Methods for controlling the Ambient and Strobe Light are different.

When using the D-180 on “External Auto” mode, with the camera’s ISO to 100, the ambient and strobe light are controlled as follows:

Ambient Light The strobe’s setting does not make any difference.

Camera’s Aperture Value: As the aperture becomes smaller (the “f/ stop” number becomes larger, for example f/8.0 instead of f/5.6), less light passes through the lens and so the amount of exposure decreases (in Manual and Aperture Priority Modes). When using Exposure Compensation with Shutter Priority Mode, the camera’s aperture value will change as well.

Camera’s Shutter Speed: As the speed becomes faster (the fraction becomes smaller, for example 1/125 of a second instead of 1/60), less light passes though the lens and amount of exposure decreases (in Manual and Shutter Speed Priority Modes). When using Exposure Compensation with Aperture Priority Mode, the camera’s shutter speed will change as well.

Strobe Light Directly related to the camera’s aperture setting.

D-180 Aperture Value Set Switch Value: In contrast to setting the camera’s aperture value; 1) Dialing the Aperture Value Set Switch to a larger aperture value (smaller number) will reduce the flash amount (weaker). 2) Dialing to a smaller aperture value (larger number) will increase flash amount (stronger).

D-180 +1/4 EV Compensation Switch: Moving switch to ON position (so that it covers the Light Sensor) will increase exposure by +1/4 EV. Flash light becomes stronger.

Reference No. 9 Differences between using external strobes with digital cameras and film cameras

Image Sensor Latitude

Compared to silver halide film, consumer grade compact digicams have narrower image sensor latitude and less dynamic range. This means there may be less possible contrast gradations, loss of shadow details, increase of blooming – washout of highlights etc. Accordingly, more precise control of natural light and strobe light is increasingly important.

Image Sensor Size and Lens Focal Length

Because the image sensor size of consumer digicams is small (compared to 35mm film systems), extremely short focal length lenses can be used. And because of this, it is possible to obtain much deeper depth of field (compared to 35mm film at the same view angle and optical aperture).

With conventional 35mm film systems, achieving great depth of field, especially for macro imaging, required some skill and know-how, such as aperture setting and strobe placement. But for current digital cameras, obtaining good depth of field is comparatively easier due to the short focal length lenses commonly used. Also, due to current digicams having different

INON D-180 Manual

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Version 1. October 4, 2003

 

Copyright 2002, 2003 by INON America, Inc.

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