The Future(?) of Flash Photography

I often have to photograph interiors of boarded-up buildings with little or no lighting, so using a flash is essential, right? Well, it used to be; now, maybe not. Digital cameras are made with more light-sensitive sensors than ever before, so you can now literally take a shot in the dark with confidence. This would be a moot point if the results weren't significantly better than using a flash. Unfortunaltely for the flash, it's range is limited and it's strength is relative to the distance it has to cover; great for smaller spaces, not so great for big open spaces.

Here are two examples:

With flash . .


Without flash . .


And this building was lit only by an open door and a few frosted-glass windows:

With flash . .


Without flash . .