help pruchasing a flash

[studysession]

I go to the track with my brother to take pictures of the race cars as they come off the starting line. As the sun sets the action keep going and the flash that came with my camera is not good enough to catch the action.

I have a Canon Rebel XSI (450D) and do not know what to look for in a good flash. I want something that will work for what I want it for at the track but at the same time I don't want to break my wallet.

Many thanks

[Cam Monroe]

A powerful flash on a racecar, with all the chrome, and shiny stickers doesn't look that great.
Using the low light settings, that send out a preflash helps some....also diffusers.

When you use flash on a speeding object, that tends to have the effect of freezing the object in time too...not great for a racecar on the track!

Try using a longer shutter speed to get a proper exposure, and follow the car with your camera, bluring the track, keeping the car sharp...that shows motion, and could make up your next epic shot.
A tripod would make this much easier.
You can use a low powered flash...just enough to give the feel of a night shot...light up the stickers....and still show motion.

[Cam Monroe]

How to photograph race cars at night

This article explains it better than I do...lol

[studysession]

Thanks for the help

[studysession]

BTW -

I ended up buying the Canon Speedlite 430EX II
Canon Speedlite 430EX II