do you still need flash with DSLR indoors?

[richard plumb]

very nearly pulling the trigger on a 350d. But I don't know whether I need to pick up a flash or not.

I currently have a sony V1 and use a cheap centon flash unit for bounced shots indoors, as its too dark otherwise. I do like the look this gives me. If I needed flash I wouldn't be happy with the onboard as it'd be too direct (although sounds much more advanced in terms of metering and fine for fill-in)

However, if I got something with more sensitivity like the 350d, could you use natural/indoor light? even with the kit lens or would you then need something faster like the oft-mentioned 50mm f1.8?

Trying to keep my initial purchase cost down so looking at all elements closely - eg if I *need* something like a 430EX for indoor shots of the kids, then I might have to leave out the zoom (which would be perfect for days out). thanks for any advice.

[severnsource]

It is certainly possible to use the 350d indoors without flash, even with the kit lens. You need to increase the ISO rating and use a slow shutter speed, so the quality of the results depends on your ability to keep the camera steady, and the subject not moving - although that can sometimes produce a nice effect. The 50mm f1.8 would be good as it gives you 2 stops more light than the kit lens, is a good focal length for people shots, and isn't very expensive.

This shot was taken with the kit lens 1/13 sec at f5.6, ISO1600, in pretty poor lighting.

[mr jones]

i often shoot at iso 1600 hundred indoors without flash, (you can even push it to 3200 if you need to) just make sure you keep the aperture at its max.

you've also got the inbuilt flash on the camera which is acceptable but has no ability to bounce light.

plus the cost of a 430EX is only around 170sheets and from my faffing today is a very nice gun, ive bought one to complement my 580EX and all is well.

but yes indoor shots are absolutely possible indoors, i did my entire christmas photos at iso 1600 without flash and they printed out nicely

[richard plumb]

thanks for that. I'm sure I'll get a 430EX soonish, but I wanted to make sure I wouldn't be crippled without it.

Definitely leaning towards the 350d+tamron/sigma 18-200, which should be at least as good as the kit.


then look at the 430EX/50mm 1.8 as the next upgrade step

[barongreenback]

I purchased the Sigma flash to go with it as I found the in camera flash wasn't giving brilliant results, and upping the ISO was a little too grainy for my taste.

[Johndm]

Originally Posted by richard plumb

thanks for that. I'm sure I'll get a 430EX soonish, but I wanted to make sure I wouldn't be crippled without it.

Definitely leaning towards the 350d+tamron/sigma 18-200, which should be at least as good as the kit.


then look at the 430EX/50mm 1.8 as the next upgrade step

Just a little bit of advice....

Before you buy any 'extras', learn to use the basic camera first, experimenting with the types of subject you'll be shooting.

Then you will soon realise what lenses/flash etc you really need. From what you say, maybe a 580EX and 50mm f1.4 rather than a f1.8 would suit?

I rushed out soon after getting my camera, coz I just had to have a 550EX flash......total waste of money for me....used it ONCE in two years..
Even my nifty fifty gets little use, because as you might know...aircraft are my specialist subject.
I use the kit lens for ground shots because of the wide angle (with excellent results too), and invested more money than the original camera in a 100-400 L series for the flying shots.

I've all I need for what I shoot (for now anyway), but a 20D might well be my next upgrade....airshow season stats in May.....watch this space..