Reload time
The time it takes the flash or generator (for studio flashes) to prepare for the next flash. The smaller it is, the better. This parameter is especially important for continuous shooting, when the interval between frames is small: if you often shoot in this mode, you should look for a flash with the shortest possible recycle time. Also note that the characteristics usually indicate the shortest recharge time; in some operating modes, it may be significantly more than stated.
Number of impulses
The number of flashes that the flash can fire without recharging the battery or changing batteries (see "Power"). This parameter is very approximate, because. in fact, it strongly depends on a number of factors: pulse duration, use of the display and its backlight (if any, see below), autofocus backlight (see "Features"), etc., and with replaceable batteries — even and on their quality. Often, manufacturers indicate in the characteristics the “perfect”, the maximum possible number of pulses — i.e. with their minimum duration, non-use of additional functions and even the optimal temperature regime for the battery. In reality, this figure may be lower. Nevertheless, the data indicated in the characteristics makes it quite possible to evaluate the battery life of the flash and even compare different models with each other.
TTL
Flash units with TTL support. TTL is an abbreviation for "through the lens", i.e. "through the lens"; this is the name of the method of measuring exposure by the amount of light that passes directly through the camera lens.
In digital photography, TTL works like a pre-flash: before the main exposure, the flash fires one or more test flashes. The amount of light coming from the object being filmed is measured by special sensors, based on these data, the control electronics sets the necessary shooting parameters, after which the actual exposure takes place. This allows you to fine-tune the camera and get an image of optimal quality. The interval between the test and operating pulses is so small that it may not be visible to the naked eye at all (especially when the flash is synchronized with the front curtain or with a slow shutter speed).
Many modern camera manufacturers have their own developments and varieties of TTL technology, respectively, differing in name: for example, Canon has E-TTL and E-TTL II, Nikon has D-TTL (in early models) and i-TTL (in later ones) , Pentax has P-TTL, etc. Support for one or another variety is directly related to the compatibility of the flash with cameras (see above), and different formats are usually not compatible with each other.
Beam angle
The angle at which the main beam of light from the flash diverges. This parameter is not expressed directly, in degrees, but in terms of the focal lengths of the corresponding lenses, in millimetres: for example, a beam angle of 105 mm corresponds to the angle of view of a lens with the same focal length (35 mm equivalent). This makes it easy to select a flash for specific optics, so that it most effectively illuminates all the space in the frame. And the most advanced modern flashes can have a variable dispersion angle, allowing you to adjust them to different shooting features; this feature is especially useful when using zoom lenses. Changing the angle of dispersion is carried out by a movable lens installed in the flash head, it can be carried out both automatically and manually (for more details, see "Functions and Capabilities").
Features
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Autofocus assist light. The presence of an auxiliary illumination function in the flash for the camera's autofocus system. Modern cameras in the vast majority use the so-called passive autofocus systems, which have one serious drawback: very low efficiency in low light and/or low contrast of the subject being photographed. Autofocus assist light is designed to solve this problem: before focusing, the scene is illuminated by a separate lamp, located, in this case, directly in the flash body. This ensures a sufficient amount of light for normal autofocus operation. Most often, the backlight lamps give off light of a characteristic reddish hue, but some advanced models use infrared illumination - invisible to the eye, but perceived by the camera. In addition, backlight systems can use a special light pattern instead of a solid beam, which further simplifies the task of autofocus systems. In any case, the presence of this function is especially important given that the flash is often used as a light source in low light.
— On-camera control. The ability to change the flash settings using the controls of the camera to which it is connected. In some cases (for example, with a wireless connection), this is much more convenient than switching attention from the camera to the flash.
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Automatic zoom. The ability to automatically change the flash light scattering angle. For the scattering
...angle, see the corresponding point above, but here we note that this function provides synchronization between the flash and the lens: when the focal length of the lens changes, the scattering angle automatically changes. This ensures the most effective illumination of the scene and at the same time saves you from having to manually readjust the flash each time to the changed viewing angle.
— Manual zoom. The ability to change the flash spread angle (see "Light spread angle") manually. This function expands the possibilities for "fine" adjustment of operating parameters and allows you to set parameters that are not available with automatic zoom (see above). In addition, it will be useful if you have to use several fixed lenses with different focal lengths - the flash can be easily adjusted for each of them.
— Operation in master mode. The ability to operate the flash as a master for a system of several flashes. The entire system is controlled via the master flash, the parameters of the slave flashes are set, and the command to fire is given (note that the master flash itself may not give a pulse at all). If you plan to shoot using a system of several flashes, you will definitely need a model with this function — without it, creating a system is impossible. Of course, the master and slave flashes must be mutually compatible; this point should be clarified separately.
— Slave mode. The ability to operate the flash as a slave in a system of several flashes. In this mode, the device is connected to the master flash and is triggered by a command from it. For more information on flash systems, see "Master mode operation" above.
— Radio synchronizer. A device designed for wireless control of a flash or a set of flashes (if each of them has its own receiver). Usually it is a separate module installed in a hot shoe; upon a command to trigger, this module sends a radio signal to all receivers tuned to it, ensuring synchronous triggering of the flashes. At the same time, some models of lamps with this function are capable of receiving via radio not only the trigger signal, but also the operating parameters (primarily the duration and power of the pulse).Wireless control
The ability to wirelessly connect the flash to the camera or to another flash as a master/slave (if such functions are available, see below). The format and specific features of such a connection may vary: wired connection, IR channel, radio, etc.
Wireless control is indispensable if the flash needs to be placed away from the camera; it also facilitates the creation of systems from several flashes for organizing optimal lighting. These capabilities are especially useful for studio shooting (although this is not the only thing).
Power source
The type of element used to power the flash.
— AA. Powered by replaceable cells of standard AA size, known in everyday life as "finger-type batteries". The main advantage of such a power supply is the ability to quickly replace “dead” batteries with fresh ones: the replacement process takes one or two minutes on the strength (whereas for the built-in battery, charging is often the only option, which takes a long time). AA elements are sold almost everywhere. On the other hand, with such a power supply, you will either have to regularly spend money on disposable batteries, or separately purchase AA batteries and a charger for them; anyway, additional costs cannot be avoided. Another drawback is the dependence of the battery life of the flash on the quality of the batteries: when using cheap cells that are not designed for serious “loads”, the number of pulses per charge can be significantly (several times) lower than stated in the specifications. However, these shortcomings are generally not critical, and this type of food has become quite widespread. Most modern flashes use
2xAA,
4xAA,
6xAA, depending on power.
— AAA. Powered by replaceable cells (batteries or accumulators) of standard AAA size, known under the informal name "little finger" or "mini finger". Such elements are completely similar to the above-described AA and differ only in smaller
...sizes, which makes it possible to reduce the dimensions of the flashes themselves accordingly. However, for a number of reasons, they are used less frequently. Mostly 2xAAA are used.
— Battery. Powered by its own original battery, which is not related to standard sizes, and sometimes also non-removable.
On the one hand, in some aspects, such a power source is much more convenient than replaceable batteries. First, it initially comes in a kit, and the device is ready to work out of the box. Secondly, in the same kit there is usually a charger (or the flash itself connected to the network plays its role). Thus, when using it, you do not need to spend money on buying batteries — everything you need is already included in the kit. In addition, we note that special batteries are often more capacious, more powerful and at the same time more compact than replaceable cells; besides, they are easier to "fit" into the overall design of the flash and reduce the size (although the built-in batteries are different). On the other hand, such power has one key drawback: when the charge is exhausted, the battery will most likely have to be recharged, and this takes time and the availability of an outlet (or other external power source). In the best case, if the battery is removable, you can purchase a spare for it and keep it ready — but this feature is not available in all models.
In light of all this, the main field of application for batteries is "flashlights" for video — sources of on-camera light (see "Type"). It is in such devices that high capacity is of key importance: you have to shine "constantly and a lot", and with a high power of the light source, batteries cannot effectively cope with this task.
— CR123A. Replaceable cylindrical batteries, slightly thicker and noticeably shorter than AA batteries, have a diameter of 17 mm and a length of 34.5 mm. They also differ in operating voltage — 3 V. Some time ago they were quite popular in photographic equipment, but today they are extremely rare.
