I am an amateur photographer who knows little about flash photography and would like to start experimenting. There are a lot of different canon speedlite EX models to choose from and I’m not sure what is best for me.
Related Blogs
- Canon PowerShot G11 digital camera with 10 megapixel 5x zoom wide angle, optical and 2 8-inch LCD articulating | Digital World
- Photo Grind! » Digital Photography 1 on 1: Episode 20: On Location Flash: Adorama Photography TV
- Hi Tech answers » How many different models are there of Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 and the top 5 best games for each console?
- » Canon Speedlite 580EX II and 430EX II Review at goldfries.com
- 45+ Stunning Black and White Architecture Photography | Flash … – Photography Tips
Related posts:
- Canon Rebel xsi DVD | External Buttons | Tutorial Guide
- What should I look for when buying a flash for my Canon Rebel camera?
- How do you upload pictures from a Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi camera?
- where can I get my Canon rebel XTI camera serviced in NYC? please tell me a good and reliable service station?
- Where can I get the best warranty for a Canon Rebel XTi Digital Camera?
Tagged with: amateur photographer • canon • canon speedlite • flash photography • models
Filed under: Canon Rebel Camera Tips
Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!


There is not much you cannot do with the on-board flash that you can do with an external flash except with more power. On-board flash units are only good when used as a flash-fill tool.
Experimenting with light, would require you to be able to move the lighting around the subject to create back lighting, side lighting, key and fill lighting and multi-lamp lighting. To be able to see what the light is doing to the subject BEFORE you take a shot, you need to use some continuous lighting lamps. You can start by using some inexpensive work lamps sold in home supply stores like Home Depot. You can get a couple of 500 watt lamps for under $40, then with your camera on a tripod, you can shoot products, adjusting the light directions and intensity as you learn how to control the lighting.
While I agree with Fhotoace on the most part if you are looking for a flash that will be more powerful that you can use when not in a studio situation the 430EXII should be fine. It will allow you to bounce and swivel the flash to adjust the way the lighting looks. You could get the 580EXII but you probably wont need it.
The Canon 430EX will cover most of what the average photographer would need. A few differences with the 580EX it has a little more power and if you use Canon’s wireless system (which isn’t that great) the 580EX can be a master. You also get a sync port on the 580. For the extra money for these few things, the 430 is your best value.