What is a Flashgun?

I talk about what a flashgun is and try and help you get to grips with the idea of an External Flash

I have just picked out some helpful information that I found in the forums and also made this short video. I hope it helps. enjoy =]

"The trouble with built in flash is they are usually low power and one directional. An external unit will usualy be more powerful and controllable, has a movable head allowing for bounce flash also it can be used Off Camera, with a suitable cord or wireless trigger.
Diffusers ? there are many shapes and sizes of diffuser, I think a fair few of them are gimmicky, the only diffuser I use is one I made from an old piece of plastic packaging, works a treat, and cost nothing" - Steve

"I agree with Steve on the built in flashes, they are very low power and i don't feel they do the photograph much justice a lot of the time, they are also very harsh, but back n the olden days for me I've used a piece of thin masking tape to diffuse the flash, its all down to trial and error." - Claire

"There's nothing wrong with the in-built flash, it does what it says it'll do and it's fine for the family party snaps.
Having said that, it's not cumbersome like an external set-up, and I have often used it when doing macro stuff without being disappointed.
In my humble opinion external flash is for those enthusiasts and pros into serious poor light situations and one of the big advantages is that it's not "one size fits all" but can be adjusted for various strengths and angles. They come in all shapes, sizes, and prices!

I don't have an external flash, never have, and never needed one, but I'm sure that it's a great, and often essential, tool for many." - Ron

"The biggest single benefit of an external flash is that it can be used off camera. As has already been said, built in flash is one directional, harsh and creates heavy shadows with no diffusion (spread) of light. Off camera flash can take your subjects from 2D to 3D and gives a whole array of options for creative lighting.

On the speed lights you can buy additional diffusers (see Practical Photography this month for some good reviews) some work well and are simple, others not so. But I'd master each step at a time before investing further. Hope this helps!" - Gareth

"Flash guns are also great outside when there is strong natural light. Use the flash gun to fill in to get rid of unwanted shadows." - Andy