300D consistently underexposing indoor shots

thejuggler

Is this just a limitation of the built in flash and should I go a 550Ex speedlite to solve the problem?

I've only been using the various scene modes so far - haven't ventured into manual settings.

elderlemon

In the full auto mode the metering can sometimes (a lot) fail. You really need to work in the creative zones to adjust the metering selection. Also there is another firmware available for the 300 which allows you to adjust the flash exposure compensation. works a treat.

Also could be a limitation of the on-board flash - you didn't say what distance you were shooting. I have a 420EX flash and it works great.

thejuggler

Mostly portraits using the portrait auto mode. The 420 ex flash is cheaper than the 550 so that's good news. Time to hit the piggy bank I think. I'm looking for a 50mm 1.8 lense as well - not too fond of the kit lense.

Raskolnikov

How old is your 300D?

elderlemon

Don't dismiss the kit lens so quickly - its actually a very good lens. I don't use mine as I need a longer zoom so got the Sigma 18-125. Speedlite 420EX is €399 in Dublin or €130 in New York - Take your pick! If you have anyone travelling to the US this is the way to go.

thejuggler wrote:

Mostly portraits using the portrait auto mode. The 420 ex flash is cheaper than the 550 so that's good news. Time to hit the piggy bank I think. I'm looking for a 50mm 1.8 lense as well - not too fond of the kit lense.

raphaelS

thejuggler wrote:

Mostly portraits using the portrait auto mode. The 420 ex flash is cheaper than the 550 so that's good news. Time to hit the piggy bank I think. I'm looking for a 50mm 1.8 lense as well - not too fond of the kit lense.

You shouldn't use the 300D flash... I have a Sigma EF-500 (the model for digital camera) and it is a very good value compare to the Canon's. You can get 2 Sigma (and use one as slave) for the price of one Canon.
The Sigma costs eur253.93 in Dublin (Conn).

http://photonotes.org/reviews/sigma-ef-500-super/

The 50mm 1.8 is a very good portrait lens by the way!

Raphael

thejuggler

Raskolnikov wrote:

How old is your 300D?

3 months

thejuggler

I don't find the 300D manual very user friendly. Has anyone bought one of the books which are avaialble for the 300D and did you find it useful?

Most of my photographic interest would be portraits which is why I'm interested in the portrait lens. I'm keen to get the flash now also.

FX Meister

Canon have jus released a new flash designed for the 300D sensor. I dont think it's available to buy just yet but you can find info about it on their website