Who knows about cameras? Speedlight question.

[spk926]

I have a Nikon D40. It's nothing special but it takes great pictures and I'm not a photographer so I really don't need, or want, to spend more on a fancier camera.

My only issue with it is that at times it doesn't take pictures fast enough. DH thinks this is because the flash is charging between pictures. A speedlight would help with this, right? How in the world do I know which one to get? Also, how do I know if it will fit or is this a non-issue as they're all a universal fit?

[thecatinthehat]

What lenses are you using? What's the max ISO? Have you tried bumping the ISO up?

[carolinagirl831]

take it off automatic and stop using the flash. If you adjust other settings you may not need it.
I find if I use my speed light, it does sometimes take a few that are dark and then take a flash one especially if the batteries aren't totally fresh

[carolinagirl831]

I have a canon I don't know how this is on the Nikon with the speedlite

[frlcb]

I never use the flash. I am also not a pro photographer so take that for what it's worth, lol. But the flash is never good.

[spk926]

Nov 30, 2014 20:40:25 GMT -5 thecatinthehat said:

What lenses are you using? What's the max ISO? Have you tried bumping the ISO up?

The lens that came with it. Looking at it it's a 18-55. Is that the right number?  The Max ISO is 1600. It was on auto ISO, should I just try like 400 or 800 ISO first and see how that is?

Nov 30, 2014 20:47:09 GMT -5 carolinagirl831 said:

take it off automatic and stop using the flash. If you adjust other settings you may not need it.
I find if I use my speed light, it does sometimes take a few that are dark and then take a flash one especially if the batteries aren't totally fresh

But automatic and flash makes it always focused on my fast moving toddler!! I know, I know I need to get better and not just rely on the "auto" setting for all of it though.

[spk926]

Nov 30, 2014 21:08:05 GMT -5 frlcb said:

I never use the flash. I am also not a pro photographer so take that for what it's worth, lol. But the flash is never good.

I must be doing something wrong or have something set wrong. I feel like when I don't use the flash then it's blurry, especially with a toddler that won't sit still!

[thecatinthehat]

Nov 30, 2014 21:12:25 GMT -5 spk926 said:

Nov 30, 2014 21:08:05 GMT -5 frlcb said:

I never use the flash. I am also not a pro photographer so take that for what it's worth, lol. But the flash is never good.

I must be doing something wrong or have something set wrong. I feel like when I don't use the flash then it's blurry, especially with a toddler that won't sit still!

Try the ISO at 800. Switch to manual and I highly recommend the 50mm before you buy a speedlight. It is just a little over $100 but will be so worth it.

[zarapipe]

I know nothing, but my totally awesome photographer just posted she has two she is selling. She is great and takes care of her stuff like it's a living child. If you decide you want one I will tag you in her fb post.

[AmyRI]

Release mode on continuous, a steady hand, and well-lit rooms. I hate the look of pics taken with flashes.

[spk926]

Nov 30, 2014 21:43:50 GMT -5 zarapipe said:

I know nothing, but my totally awesome photographer just posted she has two she is selling. She is great and takes care of her stuff like it's a living child. If you decide you want one I will tag you in her fb post.

Yeah go for it! Thanks

[niq]

Put the camera in auto ISO and make sure the lens is as wide as it can get. If that's not enough, you can get a faster lens, something like f2.8 or 1.8, but that's either expensive or fixed length zoom.

A speedlight would help ... I'd get the sb400 if you can find it. The SB300 is junk and the others help you take nice pictures but are super bulky. I'd also get a diffuser.

[redheadk]

You have more choices than manual or auto. You can shoot in one of the priority modes. That's what I did most of the time (haven't unpacked my camera in ages). I liked aperture priority mode. Basically, you set the aperture and the camera sets the shutter speed. Leave it on auto ISO or bump it up to 800 or 1600 if you are indoors, depending on light.