n00b questions regarding external flash ....

rodman · Feb 4, 2009

I've never used an external flash .....

I want to learn about it and the benefits ....

What advantages does having an external flash have?

Also I have a Nikon D40 ... what is a good external flash?

Jaszek · Feb 4, 2009

http://letmegooglethatforyou.com/?q=external+flash+vs.+on+camera

zandman · Feb 4, 2009

it can give ur image a 3d effect with the light coming from the side instead of direct up fron = flat image. imo.

Samanax · Feb 5, 2009

rodman said:
I've never used an external flash .....

I want to learn about it and the benefits ....

What advantages does having an external flash have?

Gives you light in low light situations. If you want to learn more about on-camera flash, read this web site.

If you want to learn more about off-camera flash, read this web site.

rodman said:
Also I have a Nikon D40 ... what is a good external flash?

How much do you want to spend? The Nikon SB-400 Speedlite goes for around $110, the SB-600 goes for around $225 and the SB-900 goes for around $440.

Other companies make Nikon compatible flashes but quality, power and versatility won't be the same.

Big Mike · Feb 5, 2009

The biggest advantage of adding an accessory flash is that you can (with most) tilt and swivel the head so that you can bounce the light rather than firing it straight at the subject. The effect of that is that it can give you subject shape and dimension. Direct flash tends to make things look flat.

Even if you are shooting the flash directly at the subject, having higher up on the camera, further away from the lens will help with things like red eye.

They are usually a lot more powerful that the built-in flash.