Gary Fong Puffer Pop Up Flash Diffuser

I've always been unhappy with the harsh shadows and bright light when using a camera's built-in flash. I decided to get the Gary Fong Puffer because it seemed like the best product at this price point. I'm very happy that I purchased it, because the results were what I was wanting. Much softer light and a more natural looking image. The quality of the product could be better (much better for two pieces of molded plastic that cost $20!). The black piece that attaches to your hotshoe on the camera is a brittle, hard plastic that broke in two the second time I tried to put it on my camera (a Nikon D40). Luckily for me, it broke exactly in the center, so I can still use it....it's just three pieces now. I would purchase the product again if I had it to do over.
Gary Fong just needs to use a different, softer plastic for the mounting bracket. On the bright side, the white diffusor is height adustable for different cameras and situations. Once mounted to the camera the product is very stable and sturdy. Short of purchasing a seperate flash and diffusor/bounce card, I think this is the way to go.

I think this product is perfect for the pop-up flash in most cameras. the light diffusion works out pretty well. I think for $20 you cant go wrong with this. not to mention its small,light weight and fits in the hotshoe perfectly. i cant say how happy i am to have bought this, but i would much rather have an external flash and put a diffuser on that, but for now using the on board flash and this works pretty well.

If you've read the reviews that discuss broken or damaged devices, there's a reason for that: This little gadget is made of the lowest quality materials that could possibly be used and still have some sort of functionality.
If you get one of these, and I do recommend getting one (or 2), be very, very gentle assembling and, most importantly, mounting the device. Once on your camera, I use it on a XSi/450, it works very well. Some quick advice if you get one. 1, be gentle putting it on your camera - this may sound redundant but you'll understand. 2, increase your flash compensation to +1 stop and experiment / test from there.
Most Important: The results using the "Puffer" are surprisingly good. I've used it at a couple of family gatherings with great effect. The images, both indoor and outdoor fill light, are much, much better than without.

I don't know what these other reviewers are doing that can break the Puffer on first instillation. The Puffer is very sturdy and I can't see it breaking anytime soon. I just toss mine in the bottom of my bag and it survives just fine. They are ether installing it with a sledge hammer or there is a bad batch of them out there.

Tested on my Fuji s602 Zoom:
The Puffer does not work with the s602. The s602 has a sensor right next to the flash that is used to control the flash strength. With the puffer on the flash is turned all the way down because it's reflected right into the sensor. Putting tape over the sensor increased the flash strength but it was still to weak to be useful. It was only good for objects with in about 3 feet from the camera. I think it's a combination of the s602's weak flash and the Puffer blocking too much light.

Tested on my Canon XSi:
It works much better then it did on the Fuji. It still blocks some light and you get reflected flash back into your eyes sometimes. When I need flash I use the Puffer but at the same time I really wish I had a faster lens instead.

If you're looking for a pop up flash diffuser you might want to check out the one sold on ebay too. Search for "Soft Box For On board Flash". Also called the "Shoestring Studio OnBoard Flash Diffuser". It works a bit differently but I think it might have better results. The trade off is a less convenient attachment method. I might give it a try next.

EDIT: It looks like the diffuser I was talking about is now available on Amazon too.Flash Softbox Diffuser for Digital or Film Camera Photography Fits on Board Flash

Never got a chance to use it--although it's a clever concept. The first time I attempted to press the plastic base into my hotshoe, it snapped in two.