Lighthaus Camera: Off Camera Flash

Before you purchase a flash unit, make sure that the flash is compatible with your camera.  The flash must be able to communicate with your camera's auto-exposure system, therefor creating a dedicated flash.  Non dedicated flashes will only operate manually and that is lets just say, a pain in the butt in this day and age.

When choosing a flash, compare guide numbers.  Those numbers tell you the measurement of the light output of the flash.  Flashes that have higher guide numbers will put out more light at farther distances.  When checking guide numbers, double check to see if the distances are measured in meters or feet.  One meter equals three feet.

TTL means through the lens.  When flashes have this feature, it means that the flash will pre-flash and transmit a signal to each flash off the camera telling them the correct amount of power for the desired exposure.  When using one or more flashes off the camera, a wireless transmitter is ideal but they do make cords too.

There are two types of wireless transmitters.  Infrared wireless transmitters and remote transmitters.  The infrared system, both pieces of equipment must be within line of sight of each other.  The remote transmitters do not have to be in line of sight but a transmitter must be on your camera and the receiver must be present for each flash.

Lighthaus Camera has four locations across the Aloha state to service your camera needs.  We carry both Canon's and Nikon's flash systems and Pocket Wizard transmitters.  Since inventory does vary from store to store, call ahead to see what's in stock.