Understanding the Canon Speedlite 580EX / 430EX
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DVD details
Brand: Blue Crane DigitalDVD: Region Code 1
Format: Color, Full Screen, NTSC
Running Time: 61 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2005-12-03
Model: BC201
Studio: Blue Crane Digital
Product features:
- Your new EX speedlite from Canon can be the most powerful accessory in your camera bag. Understanding how the controls work is important, and this DVD takes you through its operations, step by step
DVD Reviews of Understanding the Canon Speedlite 580EX / 430EX
DVD Review: Helps explain some functions but just skips right over others
Summary: 3 Stars
I've had my 580EXII for about 2 months now and have just been experimenting with it. I just picked up a 2nd 580EXII and figured it would be worth looking into this DVD for some clarification of the advanced modes as well as different types of effects I can get with my flash.
I found it to be good at explaining some functions and how the camera works - functions like rear curtain flash and why you're limited to a certain speed due to the first and second shutter curtains. A lot of the example images shown throughout also look fantastic and I would've loved to hear more about how to achieve those type of looks rather than what the DVD actually spent a lot of time covering.
As someone said in another review, this DVD is mostly geared toward studio work. I take most of my photos outdoors but wanted to get a little more involved with studio-like work. This DVD seemed like it would be a good investment as it gives the impression that it will teach you how to achieve studio-like results with just the bare minimums (one Canon speedlite, possibly 2 (which is mentioned repeatedly throughout the disc)). I was excited after hearing this as I don't want to spend a great deal of money to setup a studio for product shots.
Unfortunately, a lot of the DVD focused on the same type of product shots (and kept flashing back to them). Ones that require a number of additional accessories (off camera cords, light boxes, reflector dishes as well as assistants and equipment to hold these)). Not exactly the type of equipment that a "newbie" would have lying around.
The video focuses almost entirely using the Digital Rebel cameras (mostly XT) so if you own one of these, it will be very easy to follow (I own the XTi and (as mentioned) the 580EXII). While the DVD was made using the previous models of each, it's still very easy and almost all points covered in the video match with the newer models.
My next complaint with the video is that some sections just get a brief 60 second explanation before rushing on to the next. One of the reasons I wanted to watch this video was for a better explanation (and maybe some ideas) of what I could use the "Multi Stroboscopic" effect for - this video just briefly covers what was in the manual and gives 1 poor example of what can be done.
Overall, I have mixed thoughts on the DVD. Some points covered seem to be helpful for "newbies" while others went over even my head. I like that it started out showing you how to achieve good results with the basics, but it quickly went on to feel like "All you need is a camera and a flash... and then this, this, that, this and that".
It did help explain some modes (such as FEL) but overall it's not something that I can justify the purchase of.
It's something worth watching once or twice before selling off. Borrow it if you can, but in the end, $20 isn't going to hurt you too bad compared to what some equipment will cost you!
Overall: 3.5
Description of Understanding the Canon Speedlite 580EX / 430EX
New owners of Canon Speedlites are often bewildered about how to use the flash unit effectively to produce the type of shots they want. Although the supplied manual does provide some technical assistance, Speedlites have been, and remain a mystery for many owners. This DVD sets out to change all that.With a running time of just over an hour, your host professional photographer Tim Mantoani, takes the mystery out of using these flash units. Whether you own just one or several of these speedlites, Tim walks you through real world photographic situations that can be helped with these flash units. He not only tells you HOW the flash operates, but WHY the engineers designed the flashes with their current set of features.
Once this DVD covers the basics of lighting and flash compensation, it quickly moves into more advanced topics like wireless slave operation, groups, and ratios. By the time you finish watching this DVD, you?ll have the skills necessary to create better photos. You will look at your subjects with the eyes of a lighting director.
You?ve spent a lot of time and resources getting great camera equipment and learning how to use you camera effectively. This DVD will take you to the next level by allowing you to add light where you want it. Photography is all about communication. With a little information, and one of these great speedlites, you can evoke exactly the response you want.
This DVD is REGION FREE.
Topic Covered:
? Flash Exposure Compensation
? Using the Flash as a Key or Fill light
? FP or High Speed Sync operation
? Slow Sync demystified
? Controlling the hardness or softness of the flash
? Auto and Manual Zoom control
? Flash Bracketing
? Manual Mode and Exposure Compensation
? Wireless Operation
? A:B and C groups ? why they exist and how to use them
? Group Ratios
? Flash exposure lock
? Getting the flash off the camera
? First and Second Curtain Sync
? Manual and Stroboscopic modes
? And much more!
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