Flashguns for digital cameras: different types of flash explained

Many DSLRs have built-in flash units, which are adequate for general snaps, but have inevitable limitations.

If you want to get creative with flash, or just pump out more power to provide better illumination, a separate unit is essential. The danger of redeye is also reduced as the light is further from the lens axis. But you need to find a flash that’s compatible with your camera. There are also independent manufacturers who make versatile and powerful units in a variety of fits, and you may find you want something more specialised such as a hammerhead or ring flash.

Modern units offer tremendous automation, however manual control is still useful for creative purposes.

Another advantage of a separate flash unit is that it will offer faster recycling times.

There’s also power to consider: a flashgun has its own batteries – usually AAs. Cheaper flashguns are a mainly automated affair, with a few preset settings which match the aperture you are using. These are fine for the beginner or occasional user. More expensive models have better build quality, greater coverage and manual control, so are more suited for creative purposes.

Use our range of flashgun reviews to find a flash that suits your needs.  The guide below to the different types may help you decide which type of flash you need.

When choosing a flash, make sure that its coverage matches or exceeds that of any lens you envisage using it with. For home studio work, you may also benefit from wireless slave compatibility.

Hotshoe–mounted

These sit on your camera’s hotshoe and work either independently or with your camera’s TTL system. Some models feature swivel and tilt heads, which allow you to bounce the light around the subject, while some offer greater manual control.

Twinflash

Similar to ringflashes in their suitability for macro work but featuring two flash units around the lens, which can be supplemented with additional flashes. Plus, on some models, their position can be adjusted around the lens.

Ringflash

For macro and fashion photography, a ringflash is ideal, as it provides an even concentration of light around the lens, helping to eliminate shadows. Ringflash adaptors may also be used on hotshoe-mounted flashguns for similar effect.

Hammerhead

Generally offering more power than hotshoe-mounted models, these sit alongside the camera’s body on brackets and provide a better, off-centred lighting angle to work with.


Now you understand the different types see our Flash jargon buster article to find out what different terms associated with flashguns mean.



This article first appeared in What Digital SLR, buying guide by What Digital Camera magazine