Camera Flash Types

Camera Flash Types

Choosing the Right Camera Flashes in Photography

Comprehending lighting is arguably the most crucial aspect of photography. To capture the finest photos in almost every lighting condition, you may (and should) become proficient with these many flash unit kinds.

Types of Camera Flash Systems

There are three different types of Camera Flash Systems, In-Camera Flash Systems, On-Camera Flash Systems, and Off-Camera Flash Systems. Each of the types, along with the sub-types, are highlighted below:

In-Camera Flash Systems

These systems consist of a small built-in flash unit typically located above or near the camera's lens. They provide a convenient and compact solution for adding additional light to a scene when shooting in low-light conditions or when extra illumination is needed to fill in shadows. In-camera flash systems are often used in situations where external lighting equipment, such as external flash units or studio lights, may not be practical or available.

  1. Built-in Camera Flash
Many point-and-shoot cameras include built-in flashes; they are often positioned close to the lens, with the light pointing straight toward the subject of the picture.
  1. Pop-up Camera Flash
In low light, a pop-up flash will automatically activate on top of the camera to provide a proper exposure. This part goes by several names and is present on a lot of entry-level and mid-range SLRs. The phrase "Pop-up" Flash stands for the on-board flash unit. Its practical behaviour of popping up ready for use is how it got its name.

A photographer crouches down to photograph a woman dancing in a warehouse, his face obscured by the flare created as the Canon Speedlite EL-5 fires.

Canon produces a range of flashguns that enable photographers to experiment with light and take their imagery to the next level, from entry-level models for beginners such as the Speedlite EL-100 through to the pro-level Speedlite EL-1 and EL-5 (pictured).

On-Camera Flash Systems

Employing your flash directly placed on your camera is referred to as employing an on-camera flash. Usually, you'll use a bracket to mount the flash to one side of the camera or the hot shoe of the camera. It is regarded as an on-camera flash in either scenario. The light is often aimed directly at the subject from the camera when using an on-camera flash. Nonetheless, you may change the light's direction if your flash unit has a swivel head. This enables you to reflect the flash off of other reflective surfaces, such as the inside ceiling.

  1. Macro Ringlight Camera Flash
A Ringlight flash screws into the attachment threads on the lens barrel to fit on it. It offers a diffused, gentle light source that's perfect for macro photography. Using a built-in light is not possible due to the delicate requirements of macro photography, and a specialised flash unit lacks the precise direction capabilities needed to adequately illuminate a macro subject. You may approach your close-focus subject as closely as feasible with the Ringlight Flash and choose a light source that will not create harsh contrast or shadows. Rather, you'll receive evenly distributed, gentle lighting that highlights the details.

Related: Explore Canon’s Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX II
  1. Dedicated Flash
The flash unit that inserts into the hot shoe (the opening on top of the camera body) of your camera is called a dedicated flash. An excellent piece of equipment that interfaces with the camera is the dedicated flash. To select the ideal flash-strength output, the camera and flash work together to use information regarding lens length, ISO sensitivity, f-stop, and shutter speed. One of the nicest things about using a dedicated flash over a built-in or pop-up flash is that you can prevent red-eye by angling the flash and reflecting the light onto your subject. To prevent red-eye, many specialised lights also pre-flash to get your subject's pupils to contract. Because of its adaptability, a separate flash is a significantly superior tool to the built-in flash.
  1. On-Camera Hammerhead Flash
An external flash unit known as a "hammerhead flash" has a unique design in which the flash head is positioned above the camera instead of in line with the lens. When compared to conventional on-camera flashes, this approach offers greater control and flexibility in light direction and manipulation.

The flash unit's resemblance to a hammer's head is where the word "hammerhead" originates. Usually extending horizontally or at an angle from the camera body, the flash head gives photographers more creative lighting effects and a wider distribution of light.
  1. Hot Shoe Flashgun
A hot shoe flashgun is a type of portable electronic flash unit that is intended to be installed on the hot shoe of a camera. The majority of contemporary cameras include a common accessory attachment called a hot shoe on top. It enables photographers to mount a variety of extras, such as external flash units.

When shooting in dim light or when more light is required to adequately illuminate a subject, hot shoe flashguns offer more light. Compared to built-in camera flashes, they are more powerful and adaptable, giving photographers greater creative control over the light's direction and intensity.

To create softer and more diffused lighting effects, these flashguns may frequently be tilted, swivelled, or spun to bounce light off walls, ceilings, or reflectors.

Camera Flash Types

Off-Camera Flash Systems


Using your flash independently of your camera is known as off-camera flashing. To guarantee that the flash synchronises flawlessly with your camera, you may connect it via a wireless system or a cable.

You may place the flash anywhere you'd like when you use it off-camera. When it comes to lighting your subject, this gives up a world of artistic options. An on-camera flash's set location is not your only option.

While some camera systems come with wireless flash trigger systems built right in, others need an extra trigger or sync cable to sync the flash with the shutter of the camera. Ensuring the flash and camera sync properly is essential; otherwise, there would be no use for your flash.

  1. Off-Camera Hammerhead Flash
Using a hammerhead flash unit that is separated from the camera and placed away from the hot shoe is known as an "off-camera hammerhead flash." When lighting situations, this technique offers more creative and controllable lighting options than when the flash is mounted directly on the camera. When utilising an off-camera hammerhead flash arrangement, the flash unit is usually activated by a sync cable that is attached to the camera or remotely.
  1. Studio Strobes
A brief flash of light can be produced with studio strobes. When compared to the type of light produced by conventional flash, this one has a much shorter burst and is brighter and more powerful. Depending on whether you need it higher for long-range photography or lower for close-ups, you may change the output. Additionally, highly dependable strobe lights have a short recycle time. Additionally, they claim to have a full power output of 1000–1500 watts.
  1. Fill-In Flash
Instead of using a separate flash unit, the fill-in flash is a method employed when the subject has a lot more contrast with the backdrop or when the lighting is such that the subject is highly contrasted. The fill-in flash is used, as its name implies, to give fill light to the subject to achieve a more appealing exposure. This works well in situations when there is an excessive amount of ambient light and would usually produce some silhouette. When you're outside, you should activate your flash and metre the important portion of your subject—a person's face, for example—that seems to be in "shadow" in relation to the surrounding area. You'll project a more attractive and well-balanced appearance.
  1. Bounce Flash
Instead of using the direct, on-axis light that most flashes provide, you will obtain more aesthetically attractive photographs when you bounce the flash off of a surface to illuminate your subject. To bounce the light off the ceiling or a neighbouring wall, you'll need a specialised flash device. If you use a dedicated flash that is cable-tethered to your camera, this method opens up a whole new world of amazing photography.
  1. Monolights
Monolights are standalone off-camera flash devices that have separate power and light output controls. A monolight's built-in power source is supplied by batteries or the mains, unlike flash packs, which are made up of many flash heads plus a separate generator. They are, therefore, strong, small, and handy lights that enable you to produce stunningly illuminated studio and location photography.
  1. Pack and Head
Similar to the monolight flash, pack and head systems are off-camera flash devices. However, pack and head systems deliver greater power. They also isolate the light from the battery pack, which has the benefit of keeping the majority of the weight on the ground.

Choosing The Right Camera Flash System

Choosing the right camera flash system depends on the type of camera you have as well as your needs.

Pros & Cons of In-Camera Flash Systems

Benefits of In-Camera Flash
The benefits of in-camera flash include the following:

  • Convenience: The flash is always available on the camera.
  • Simplified set-up: There is no need for additional equipment.
  • Integrated metering: The flash works seamlessly with the camera’s metering system.
Drawbacks of In-Camera Flash
The drawbacks of in-camera flash include the following:
  • Limited power: The in-camera flash is usually not as powerful as external ones.
  • Harsh lighting: The flash can produce unflattering, direct light.
  • Limited control: As users, you have less flexibility in controlling the light’s direction and intensity.

Pros & Cons of On-Camera Flash Systems

Benefits of On-Camera Flash
The benefits of on-camera flash include the following:

  • Portability: The flash is easily attached and carried with the camera.
  • TTL Metering: You can use through-the-lens metering for accurate exposure.
  • Versatility: The flash can be bounced or diffused for softer lighting.
Drawbacks of On-Camera Flash
The drawbacks of on-camera flash include the following:
  • Limited Power: The on-camera flash is still not as powerful as off-camera options.
  • Limited Creativity: There is less control over lighting compared to off-camera setups.
  • Red-Eye: There is an increased likelihood of red-eye effect due to proximity to the lens.

Pros & Cons of Off-Camera Flash Systems

Benefits of Off-Camera Flash
The benefits of off-camera flash include the following:

  • Greater Control: The flash allows for precise control over lighting direction and intensity.
  • Creativity: The flash enables more advanced lighting techniques, such as off-axis lighting and backlighting.
  • Reduced Harshness: You can use modifiers to effectively soften and shape the light of the flash.
Drawbacks of Off-Camera Flash
The drawbacks of off-camera flash include the following
  • Complexity: Off-camera flash requires additional equipment and knowledge in order to set up.
  • Portability: This system may require extra gear, such as light stands and triggers, making it less portable.
  • Cost: Off-camera flashes and accessories can be expensive compared to in-camera options.
Related: Wireless Camera Flashes

Related products

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  • Speedlite EL-1

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  • Speedlite EL-5

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