About the Canon 580EX

[Soto]

Hello guys,

I'm planning on getting me a nice flash for my 20D but I have a dumb question. I know it does but I want to hear what you guys have to say...

What's the difference in picture quality when using this 580EX from the built in flash of the 20D?

Where can I see the difference... anyone?

Thanks

[Tareq]

oh no, are u sure consider that built in as a flash, lol
there are alot of differences, much powerfull, more controlable, using as multi, bounce card, and so....
you should get it without asking that question, alot of people dreaming to get external flash, so don't stop buying one.

[Big Mike]

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=207470

[stupot]

having the flash further away from the lens helps to reduce red-eye. as tareq says you have far more control over it. it is a larger light source so you may get softer shadows... although i dont think this will be that noticeable. however, the most important in my opinion is the option to point the flash head in any direction. using bounce flash (off a ceiling, wall etc) will definately improve your low light portraits. it also has a white tab that pulls out to reflect some light back to the subject whilst bouncing. there are lots more options not listed, but i recommend an external flash. you will wonder why you didnt get one sooner when you have it. if you want to save some money then the 430ex is also a great buy, it has less features and power... but it still has plenty of power! get a set or two of rechargeable batteries and a charger whilst you're at it... its not economical to use throw-away ones...

[Curtis N]

Jungie,
You can be among the first to read this thread (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=207470)about why it's good to have a flash unit. :D

[Soto]

Jungie,
You can be among the first to read this thread (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=207470)about why it's good to have a flash unit. :D

Thanks... it was very helpfull.

[Soto]

Anybody has pictures using the 580EX...

[Curtis N]

Anybody has pictures using the 580EX...I'm sure if you browse through the "People" section, you'll find quite a few.

But the critical thing to understand, first of all, is that any E-TTL flash unit on an EOS camera will give you the same results, as long as the flash is used within its power capabilites. They just do what the camera tells them to do.

Secondly, the particular model of flash unit you have is of minimal importance compared to how it's used. FEC, ambient exposure, bounce, diffuser attachment, bracket, etc. will all affect the outcome.

[chris clements]

If you don't intend to get into multiple flash set-ups, the 430 is a better bet than 580.

[RTMiller]

Anybody has pictures using the 580EX...
Here's one. Metered for the sky and let the 580EX and ETTL-II do the rest...

EDIT: Curtis just posted this thread. You should read it too...
http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=207470

EDIT 2: Just re-read the posts above. Nevermind.

http://rtmiller.smugmug.com/photos/88156531-L.jpg

[Lord_Malone]

Beautiful shot!

[RTMiller]

Thanks Malone. Here's another...
Angel - Did you place an order yet...?

EDIT: Chicks dig big flashes!

http://rtmiller.smugmug.com/photos/78778890-L.jpg

[Soto]

Thanks Malone. Here's another...
Angel - Did you place an order yet...?

EDIT: Chicks dig big flashes!



Not yet...

[Curtis N]

Chicks dig big flashes!True. And when you mount it on a bracket with a sync cord, you almost have to beat them off with a stick!

[RTMiller]

True. And when you mount it on a bracket with a sync cord, you almost have to beat them off with a stick!
So very true. And whatever you do, don't put on that TAG body spray and go out shooting with that setup. You never make it back home!

[FlashZebra]

If you don't intend to get into multiple flash set-ups, the 430 is a better bet than 580.
If you only are getting one now, but intend to get another at a later time (for multiple flash setup), why is it important to buy the 580 first?

Without two you cannot use the "master" functions of the 580, and when you need two you could add the "master" unit last.

Seems just as flexiable either way (580 in a two flash system purchased either first or last)

Enjoy! Lon

[Soto]

If you only are getting one now, but intend to get another at a later time (for multiple flash setup), why is it important to buy the 580 first?

Without two you cannot use the "master" functions of the 580, and when you need two you could add the "master" unit last.

Seems just as flexiable either way (580 in a two flash system purchased either first or last)

Enjoy! Lon

So the 430EX will give me the same results?, Considering I'm not into multiple flash set-ups...

[Curtis N]

So the 430EX will give me the same results?If you're using a single flash unit, the biggest difference between the 430EX and the 580EX is power. The difference is a little less than one stop (guide number 43 meters vs. 58 meters, a factor of 1.4 is one stop, 43 x 1.4 = 60).

So if you're in a situation which requires all the power you can get, this means that with the 430EX you will either need to open your aperture 1 stop or boost the ISO. And depending on the situation, this could compromise your depth-of-field or add unwanted digital noise to the picture.

If you're using direct flash, the 430EX probably won't limit you much unless you're doing a big group shot (the guide number drops significantly when you zoom it for a wide angle lens, so the combination of wide angle and distance requires a lot of power).

If you're bouncing the flash, it could mean the difference between ISO 400 or ISO 800 to get the light you need, depending on the room and what you're bouncing off.

I think it's safe to say that no matter how powerful your flash is, there will always be times when you want more. ;) But it's an individual decision to look at the price difference and consider what you could buy with the money saved by buying the less expensive alternative.

[Soto]

Where they get the power?... from the camera's battery or they have individual battery power?...

I guess I can get the 430EX first and if I need more I'll get the 580... I just want it to get the 580 so I won't be having the need of power when I need it...

[jcw122]

True. And when you mount it on a bracket with a sync cord, you almost have to beat them off with a stick!

Yeah if you can find a bracket that will give you the functionality you want, at a good price (I've been looking at them alot lately, the prices just KILL me...)

[Curtis N]

Where they get the power?... from the camera's battery or they have individual battery power?They all use four AA batteries, alkaline or NiMH (I strongly recommend NiMH). A couple sets of 2500 mha Energizers and a 15 minute charger will serve you well for a long time. There are other ways to power them, for more intense use.

You can download the instruction manuals for these flash units in pdf form from photonotes.org. I think reading through one of them might help you a great deal.