Speedlight (Flash)equipment
A portable external flash — far more capable than the pop-up, especially bounced off a ceiling or wall.
A speedlight mounts on the hot shoe (or fires off-camera). Its big advantage is power and direction: bounce it off a ceiling or wall for soft, flattering light instead of the harsh, flat look of a direct pop-up flash. TTL mode meters the flash automatically; manual gives full control. Off-camera, it's the start of real lighting.
Use this when
- Indoor / event, softer light: bounce off a ceiling or wall
- Fill in daylight: on-camera TTL, dialed down
Common mistake: Firing it straight at people for that harsh, flat, red-eye look.