Canon 5D and the 550EX flash [Archive] - Canon Digital Photography Forums

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JCalvert

17th of July 2006 (Mon), 07:32

I have heard that the Canon 5D and the 550EX flash are not compatible. Is that 100% true or is it that just some new feature doesn't work.
Has anyone tried this combination? I am trying to avoid buying a new flash if I buy the 5D.

Thanks

René Damkot

17th of July 2006 (Mon), 07:36

550EX and 5D will work just fine.
That being said, I'ld choose the 580 over the 550 anyday, based on ergonomics alone...

kawter2

17th of July 2006 (Mon), 10:10

I have exposure issues with my 5D and 550, HOWEVER. I do not have 580's so I can not see if my camera alone is having issues, or if it doesn't like the 550s

Mark_Cohran

17th of July 2006 (Mon), 10:46

As far as I know, any EX flash is compatible with the 5D. The EZ series, however, doesn't support Canon Digital cameras.

Mark

ssim

17th of July 2006 (Mon), 11:26

I always had issues with the 550 in trying to get the exposures right on any of my bodies. I moved over to the 580's and it was resolved. The 550 does work fine with the 5D you just have to work a little harder to get the settings right for each session.

robbiephoto

26th of May 2010 (Wed), 10:23

mine works perfect in all modes

alpha_1976

26th of May 2010 (Wed), 10:24

it works fine on my 5D.

VishalChohan

19th of December 2011 (Mon), 09:31

ejenner

19th of December 2011 (Mon), 10:56

Hi Guys

I am new to this game, I have just got myself a Canon 5D Mark ii with a speedlite 550ex Flash, and all the pictures are coming out dark, is there a solution for this? or can anyone help me out plz.

Thanks

Vish

Yea, the 5DII underexposes (nearly) everything in matrix mode. At least mine tends to, especially if shooting raw and wanting to expose to the right. If the ambient light is low - i.e. you are not just using the flash for a bit of infill, then I suggest a flash exposure compensation of ~+1 to +1 2/3 stop. Maybe on the lower side if you are shooting .jpeg. If you are shooting infill, then add 1/2-2/3 of a stop to what you would 'normally' use.

I don't know what mode you usually use, but when working with flash I use manual and set it to get as much ambient light as I want (or the aperture and ISO I am prepared to live with) and then let the flash do its thing (with the positive exposure compensation if the flash is providing most of the exposure).