> -----Original Message----- > From: M D Giess [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] > > > > > Basically, shifting to manual mode shifts the compensation > calculation > > from the ambient meter to the ttl flash meter. > > > > > > > > If this is the case, then if I manually set the camera to > underexpose by two stops and just turn the external flash on > with no compensation, would this balance the ambient and > flash light correctly?
The flash would expose correctly, the ambient would be 2 stops under. Generally this would mean that your subject would be correctly exposed, your background would be a bit dark. > In other words, the ttl flash side of > things would just use the camera meter and decide, for > itself, how much flash to use for correct exposure, and the > fact I'm underexposing would just cause the background to be > slightly underexposed and the areas reached by the flash > would be fine? In a nutshell, yes. > > I'm a bit unsure of what is meant re. shifting to manual (the > second paragraph I've quoted), does this mean I can only ever > use flash compensation in manual? Yes, I believe this camera lacks a separate flash compensation dial. > I was under the impression > that, even in aperture priority, when flash was used the dual > purpose exposure dial became flash compensation (and actual > exposure compensatio is no longer possible). In aperture priority the comp dial affects both ambient and flash. > Just to > clarify, I take it now from your comments that I can only use > flash compensation in manual mode, is this correct? Yes. 2 things about flash that might help you understand it little better - - The flash meter is independent and distinct from the ambient (regular) meter. - TTL flash works (generally) in the following manner - 1. Shutter opens. 2. Flash and ttl flash meter are turned on simultaneously. 3. When the ttl meter "sees" enough light, it turns off the flash. None of this has anything to do with shutter speed or aperture. tv
