The document discusses the benefits of using external flashes for photography instead of built-in flashes, highlighting different types such as dedicated, non-dedicated, slave, and macro/ring flashes, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. It emphasizes the importance of selecting the right flash based on specific needs and photography skills. Additionally, the document notes that Cameta Camera has over 25 years of experience in providing photography equipment and advice.

1. Using External Flashes to
Take Better Photos
Cameta Camera Sheds Some Light On the Different Types of Flashes

2. Let There Be Light
Many of life’s important
moments occur in less
than ideal lighting
conditions.
However, with the right
flash, you can learn
to capture them
effortlessly.

3. Can’t I Just Use My Built-In Flash?
Your Built-In Flash Has Built-In Limitations:
„ It isn’t very powerful
„ It can drain the camera’s battery
„ It often produces:
…Unnatural results
…Red-eye, and
…Photos lacking shadow and depth

4. Which Flash Should You Use?
The best flash will vary according
to your specific needs, including:
the distance you are shooting
from; natural or available lighting;
your subject; location and budget.
Choosing the right flash starts with
understanding the different types
that are available.

5. What Is a Dedicated Flash?
„ A dedicated flash is an external electronic
flash unit that fits on your digital camera’s
hot shoe, or connector. It is designed to
integrate with a specific camera model or
brand’s computer.

6. A Dedicated Flash
ADVANTAGES:
„ Syncs with camera for optimum flash results
„ Provides greater power than a built-in flash
„ Fits into hot shoe
„ Easy to use
DISADVANTAGES:
„ Costly
„ Minimizes photographer input

7. What is a Non-Dedicated Flash?
„ A non-dedicated flash is a generic,
external electronic flash. It does not
integrate with a specific digital camera’s
computer system and requires additional,
manual input from the photographer.

8. A Non-Dedicated Flash
ADVANTAGES:
„ Provides quality flash
„ Less expensive than a dedicated flash
„ Offers photographer greater flexibility
„ For photographers with advanced skills
„ Versatile, not-brand specific
DISADVANTAGES:
„ Requires more input from the photographer

9. Slave Flash
„ A slave flash is an external flash that
works with a digital camera’s built-in flash.
It is designed to flash when it senses the
built-in flash firing.

10. A Slave Flash
ADVANTAGES:
„ Less expensive than a dedicated flash
„ Boosts built-in flash and natural
lighting
„ Works with cameras that do not have
a hot shoe or connector
DISADVANTAGES:
„ May be accidentally triggered by
flashes from other cameras

11. Macro/Ring Flash
„ A macro/ring flash is an external circular
flash that wraps around a camera lens.
It is designed to eliminate shadows in
close-ups.

12. Macro/Ring
ADVANTAGES:
„ Provides even illumination
„ Eliminates shadows
„ Ideal for macro photography,
or close-ups
„ Affordable
DISADVANTAGES:
„ Specifically for close-ups

13. Be Prepared
„ Looking for additional information on lighting?
View our Basic Lighting in Photography
Slideshare.
TIP:
„ Pack extra batteries because flashes can use
a lot of power.

14. About Cameta
Cameta Camera is a true
brick-and-mortar camera store
in Amityville, NY. We’ve been
selling photography equipment
and distilling advice to professionals
and hobbyists alike more than 25 years.
For more photography tips, visit our blog at
Cameta.com/blog.