through that in another thread without much succcess.

Do you happen to have a link to that thread?

EDIT: Posted before seeing OP's post above mine.

Another question...when running a second flash, does the flash on your
camera work also so you have two flashes going at once?

That's what I'm needing to do as that would create two lighting sources