How to Buy a Camera Flash

Some cameras are sold without a flash unit, but including one in your collection of camera equipment will provide you with the capability to take photos indoors and soften photos taken outdoors. Automatic flashes are generally best. Most have three or four different automatic ranges allowing different f-stops and working distances. They can also be used in manual mode for certain effects.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Credit Cards And Loans
• Camera Flashes
• Camera Lenses

1. Bring your camera to the store to ensure that the flash unit you consider is compatible with it.

2. Ask to see flash units that are compatible with your camera brand and model.

3. Make certain that if you want an autofocus flash unit, you are checking out flash units that are, in fact, autofocus. Non-autofocus flashes fit on most autofocus cameras, but they are actually designed for manual focus cameras. Look for the flash's autofocus aid light to confirm that it is an autofocus flash. If it doesn't have the light, it probably is not autofocus.

4. Seek out a flash unit with the following features: autoexposure, flash-ready light, bounce capability, thyristor control, exposure confirmation and auto-setting of the shutter speed. Make certain that the flash slides on and off your camera's hot shoe easily.

5. Avoid locking mechanisms that are clumsy to use or stiff electrical contacts that inhibit your ability to take the unit on or off the shoe.

6. Load batteries into the flash unit you are evaluating. With the batteries, the unit should be light and balanced so the camera does not topple forward when hanging from a neck strap.

7. Confirm that the flash has an output that covers the widest lens you will be using. If you are using a lens that extends out as wide as 18mm or 24mm, then you should also purchase a plastic spreader lens or a diffuser for the flash.