Which Flash?

[Eel-byte]

I have a Nikon D40 my brother was so nice to give to me. I'm having a hard time taking shots with a flash wihtout it whiting out the background. I can take them with out the flash when the camera is on a tripod. But then you get some bluring from moving fish. I'm still learning this camera. What are your suggestions if any? thanks

 

[kilroy217]

Don't use a flash, but instead increase your ISO and your aperture so that you can increase your shutter speed, as well. What lens are you using on the D40?

 

[Eel-byte]

I was looking at this combo on fleabay, http://cgi.ebay.com/Bounce-Macro-Ri...ptZDigital_Camera_Flashes?hash=item5885313e7e

 

[Eel-byte]

Don't use a flash, but instead increase your ISO and your aperture so that you can increase your shutter speed, as well. What lens are you using on the D40?

18-55mm

 

[TitusvileSurfer]

One of the greatest advantages of using a SLR is taking advantage of off-camera flash. Nikon has some wonderful units though I don't know them by heart. I personally use a Canon 580EXII. Check out http://strobist.blogspot.com/2006/03/lighting-101.html for some ideas. This blog is more tailored to you Nikonians, though it is an excellent resource for all SLR users. Increasing ISO and using a wide aperture isn't always the best answer, especially with a kit lens. Adding more light in controlled and deliberate amounts can be just the edge you need.

 

[Eel-byte]

One of the greatest advantages of using a SLR is taking advantage of off-camera flash. Nikon has some wonderful units though I don't know them by heart. I personally use a Canon 580EXII. Check out http://strobist.blogspot.com/2006/03/lighting-101.html for some ideas. This blog is more tailored to you Nikonians, though it is an excellent resource for all SLR users. Increasing ISO and using a wide aperture isn't always the best answer, especially with a kit lens. Adding more light in controlled and deliberate amounts can be just the edge you need.

Thanks, ill give it look. Looking for something that will work with family pics too. The twins are 3 and they move fast. A flash that will help with low light pics without washing out the background would be nice. I've seen the bounce flash's, just haven't looked into them.

 

[swjim]

Assuming your new flash has a head that can swivel and tilt, there is some great info for improving your on-camera flash photos here: http://www.planetneil.com/tangents/flash-photography-techniques/

 

[kilroy217]

If you're checking ebay, look for the Nikon SB-800 speedlight flash. They discontinued it when they started making the SB-900, so you'd only be able to find it used. Another option is the SB-600, which will not work as a commander unit. As for the tank shots, though, I would still recommend using no flash.