Thread: Using the built in flash?

I have a Canon T2i and lately I have been struggling to get decent shots of my girls indoor, my house really doesn't have the light and the weather is getting a bit chilly for outdoor shots. Are there any hints you ladies have to share on using the built in flash?

Honestly- I don't have any advice, other than don't. I know that sounds harsh, but I have never heard of good shots with the built in flash. It makes it look snapshotty. I use mine only if it is a moment that i don't have time to get everything out.

I know a few ladies here have the LightScoop and I have heard good reviews about it. I finally purchased an external flash and I am glad I did just for those quick snaps at home.

I haven't got much choice but to use a built-in flash with my P&S indoors (most of the time, unless it's super sunny out), but with your camera, have you tried upping the ISO some? With the larger sensor and a higher ISO, even if you get a little noise and have to run it through noiseware, it's better than using the built-in flash.

I do use the flash sometimes (like on Halloween) when I have no choice, but there's just no doubt it seriously adversely affects the look of the image.

Like Sadie said, you could check into Lightscoop. (I've also seen a pretty interesting looking hot shoe flash recently that is a lot more affordable than a Speedlite, but I can't recall the name of it. I'd have to go to the store that advertised it to check it out.)

I cranked the ISO up to 1600 which makes for some really grainy pictures, and still I get blurring when my very active 2 year old moves.

Ya, I have to say, it's hard especially with little ones. Is 1600 as high as it goes?

I shot this one with an ISO of 2500 or so and ran it through nosieware. Made a huge difference.

Noiseware Community Edition is a necessity for me when shooting indoors, because I don't use onboard flash. I also have a speedlite for those snaps inside. Sorry I'm not much more help than that.

ETA: A lower AP lens might help as well. During the day, I'm able to get some decent shots of the kids now without any flash at all (but still very high ISO) with my 50mm 1.4.

I agree, increase ISO first, and aperture....but for times when you do really need flash, I highly recommend the Lightscoop or other type of diffuser for on-board flashes! I have the Lightscoop and it's great!!!