Canon Flash 550 or 580?

[Grodan]

Hi,

We have a Canon 10D and need to buy a flash. We are looking at 550EX or 580EX and have difficulties to decide. Can anyone give us a recommendation?

Grodan

[aikidoforever]

As far as flash output is concerned, the 580 is marginally better and most people would'nt pay the additional cost for such a small difference. However, the 580 does have a few features not found on the 550.

The following is taken from Bob Atkins:

"One major new feature for digital shooters is that the flash now knows the sensor size of the EOS 20D (and EOS 1D Mk II with firmware update), and zooms the flash head to give full coverage over only the area seen by the sensor. The 550EX did not do this, and so, for example, "wasted" energy illuminating the 24x36mm frame outside that covered by the 22x15mm sensor in the 220D.

The 580EX also communicates with the 20D and 1D Mark II to ensure better white balance. If the battery charge starts to run low, white balance is adjusted to compensate for changes in flash characteristics.
The wide angle diffuser on the 580EX now gives full flash coverage for 14mm lenses (full frame), which means that it will provide full coverage for the EF-S 10-22 lens on a 20D or 300D (equivalent to a 16mm lens on full frame). "

Hope this helps.

Happy New Year!! ;-)

[aikidoforever]

Oh, I just realized that you have the 10D... So, perhaps it wouldn't be as advantageous had you had the 20D... :-(

[tim]

Don't rule out the 420EX - one of my friends has one and he says it does a great job. If you have to ask you're probably not a professional (neither am I), so the cheaper one might do you. I got the 550EX though. Another friend has the Sigma flash, which he quite likes and says works very well.

[C.S.I.]

I really like my Sigma 500 DG Super.........just as good if not better than 550EX for $200.

Regards.
Bill