What kind of general purpose flash to use?

Hi

I have a Nikon N60. The built in speedlight often does not dispel

shadows which my subjects (usually people) throw.

Do I need to buy a flash?

If so, what kind of flash should I buy?

ANY flash can cause what you are seeing. It's not the flash per se, but rather the way the light is hitting the subject and the way the camera is setting exposure for that. With a single flash, even getting a separate off-camera unit, you will still get that shadow; probably just at a different angle.

 

To correct this, you will still need an off camera unit. But it will need to have a bounce capability, usually with a tilting head. The idea is to point the flash up at some angle to sprad and bounce the light off a ceiling (or reflecting device attached to the flashhead). This indirect lighting should correct most of the shadow issues although it can present some issues at times with exposure settings, especially if the bounced flash is not powerful enough.

 

A Vivitar 283/285 is a basic standard unit that should work with your camera. However, a Nikon Speedlight, in the long run, might be a better choice. The big difference between the varous units will be more power and extra features as you spend more money. I think the SB22 is about as cheap a speedlight as you can get that has bounce (bu no swivel).

I have been researching the internet about this issue:

Here are the two options that have made it to my (short)list

Nikon SB-28

Nikon SB-28-DX

Sigma EF-430 ST Electronic Flash

EF-430 Super Electronic Flash

Are there any others which should be in my list?

Which to buy (value for money and high quality)

I've had great success using a flash bracket. It takes the flash off camera, but you don't have to hold it yourself. I use a SB-28 and an SB-24 on the Stroboframe Press-T flash bracket with the pricey SC-17 cord. Shadows are not as noticeable and red eye is nearly eliminated. You may need a special plate to attach the N60 to the bracket itself.

If you're looking at the Sb-28 and Sb-28DX, then you should look at the Sb-80dx too.

Joy, a simple way to avoid shadows behind people is to have them step away from the wall! But of course bounce flash is far superior if you have white ceilings. Be advised that the N60 does NOT support TTL flash exposure compensation, even if the flash has this feature onboard. The good news is that a Nikon Speedlight, such as the SB24 or SB22s, works flawlessly in AUTO mode. I have done comparisons with my N60, SB24, and SB22s, between TTL and AUTO, straight on, bounced, and using an umbrella. If anything, the AUTO is more consistent. With the explosion of digital SLRs, a used non-DX SB28 may be the best buy. Try www.keh.com