Speedlite 380EX vs: 420EX

[DAVE THE SLAVE]

I am looking into purcashing a Canon Speedlite to help eliminate the RED EYE that the G2 produces.
Is this a good idea for me?
Is there a big difference between the two of them?
Any other idea's?

[AndyDe]

I had a 380EX that I bought second hand to use on my 500n SLR & it works fine on the G2, much better than the onboard flash & no redeye. It's functions are pretty basic but I've also got the 540EZ for my eos 5 it's got loads of facilities that I've never needed to use.

[WSD223]

I'm not familiar with the 380ex, but the best features of the 420ex that I got is the E-TTL and the ability to bounce the flash with the camera held either sideways or vertically.

[bfaust]

My 380 works fine with the G2. It is programable just like the built in flash, except when you point it up from the straight ahead position for bounce flash. Then it goes to full power. It does not swivel. I bought the extension cable so I can take it off the camera and get rid of some of the on camera flash appearance that you will have in all your pictures.
One other thing I will point out is the extra weight the flash adds.
I am not disappointed with the 380 for what I do.

[DAVE THE SLAVE]

Thanks for info: AndyDe, WSD223 & bfaust.

Yeah, I have read a bunch about these two flashes. and that the 420EX has a zoom capabilities which are controlled from the zoom control on the G2. That's a good feature too. I guess price will be factor too. Just another $195.00 to add to the whole camera package.
After 2000 images, I love the G2, but the Red Eye is forcing me to open PS7 all too much to fix the keeper images after I get home.

[SkipD]

The 420EX is probably the best accessory you could have for the G2 (and related family). The ability to do bounce flash adds tremendous flexibility to your setups. I can't say enough good about it.

I have an accessory I use with the 420EX that makes for even more flexibility. It's a LumiQuest ProMax System - a bounce/softbox attachment for the flash unit. It attaches with Velcro, and is a very convenient size for both transport and use.

[DAVE THE SLAVE]

Thanks Skip.

That's a good word on the 420EX.
I've also heard a little bit about the LumiQuest attachments. Now that confirms that I will add that accessory to my bag as well.

[AndyDe]

I've got an older canon off camera cord, originally boufgt for my old T90 but worked fine on my eos5 & 540EZ but won't work properly on the G2. Are the newer ones different ?

[leony]

Canon discontinued 380EX and stater making 420EX. The flashes are almost identical except for the fact that 420EX has a swivel head. 380EX doesn't swivel - only bounce. They are of comparable power, both are E-TTL compatible. Another thing that 420 does that 380 doesn't is it can be set off by a radio slave built in to 550EX. Hence, you can have 550EX on camera and any number of 420EXs on stands for a simple studio setup.

Hope this helps.

[samsonlau]

Hi All,

I just got a used 380EX for my G2; played with it for about 20 minutes.

One thing I caught is the green exposure confirmation LED never lid when the camera is on M mode, regardless of the aperture/shutter speed setting, even the image is over-exposed.

It only happens in M mode, in all other modes (AUTO, P, Tv, Av) I saw the green lamp lit for correct exposure.

Is that normal? Or what kind of adjustment I need/screwed up? I just hope the 380EX I got is not a lemon.

Thanks!

[AndyDe]

I've never noticed that. So I've just taken some pictires with the G2 & 380EX & as you've found in the "M" mode the green led never lights. Cannot find any mention of this in the instruction book.

[moggsy62]

Speaking of the 380EX - I've just got myself a second hand 380 but there was no manual.
I know there's not a lot to them as they're fully automatic but I would like to flick through the manual just to see if there is any thing that I should be aware of and see what the different LED's mean etc.
Does anyone know where I can download manual for it from? I've had a look on Canon's UK site and couldn't see anything to help...
Thanks in adv if you can help.

[AndyDe]

I think I phoned them & ordered mine, cant remember the number. There's nothing special in it so you should be ok without one.

[AndyDe]

Think it might have been the reigate nimber on here :-
http://www.canon-europa.com/contact/contact.html
And used credit card.

[DAVE THE SLAVE]

Here's a 380EX manual on ebay.
Jump quick if you want it.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3006480747&category=29957

[leony]

G2 doesn't meter flash in Manual mode. If you've got 550EX you can set output manually, otherwise you get the full power flash regardless - hence the over-exposed images. This is clearly stated in the G2 Manual.

RTFM, people.