External flashes for cameras can come in a variety of shapes and sizes. What type of external flash is best for your camera depends on the features you need and the types of pictures you take. In this guide, we will discuss the different types of external flashes available, their features, and how to choose the right one for your needs.
Types of External Flash for DSLR
1. Built-in & Pop-up Camera Flash
There are several different types of camera flashes. Compact digital cameras may rely on reflected light from the subject in order to create a picture, whereas DSLRs have a built-in pop-up flash unit. Pop-up flashes have a limited range so they typically cannot be used as a primary light source in low light conditions, nor can they produce colourful effects such as background shadows and depth of field.
2. Dedicated Camera Flash
Another type of flash can be mounted onto a hot shoe on top of the camera. This is known as a dedicated flash unit and it is typically larger than a pop-up flash, but allows for more control over the light emitted from the unit. The beauty dish, also known as an octabank, uses this type of flash.
3. Accessory Flash
The final type is an accessory flash unit that plugs into the side of the DSLR (just like an external microphone would). These are often used by serious photographers who want to achieve unique effects with their camera flashes – either in order to capture unique portraits or to take more control over lighting conditions in low light settings. Because they plug into the side of the camera they usually produce slightly less.
4. Hammerhead Camera Flash
The hammerhead allows the camera to be held in a number of different positions over the photographer’s head. It is often used by extremely busy photographers who want to capture a variety of different images all at once.
5. Hair light
A hair light is positioned behind the subject and it ensures that no shadows are cast on their face – making for more even illumination and cleaner lighting. It also adds depth and texture (particularly when used with an octabank).
6. Fill-in flash
Great care must be taken with fill-in flash because this type of camera flash creates very harsh shadows, therefore impacting the quality of the final image. If you use fill-in flash as a novice photographer you can compensate by increasing your shutter speed to reduce the effect of these dark shadows.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, if you want to take your photography skills to the next level and have a well-lit picture every time, it’s important that you understand what type of external flash is best for your camera. This will help ensure that the quality of both the background as well as the foreground is improved so keep this in mind when shopping around for an external flash.
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