Flash for Canon Rebel

[flowerfacade]

What flash should I buy for my Rebel? The flash that comes on the camera is terrible about having shadows behind heads. I did not have this trouble with my point-and-shoot Mavica! I take a lot of portrait type shots indoors so this is a big issue for me. I have tried having other lighting about but that doesn't seem to help much.
Laura

 

[Master Mason]

I bought the EX 430 and have been very happy with the results. It is the mid teir that canon makes. The biggest advantage is it lets you adjust where the light is aimed, so your not just getting direct flash like with the 2XX series.

 

[rolla01]

I think an external flash is a must have for DSLR, bounce the flash whenever you can. If you can't bounce, then you probably need the off shoe flash cord to raise the flash to eliminate shadow behind head.

 

[boBQuincy]

Canon's EX220 is small. light, and greatly increases the flash range over the built-in flash. It also does not swivel, so bounce is not an option.
With a diffuser it is much improved for portraits but the diffuser reduces the range to about that of the built-in flash.

I would get the 430 next time.

 

[flowerfacade]

Thanks for the info!! You guys are always helpful!
Laura

 

[skr8pn]

One thing I've heard that in a pinch you can use a tissue or hankerchif (though I can't spell it). It should diffuse the light some and can't hurt.

 

[flowerfacade]

Now, a really dumb question....where do you put the tissue or handkerchief?
Laura

 

[ndelaware]

IF you are trying to diffuse the flash, you put it right over the lamp. I used to get great results with a piece of wax paper back in the day.