220 vs 420 ex speedlites

[MikeG3]

Forum oh Great Forum.....

Looking for a external flash that works with the G3. The manual mentions both the 220 and 420 series. Reading the forum, noticed that the preference is for the 420 which is a bit expensive but seems to have some issues in working in fully automatic with the G3.

Looking for an external flash to eliminate red-eye and do some better indoor shooting. Thought that the 220 may be more cost effective for me.

Any experience with the 220 out there.

Mike G

[KarlJones]

I think you'd be happier in the short course with the 420EX, as it's more bang-for-the-stamps. The 550EX.. now that's expensive, relative to the other two. I did a little quick checking of all three units price from the website of three merchants and listed the prices for the 220EX, 420EX, and 550EX respectively:

B&H Photo Video
$114.95, $179.95, $329.95

Beach Camera
$149.00, 199.00, $318.00

Samys Camera
$119.95, $179.95, $329.95

With the 420EX, you 'll get tilt (bounce), swivel, zoom, and slave capability. Hell, you could even use a Quantum battery pack with it (although a handful of spare nimh AA's in your bag will probably suffice). All in all, a wiser investment if you can squeeze it. JMO.

[onehotrx7]

The 220EX is not that much more powerful than the built in flash (about 1/3 more, from memory) and not high enough over the lens to really solve red eye issues... if you add the off camera lead you'd need to be able to bounce or tilt it to make any real use of it, and you'd be close to the price of the 420EX, which is the minimum flash I'd recommend to you if you really NEED to have an external flash...

It's easy to dial in a little negative flash compensation, which is all you need for shots that are really closer than the 420EX is designed for, unless you're using bounce flash... I found it spot on for the G2, unless your subject was too close...

Cheers,
Stuart

[pukkita]

mikeg3, the only automation lack w/ the 420ex and the G3 is the autofocus beam. All the rest integrates nicely. The thing it lacks is manual mode for use unattached; the manual mode is provided via the camera controls.

I'd go for the 420ex, the 220 is not worth if you loook at the price/performance ratio.

[rtphokie]

The 220 is a waste of money IMHO, it really doesn't provide much that the internal flash doesn't already include. The benefit of an external flash is the ability to bounce.

I wouldn't think the 220 is being sold to too many digicam users, much less too many powershot (G2, G3, or G5). It's main market must be SLR (film) cameras which lack a internel flash.

I wish there was something between the 220 and 330 that included tilt and swivel but not remote capabilities (which I'll probably never use).