What do digital speedlights do? why would you get one?

Question

What do digital speedlights do? why would you get one?

Answer 1

They are large flash units you but on your camera. The built in flash on most camera's is only good for about 15 feet. These larger units can flash for 4 or 5 times that distance. Many are adjustable for the amount of flash.

Answer 2

As hot dog said they are more powerful than the one built in on the camera. In addition you have more control over flash modes like slow sync, rear curtain sync, iTTL etc. They adjust for zoom of the lens based on data given back from the camera. They are more adjustable in power settings than the one on the camera. With Nikon they are part of the creative lightings system which lets you set them for wireless operation off the camera. you can wirelessly control multiple stobes at different energy settings. You can use them with umbrellas or softboxes similar to studio stobes.

If you want to get an idea what modern speedlights can do go to

www.strobist.com