What To Know
- By learning how to use an external flash on your Canon 80D, you can unlock a whole new world of lighting possibilities, elevating your photography to new heights.
- Bounce flash is a technique where you direct the flash light onto a reflective surface, such as a ceiling or wall, to soften the light and create more natural-looking shadows.
- Slow sync flash combines a slow shutter speed with flash illumination, creating a unique effect where the background is blurred while the subject remains sharp.
The Canon 80D is a versatile camera capable of producing stunning images. However, its built-in flash can be limited in situations where you need more power, control, and creativity. This is where an external flash comes in. By learning how to use an external flash on your Canon 80D, you can unlock a whole new world of lighting possibilities, elevating your photography to new heights.
Why Use an External Flash?
External flashes offer numerous advantages over the built-in flash:
- More Power: External flashes provide significantly more power, allowing you to illuminate subjects further away or in darker environments.
- Control over Direction: You can position an external flash off-camera, creating more natural and flattering lighting. This allows you to manipulate the direction and intensity of light for artistic effects.
- Creative Lighting Techniques: External flashes enable you to experiment with various lighting techniques like bounce flash, slow sync, and off-camera lighting setups.
- Improved Image Quality: By controlling the light source, you can minimize harsh shadows and create more balanced and pleasing images.
Choosing the Right Flash for Your Canon 80D
The Canon 80D is compatible with a wide range of external flashes. Some popular options include:
- Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT: A powerful and versatile flash with wireless capabilities.
- Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT: A more powerful flash with a higher guide number, ideal for larger subjects or further distances.
- Godox V860II-C: A cost-effective alternative to Canon flashes, offering similar features and performance.
Setting Up Your Flash
1. Mount the Flash: Attach the external flash to the hot shoe on your Canon 80D. Ensure a secure connection.
2. Connect the Flash: If your flash has wireless capabilities, you’ll need to pair it with the camera. Refer to the flash’s manual for specific pairing instructions.
3. Power Up: Turn on both the camera and the flash.
Basic Flash Modes
Your external flash will offer various modes to control the flash output. Here are some common ones:
- Auto Mode: The flash automatically adjusts its power based on the scene’s brightness.
- Manual Mode: You manually control the flash output using the flash’s power settings.
- TTL (Through-the-Lens) Mode: The camera automatically determines the flash power based on the scene and subject.
Controlling Flash Power
You can adjust the flash power using the following:
- Flash Compensation: This setting allows you to increase or decrease the flash output relative to the camera’s metering.
- Flash Power Settings: Most external flashes offer adjustable power levels, typically measured in full stops or fractions of stops.
Bounce Flash Techniques
Bounce flash is a technique where you direct the flash light onto a reflective surface, such as a ceiling or wall, to soften the light and create more natural-looking shadows.
1. Position the Flash: Rotate the flash head to point upwards towards the ceiling or sideways towards a wall.
2. Adjust the Angle: Experiment with different angles to find the optimal bounce direction.
3. Consider the Distance: The distance between the flash and the bounce surface affects the light intensity and spread.
Slow Sync Flash
Slow sync flash combines a slow shutter speed with flash illumination, creating a unique effect where the background is blurred while the subject remains sharp.
1. Set the Shutter Speed: Choose a slow shutter speed, typically between 1/8 and 1/30 of a second.
2. Activate Slow Sync: Select the “Slow Sync” mode on your camera or flash.
3. Adjust the Flash Power: You may need to adjust the flash power to balance the flash and ambient light.
Off-Camera Flash
Off-camera flash allows you to position the flash independently from the camera, creating dramatic lighting effects and adding depth to your images.
1. Use a Flash Trigger: Connect the flash to a remote trigger that communicates wirelessly with the camera.
2. Position the Flash: Place the flash off-camera, experimenting with different angles and distances to achieve the desired lighting effect.
3. Control the Flash: Use your camera’s settings or the flash’s controls to adjust the flash power and mode.
Tips for Using External Flash
- Experiment with Different Settings: Don’t be afraid to try different flash modes, power settings, and positions to find what works best for your subject and lighting conditions.
- Consider the Ambient Light: Balance the flash output with the ambient light to create a harmonious image.
- Use a Diffuser: Attach a diffuser to your flash to soften the light and create a more natural look.
- Practice Makes Perfect: The more you experiment with external flash, the better you’ll become at using it effectively.
Final Thoughts: Mastering the Art of Light
Learning how to use external flash on your Canon 80D empowers you to take control of your lighting and create stunning images. By understanding the basics of flash modes, power settings, and techniques like bounce flash and off-camera lighting, you can unleash your creativity and elevate your photography to new heights. Remember, practice and experimentation are key to mastering the art of light.
Popular Questions
Q: What is the difference between TTL and Manual flash mode?
A: TTL (Through-the-Lens) mode allows the camera to automatically determine the flash power based on the scene and subject. Manual mode gives you complete control over the flash output, allowing you to set the power level manually.
Q: Can I use my Canon 80D’s built-in flash with an external flash?
A: No, you cannot use both the built-in flash and an external flash simultaneously. The camera’s hot shoe is designed for a single flash unit.
Q: What are some common problems I might encounter when using external flash?
A: Common problems include red-eye, harsh shadows, and uneven lighting. These can be addressed by using a diffuser, bouncing the flash, or adjusting the flash power.
Q: How can I prevent red-eye in my photos?
A: Red-eye is caused by the flash reflecting back from the subject’s eyes. You can prevent it by using a red-eye reduction feature on your flash, bouncing the flash, or using a diffuser.
Q: What are some good resources for learning more about external flash photography?
A: There are many online resources available, including websites, forums, and YouTube channels dedicated to flash photography. You can also find books and workshops specifically focused on using external flash.
