I knew that, but I couldn't resist.
I don't know that they're waiting. They may be hard at work right
now. Don't forget that Minolta was losing money on its camera
division years before they made the 7D, so a new flash system was
probably not on the top of their list. Add to that the fact that the
big five have had their flashes manufactured by Panasonic, probably
Sony's greates rival. The new Sony 58 is probably as good as they
come, although I haven't seen any serious tests, so I could be wrong.
The Sony 58am is desgined very nicely and build quality seems just as good as the Nikon SB-900.
However its brain is not comprable to Nikon. Its evident that Nikons flash system is much more consisten then that of the Sony.
Try using spot meter with bounceflash, the Sony will underexpose, and the flash will give a "flashing" green light that it had enough power.
So while its a good buildt flash, it falls behind when it comes to brain and connectivity.
You're right on both accounts, but I'm also smart enough to realise
the potential of using the built-in flash as a trigger for remote
flashes. It's always there, it's cheap - and it can be used as AF
assistance as well.
Yes its there if you use a camera that has it. If i was to use wireless flash i rather use a external transmitter wich most likley would have better range and more reliable. Add the fact that it has more features, and a much better interface.
Now it will cost some money, what doesnt. .-)
The design part:
The prism on the A900 is a very dominant design feature. Nikon's D3
has no built-in flash, but its huge prism is still faired over in the
same fashion as on the D700. The D700 does have a built-in flash ...
and a huge prism.
Well as i already stated the the viewfinders is not equal, D3 100% and is noticble brighter.
There is plenty of room on top of the A900's prism for a built-in
flash. It would even have the advantage of being positioned quite a
bit higher than on other models, thus reducing the risk of red-eye.
But it would alter the design, just like it did on the Dynax 9 and on
the Nikon D3.
Im not sure what you mean by plenty of room, i guess if the sky is the limit sure.
The A900 is already quite bit taller (with vg) then the D3, now add the
FA-HS1AM and a pocketwizard and you get the idea. .-)
I have yet to see frontal onboard flash as good lightning solution, unless you absolutely need to get the shot. And if thats the case a speedlight and a highiso capable camera is the better choice imo.
The dislike part:
To many professional photographers, a built-in flash is indicative of
an amateur camera. They have all kinds of explanations for this, but
I have yet to hear one that I can subscribe to, but I'm not a pro. I
do, however, remember when Minolta introduced the 7000, how pro
photographers and expert amateurs would say that they would never
trust a camera to focus for them ... and that it couldn't do it as
fast as they could anyway. It was merely a thing for amateurs.
Today, everything in a modern camera is automatic. The Nikon D3 even
has P-mode! Talk about a non-pro feature! So what's with the attitude
that a built-in flash is incompatible with a pro camera?
Yes i fall into that group that thinks the onboard flash is a waste on a camera.
Why ?
Not very often do i like the use of frontal flash, let alone a puny light that will cause harsh shadows and small white spots for catchlight.
Its simply not a viable option for anything i do.
Im also one of those persons that belive that AF is not the best thing since sliced bread. .-)
A onboard flash is not priortized on a pro body, most likley because its not really a feature the target group will use.
Even if you could fit both a excellen viewfinder and a onboard flash, is it worth it ? the extra height/bulk ? But also the fact pro gear should withstand some abuse, and if anything is bound to come lose, well the onboard flash will be the first thing to go.
Im fairly careful with my gear, but my D2X had a few marks on the pentaprism housing. If a onboard flash was to be seated there, it would most likley be gone.
Kindest
--
Regards
Paul L.
