What's the difference between an external flash and a built-in flash of a camera?

The flash of the camera itself is like a "stupid machine". It is fully automatic and cannot be adjusted. There is only one flash parameter.

Moreover, the flash comes with its own setting menu, which can manually set parameters according to the shooting needs and freely control the amount of light entering, so that each creation has more space and is more in line with professional needs.

2. Power difference:

The flash index (gn) is one of the indicators reflecting the flash power. The higher the gn value, the greater the flash power.

The GN value of a typical external flash is generally above 30, while the GN value of the camera's own flash is generally only 12, so under the same ISO and aperture, the GN value of the external flash is 3-4 times that of the camera's own flash.

3, lighting effect difference:

The built-in direct flash can make full use of the light of the flash, but it will produce harder light and more obvious shadows, which looks unnatural.

The external flash can rotate and reflect light. The reflective flash will be much softer. Photographers can use the surrounding white walls, ceilings and other objects to reflect light and get softer and more natural light effects.