external flash comp resets itself

[geezrx]

Now this is mildly annoying. When I enter playback and then return to shooting mode, the G11 has reset my 270EX external flash compensation setting to 0.

Anyone know of a fix for this? I can't rely on my antique brain cells for a manual correction each time. :cry:

[Larop]

Mine does the same thing with a 430EXII. I didn't find any work around in the manual. I think I'll increase image review time to give me a little more time to see the image so I can avoid going into playback to review it? Default is 2 seconds, maybe 3 to 5 would provide ample time to see if you got the results you were hoping for.

[geezrx]

I'd considered that but didn't want to increase the time interval between shots when using live view.

[GordonSBuck]

The G9 does not act this way with either the 420EX or 580EX flash.

[forno]

Are you guys setting the comp in camera or in flash?

[geezrx]

Are you guys setting the comp in camera or in flash?

The 270EX offers no onboard flash settings options. With that flash mounted and turned on I am setting the flash comp using an in camera menu titled "External Flash Settings". Any flash comp setting that I select is reset to 0 either by turning the camera off and then on or by entering playback and returning to the shooting mode.

[xhack]

With a G10 / 270EX combination, I can confirm you lose the menu compensation settings. Ditto with a G10 / 580EX combo.

However, the setting does remain fixed in both instances when using flash compensation within the Func/Set (centre button) option.

[This applies in AV and TV settings; I have not tried this in Green Box, P or Manual]

edit: I can also confirm the settings hold in P mode and, in Manual, the Flash Output setting survives. A brain-fade in AUTO; it was only as I switched to that setting that I realised the option did not exist. Duh!

[geezrx]

xhack, thanks for the reply.

unfortunately my G11 does not function the same way. Either setting the flash comp by the func/set button or by the menu accessed when depressing the flash symbol right of the func/set button gives the same result. The comp setting is reset to zero by playback or a power down of the camera. This result without turning the flash off. I've tested in both P and AV.

[forno]

Cause for a firmware update IMO

[geezrx]

Cause for a firmware update IMO

I agree.

I've already raised the issue with Canon support and hope that other G11 owners and potential owners will do so also.

The G11 should save external flash compensation settings (especially for the EX flashes which are listed in the G11 User Guide) during power down and when entering playback mode the same as it already does for internal flash compensation.

[xhack]

+ 1

I've thought around this issue and just cannot imagine a rationale that would justify Canon making such a basic menu setting 'volatile' (for want of a better word).

Maybe they think all G10 and G11 users suffer from short-term memory loss and need help in restoring some defaults. And why strip out the setting stability previously offered in the Func/Set flash option of the G10?

Anyone more knowledgable hereabouts able to offer a hardware or firmware justification?

geezrx - It'd be interesting to hear what feedback (if any) you receive from Canon.

[geezrx]

xhack, Here is a substantive excerpt from Canon consumer support's reply to me via email regarding my inquiry pertaining to the G11 resetting external flash compensation setting:

Unfortunately, it is not possible to have some of the settings in the
camera save themselves so they are recalled when the camera is powered
back on or modes are changed.

We have forwarded your suggestions to Canon USA through our Customer
Feedback process. This process allows us to capture important feedback
rom our valued customers. As we constantly strive to improve our
products and services, your comments are vital to our continued success.

Seems that they basically confirmed what we already know. I can only hope that Canon receives input sufficient to encourage a correction of this annoying condition.

[geezrx]

A thread on another forum prompts the following questions.

When your 430EXII ext. flash com settings were being reset, were you setting comp in-camera or on the external flash?

If in-camera, will they hold if you set them on-flash?

[geezrx]

oooopppssss, double post

[Larop]

The 430EXII, while in ETTL, does hold it's own (made on the flash) compensation settings even with mode change or after playback onthe G-11. It's only the in camera flash comp settings that revert to default (0) in the same situation. The camera settings are not over-riding the flash settings made manually. Moral of the story, it's possible to retain the settings, but, only on the flash.