Metering for Flash

[smackitsakic]

I try to avoid using my flash if at all possible but, now with having a macro lens, i'm finding myself wanting to use flash more.

Simple question here, how the heck do I meter in manual mode when using flash? I think the 'standard' flash metering is f5.6 at 1/60 shutter speed. Do I simply do the appropriate math as needed to re-meter for slower faster shutter speeds (ie: f8.0 at 1/30 shutter speed or, on the other side, f4.0 at 1/125 shutter speed)?

Any basic information would be great! Thanks.

 

[Josh66]

I assume you're talking about the pop-up flash?

Pretty sure E-TTL is your only option, I don't think the camera will even allow you to adjust the flash power...

Just set the shutter speed to the max sync speed (probably 1/200 or 1/250 ... check your manual), and put the aperture wherever you need it for the DOF you want.

The camera will fire a preflash, meter the light bouncing back, adjust the power if necessary, then open/close the shutter while firing the 'real' flash. This will happen so fast, it will look like the flash only went off once.

Basically, none of the settings matter - put them wherever you want. The camera will automatically try to make it a 'good' exposure.

 

[pbelarge]

I used the 580 today and I was able to set the flash power. My first time using a flash, what an experience...

 

[Josh66]

Yup, whole new learning curve, lol. (At least you got the right one. :thumbup

For the pop-up flash though - other than Flash Exposure Compensation (FEC), I don't think there's really anything at all you can do to change the settings...

I mean, It's not like you can dial it in to 1/4 power or anything like that.


Still not really sure what kind of flash we're talking about here, but I just assumed it was the pop-up flash...

"I try to avoid using my flash if at all possible" ... Why would you buy a flash that you didn't intend to use? (That's why I assumed pop-up unit)

 

[smackitsakic]

Yes, talking about pop-up flash! I don't have any external flash devices.

 

[Fedaykin]

Your only option with the pop up flash is Flash Exposure Compensation as it only fires on ETTL. If you're really interested in macro you should really consider a hot shoe flash, or even a ring flash.

Learning to use a flash is a whole other venture, read this: strobist.com

 

[smackitsakic]

Thanks for the tips. I'll have to do some reading on ETTL and Flash Exposure Compensation! I have no idea what either of them are.