Use a Speedlite to correctly expose evening football games.
When the built-in flash on your camera doesn't illuminate your subject well enough, consider using an external flash unit. Canon's Speedlite collection of auxiliary flashes contains models designed for film or digital Canon EOS series camera bodies. Attaching a Speedlite flash to your single-lens reflex camera extends your light output from the meager 8 to 10 feet supplied by built-in camera flashes, to up to 100 feet. Using a Canon Speedlite makes it possible to illuminate evening football games and performers on a dimly lit stage from a safe, comfortable distance from the action.
Instructions
1. Slide the battery door cover open on your Canon Speedlite. Insert four AA-size batteries into the compartment, with the polarity of the batteries positioned as instructed in the chamber. Close the battery door cover.
2. Place the Speedlite on the metal hot shoe, located on the top center of the camera. Slide the base of the Speedlite into the metal bracket, pushing the flash forward towards the camera lens. Tighten the flash onto the camera by twisting the wheel on the flash base counterclockwise, or by securing the "Lock" lever.
3. Turn the camera's power switch to "On." Slide the power toggle switch on the Speedlite to the vertical line representing "On," or the save energy "SE" mode. The flash powers off after 90 seconds of non-use in "SE" mode.
4. Listen for the flash to power-up with a dull humming sound. When the small indicator button turns green on the back of the flash, press the "Pilot" button to test fire the flash. If the flash does not illuminate, weak or expired batteries may be the cause.
5. Press the "Mode" button to choose among the "ETTL" or "A-TTL" automatic modes, "M" manual mode or "Multi" multiple-burst mode. When using the "M" mode, press the "Zoom" button to tell the flash what focal length lens is mounted to the camera. Common settings range from 24 mm to 105 mm on most Speedlite flash units.
6. Take pictures using the Speedlite attached to the Canon camera. When done shooting, press the "Pilot" button on the back of the flash to discharge any built-up power in the unit. Set the power toggle switch to the circle or "Off" setting. Turn the camera's power switch to "Off."
Tags: Canon Speedlite, back flash, battery door, battery door cover, camera power, camera power switch, door cover