where to begin?!?

[phaither]

ok, so here goes... i'm using a fuji finepix F200EXR. it's a point and shoot with some other setting options. what type of lighting can i use that will mimic or come close to one of those on-camera flashes? and how do they work?? i know i want to get something, but no clue where to start. fyi- i mostly take pics of kids.
thanks in advance
f

[autofocus]

Originally Posted by phaither

ok, so here goes... i'm using a fuji finepix F200EXR. it's a point and shoot with some other setting options. what type of lighting can i use that will mimic or come close to one of those on-camera flashes? and how do they work?? i know i want to get something, but no clue where to start. fyi- i mostly take pics of kids.
thanks in advance
f

I'll assume when you're talking about an "on camera flash" you are talking about the type that mounts on top of the hot shoe on many cameras..or known as a speedlight. For the most part the advantages of a speedlight is that it gives you more control of the light (bounce, output, direction, off camera, use of modifiers etc) None of these things other than the possibility of output are available on your P&S camera. You can mimic bounce by taping a small white card under the flash, and directed up on your camera's body. You can get real creative by cutting a small slit in this card so that some of your light goes through direct, with the balance of the light being directed up off the ceiling. This will broaden your light source, and in most cases be more flattering

[phaither]

so basically, what you're saying is i need an SLR, right? i think i do too...
f

[autofocus]

Originally Posted by phaither

so basically, what you're saying is i need an SLR, right? i think i do too...
f

so it looks like you're waiting for someone to justify buying an dSLR..well, you have my blessings...start shopping And whatever speedlight you want to add to your camera purchase expect it to add $200 - $400 to the purchase. Be prepared, however, to go through a whole new learning curve