Expert: John Oliverio - 8/19/2006

Question
Dear John,

I want to use an external flash with my Sony H5. Can I use a peanut slave with the camera's on-board flash, or does this on-board flash have a preflash system like many digital cameras that sets a slave off prematurely?  

Do you have any recommendations for a rig for this camera.  I use the Vivitar 283 flashes mostly, with handle bracket.  Can I just hook up a slave and use the Vivitar?

Wein makes a peanut slave for digital "multi-flash" cameras -- not sure if I need to buy it.

How does the Sony H5 test the surroundings for white balance, etc?  There are two flash options on the camera -- one for flash ignition with shutter release, and one for flash ignition immediately before the curtain closes to prevent blur from ambient light (I'm guessing.) Anyway, any thoughts on what will work best for me if I want to use external flash on bracket or studio flash?

Thanks,

Dave Woods

Answer
Dave,
I checked an H5 today, and it does appear to have a pre-flash... though I can't imagine why because the H5 sports an external AF assist lamp.  I can only guess it's a monitor pre-flash for flash exposure info.  So I think you will need the dedicated peanut.  I don't think you will manage studio flash unless you can rig them to peanuts.

As for "white balance, etc?":  White balance is determined with the same CCD used to make the picture.  (not sure what you want with the "etc").  

The two flash options you are talking about are front and rear curtian sync.  "Front" is normal.  Rear curtian sync is used for long exposures when you want the blur from motion to come before the flash freezes the subject.  That's how they do those images of people walking with sparklers (and the like) with the lights trailing out behind them.  If you used front sync, the light would be streaming out in front of your subject.  You'd have to have the person walk backwards to get the right effect.

Hope this helps.

John