Inaccurate exposure with Canon flash unit

[Luval]

few of my friends (canon user) and still is till today . "Wish" they own a N system when flash exposure is concern and important.

 

[jamomatt]

N user here. Maybe TS can provide sample photos? Even if we assume Canon's flash exposure to not perform as well, the difference should not be too far off right? I mean, surely not to the extent of ruining the image?

 

[Luval]

N user here. Maybe TS can provide sample photos? Even if we assume Canon's flash exposure to not perform as well, the difference should not be too far off right? I mean, surely not to the extent of ruining the image?

oh ,,u be surprise

 

[silverarrow]

Hi,

I used to be struggling with ETTL using the 580II too...just couldn't get the shots i intended for.

Then i switch back to "Automatic mode" ie set your 580II Fn 5 mode 3. It is the old school way before they invent the ETTL or the iTTL for nikon system. Those using film slr in the past will know what i'm talking about. They called this THYRISTOR metered flash in the past, whereby the flash output is metered and cut by it's own, and had absolutely nothing to do with the camera body, it just tells the flash when to trigger only.

You can set the ISO on the Flash or the Camera body to match your exposure, or you can adjust the aperture to get the correct exposure too, 2 different way to achieve your exposure.

A typical setting will be ISO 400 for flash and ISO 800 for body,manually set f/5.6 shutter 1/60s, test shot and adjust ISO or aperture accordingly, playing around with the 3 combinations to achieve your exposure, once set, you just need to rougly maintain the subject and camera distance, and shoot till you drop....later no need to pp your shot on exposure anymore....all will be correctly exposed if you set it correctly during the shoot. Thus saving time to pp, good method for my event shoot everytime till today:thumbsup:....but still can't figure out how to use ETTL correctly. Maybe i too old school already :bsmilie:

Nikon SB800 and Metz 58AF can be set in Auto mode too, both giving very warm effect;p.....but for Canon flash, only the 580II can be set in this mode, the older 580 cannot be use in this Auto mode.

You may want to give it a try....

 

[Wibblo]

guess time to turn in the old 550Ex and get a 580ExII liao...

has really inconsistent pictures from my 550.....

 

[strobby]

http://strobist.blogspot.com/2006/03/lighting-101-balancing-flash-and.html

Sharing this site ...have very good illustrate on balance ambient light and strobe light

 

[JPLim]

Has any 430EXII user faced this problem?
I intend to buy that flash soon.
So, would like to find out more about that flash problem.

 

[Luval]

come out , it is not a flash problem.. all this is all about this user.. what u talking about.

 

[de_stan]

Could you care to explain your statement ?

 

[doodah]

Seen endless threads like that.

Show the equivalent shots.

Then, we can talk.

PS: I have yet to see such comparison of equivalent shots after all these years. Perhaps you can be the first. :bsmilie:

 

[mrchua]

thats it. screw canon, screw waiting for the 5d mkII. i'm switching to nikon because of the better flash. hmph!

 

[chantyeroop]

Bro, if I hear you correctly, the whole process of getting the correct exposure with the eTTL flash is still very much like trial and error?

That defeats the purpose of getting a eTTL flash right?

Perhaps the Canon technical staff could help to explain how to use eTTL correctly?

Hi,

I used to be struggling with ETTL using the 580II too...just couldn't get the shots i intended for.

Then i switch back to "Automatic mode" ie set your 580II Fn 5 mode 3. It is the old school way before they invent the ETTL or the iTTL for nikon system. Those using film slr in the past will know what i'm talking about. They called this THYRISTOR metered flash in the past, whereby the flash output is metered and cut by it's own, and had absolutely nothing to do with the camera body, it just tells the flash when to trigger only.

You can set the ISO on the Flash or the Camera body to match your exposure, or you can adjust the aperture to get the correct exposure too, 2 different way to achieve your exposure.

A typical setting will be ISO 400 for flash and ISO 800 for body,manually set f/5.6 shutter 1/60s, test shot and adjust ISO or aperture accordingly, playing around with the 3 combinations to achieve your exposure, once set, you just need to rougly maintain the subject and camera distance, and shoot till you drop....later no need to pp your shot on exposure anymore....all will be correctly exposed if you set it correctly during the shoot. Thus saving time to pp, good method for my event shoot everytime till today:thumbsup:....but still can't figure out how to use ETTL correctly. Maybe i too old school already :bsmilie:

Nikon SB800 and Metz 58AF can be set in Auto mode too, both giving very warm effect;p.....but for Canon flash, only the 580II can be set in this mode, the older 580 cannot be use in this Auto mode.

You may want to give it a try....

 

[xxpmrong]

you arent the only one,, many infact regretted buying 580II

ouch... I looking at getting one this Christmas too... hmm.. is 430 EX II any better? I dont think so

 

[KangS]

The TS has left many, many variables unanswered. Its almost impossible to troubleshoot if they are not clarified.

My experience with the same combination is that, its not very consistent at close distances. But once you get beyond 3m, the consistency level jumps very dramatically.

Can we at least have some full EXIF shots for comparison if TS is unable to list the details ? :dunno:

 

[doodah]

Looks like the OP does not have the evidence.

Like I've said, I've yet to see DIRECT comparison shots after so many YEARS. It's just another one of those internet myths... unless someone proves it.

My experience with the same combination is that, its not very consistent at close distances. But once you get beyond 3m, the consistency level jumps very dramatically.

All my MACRO shots are taken with 430 EX flash. ZERO flash exposure compensation. No problems.

 

[rex]

hi all,

try using external power pack....i tried and proven that all picture u take will be consistent....

 

[calebk]

hi all,

try using external power pack....i tried and proven that all picture u take will be consistent....

Er...how does this make flash output results consistent? What does it have to do with flash exposure and metering?

 

[rex]

i tried and for canon flash we always use Manual and if you uses external powersource the power and exposure are more consistent compare to direct battery source. Of course metering is subjective to what you aim at if u use Evaluative metering....try to set to average ...it will help alot

 

[de_stan]

Hi everyone,

Thanks for all the contributions so far.
I figured since im the TS, I should at least post some sample shots for viewing.
I was hoping to get some shots from my friend as a comparison, but he is too busy now that its the peak period, so i shall just post 3 of my shots for sampling.

Slightly under exposed both front and back

Subject is slightly under like 1st pic but background is almost in darkness

The better exposed shot among the 3, both foreground and background

Used the same settings for all 3 shots, under same lighting condition and distance.
But got 3 different results.

 

[doodah]

Slightly under exposed both front and back

Subject is slightly under like 1st pic but background is almost in darkness

The better exposed shot among the 3, both foreground and background

Used the same settings for all 3 shots, under same lighting condition and distance.
But got 3 different results.

I don't see anything very wrong with these shots.

You expect your flash to penetrate thru' human bodies and reach ALL THE WAY to the distant background???

Secondly, you have this person in white in your second shot and expect the flash to do the thinking for you?

Thirdly, do you know how to use aperture and ISO to control background, shutter speed to get your handshake under control, and let the flash take care of your foreground?

I bet if you and your friend switch systems, he'll get things right while you will still be struggling with 'poor' shots.