Entry level external flash fot SX10IS

[justashootin]

Hey everyone. New to the forum and the whole photography thing. About a month ago, I bought a SX10IS. So far its a great camera with alot of features that I am still learning and probably wont ever learn them all. So far though, i'm not liking the flash that it has. Seems to set the flash in just a small area instead of shooting it out further as I would like. I have been looking at the canon speedlite flashes. I noticed they have the new 270EX. Fairly inexspensive compared to other flashes. Has anyone used one of these? I guess i'm just looking for some input on an entry level flash. Any input on this flash or others would be appreciated. Thank you

[originalstarlite]

I had the 220EX, and it was quite an inprovement over the built-in flash. Plenty of power for small/mid-size rooms as long as you use common sense. It has well defined limitations for distance. It was very compact, light, recycled in seconds, fit in my case, looked like a match to the camera, and did not cost more than the camera.

That being said, I just shipped it Adorama last week, as a trade in for the 270EX. It has a bit more power than the 220EX and does bounce flash. I do not have it yet, so there is no feed back regarding that unit.

There will be many that tell you that you must buy the 430EX or you are a fool. To me, spending more on the flash than the camera and getting one that is bigger than the camera, is the foolish part. But hey, each hears a different drum.

[justashootin]

Thanks for the input. I understand the whole not wanting to spend the same as I did for my camera. I just want alittle more bounce from the flash instead of the straight on flash like the built in. If you dont mind, once you get the 270EX, give some feedback on it. Much appreciated. Thank you

[JustShootin']

After reading the specs for the 270, I noticed that the head will tilt for horizontal shots, but won't swivel for vertical work. If you take many vertical shots, I think you would miss the swivel function. As for spending as much or more for camera accessories than the camera cost, that's been the norm ever since there's been cameras. I sure have to agree though, that I don't like a flash that's bigger than the camera.

[lensmen]

would you consider a pre-own 540EX or something. The SX10 should have as much manual overides on the flash as the DSLR camera, and having a more powerful flash enables you to do more (i think).

[justashootin]

Thank you guys for the input. I think I am going to get the 270. Was reading different things on it and am going to try it out. Fairly cheap and will look good on the SX10.

[originalstarlite]

There will be many that tell you that you must buy the 430EX or you are a fool. To me, spending more on the flash than the camera and getting one that is bigger than the camera, is the foolish part. But hey, each hears a different drum.


Found this picture at a thread discussing the 270EX. That picture of the the 530 and 270 says a lot.

http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll232/Nekohead_Fotog/POTN/270EX-0099.jpg

[justashootin]

Yea once I posted this, I started looking around the forum and also found this. Big difference in size. I think it would look alittle crazy on the SX10.

[Jon]

would you consider a pre-own 540EX or something. The SX10 should have as much manual overides on the flash as the DSLR camera, and having a more powerful flash enables you to do more (i think).
The 540 is an EZ model - you won't get auto-flash with that on the SX10, only full manual. You need to be sure that you either get a dedicated "EX" flash or a general-purpose flash like the Vivitar 285, which controls flash output autonomously..

[c2thew]

a big flash works well on the powershot S series. it's a triffle bit cumbersome to use with a g10 as the balance isn't correct.

my lens has a wide angle adapter on it (canon s5)

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h120/c2thew/Canon%20s5%20pictures/IMG_5145.jpg

[originalstarlite]

c2thew,

I went to your Flickr page to check out your pimp'n on the S5. Dude, you need a donkey! :razz:

Seriously, it is far more than I want to carry. That is the beauty of the SX10. But hey, I bet you can light up the night.

[Joe M]

I do not know if I can say this or not on this forum, but I wanted to tell you about the flash I purchased. It is the Sunpack PZ40X II. It is small a flash that is very bright. It is better then the flash on the SX10is and works with TTL.
Joe M

[originalstarlite]

Thanks for the input. I understand the whole not wanting to spend the same as I did for my camera. I just want alittle more bounce from the flash instead of the straight on flash like the built in. If you dont mind, once you get the 270EX, give some feedback on it. Much appreciated. Thank you

I'll taken a few shots and now an opinion is starting to form. First of all, I love the fact that it's smaller than the 220EX! Couple that with the increase in power, the lighter weight (2 AA's), the metal foot, bouncing/telescoping head), an absolute no brainer.

Yes, it has the rapid strobe focusing system instead of the infared beam focusing, but neither one of those is operational with my SX10. Those features are camera menu items only in the EOS.