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View Full Version : Speedlite 540 EZ vs. 550 EX

karusel
21st of June 2004 (Mon), 04:27
WTB a flash unit, now I want to know if 540 would do the job for me... so what are practical differences between the two? This is specially interesting because I could get two used 540's instead of one new 550.
Haifidelity
21st of June 2004 (Mon), 05:35
540EZ is the older Canon Flash Model that is not compatible with E-TTL which are basically older Type B EOS Bodies.

The 550EX is compatible w/E-TTL with Type A Bodies (generally any camera from the EOS 3 Series and on), has wireless flash operation (to control other EX series speedlites).

You can do a search for Type A/B bodies and which camera bodies are compatible with EZ or EX series Speedlites.
GenEOS
21st of June 2004 (Mon), 09:12
They will be fine if you plan on using them in manual mode only.
Otherwise you need an EX series.
scottbergerphoto
21st of June 2004 (Mon), 09:14
They will be fine if you plan onb using them in manual mode only.
Otherwise you need an EX series.
The other option is a third party dedicated flash for Canon like the Sigma 500DG Super(cheaper then 550EX), or a Quantum Q Flash T4D ($$$$$$).
They will do ETTL.
Scott
karusel
21st of June 2004 (Mon), 10:06
Yes I was considering the Sigma, but now I got a better offer with the 540 EZ. I know one needs a certain amount of knowledge using flashes in general even if they support E-TTL, but I have no idea if I could learn using the manual 540 EZ in less than 20 years... :) Also with experience in manual flashing, is it possible NOT to miss the E-TTL capabilities?
robertwgross
21st of June 2004 (Mon), 10:11
What kind of flash photography are you trying to do?

What kind of camera are you using?

Lately, with so many photographers moving over from film to digital, there has been a flood of good 540EZ flash units coming onto the used market so that a new 550EX or similar can be purchased. I've used a 540EZ, and it is no piece of junk, but it doesn't fit my needs now with most things digital.

---Bob Gross---
karusel
21st of June 2004 (Mon), 12:14
Oh, sorry, I forgot to mention - I'm using the 10D. Purpose of flash: for now, non-studio portraits, concerts, clubs, events and such. A few months later I'm thinking of using it as an additional flash unit besides the macro ring/twin lite and in the somewhat far future as part of the studio flash-setup.