Need help with my terminology. (Flashes)

[Nescio!]

Hey, I have a few questions about the terminology. Can someone tell me the difference between "Flash Exposure Compensation" and "Flash Level?" Usually I run my camera in full manual exposure when in the woods, because of the need for regularity. I ussually don't even use TTL. I set the "Flash Level" to 1/16-1/2 depending on the backlight using the menu. Then I set the shutter speed by shooting a few test shots and watching the histogram. I think I know what "Flash Exposure Compensation" is, but I'm not sure. Could someone please explain what it is and what I should set it to in order to simply fill in the shadows and "amp" up the colors a bit in an already bright environment. I really want an easier way to get good and accurate exposures without shooting twenty "test shots." I ussually don't end up adjusting the exp much for the flash, because I like the way it illuminates the subject, and makes the colors "POP."

Also, I'm looking for a new speedlight that is controllable, newb friendly, and cheap. Is a nikon speedlight for my D50 my only option? Is there any third partiy speedlights that economical and get comparable performance?

Sorry for all the questions. Thanks in advance. I'll post a few shots as examples if it is necessary.

[brucep]

A Nikon user will be the one to answer your question about fill flash and alternatives to a Nikon flash.

Terminology is tricky unless the terms are defined first, since sometimes the same term (even the term 'backlit') is used in different ways depending upon the context. Hopefully, Nikon will have defined their terms as they intend them to be understood. If you do choose a non-Nikon flash, that manufacturer may have different definitions than Nikon does. (sigh!)

[sfaust]

Generally, the 'flash level' usually means the power output set manually, or by the camera as determined to the level to obtain a correct or normal exposure. 'Flash Exposure Compensation' usually means the amount or difference in power output either plus or minus from the normal flash level. Thus, you are compensating with more or less flash power to get your desired results from what the camera determines to be normal.

This is analogous to how you set your camera to a program expsoure mode, then add the 'exopsure compensation' facor to it. The camera will determine the correct exposure, then apply your compensation factor to it. The same happens with flash exposure compensation.

Hope that clears it up.

[sfaust]

Oh yea, and as Bruce says, different manufacturers may use the term differently. So its best to check the manual and see how it defines it. Its probably the same, but might not be.

[Nescio!]

So is flash exp comp like fine tuning flash level? or is flash exp comp usedonly when the camera performs it's ttl calculations? I'm still utterly confused. I'll re-read my trusty old white bible. thanks for the help so far.

[sfaust]

From my understanding with Canon and Nikon equipment. The flash exposure comp is usually applied to the flash power setting after the flash/camera agree on what the proper flash setting would be. Its usually not applied with manual modes, since the user is setting the power level, so there is no reason to adjust from that. However, that doesn't mean some manufactuer can't implement it that way.

Does that help?

[Nescio!]

Actually does. That works with my theory, and it applies to the results of my expirements last night. Thanks a lot.

And this may seem like a dumb question, but in manual mode, does the light meter figure in the flash? In my experience it is pretty useless.

[brucep]

In manual mode, centering your 'needle' will show you the f-stop & SS for a "correct" (non-flash) exposure. That'll put you in the ballpark for fill flash, but for night/dark room flash, you can just go to whatever SS you can hand hold (to capture ambient light), and a middle f-stop for starters.

[Nescio!]

thanks. so i guess the answer is that there is no way to consistantly get accurate exposures using a fill flash in manual? what about ttl? So while the camera is in manual, what if I set up my desired exposure (which would be underexposed in normal light) and then raised the flash and set it to ttl? would ttl set the flash to fill in the difference?

For example:

Accurate Exposure under normal light: 1/200 @ f8
Exposure Setting In camera: 1/250 @ f8

Would the flash know how to compensate for the faster shutter?

[sfaust]

No, it won't. The flash doesn't even look at shutter speed. The camera does, but if its in manual mode, it assumes you are making all the choices so it won't adjust anything for you. I don't think you can run the camera in manual mode, and the flash in TTL anyway.

You can get fill flash in TTL easilly, but the camera needs to be in one of the auto modes. For example, you st the camera to aperture mode. Then set the flash to TLL mode. The camera and flash will not run in auto mode providing the right (usually) level of exposure and flash for the image. To reduce the flash level to a fill flash, adjust the flash exposure compensation level to about -2 stops. You should get just enough flash to fill in the shaodws, but barely enough to be detectable in the image.

[Nescio!]

very nice. thank you. I'll give that a shot on my next outing. I just wish I could have more control and still not make it guess work.

[Andrewj9]

No, it won't. The flash doesn't even look at shutter speed. The camera does, but if its in manual mode, it assumes you are making all the choices so it won't adjust anything for you. I don't think you can run the camera in manual mode, and the flash in TTL anyway.

You can get fill flash in TTL easilly, but the camera needs to be in one of the auto modes. For example, you st the camera to aperture mode. Then set the flash to TLL mode. The camera and flash will not run in auto mode providing the right (usually) level of exposure and flash for the image. To reduce the flash level to a fill flash, adjust the flash exposure compensation level to about -2 stops. You should get just enough flash to fill in the shaodws, but barely enough to be detectable in the image.

It seems like with mine, (Canon 30D, 580EX Speedlight) that it doesn't really matter what my shutter speed is set at in manual mode, if I have the flash set to TTL, it will vary it's intensity to give a properly exposed image. The only requirement is that I can't go faster than 1/250 unless I click the flash into high speed sync. I believe it's the same way with Nikon flashes too...

[Nescio!]

Yes. Except nikon can do 1/500.

[ScottL]

Yes. Except nikon can do 1/500.

Not all Nikon cameras can sync at 1/500th. The D200 is one of them. I know the D70, D70s both sync up to 1/500th. Not sure about the rest.

[sfaust]

The rest are 1/250th or less. Some of the Canons will also sync at 1/1000 with the 580ex in high speed sync mode.

[Nescio!]

Hmmm. Sync speed pertains to the fastest shutter speed with a flash, right? Would it change when using a speedlight?