Canon 10D & 420 EX Flash - you use this combo?
 

I shot some hardcore box cover shots with my new Canon 10D and Canon 420 EX Flash on Wednesday in Los Angeles and am not real thrilled about the shots. Although they are ok, the exposures are a little inconsistant. One would expect a camera and flash combo of this quality would produce more consistant results.

Just wondering if any of you guys use this combo and are having problems?

I'm reading some bulletin boards and finding there are quite a few people having problems with Canons E-TTL technology when using the latest SpeedLites and EOS cameras -

d*

Hey Dean what's up?

You could always use my poleroid, it shoots some awesome stills.. lol j/k..

Did you ever talk to that friend of yours about that print you posted awhile back? :)

Dean I use the 550EX but never can get good stills... maybe my settings etc, i always use studio flashes now

The 550 is a lot better!

Yea- I use studio flash mostly, but when shooting hardcore stills on a hardcore video shoot, I need to be able to jump in - snap half dozen shots and just back out so the video guys can keep filming. I can't be dragging my studio lighting in for that kind of stuff. On camera flash is the way to go for that.

Just need to figure out how this E-TTL shit works. Apparently it differs from basic TTL and you have to shoot differently when working with E-TTL. I'm still reading up on it but I think it's going to be a big pain in the ass. Hell, I should just get me an old cheap Vivitar 283 - it would do better than my Canon flash :1orglaugh

I got my hands on a canon 10d not too long ago and on my last trip to northern cali I am pretty sure i blew out the flash...


As far as speed lite kits I was looking at a couple setups that some friends pointed out and they have had nothing but positive words.

Hit me up, love to chat with ya about your results and experience with it. 104463163

Is there a secret to getting consist results with the 550? Are you finding that your exposures are not consist with that flash? What camera are you using?

d*

I got a 10d with the 550 ex

I use the 420 with my Elan and Rebel Digital. I have to hit the pilot to make it flash first then it figures out how strong it needs to be. I do it everytime I move to a different location or something changes, like clothing color.

that's the way because flash used with digital cameras react quite differently than they used to on 'regular'' film camera... they are somehow very unstable which affects the exposure for sure :)

I have the same problem with my 10D and canon flash. My suggestion, use manual and set the flash power to 1/4 or 1/2 and use the LCD to check your exposure. Don't shoot the flash at full 1/1 or you'll burn it out quick. Also, get a quantum turbo battery and adapter cable so you'll recycle quickly http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...u=43375&is=REG

There are ways to adjust metering modes on your camera to work well with the flash, but I've found it better to just to leave it manual and adjust exposure according to the LCD.