Sigma EF 500 DG Super Flash & 300D: Flash Exposure Compensation?

[Vita Rara]

I'm am considering getting the Sigma EF 500 DG Super flash in deference to the Canon 550EX or 580EX. (Budget's a little tight saving for the 1DMkII.)

So, I have a 300D now and I would like to do some flash photography. It was my understanding that the 550EX and 580EX would allow a user of a 300D to do FEC on the flash unit.

First, is this true that a 300D can do FEC with a 550EX and 580EX?

Second, does anyone who has a Sigma EF 500 DG Super know if it supports the same functionality when used on a 300D?

Thanks,

Mark

[Bruce Watson]

FEC is built into the Sigma, and the Canons.

It is not built into the 300D, although you can install the "hack" software which does have it.

I have the "hack" and am happy with it, using the on camera FEC in preference to the flash adjustment but YMMV.

So, in summary, any of the flashes you list will provide you with FEC on the flash itself and all work the same with the 300D.

None of the flashes can provide FEC functionality to the 300D body itself, but the software hack will.

Confusing, no?

[F1_Fan]

On camera FEC is much easier to deal with than on the flash. Press one button and spin the wheel.

This combined with mirror lock-up and the ability to use SET to adjust image size/compression makes the modified firmware worth it in my eyes.