The Next 580EX

[MDJAK]

There have been so many camera threads relating to what we would like to see improved in the next model camera, etc.

The 580ex is now almost two years old and is surely nearing replacement.

Besides a higher guide number, perhaps slightly lighter weight, what else can be done to improve this excellent flash?

What would you like to see improved?

Perhaps a better manual, for one thing?

mark

[oni0n56]

i think itd be cool if it came with some nice diffusion technology or integrated gels or something. sort of like how they have that white catchlight and the wide-diffuser thing.

that would ruin the 3rd party market for some things - but i think it would be nice to have more functionality out of the box and in the package rather than having velcroed stuff and numerous accessories

[FlashZebra]

If there is a flash replacement for the 580EX, expect only new features not any real increase in power output. If there is an increase in power it will likely be insignificant.

The technology to make the actual flash is very mature. The only way you are going to get more power output is to increase the size of the power capacitor. This will just make the flash larger, and a 580EX is about as big a unit that you want to hang on a hotshoe.

A flash unit with significantly more power, and the resulting increase in size, would most likely gravitate to an off camera handle mounted flash.

These handle mount flash units were common for most camera systems just a few years ago. You might see them again.

Enjoy! Lon

[Bob_A]

Canon updates their flashes about once every 5 years.

420EX 2000
430EX 2005

550EX 1998
580EX 2004

[Curtis N]

While the 580EX is both slightly smaller and slightly more powerful than its predecessor the 550EX, I don't think size is a big issue.

What I would really like is an auto-thyristor option!

[FlashZebra]

While the 580EX is both slightly smaller and slightly more powerful than its predecessor the 550EX, I don't think size is a big issue.

What I would really like is an auto-thyristor option!
The absolutely best, and very simple, addition that Canon could make to their higher powered flash units would be the addition of a simple PC port.

A built in optical slave (like the Nikon SB-26 and the Sigma Super would also be nice), but with a PC connection much of this off camera pain that is slung daily on this forum would mostly go away.

No more $50.00 adapters from Paramont for Pocket Wizards, no more problems hooking up an optical slave, no more confusion about how your integrate you nice Canon flash with studio flash, etc. etc. etc.

Enjoy! Lon

[muscleflex]

i don't want any replacements just yet for my 580! mine's only just under 1yr old!!!

[Bob_A]

i don't want any replacements just yet for my 580! mine's only just under 1yr old!!!

You'll probably get your wish for another 4 years :)

[In2Photos]

How about a built-in retractable off shoe cord?

[JustinL]

Lon said it right. Canon could look to Nikon flashes to find out what to do next.

[cosworth]

Weather sealing?

[cosworth]

No more $50.00 adapters from Paramont for Pocket Wizards...Enjoy! Lon


My adapter was 9 dollars...and allows me to keep the flash high on the tripod while the pocketwizard on the tripod attachment.

[Billginthekeys]

Weather sealing?
agreed. i love my 580, but when compaired to my other gear, it definitly seems much more fragile then the rest. It could stand up a little beefier structure. i know most wedding/portait/ect photographers could care less, but for nature it seems an important enough improvement.

[MrScott]

How about a built-in retractable off shoe cord?

Replace the IR wireless with RF!

OR

Add an RJ11 or RJ45 connector to extend off shoe support to +35 feet for 100% consistenancy.

Come out with a dedicated controller and remote unit. Use the controller to handle the A:B:C thing and remotes with no local interfaces, just mondo power w/batteries and a bare bulb with no risk of "burning up".

[Double Negative]

Weathersealing and a titanium hotshoe mount. Maybe an integrated LCD panel that you can change the color of via controls on the back to "gel" the flash.

[cdifoto]

A red ring painted around the head would be nice. And improve my photos by ten fold.

[John_B]

A better menu system for adjusting the CF#'s like the ones used in the DSLR's would be nice (seeing the LCD display is large enough for it). :) Like londuck I would like a pcsync port also. However it is a great flash and I wouldn't upgrade for any of these reasons :D

[René Damkot]

There is only one thing that *really* bugs me to no end: Why doesn't the 580s displays illumination come on when I hit the display illumination on the camera?? Nikon has had thet for years, even with Metz flashes...
For all people with cameras with a built in flash, it would be nice if those could act as master, or at least trigger... Would be even nicer if the next 1 series had some way to remote trigger a 580 (or 5whatever; that would be a reason to upgrade)

[Servo'd]

Ha mr calzinger wont be too happy if they come out with a replacement, his 580 is on the way

[cdifoto]

Even if they did improve the 580EX, I find the current model to be more than sufficient.