Need help with T4i settings when using 600EX-RT flash

Bobotmedia wrote:

imqqmi wrote:

As jrkliny and R2D2 said going for M mode is the way to go. You can control the available light exposure (either make the flash the main light source by dialing in under exposure for available light) or use the flash as fill in light, or mix both equally (like A+ mode).

Excellent, thanks! But similar to my question to the guys above, what am I targeting and how would I "make the flash the main light source by dialing in under exposure for available light". I set my aperture as desired, but how do I 'meter' the correct settings for shutter speed and ISO since the flash is going to "help"?

In M mode there's a little triangle under the exposure graph when looking through the viewfinder. When it is in the center, the light meter in the camera indicates good exposure, depending on what metering mode you're in (evaluative, spot, center weighed etc, whatever your preference is).

When you have the exposure, now underexpose by choosing a higher shutter speed, aperture and lower iso, choose the method for your creative purpose. Usually the aperture is more important, getting a larger depth of field in your case, set aperture to f/5.6 to f/8. Shutter speed should usually not go beyond 1/200ss because the flash will have to go into high speed mode, it looses a lot of power. Then set iso accordingly so that the triangle indicates -2 exposure (underexposing the ambient light).

Set the flash exposure compensation to 0 and take a test shot. Is the ambient light still too dominant? Set a lower iso, close aperture and higher shutter speed. Is the flash over/underexposing? Set FEC lower or higher and take another test shot.

It can also help to set the flash metering to center weighed instead of evaluative. See the user manual as I don't know where in your camera the setting is located.

Check the histogram for exposure. You want to have the highlights as far right as possible but they should not heap up in a bunch against the right 'wall'. That usually is accompanied with blinking areas (blinkies) on the image review. That means over exposure and will lose detail in those areas.

Just play with the settings and take some test shots and see how you get on. Let us know if you have any questions, post a picture to illustrate what's going on.

It may take a while to get it all down, but it's really worth it in the end!

Have fun!