Help!! did I buy the wrong flash????

Trev Rich

Trev Rich

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Trev
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Hi all.... need a quick bit of advice.
I have a canon 450D, and just bought a flashgun: Sigma EF-550 DG ST (SA_STTL)
I had assumed that it would be compatible with my DSLR but I dont think it is.
The camera recognises that its there but none of the auto settings work with it.
I had seen before that it was a good flash and that it was compatible with the canon.
Was I mislead or am I doing something wrong.

I also bought it instead of a speedlite as this was in my price range :(

Help please!!!! :bang:
 
This is the description from warehouse express... hence why i thought it was ok?

The Sigma EF-530 DG ST is an easy-to-use Canon flash that provides a large amount of light, featuring a guide number of up to 53/m w/ISO 100. Compatible with AF single-lens reflex cameras of all popular manufacturers, this flash unit allows fully automatic photography with automatic TTL exposure control. In addition to the automatic mode, it also provides two power levels in manual mode: full and 1/16 power. This electronic flash combines a wide array of functions with ease of handling and includes an Autozoom function that automatically sets the optimum illumination angle between 24mm and 105mm, as well as offering bounce and swivel capability.
 
Sigma make several differnt versions for each of the major makes od DSlr it maybe that you have the wrong one.
 
From Sigma's website

Electronic Flash EF-530 DG ST can be used with Sigma’s and other manufacturers’ AF 35mm SLR cameras and Digital SLR cameras. This flashgun is designed to allow TTL auto flash photography with 35mm SLR cameras and Digital SLR cameras.
 
I think the problem is that it says.. "Compatible with AF single-lens reflex cameras"
whereas the Super DG says.. "systems of all popular manufacturers digital and film SLR cameras."

poo
 
Flash In The Pan said:
From Sigma's website

Electronic Flash EF-530 DG ST can be used with Sigma’s and other manufacturers’ AF 35mm SLR cameras and Digital SLR cameras. This flashgun is designed to allow TTL auto flash photography with 35mm SLR cameras and Digital SLR cameras.
Click to expand...

Cheers Flash... but it definately doesnt work :(
 
SA_STTL i think is for sony. Canon one should start with "EO"
 
Your new flash should work now!

I would recomend that you start bouncing the flash. Bounced flash (when possible) will give much more natural and pleasing lighting than straight on flash.

When bouncing a flash, it is also nice to get a bit of light directed right into the face of your subject. This will fill in the dark shadows cuased by the light bounced from the ceiling (under the eyebrows, under the nose and under the chin.) It should also provide some catchlights in the subject's eyes which will make the eyes seem brighter and more alive.

You can direct some light into the face by using a reflector/diffuser on your flash.

The absolute simplest method is to attach (tape or rubber band) an index card to the back of your flash head when the flash is pointing to the ceiling. The card will rdirect a small portion of the flash output forward, thus filling in those pesky lower shadows.

A bit more sophisticated method is to fabricate a diffuser/reflector from card material. Here are the plans for the fabrication:

http://super.nova.org/DPR/DIY01/

There are, of course, commercially made diffuser/reflectors. My favorite is the Joe Demb Flash diffuser Pro (DFD Pro). This is a wonderfully versatile unit.

http://www.dembflashproducts.com/diffuser/models/

I recommend that you peruse this site which contains some great information regarding the creative use of flash;

http://www.planetneil.com/tangents/flash-photography-techniques/

By the way, don't neglect the use of your flash outdoors as fill light.

http://www.gentleye.com/photo/photoart/advflash/index.html

http://www.shutterbug.com/techniques/lighting/1100sb_using/

ABOVE ALL - KEEP SHOOTING AND HAVE FUN!
 
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