Canon's Speedlite external flash system can be used to harmonize different light sources and to fill flash for a natural look. The flash is not just a tool for getting a shot in poor light. Canon has a learning series on its website on get the most out of its Speedlite flash. You can learn to use Canon's flash to improve your photography.
Installing the Batteries
Slide the battery compartment cover on the flash unit and install the batteries. Make sure the positive and negative contacts are correctly lined up. Close the cover.
Attach the Flash
Slip the Speedlite's mounting foot into the camera's hot shoe. Make sure it goes in all the way. The foot should stick out a little from the shoe. Slide the lock lever to the right until you hear a click.
Turning it On
Set the power switch to "On." The flash recycling will start. After a few seconds the pilot lamp will illuminate red. Fire a test flash by pressing the "Pilot" button. The device has an auto power off, so after some idle time the flash will turn off and you'll have to turn it back on again.
Fully Automatic Flash Shooting
Set the Speedlite to "ETTL." ETTL will be displayed. Press the shutter button halfway and you'll see the maximum effective range in the display. This is the distance the flash will cover. Focus the subject as you would normally. The flash icon will appear in the viewfinder. Take the picture. The flash will fire and the shot will be captured. The green flash exposure light will come on for a few seconds.
Tips
If the green flash exposure light doesn't come on, move closer to the subject or increase the ISO. The ETTL autoflash mode can be used in shutter priority, aperture priority or manual. Once you've mastered the basics, go to the Canon Website Learning Center to check out the different ways you can use this flash.
Tags: flash will, exposure light, flash exposure, flash exposure light, green flash, green flash exposure
