How to Use Flash on Sony NEX-6
The Sony NEX-6 is a bit more camera in the hand than anything else, but with that comes some additional features — like an onboard flash. Flash is a fantastic thing to learn too, it can greatly improve your photographs and you can work really hard on that as well. Regardless of if you are new to flash or just want a refresher to brush up on your flash techniques, this guide will take care of all you need to know about using the flash with your Sony NEX-6.
Introduction to the Sony NEX-6 Flash System
But first, a quick look at the Sony NEX-6 flash output sectiion Add this block of content to your post on December 17th and update! ion is in order.
Overview of Sony NEX-6
The flash system on Sony NEX-6. Sony NEX-6, known to deliver exceptional image quality, boasts a built-in pop-up flash, and external flash compatible offers great versatility.
Built-in Flash vs. External Flash
Turns out that the built-in flash works well for some everyday shooting but if you’re looking to step it up a notch to professional level results, an external flash is definitely in order. External flashes are more customizable and often have greater power, giving them added flexibility for creative lighting techniques.
Why You Might Need Flash in Photography
More Than Just Low Light It is a great option to utilize when manipulating the mood of an image and upping the vibe on your photos.
Low-Light Situations
The biggest reason flash exists is to rectify the fact that there are times when light may be lacking. With that you’ve always got a well-lit subject, and a nice sharp image even if you’re shooting indoors or at night!
Creating Dramatic Lighting
You can use flash to make your shots more dramatic by creating different shadows and highlights that give depth and feeling. Try using off-camera flash if you want to bring out the character in your subject.
Freezing Action with Flash
In the low light conditions, you will need to use flash to support freezing motion from any moving subjects.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Built-in Flash
The onboard flash in Sony NEX-6 is pretty easy, but mastering it need conditions some settings understanding.
Accessing the Built-in Flash
No need to hunt down additional gear, the built-in flash is accessed by pressing the flash button on the side of the camera The flash pops up ready to fire.
Adjusting Flash Settings
Inside the camera menu, you will see a group of flash mode settings. Common modes include:
- Auto Flash: Triggered by the camera when light is poor.
- Fill Flash: Flash will fire with every release of shutter irrespective even if lighting conditions.
- Slow Sync: A setting that utilises slow sync to mix flash with ambient light.
Flash Compensation: When to Use It
It may also be too bright for your liking with direct sunlight, full range in the shade and the flash compensation you can play with! This enables you to either increase or decrease the flash power, depending on how strong the scene is.
How to Use an External Flash on Sony NEX-6
External flahses also allow you more control and power from off the camera flashguns This is how you would use it on your NEX-6.
Connecting an External Flash to Your NEX-6
The Sony NEX-6 has a top-mounted hot shoe for an external flash. Now, upon connection from camera to flash head, the camera will recognize the flash and you can shoot.
Benefits of Using an External Flash
External flashes are usually more powerful than built-in flashes, enabling you to light greater scenes or remote subjects. The most major advantage of swivel heads, in addition to being able to tilt the head up or away from the main axis of the lens itself so as to bounce off a different axis (along with their bare ceiling mounting), is that they rotate.
Manual vs. Automatic Flash Modes
Automatic and Manual both modes are available in most of the external flashes. The manual mode allows you to adjust the power output, allowing you to determine how much light to add. In full automatic mode, the flash automatically calculates how much light is needed according to your camera settings.
Creative Techniques with Flash on the Sony NEX-6
Flash, when used correctly, is an epic tool in the arsenal of any creative photographer.
Bouncing Flash for Softer Light
Avoid using the flash head-on, but rather point it at another surface such as a wall or ceiling. That diffuses the light to reduce unflattering shadows, so your shots look more realistic.
Using Flash as a Fill Light
Fill in Shadows on Your Subject’s Face With a Flash (Outdoor) Used in bright outdoor conditions In backlit situations especially, it can be a life-saver.
Rear Curtain Sync: Adding Motion Blur
Rear curtain sync can be used to show movement, by leading with your flash and then allowing ambient light from behind the moving subject to give an in-camera non-destructive motion blur. The best thing to do with this is inject some dynamism into action shots.
Common Flash Issues and How to Solve Them
Flash may cause you some headaches along the way, however once you have learned these examples in this post, your results will become better for sure.
Red-Eye Effect and How to Avoid It
The flash reflects from the retinas of the subject which leads to red-eye. Charming as they are, however, you can minimize these by not having your subject look directly at the camera or using a red-eye reduction mode if available.
Overexposed or Underexposed Photos
Should your images are underexposed or overexposed if you use flash, employing display settlement or perhaps engaging in normal thumb could help.
Flash Misfires: Causes and Solutions
Of course there are many reasons that can cause a flash misfire, such as if the battery level is low or if it’s too hot. If it is happening often, then to verify your camera settings and the reason does not due to flash is depleted so fully charge your flash.
Advanced Flash Photography Tips
After you are familiar with the general knowledge, it is time to ergodic the following advanced techniques for getting more professional flash photography effects.
Flash with Slow Shutter Speed
CoUsing flash along with a slow shutter speed allows more of the ambient light to be captured but with no blur from subject movement. Nighttime Photography, perfect for this technique
Combining Natural Light with Flash
You can also mix available light with off-camera flash to achieve more balanced image. This is handy when you are doing outdoor portraiture and still want to keep the natural feeling of environment but also want to light your subject up.
Using Flash Gels for Creative Effects
A gel, also called a flash gel is typically a colored filter that you put over your speedlight to alter the color of the light. For example, this can be used for cinematic lighting effects (like to make a scene appear red or add strong blue light in the background).
Conclusion
Below are my favorite types of flash photography, all possible with the Pop-up flash on the Sony NEX-6. If you can become adept with both the on-camera and off-camera flash options, and have in your arsenal a few creative ways to use them, it will help take your photography to the next level.
FAQs
- Can I use third-party flashes with my Sony NEX-6?
The Sony NEX-6 will work with most third-party flashes that have a standard hot shoe mount.
- How can I avoid harsh shadows when using flash?
If you want to soften the light, or reduce the contrast between high and low lights, simply bounce the flash off a wall or more likely the ceiling.
- Does flash drain my camera battery quickly?
Using a flash takes up more battery power, particularly an external third-party high-powered flash. If you plan on shooting for an extended time, then it may be worth carrying spare batteries.
- What’s the difference between front and rear curtain sync?
Rear Curtain Sync – This is when the flash fires to give you a frozen subject and, just before your shutter closes, that bursts of the action that was catching an artificial light trails behind the moving object.
- How do I know when to use flash in daylight?
With or without flash, nothing but good light works well in low-speed situations and either only when there is enough daylight to fill around the shadows (such as your subject being backlit) or even lighting that may not be bright enough for automatic.
