Gary Fong Puffer Pop Up Flash Diffuser

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.

I was a little hesitant after reading some of the reviews about how flimsy the mounting bracket was but I decided to go ahead and try it. The only other option was the Lumiquest-Soft Screen and I didn't feel like putting velcro on my Canon 30D. I've had no problems with the bracket and for the price, I think that the construction is strong enough.

The comparison with portraits is amazing. Not only are the shadows softer, but the colors are more saturated and intense...more like an existing light photo. My four favorite nude practice models, our dogs, have little or no red-eye.

One change I did make, was with flash compensation when using the pop-up as fill flash. I usually dial the flash exposure down about one stop. I don't do that when I use the puffer. You also lose a few feet of range on the flash so if your subject is at the outer limit of what your flash will illuminate, you'd better remove the puffer or move closer to the subject.

I have been undecided on a flash unit to use with macro work. For $20, I figured this might be a good stepping stone, until I figure out exactly what I want in a flash unit.
So far I've tried it out on floral close ups, and it worked out great, with lovely light and only some soft shadows. Can't wait to try it out with bugs and butterflies!