How to Choose a Flash Unit for a Digital Camera

The built-in flash on a digital camera rarely provides enough light or enough versatility for the dedicated digital photographer. For this reason, many digital photographers choose to use a flash unit for their digital camera. Flash units come in many shapes and sizes, and must precisely match the digital camera.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Check to see whether your digital camera has a "hot shoe." A hot shoe is a jack on your digital camera that connects your camera with an external flash unit. If it does have a hot shoe, you will find it easier to choose a flash unit for your digital camera. Newer digital cameras may even have a wireless hot shoe, which you can use with a wireless flash unit.

2. Identify flash units that are compatible with your camera. Choose the one that most suits your needs and budget.

3. Read the manual included with your flash unit to learn how to connect the unit to your digital camera.

4. Connect the flash unit to your digital camera and take pictures.

Tips & Warnings

• Digital cameras are extremely susceptible to red-eye. Choosing a flash unit with a tilting head can eliminate some of this. Simply aim the flash toward the ceiling and bounce the light back toward your subject. Bouncing also eliminates strong shadows or lights in your pictures.
• Due to changes in design and voltage, an old or incompatible flash unit can damage your digital camera. When you choose a flash unit for a digital camera, make certain it is compatible with your camera.