Photo Flash? at DVinfo.net

Jim J. Donaldson · January 7th, 2004, 11:03 AM

First off let me say "Helly everybody". I've been reading this forum for awhile now and I have finally purchased my PDX10. Very nice camera, but you already knew that:) I have taken some stills with it and so far it is wonderful IF you have enough light. I was wondering if anyone was using a photo flash unit. Are there any units that can do double duty as a "Photo Flash" and a "Camera Light"?

I have to finish reading the manual to see what hints it gives but I thought that if anyone would know they would be in this group.

Thanks for any suggestion in advance.

Jim J. Donaldson

Rob Lohman · January 7th, 2004, 11:18 AM

I'm not sure about the flash thing, but I do know most people
use a seperate (digital) photo camera a lot for higher resolution
and easy of taking it with you and things like a flash. I know I do.

Tommy Haupfear · January 7th, 2004, 07:28 PM

Congratulations on the purchase!

I wanted an inexpensive flash for my past PDX10 and I purchased the Sony HVL-FDH3 which has a 3w light and a flash for stills. Granted the light is weak but still came in handy occassionally and it was one of the few light/flash combos that I could find that wasn't silver in color (yes I'm picky).

Its about $70 at B&H

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...=179525&is=REG

Larger photo of the flash

http://www.sony.jp/ProductsPark/Mode...c_HVL-FDH3.jpg

Jim J. Donaldson · January 8th, 2004, 06:03 AM

Tommy Haupfear:
Thanks for the tip on the Sony HVL-FDH3. I did see the Sony HVL-FDH4 at B&H for $99.00 but $69.95 for the same thing in black and match the camera too...:) Now I just have to keep myself from looking at all of those other "have to have" items.

I really like what I've seen so far. I'm doing all of my video in 16:9 mode unless I HAVE to go back to 4:3 for something. I have to say that even on a 4:3 screen the 16:9 looks great.

P.S. Hurray for printed manuals!!!!!

Jim J. Donaldson

Tom Hardwick · January 8th, 2004, 10:00 AM

I think the best idea is to use the little on-board flash to slave trigger the proper flashguns that you'll have dotted about around the talent. Design some sort of diffuser to reduce the on-boards power, or a little reflector to bounce it upwards.

Or does the flash fire twice for an exposure? Once for focus and exposure determination, and one to take the still? If this is the case (as it is with the Canon MVX3i) this slave firing technique won't work.

tom.

Tommy Haupfear · January 8th, 2004, 10:18 AM

Quote:

I think the best idea is to use the little on-board flash

Unfortunately, the PDX10 does not have an on-board flash and uses a laser grid to focus for stills (labeled hologram, I believe).

Tom Hardwick · January 8th, 2004, 10:43 AM

Of course! Brain out of gear again. Still in TRV950 mode. Sorry.

January 7th, 2004, 11:03 AM	#1
Jim J. Donaldson New Boot Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Findlay, Ohio Posts: 21	Photo Flash? First off let me say "Helly everybody". I've been reading this forum for awhile now and I have finally purchased my PDX10. Very nice camera, but you already knew that:) I have taken some stills with it and so far it is wonderful IF you have enough light. I was wondering if anyone was using a photo flash unit. Are there any units that can do double duty as a "Photo Flash" and a "Camera Light"? I have to finish reading the manual to see what hints it gives but I thought that if anyone would know they would be in this group. Thanks for any suggestion in advance. Jim J. Donaldson

January 7th, 2004, 11:18 AM	#2
Rob Lohman RED Code Chef Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Holland Posts: 12,514	I'm not sure about the flash thing, but I do know most people use a seperate (digital) photo camera a lot for higher resolution and easy of taking it with you and things like a flash. I know I do. __________________ Rob Lohman, visuar@iname.com DV Info Wrangler & RED Code Chef Join the DV Challenge \| Lady X Search DVinfo.net for quick answers \| Buy from the best: DVinfo.net sponsors

January 7th, 2004, 07:28 PM	#3
Tommy Haupfear Wrangler Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 1,415	Congratulations on the purchase! I wanted an inexpensive flash for my past PDX10 and I purchased the Sony HVL-FDH3 which has a 3w light and a flash for stills. Granted the light is weak but still came in handy occassionally and it was one of the few light/flash combos that I could find that wasn't silver in color (yes I'm picky). Its about $70 at B&H http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...=179525&is=REG Larger photo of the flash http://www.sony.jp/ProductsPark/Mode...c_HVL-FDH3.jpg

January 8th, 2004, 06:03 AM	#4
Jim J. Donaldson New Boot Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Findlay, Ohio Posts: 21	Tommy Haupfear: Thanks for the tip on the Sony HVL-FDH3. I did see the Sony HVL-FDH4 at B&H for $99.00 but $69.95 for the same thing in black and match the camera too...:) Now I just have to keep myself from looking at all of those other "have to have" items. I really like what I've seen so far. I'm doing all of my video in 16:9 mode unless I HAVE to go back to 4:3 for something. I have to say that even on a 4:3 screen the 16:9 looks great. P.S. Hurray for printed manuals!!!!! Jim J. Donaldson

January 8th, 2004, 10:00 AM	#5
Tom Hardwick Inner Circle Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Billericay, England UK Posts: 4,711	I think the best idea is to use the little on-board flash to slave trigger the proper flashguns that you'll have dotted about around the talent. Design some sort of diffuser to reduce the on-boards power, or a little reflector to bounce it upwards. Or does the flash fire twice for an exposure? Once for focus and exposure determination, and one to take the still? If this is the case (as it is with the Canon MVX3i) this slave firing technique won't work. tom.

January 8th, 2004, 10:43 AM	#7
Tom Hardwick Inner Circle Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Billericay, England UK Posts: 4,711	Of course! Brain out of gear again. Still in TRV950 mode. Sorry.