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ya i guess i should have specified.
will be using my handheld minolta, with the sb800 nikon flash(es) -if i decide to buy a couple more-.
TTL metering ill seems to be a bit easier to learn for now anyway.
But your explanation helped a bit chip, not to say a little, but, I'm trying to digest it. Like i said, i tend to confuse myself about the issue. lol
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Here's a little more information for you. Kind of an FYI.
A manufacturer's flash unit is one of the most expensive ways to buy light, when you look how much power you get vs. the amount of money you pay for it. For instance, the SB800 runs just north of $300. It has a guide number of 125 (f/12.5 at 10') to 184 (f/18.4 at 10') depending on the zoom head setting. It takes 3.5 seconds to recycle when the batteries are fresh. Compare this to something like an AlienBees B800. That unit costs $280 and has a guide number of 160 (f/16.0 @ 10') to 320 (f/32.0 @ 10') depending on which reflector you use. It recycles in 1 second. You get almost twice the amount of light and much faster recycling times for less money.
When using multiple light sources, TTL can be very frustrating because you almost never get the same shot twice. The camera is telling all of the units to turn off when the camera thinks it's got enough light. Sometimes the hair light is just right, sometimes it's too hot, and other times it's not enough. Connect 3 or 4 flash units and you will go crazy trying to figure out why your shot doesn't look the way you want it to.
Third-party strobes also give you much more flexibility and creativity. They are easily attached to lightstands without having to rig a small contraption. There are a wealth of modifiers that are easily attached to them: softboxes, barndoors, snoots, grids, dishes, etc. You have much more control over the quality of light.
Shoe mounted flashes definately have their place. They are small, lightweight, and easy to carry. TTL is very nice if you just want to fire and forget. But if you really want to start taking control of your light, learn what's going on, and bend _it_ to _your_ will I'd recommend taking the money you'd spend on 2 SB800's and get yourself an inexpensive two-light kit from a reputable manufacturer. A lot of people you will talk to on this board like the afore-mentioned Alien Bees. You can get lights, stands, umbrellas, and carry-cases for the same money you're thinking of spending.
The best way to start figuring this stuff out is to shoot. Start simply with one or two lights and figure out how to use them. There are a ton of resources on this sight, and a bunch of people here willing to give you advice. I know of one guy in particular {cough}
Don {cough} who came here last February in about the same shape you are. He's improved tremendously in nine months. If he can do it, you can too.
Have fun,
-Chip