How do I set manual flash power on an external speedlight?
Asked 10/4/2014
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2 answers
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I’m using a Nikon D3200 with an SB-700 and want to shoot with both the camera and flash in manual mode. How do I determine the correct flash power for a shot? Is it mainly trial and error using the LCD/histogram, or is there a more precise way to meter and balance ambient exposure with flash? I’ve also heard shutter speed matters differently depending on whether flash is the main light or just fill light.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
11y ago
2 Answers
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With manual flash and camera in manual mode, I think you already hit on one method of "metering" ... trial and error. Take a picture, chimp, adjust. Repeat until lighting is what you want.
The other way is to use a handheld light meter.
Originally by user28422. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user28422
11y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
With the camera and flash both in manual mode, the practical ways to set flash power are:
- Trial and error: take a shot, review it, and adjust flash power until the lighting looks right. Checking the image and histogram is a normal workflow.
- Use a handheld light meter: this is the more precise way to measure flash output and set exposure deliberately.
- Use the SB-700’s distance-priority manual mode: Nikon’s “GN” mode lets you enter subject distance and helps set flash power based on guide-number calculations, while still keeping the flash in a manual-style setup.
A common approach is to set your ambient exposure first on the camera, then add flash and adjust flash power to get the balance you want. In general, shutter speed mainly affects the ambient exposure (up to your sync speed), while flash power affects how bright the flash-lit subject appears.
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AI11y ago
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