430EX Speedlight Flash Questions

[DLugassy]

OK, I am sick and tired of using the XTi's built-in flash. Anyone here use the 430EX? I read lots of good reviews, but was unclear on something:
Does it require an extra type of energy source? My XTi is already equipped with the Battery Grip- a great recommendation thanks to all of you!

I welcome any and all recommendations...

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r123/dletzter/47b7d928b3127cce874034dbb7250000005.jpg

[nqjudo]

The flash uses four AA batteries that are contained within the flash unit itself.

[noyjimi]

4 AA batteries

[24Peter]

I use NiMH rechargeables in mine. I've never ran out of juice but imagine I can get 300-400 shots depending on how powerful the flashes are. You'll also get high shutter speed sync with the 430EX meaning you can use the flash over the camera's max shutter sync speed (1/200th I think - it is for my XT). Can't do that with the built in flash. This makes it useful for outdoor fill flash when you're shooting faster than 1/200th. And of course the bounce and swivel is nice.

[DonSchap]

One aspect you did mention was "external power."

The 430EX cannot use any external power, that I am aware of, whereas, if you are planning an extended flash shooting exprerience, you could carry a pocket full of batteries (perferrably rechargeables) or get your hands on a 580EX and a CP-E3 or CP-E4 (new for 580EXII flashes with weatherproofing and sealing).

You wear the CP-E3/E4 on your hip and this will give you "wedding power" for the night. It uses 8x AA batteries.

This CP-E3/E4 will also power your MT-24EX or MR-14EX lens mounted flashes for MACRO work.

Anyway, just a thought, if you are so inclined.

[Glasstream15]

I have a 430EX but I haven't used it much. I love what I have seen so far. BUT AA alkaline batteries are very close to worthless. Get 2500+ mah NiMH rechargeables. You should easily get a couple of hundred shots from 4 fully charged batteries. Just carry a couple of extra sets in your pocket and you should be good for the battery life of the BG-E2 grip. I have one of those also for my XT. And I have used it. With 2 Li-Ion and 6 AA rechargeables in my bag, I filled up 3 2 gig cards before I ran out of power. KSC has lots of neat stuff to shoot. I was using the 220EX then and I have relegated it to my S5IS now.

And I'm just an amateur who likes decent equipment to share memories with others in my family.

[DLugassy]

Thanks for all the help, everyone. I think the 430EX will suite my photography needs. I am not a fan of flash photography, but find the built-in flash has really lousy range indoors unless I set the ISO to at least 800. Sometimes, a flash is a must :(

I, too, tend to photograph family and friends. Not a pro by any means, but I've been enjoying photography since 1984, when I bought an Olympus OMPC.

Here's a recent photo of my 4 year old jumping into the pool at Grandma's...

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r123/dletzter/IMG_1443_1.jpg

[DonSchap]

My recommendation is to keep that DSLR as far from water as you can. I've seen water come and cameras go ... :(

[Rooz]

weatherproofed flash is pretty pointless considering nothing else you have is weatherproofed. that flash is very good. get some eneloop rechargables and you'll be set. they last a VERY long time. i always carry spares but have never had need to use them for regular shooting.

[DLugassy]

Thanks for the heads up, Don. Actually, this photo was taken with the kit lens (I know, I know), and I cropped the photo so I wasn't as close as it seems. :)