Built in flash has become a universal feature in most digital SLR (single lens reflex) cameras. This convenient, picture saving feature is great and even some professional grade cameras like the one I own come with it.
The only problem with built in flash is that if you’re picky about the way your photographs look, pop up flash does not diffuse light evenly. In layman’s terms, this means that built in flash is not ideal because it shoots strong, concentrated light towards the pure center of the photo often making your subjects appear a little or a lot brighter than they should. The outer edges of your photographs also suffer because they appear darker than they should.
This week I had a chance to test drive a simple device that solves this flash problem like a charm. It’s called Lightscoop.

WITHOUT LIGHTSCOOP: My digital SLR's built-in flash shoots unevenly and with a bias towards the middle, which is typical for all built-in flash.

WITH LIGHTSCOOP: Lighting is even dispersed to give the sensation that the photographer is using natural light.
Lightscoop is a low tech, plastic device that creates soft, flattering light by redirecting your camera’s pop-up flash to a ceiling or wall. Lightscoop easily fits into the flash connection unit (hot shoe) of most digital SLR brands and is 5 inches long, 2 inches tall and about 2.5 inches wide.
PROS
– Lightscoop works as advertised. The device helps the flash disperse light evenly across the full frame of a photograph. Hot spots are completely eliminated. (See my side by side test photos for reference).
– In addition to removing harsh light, Lightscoop prevents ugly flash shadows from appearing in photographs.
– Lightscoop helps people’s skin tone appear warmer and truer to natural light.
CONS
– The Lightscoop device is large and protrudes up in an unwieldy fashion. It would nice if the device could fold for storage like similar external flash accessories like it do. In my case, I’ve decided it’s best to leave Lightscoop on the camera permanently since my digital SLR is not a pocket digital camera anyway.
– Lightscoop is not available for all camera brands and models so check Lightscoop’s site to make sure that your exact model is listed. If it’s not, don’t order it.
CONCLUSION

It would be nice if they modified future versions of Lightscoop so it's easier to store. I leave mine on.
Even though it would be ideal for Lightscoop to easily fold away you can’t argue with a device that does what it says it does.
DISCLOSURE: Lightscoop provided its device to PapiBlogger free. PapiBlogger only reviews products that it endorses and was not obligated by Lightscoop to review the product.