Questions about flash

[sdphil]

I have 2 questions
1) I have a Canon XSI I haven't done much flash photography. I already own a Nikon SB-16 and I did a few test shots with it on the Canon and it does work. My question is can I use it or would I be better served by buying a new Canon Flash.

2) I realized I know little about using a flash on a DSLR including the on board one. Anyone have a good link or tutorial to get me in the groove?

Thanks
Phil

[sk66]

Well, long answer appended by a short question....what is your goal?

[sdphil]

Portraits mainly thanks for any info

Originally Posted by sk66

Well, long answer appended by a short question....what is your goal?

[sk66]

Well, many options....I'd suggest 2 flash units minimum + umbrellas....check out strobist.com

[Nicole]

Just moved this over to the lighting area where people with more lighting experience will see it

[sdphil]

Thanks Nicole sorry for the misplaced post =)

Originally Posted by Nicole

Just moved this over to the lighting area where people with more lighting experience will see it

[Nicole]

No worries. Even though lots of people assume they'll get a better response in general chat because it's so busy, some people avoid it for those same reasons

[Samanax]

Originally Posted by sdphil

I have 2 questions
1) I have a Canon XSI I haven't done much flash photography. I already own a Nikon SB-16 and I did a few test shots with it on the Canon and it does work. My question is can I use it or would I be better served by buying a new Canon Flash.

Personally I think you should get a Canon Speedlite (430EX II or 580EX II). Even though the Nikon does fire (in manual mode?) I really don't think you'll get it to work in E-TTL mode...I don't think the Canon will 'talk' to the Nikon SB-16 properly.

Originally Posted by sdphil

2) I realized I know little about using a flash on a DSLR including the on board one. Anyone have a good link or tutorial to get me in the groove?

One of the best sites I've found that will show you how to use on-camera flash so that it doesn't look like on-camera flash...planet neil: Flash Photography Techniques.

[inkista]

Ok, this is just me being extremely cheap , but I really think you ought to consider going Strobist and using the SB-16 off-camera with a radio trigger, light stand, umbrella swivel, and umbrella. And maybe buying a reflector or a LumoPro LP120 as a second light.

Portrait shooting is one of those subjects where going the Strobist path is really going to pay off. A Canon EX-flash is great for on-camera use, and eTTL rocks if you're doing the run'n'gun thing, but if you've got time to chimp, adjust, and reshoot, off-camera light can give you some outstanding results.

The SB-16 has everything you need for Strobist work: PC port, manual control of power levels, zoom, tilt, and swivel. And you can use it on the hotshoe. Sure, it's harder to use than an EX flash on-camera. But it's just as tough to use as an EX speedlite off-camara on a stand with a Cactus 4 radio trigger. And while you can't use it with TTL, it does have an auto thyristor, so you have a auto mode (for given values of automation).