Blue Crane Digital DVD: Understanding the Canon Speedlite 580EX/430EX (Versão em Inglês)

Comments about Blue Crane Digital DVD: Understanding the Canon Speedlite 580EX/430EX:

This video does have some decent information in it, but it's difficult to learn when a video puts you to sleep. The voices are monotone and video production is something I would expect to see in a low budget junior college instruction video.

The video is also uninspiring. There aren't any photos taken in the video that are above a 101 level of lighting and has poor creativity. The guy shoots fruit in a bowl: the ultimate still life cliche.

I actually learned and was inspired more by watching Nikon/McCnally videos and translating the information through my canon manual. CANON please come up with a well produced and thought provoking video!!!! There is a market for a product... fill it.

Comments about Blue Crane Digital DVD: Understanding the Canon Speedlite 580EX/430EX:

I'm a flash beginner, and I'm a disappointed with this one. This is really a tutorial on basic lighting (mostly in the studio) and general information on flash-sync. There is some very basic information on how to set some functions of the Speedlights, and how Canon designed it for point-and-shoot (the flash and the camera figure everything out for you, really).

If you really know nothing about flash, and have not read anything, you'll get a bit more out of this tutorial I think as it basically explains the concepts behind lighting and is easy to understand.

The DVD I got had the little sticker that says "also covers 580EX II". However it does not, it only covers it in as much as the 580EX II is little different from the first release, but as no information specific to the latest speedlight.

They tell you to go get an off-camera shoe cord for right away, not bad advice, but could have saved that for later after some exampls of why. They spend no time demonstrating bounce flash, although they mention it a few times as they set up their studio reflectors. They just don't explain how to really get the best from the flash in the hot-shoe, such as explaining how to use the little highlights reflector.

They have an OK example of when not to use second-curtain sync, then tell you to forget about that feature and just always use first-curtain.

Their product shot example near the end seems to get worse with each shot, but then the last one does pull it together and finally makes it better than the head on shot. After lighting it from all sides. It's true they at most only use 2 speedlights, but use reflectors and large studio diffusers and/or a large softbox for the money shots.

They don't talk about Manual mode really, they basically say go experiment, and while that's a good idea they could have given more information.

Nothing about what might and might not work with any particular EOS camera, but they assume you're using one of the later digital bodies and are upfront about that.

While they talk a bit about bracketing and stuff to get the look you want, they always talk like the reflected light meter in the camera always knows the right exposure; oh please.

I think there is just not enough meat in here for the money.

Comments about Blue Crane Digital DVD: Understanding the Canon Speedlite 580EX/430EX:

This product will give you an overview of the Canon Speedlight. They explain the functions and how to use the speedlight. I had to watch it a couple times to soak it all in and I still have some questions regarding the use of the flash which the dvd didn't really get into.
I do recommend this for someone who knows nothing about the flash.

Comments about Blue Crane Digital DVD: Understanding the Canon Speedlite 580EX/430EX:

DVD was heavy with studio content. Info on more general uses would have been helpful

Comments about Blue Crane Digital DVD: Understanding the Canon Speedlite 580EX/430EX:

I found this DVD to be pretty confusing. It was sloppy and hard to follow. Oftentimes, they went over things too quickly or in not enough detail. It says it applies to the 580EXII, but there was no mention of the newer flash model at all. The narrator is really boring. Good for putting you to sleep, but I'm going to have to look elsewhere to find a good resource for learning about Canon's flash.

Comments about Blue Crane Digital DVD: Understanding the Canon Speedlite 580EX/430EX:

Good overview of Canon 430 and 580 flashes. DVD jacket states that 580EX II is covered, but I haven't seen any reference to the MK II version on multiple viewings. Good training aid nevertheless.

Comments about Blue Crane Digital DVD: Understanding the Canon Speedlite 580EX/430EX:

The DVD explains the Speedlites and the way they operate in different modes fairly well. It also explains some of the basics of lighting. However, the focus of this DVD is on portrait/studio photography in elaborate multi-light/flash setups with well behaved models. Therefore, if you are looking to use your flash for everyday photography this falls short and there are better products e.g. TTL Flash Facts by W. Crockett.

Comments about Blue Crane Digital DVD: Understanding the Canon Speedlite 580EX/430EX:

I was fairly new to the 430EX II and I just wanted to know a few things about the interface. Come to find out, they also give some great ligthing tips on here. Lots of stuff that wasn't in the manual.

Comments about Blue Crane Digital DVD: Understanding the Canon Speedlite 580EX/430EX:

Great for beginner. Good examples and techniques. But will leave you desiring more.

Comments about Blue Crane Digital DVD: Understanding the Canon Speedlite 580EX/430EX:

A good visual approach to understanding the Speedlite features. Fairly comprehensive explaination of the settings and how they work together with the camera. Also good instruction and examples of the master/ slave relationships when using two Speedlites. I would recommend this DVD to anyone who finds technical manuals difficult to absorb and prefer a visual explanation.

Comments about Blue Crane Digital DVD: Understanding the Canon Speedlite 580EX/430EX:

the manual to a flash never explains how it really works. to make the most of a flash, this dvd is quite informative. with examples and full explanations.

Comments about Blue Crane Digital DVD: Understanding the Canon Speedlite 580EX/430EX:

Though this product has been touted as a complement to your manual, I found that, in most places, this is largely a visual representation of what is already in print. There are extra tips and tricks that you do not get in the manual - but nothing that you couldn't find elsewhere for free (the word strobist comes to mind). It has a good introduction on the use of light. It deals specifically with the 430 and 580 speedlites. If you can't stand the thought of reading your manual, this will be good for you to watch.

Comments about Blue Crane Digital DVD: Understanding the Canon Speedlite 580EX/430EX:

Good easy to use techniques are covered. I only wish it included a section on using the ST-E2 transmitter.

Comments about Blue Crane Digital DVD: Understanding the Canon Speedlite 580EX/430EX:

I have watched it three times so far. I had already read both the 580EX II and the 430EX manuals several times and used both flashes for a while. This DVD helped clarify a lot of features. Its insight into what the designers were thinking was very useful in tying all the features together.

It is extremely specific, so it is of limited usefulness for any other flashes. Its coverage of features is a bit random. But the DVD really helps you master these two flashes, both alone and together. My main objection is that it is not two hours longer. I would have liked more master/slave coverage.

Comments about Blue Crane Digital DVD: Understanding the Canon Speedlite 580EX/430EX:

This DVD is very thorough. It gives not only training on the speedlite, but also lighting in general.

Comments about Blue Crane Digital DVD: Understanding the Canon Speedlite 580EX/430EX:

This is a good simple instructional video. It delivers, but I found myself saying after each chapter that I wished they had said more. I would have liked to have seen more examples of them using the flash. What they did show was well done, however. I believe there is value in this product, but it could be cheaper or redone and offer more content.

Comments about Blue Crane Digital DVD: Understanding the Canon Speedlite 580EX/430EX:

My photography has improved because of the DVD

Comments about Blue Crane Digital DVD: Understanding the Canon Speedlite 580EX/430EX:

You'll probably have to watch this a couple times because there is so much that this flash unit will do that it can take time to learn all of its functions to where they come second nature. It is an overview so it doesn't go into a whole lot of detail. It is enough to get you started, but won't teach you every thing.

Comments about Blue Crane Digital DVD: Understanding the Canon Speedlite 580EX/430EX:

This is the next best thing to having a pro walk you through the mechanics, craft, and art of lighting as well as the sophistication of the 580EX as a tool - using one or multiple strobes. This training DVD will take you to another level.I bought one 580EX II when they first hit the market - paid a lot. A few weeks ago, I bought this DVD and 10 days later bought a 2nd 580EX II. The power and creativity of the Speedlite is awesome and a bargain when you understand it's features and what it is designed to do.This instructional is a joy to watch and takes you to a product knowledge depth that makes the 580EX II seem like a bargain!I've been a shooter since age 7, owned a Nikon F at 16 and bought my first digital camera less than 6 mos. ago (30D). It is a joy to have in depth training with our tools so that when we are in the field or studio our learning curve is the next challenged shot/assignment and not the screwdriver in our pocket.

Expertise: Advanced - Semi-Pro

Previous Equivalent Item Owned: JumpStart DVD. A complete waste of time and money.

Comments about Blue Crane Digital DVD: Understanding the Canon Speedlite 580EX/430EX:

I've used all sorts of speedlites over the years but never anything quite as sophisticated as the Canon 430EX I just purchased. This DVD really took the mystery out of how the flash works and how to use it in the real world. Lots of good information presented in a very straight forward and understandable manner.

Expertise: Advanced amateur with 35mm and medium format cameras but an absolute novice with digital.

Problems Encountered: No problems but the dialog runs a little fast for taking notes.