Discussion about
No built in flash?
My main problem with this camera is the lack of a built in flash. I know that the $200 flash available for this camera is probably much better than a built in flash could ever be but that jumps the price up to $1000 and I'm not sure that price is justifiable.
just to correct bret, the canon 50d does have an on-board flash, however I do believe the 5d Mk I and II do not and neither does the 1d.
On the grounds of why they wouldn't include the flash, I think it may be more along the lines of compactness, as well as heat conservation. newer noise reduction tech will also help reduce grain in low light situations, so the flash may not be as necessary depending on your shooting style.
On the grounds of why they wouldn't include the flash, I think it may be more along the lines of compactness, as well as heat conservation. newer noise reduction tech will also help reduce grain in low light situations, so the flash may not be as necessary depending on your shooting style.
I think the main reason there is no built-in flash, is that there simply isn't anywhere to put it on the body. Compared to a traditional compact camera most of the lenses are very large, and a flash on the body, up in the corner, would be unusable since the lenses would cast a large shadow. It has to be mounted a bit away from the body.
Compare the form factor to traditional dSLRs, and they have much more room to move the flash away from the lens. Still, even on a full-size dSLR, a built-in flash is only usable for small (often kit-like) lenses, and that is the main reason that (most) pro models don't even bother including one, it would never be usable with the lenses most pro users stick on there cameras...
Compare the form factor to traditional dSLRs, and they have much more room to move the flash away from the lens. Still, even on a full-size dSLR, a built-in flash is only usable for small (often kit-like) lenses, and that is the main reason that (most) pro models don't even bother including one, it would never be usable with the lenses most pro users stick on there cameras...
Built-in flashes never do a great job, even with pre-flashing, red eye is a problem. The other obvious problem is power, never a high enough guide number for anything than very close snaps. I think Olympus is following other vendors into the new non-SLR, high quality business - the more the merrier.
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This question is a really FAQ also in Japan, so Mr. Ogawa of Olympus is explained their thoughts in the interview.
dc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/20090617_294190.h...
(Only in Japanese)
Points of our interests are,
+ Around built-in Flash and EVF, they made very tough discussion internally.
+ They should choice built-in Flash or IS within this dimension. Of course it was better if it had both, but no choice with this matter.
+ They chose IS finally because it could take extremely good quality picture under low light without built-in flash thanks to excellent image processor.
+ They believed that high end users could accept their decision but some users especially beginners were hesitate. It was the reason why they developed optional flashgun in small format.
+ The matter around EVF was much bigger distress than built-in Flash.
dc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/20090617_294190.h...
(Only in Japanese)
Points of our interests are,
+ Around built-in Flash and EVF, they made very tough discussion internally.
+ They should choice built-in Flash or IS within this dimension. Of course it was better if it had both, but no choice with this matter.
+ They chose IS finally because it could take extremely good quality picture under low light without built-in flash thanks to excellent image processor.
+ They believed that high end users could accept their decision but some users especially beginners were hesitate. It was the reason why they developed optional flashgun in small format.
+ The matter around EVF was much bigger distress than built-in Flash.
there is lots of flash options for this camera thanks to the hot-shoe, you don't have to pay $200 for the olympus flash, any flash will do. I'm sure you can find a used one for $20 or so. dont let the lack of flash turn you away from this camera, as it works great with almost any flash. (built-in in flashes are terrible as mentioned anyways)
I think part of why this camera is great is the lack of a built in flash. The hotshoe gives you what you need there, you can use pocketwizards and go strobist philosophy with it.
I first thought it a shame that the E-P1 didn't have a built-in flash, but after reading many of the posts in this discussion, I can see how the flash would have been a compromise resulting in quality degradation of the photos. I can now accept the fact that there is no built-in flash and can now add it to my "want list"!!
