How should I set a Canon XSi for off-camera flash in manual mode?
Asked 9/12/2010
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2 answers
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I’m using an off-camera flash with a Canon XSi and want to shoot in manual mode. What camera settings should I start with for shutter speed, ISO, and aperture? The flash is being used manually rather than with camera-controlled sync/TTL, so I’m looking for practical guidance on how to expose with flash only versus balancing flash with ambient light.
Originally by Gail. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Gail
15y ago
2 Answers
3
Manual setting is usually the right way to go with the flash. What you set your camera on depends mainly on whether you are balancing flash with ambient light and how much output you are willing and able to get out of the flash.
If you're using flash only (no ambient light) the shutter is unimportant so long as it doesn't exceed the sync speed (maximum shutter speed in which the whole frame is exposed at once) this typically means keeping it slower than 1/200s. I usually set the aperture at f/5.6 for maximum sharpness, though you might need to stop down for DOF. ISO as low as possible (100-400). If your flash output is limited or you want to conserve battery power, up the ISO or open the aperture.
If you are balancing flash with ambient light this will dictate your shutter speed, set the shutter to get a good balance then set the aperture and ISO as above to gain the correct exposure.
If you are syncing by hand (not electronically) you will need very low ambient light levels, a shutter speed of around 1/5 - 1/10s, and good reflexes!
Originally by user1375. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user1375
15y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
For manual off-camera flash, start by treating the camera and flash separately.
- Shutter speed: Keep it at or below the camera’s flash sync speed, typically around 1/200s or slower. If flash is the only light, shutter speed matters little as long as you stay under sync speed. If you want more ambient light, use a slower shutter.
- ISO: Start low, around ISO 100–400 for best quality. Raise ISO if the flash doesn’t have enough power or you want to save battery.
- Aperture: A good starting point is f/5.6, then adjust for depth of field or flash power. Open up for more flash exposure; stop down for less.
To set flash power manually, use the flash’s guide number/distance relationship: flash output depends on the flash guide number, aperture, ISO, and the distance from flash to subject (not camera to subject).
If you want a dark or black background, reduce ambient exposure with a smaller aperture and/or low ISO, while keeping a shutter speed slow enough that the flash fires during the exposure.
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