Compatibility Speelight 430 EZ with EOS 3. What's E-TTL?

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I own EOS 3 body, and now have a chance to buy a 430 EZ. I know the new 550 EX is the best for my EOS 3, but since I'm not a hard flash user and have not much money, I wonder if this could be a good choice. The new 550 EX is E-TTL with the EOS 3 and 430 EZ is not, but what's E-TTL? Is it worth the extra money for the E-TTL?

Peio Ezkurra - Basque Country.

-- Peio Ezkurra (peio_e@hotmail.com), January 21, 2002

Answers

i came across this link on another yahoo group...it is a damn comprehensive article on flash photography using the canon eos system...covers bodies and flash units with explanation of how everything actually works... maybe it helps http://teladesign.com/photo/eos-flash/

ciao venkat

-- Venkat (venkat_p_iyer@yahoo.com), January 21, 2002.


The aforementioned flash article is comprehensive but it might be a bit overwhelming. Bookmark it for future use, then skim through it and find the discussion of E-TTL, A-TTL, and TTL. Also, find the link to the Westfall/Overton flash FAQ (it's near the top of the first page) and read that one - it isn't anywhere near as complete but it's smaller and will give you an understanding of what E-TTL is relative to the other flash metering technologies.

The 430EZ is a fine flash unit - it was top-of-the-line when it was introduced - but it lacks E-TTL. You'll get A-TTL and TTL metering with it. They're not bad, though E-TTL is better, particularly for fill flash. You'll also miss out on flash exposure lock and the ability to use flash at shutter speeds higher than 1/200.

If you don't need any of the features of the 430EZ (manual zoom control, manual output control, the LCD panel on the back, etc.), the 420EX might be a better match - about the same power, tilts and swivels like the 430EZ does, but offers all the advanced flash features.

Still, the 430EZ is certainly more useful than not having a flash at all. If the choice is 430EZ or nothing, get the 430EZ.

-- Steve Dunn (steved@ussinc.com), January 21, 2002.


I own a 430EZ, and an EOS 5. I have used my 430EZ on the EOS 3, however, and have had very good results. I am soon to upgrade to an EOS 3, and have no intention of changing my flashgun in the forseeable future. I just don't use it enough to be worthwhile. If the price is good, go for it. However, if the manual features of the 430EZ are lost on you, you might want to look at the 420EX, as this is E-TTL, and relatively cheap, but does not provide you any manual control.

-- Isaac Sibson (isibson@hotmail.com), January 21, 2002.

Thanks everyone, 100 % useful. I've decided to buy the 430 EZ for 100 US $. If I become a flash user, maybe I will go for a 550 EX in the future.

Peio Ezkurra - Basque Country

-- Peio Ezkurra (peio_e@hotmail.com), January 22, 2002.


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