Sony Adds New Flash Unit To Alpha DSLR
Continuing the Sony topic started in the previous news, the company is expanding its series of Alpha accessories with new HVL-F58AM flash unit.
This new flash features a new Quick Shift Bounce system. The flash head can pivot 90 degrees left and right on a horizontal axis in addition to the conventional up and down vertical adjustment. With this system, the camera and flash unit can keep the same orientation regardless of portrait or landscape shooting. This gives a higher degree of flexibility when arranging the direction of light.
For example, you can take full advantage of the flash unit's built-in bounce card even during portrait shots since the flash head can maintain the same orientation as it would in the landscape position.
The HVL-F58AM flash unit features a maximum guide number of 58 at 105mm and ISO 100. It recycles (or recharges) in 5 seconds, approximately 55% faster than the predecessor HVL-F56AM model. It also has a large, easy-to-read LCD screen that is about 13% larger than its predecessor's.
This new flash has wireless auto flash control so you can remove the flash unit from the camera and light subjects from different angles. Photographers can create soft shadows to add depth to their images and avoid the strong shadows and hot spots that can occur with front lighting. The HVL-F58AM flash unit can also control the ratio of lighting from several off-camera flash units.
Up to three groups of flashes can be set up for control of lighting via a wireless connection. Flash output ratios can be adjusted automatically without having to do exposure calculations. Additionally, you can fire a modeling flash to preview flash effects before taking the picture. Even with multiple units, the modeling flash fires according to the flash ratio you have set.
According to the press release, one of the flash's most advanced features is its zoom control that automatically optimizes illumination angles that are suitable for either APS-C size or 35mm full frame sensors. This control reduces light "fall-off" at the periphery of images.
It also has an advanced white balance compensation system that gathers color temperature information, complimenting the white balance information reading of the camera. This achieves more accurate results when the main unit is in auto white balance mode.
Other features include: high-speed synchronization at shutter speeds of up to 1/4000 of a second, ADI flash metering, manual flash and zoom (6 levels), multiple-flash, and a supplied mini-stand for greater wireless freedom.
The HVL-F58AM flash unit will ship in September for about $500. Pre-orders began online on June 20 at www.sonystyle.com.
Source: Sony
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