1/16 flash output mode in 420EX

[tony723]

Can 420EX flash has a smaller flash output e.g. 1/16 so that the re-charge time of the flash can be shortened?

If not, any other model of external flash can do that and use in 10D/300D? I saw someone use one with 10D but do not know the model and brand name.

Further can other flash offer othan than E-TTL mode as sometimes I need to have flash sync with external light for indoor protraints.

Thanks!

[scottbergerphoto]

tony723 wrote:
Can 420EX flash has a smaller flash output e.g. 1/16 so that the re-charge time of the flash can be shortened?

If not, any other model of external flash can do that and use in 10D/300D? I saw someone use one with 10D but do not know the model and brand name.

Further can other flash offer othan than E-TTL mode as sometimes I need to have flash sync with external light for indoor protraints.

Thanks!

The 420EX doesn't have manual control of flash output. You are limited by Flash Exposure Compensation on the camera. The 550EX does have manual mode. There are 3rd party flashes that work on Canon cameras like Quantum that are sold with Canon modules that have manual cintrol.
Canon Digital cameras only work in ETTL or Manual Flash. You can still use additional slave flashes, but you must use a Digital Slave such as one from Wein that ignores the Pre-flash of ETTL unless you are in Manual Flash mode on the on camera flash in which case you would need to use a flash meter.
Scott

[tony723]

scottbergerphoto wrote:
tony723 wrote:
Can 420EX flash has a smaller flash output e.g. 1/16 so that the re-charge time of the flash can be shortened?

If not, any other model of external flash can do that and use in 10D/300D? I saw someone use one with 10D but do not know the model and brand name.

Further can other flash offer othan than E-TTL mode as sometimes I need to have flash sync with external light for indoor protraints.

Thanks!

The 420EX doesn't have manual control of flash output. You are limited by Flash Exposure Compensation on the camera. The 550EX does have manual mode. There are 3rd party flashes that work on Canon cameras like Quantum that are sold with Canon modules that have manual cintrol.
Canon Digital cameras only work in ETTL or Manual Flash. You can still use additional slave flashes, but you must use a Digital Slave such as one from Wein that ignores the Pre-flash of ETTL unless you are in Manual Flash mode on the on camera flash in which case you would need to use a flash meter.
Scott

Thanks for your advice. If 420ex cannot do it, I am thinking to get another model for that. 550ex is too expensive. I saw someone attached a very small flash on top of 10D and have very small flash power output. It is Swiss made but I do not know the exact model.

Thanks again!

[jcsorensen]

Try the Sigma EF-500 Super DG. It is the Sigma knock off of the Canon 550EX, at about half the price of th 550EX. It lets you set flash output from 1:1 down to 1:128. Got mine recently and seems to be working well with my 10D, but have not really had a chance to put it through a full set of trials.

[robertwgross]

If you are simply trying to get the flash intensity down in order to quicken the flash cycle time, then why not use the internal flash on the camera?

---Bob Gross---

[tony723]

robertwgross wrote:
If you are simply trying to get the flash intensity down in order to quicken the flash cycle time, then why not use the internal flash on the camera?

---Bob Gross---
Yes, it can but I think external flash has more power and guide number and recharge time may be faster.

Also another problem is the internal flash only support ETTL and cannot sync with external flash light when taking indoor protraints pictures.

[robertwgross]

tony723 wrote:
Yes, it can but I think external flash has more power and guide number and recharge time may be faster.

Also another problem is the internal flash only support ETTL and cannot sync with external flash light when taking indoor protraints pictures.


So, let me get this straight... you want an external flash so that you get a larger guide number, but you want to shoot with 1/16th power?

What are you calling an external flash light? A 550EX? I use my 550EX and do not need the internal flash.

---Bob Gross---

[dn7elson]

You might want to try differing types of batteries, e.g., NiCad vs NMh vs Lithium vs. Alkaline and compare the recycle times. You may find that changing battery type gives you the increased recycle time you seek.

[DonCoon]

dn7elson wrote:
You might want to try differing types of batteries, e.g., NiCad vs NMh vs Lithium vs. Alkaline and compare the recycle times. You may find that changing battery type gives you the increased recycle time you seek.

Recycle time for the 420EX is rated at .1 to 7.5 seconds with alkalines and .1 to 4.5 seconds with NiCds. NiCds are typically rated at 600mah. 1800mah NiMHs will significantly speed up recharge although you'll get about half as many shots due to the lower starting voltage. But whats 400 vs. 800 anyway? :)

See page 50 in the 420EX manual.