Flash?

[barb1686]

I'm looking into getting a lower-end flash. My budget is around $100-150. I know that won't get me much, I'm sure...but anything's better than the built-in, right? I'm not too familiar, or if it even makes a difference, but I'm interested in "fill flash" to get rid of those nasty shadows on people's faces, especially for outdoors.

Thanks guys! Hope you all had a great holiday! :)

[nqjudo]

Barb - I find the pop-up flash does a pretty decent job for fill, especially outdoors. I use it once in a while in a pinch. If you are set on getting a hot-shoe unit, third party options will fit your budget better than Canon products unless you are going to buy used. You could look around for the Sigma EF-500 DG Super. It's normal price would exceed your budget but you can get a deal on it every so often. I ended up getting mine for 99$ brand new.

[Mark_48]

For the pop-up flash you could try something like this
http://www.lumiquest.com/softscreen.htm , probably a bit pricey for what it is.

If you do a Google search for "pop-up fill flash", there are a few hits that mention do-it-yourself diffusers for pop-ups. A good craft store should have sheets of easy to bend white translucent plastic which could be attached possibly with velcro.

Or save a little more and go with a Canon 430EX which would gain you more versatility and power in the long run.
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-430EX-Speedlite-Flash-Cameras/dp/B000AO3L84

Mark......

[mcenut]

I haven't looked lately but the Canon 420EX might be purchased used for about $150. It would provide all you would ever need in a flash until you can afford more.

[barb1686]

Really? The pop-up unit? Everytime I use it, my subject always looks washed out or it will have a yellow tint. Will I get that with a hot-shoe flash as well? I suppose I have a lot to learn. I'm really hating all of these outdoor photos of people that end up with shadows. I'll try with the flash and I hate those pictures even more.