Chapter 7. Working with Canon EX-series Speedlites
Adding a Speedlite to your arsenal of photography gear can open a whole new way of seeing and rendering the world around you. Speedlites are available for all ranges of budgets and shooting requirements, and because of the camera's sophisticated circuitry, getting spectacular flash-lit images has never been easier.
This chapter details choosing and using accessory Canon EX-series Speedlites. Although it's not a comprehensive look at all the ways you can use Speedlites, this chapter provides an overview of the technology as well as some techniques you can use with one or more Speedlites and the 5D Mark II.
Keegan Mullaney of KM Authorized is a computer IT and network tech wizard — photographed in the studio with three Speedlites — who used this image for his Web site and print advertising. ISO 100, f/8, 1/100 sec., with an EF 100mm f/2.8 USM lens.
Exploring E-TTL Technology
The latest Canon EX-series Speedlites employ E-TTL II technology. E-TTL stands for Evaluative Through-the-Lens flash exposure control. In simple terms, E-TTL II technology receives information from the camera, including the focal length of the lens, the distance from the subject, the exposure settings (including aperture), and the camera's built-in metering system to balance subject exposure with the ambient light.
Figure 7.1. A 580EX Speedlite at 1/4 power shooting ...
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