I'm in the market for a compact flash for my EOS 620. I have a 540EZ, it's a great unit, but just too big to use for fill flash (TTL) when I'm doing point and shoot stuff. I guess my criteria, in order of importance would be, 1.TTL capable 2.Compact 3.Have flash exposure compensation function. Power is not a big concern since this unit will be used mostly for daylight snapshot stuff. Any recommendations? Thanks.

-- Eldon White (ewhite@Megsinet.net), June 04, 1999

Answers

The only Canon EOS speedlites with flash exposure compensation are the 430EZ, 540EZ and 550EX. However, none of these offers FEC with the 620, 650, 750 or 850, because those bodies pre-date FEC capability.

For a compact speedlite, I recommend the 160E or 200E, both TTL capable. The 160E is the smallest and lightest and uses the same 2CR5 battery as does your 620 body. The 200E is slightly larger and about twice the weight, due mostly to it 4 AA cells power supply. The 160E is available only on the second hand market and the 200E is readily available new for about $50-70.

See my Canon EOS Speedlites Comparison Table.

-Dave

-- Dave Herzstein (dherzstein@juno.com), June 04, 1999.

I routinely use my 540EZ, hot shoe mounted, for fill flash. -2 to -3 stops of flash exposure comp will provide a very natural and subtle amount of fill flash without a "lit" look. One can further tame the light output by using a plastic diffuser cap, bouncing when feasible, or by switching the flash to manual mode and programming in a mere fraction of the flash's available power. At any rate, I believe the 540 will do what you want, and that you don't need to spend more money on a smaller, less flexible flash. You may want to re-read the 540's manual and then experiment. In my experience, the 540 is quite capable of providing fill flash that is so subtle that you may not be able to tell if it was used unless you specifically remember employing it. This is what you're after--a well exposed photo with lighting that you would swear was all ambient--i.e., there is no "lit" look discernable.

-- kurt heintzelman (heintzelman.1@osu.edu), June 04, 1999.