Flash gun... Do you really need one??

[DogHeadGod]

I think this will help you decide....

YouTube - Strobist Preliminaries


Skip to 6 minutes in for brief overview of what is achievable with a flash

[AndyM2020]

Originally Posted by i speak in math

What part of the D700 makes it unprofessional? Pentax's upcoming medium format 645D is rumored to have onboard flash as well. They can be useful when used with the other lighting components from that systems.

Okay, I should have engaged brain fully before making that statement. I was thinking of top end professional DSLRs such as the Nikon D3 range (which I believe, without looking, doesn't), along with the Canon 1D and 5D, etc.

Onboard flashes do have their uses, especially with regards to Nikon's CLS. But there is still no denying that the output from onboard flash leaves a lot to be desired.

[CanonRebelz]

I'm undecided too! I'm beginning to shoot more portraits and, given the weather, find I need some more light as it's becoming more and more dark/dreary/super cloudy where I am. I'm thinking of getting a 430ex II for Christmas, but I don't know whether I'll be wasting money or if I am going to need to buy this-that on top of the flash to get better results. I'm going to need to shoot some indoor portraits too, and I'm not rich, otherwise I would buy a good light get-up.

[kurtwall]

Originally Posted by DogHeadGod

I think this will help you decide....

YouTube - Strobist Preliminaries


Skip to 6 minutes in for brief overview of what is achievable with a flash

Yes, the ultimate compliment: "Wow, you must have a really good camera!" Yeah, and one day I'll learn how to use it. Seriously, it was this video that turned me on to Strobist. Right now, I mostly sit in the audience and think it'll be fun when I can do all of this, or at least have the gear to try to do all of this.

[Eyad]

Originally Posted by DogHeadGod

I think this will help you decide....

YouTube - Strobist Preliminaries


Skip to 6 minutes in for brief overview of what is achievable with a flash

Thanks for sharing this!

[Eyad]

I'm getting the SB-900!! Maybe an umbrella later

[daft_biker]

Originally Posted by Eyad

I'm getting the SB-900!! Maybe an umbrella later

Happy new toy

[Jim Bryant]

Yup, always carry a flash. Existing light is what you see, available light is what you carry around with you. The sun's so harsh in the middle east, that sometimes a little fill flash would get rid of the racoon eyes (overhead shadows underneath the eyes). But....you can beat the place for that beautiful low angle lighting, especially at dusk

[Eyad]

Originally Posted by Jim Bryant

Yup, always carry a flash. Existing light is what you see, available light is what you carry around with you. The sun's so harsh in the middle east, that sometimes a little fill flash would get rid of the racoon eyes (overhead shadows underneath the eyes). But....you can beat the place for that beautiful low angle lighting, especially at dusk

You should check our Joe McNally shooting a model in Dubai desert... talk about contrast and dynamic range! that's a challenge.