best flash with G9 [Archive] - Canon Digital Photography Forums

Leo001

18th of December 2009 (Fri), 18:57

I am aquiring a G9 in a day or two, I would like to add a small flash to use with it. Lets hear the opnions on Canon vs aftermarket stuff. I do already have a Canon 580EX but would like somthing small and compact. Any other G( tips and tricks welcome.

tmwag

18th of December 2009 (Fri), 19:05

I liked the size of the 270EX however it would only tilt. I'm looking for a good deal on a 430EX II which I think would be much better.

GordonSBuck

18th of December 2009 (Fri), 21:33

Although very egotistical, if you go to my blog at http://lightdescription.blogspot.com/search/label/flash
you'll see many of my efforts with the G9 and flash (the first posts showing will be with my new 7D - skip over those).

tmwag

18th of December 2009 (Fri), 21:49

You have a 7D..now I'm jealous;)

GordonSBuck

19th of December 2009 (Sat), 09:13

You have a 7D..now I'm jealous;)

I don't officially have the 7D until Christmas!

I sure did learn a lot by using the G9 and the G3 prior to the G9. Most of my flash "experiments" were with the G9 and in full manual mode.

cjm

19th of December 2009 (Sat), 23:14

430 EX. I use it all the time with my G9 and it works perfectly.

tkbslc

20th of December 2009 (Sun), 01:33

best match for size - Sunpak rd2000 or canon 270EX
Best output and features - 580EX
best balance of the two - 430EX or 420EX

Keep in mind the 430 and 580 will be as big or bigger than the camera itself.

tgara

20th of December 2009 (Sun), 07:31

I am aquiring a G9 in a day or two, I would like to add a small flash to use with it.

I have the 270EX and it works great. Others have used the Sunpak RD2000 with good results too. Both are small and pocketable. If you are trying to stay small, light and mobile, the 430 EX is too much IMHO. Take a look at this recent thread for some pix of what the G11 looks like with various flash units. I have postings with my G9 pimped out with my 580EXII and Gary Fong Lightsphere -- posted mostly for the comedy value.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=746820

For other tips with the G7 - G11, see this web page:

http://www.photoaficionado.com/tips/g9_quicktips.html

Have fun with your new toy!

richierich1212

20th of December 2009 (Sun), 17:26

430EX/430EX II

Trackerxx

25th of December 2009 (Fri), 10:47

Hey guys I just got a new G11 from my better half. I was actually considering buying Nikon's version because they have a small flash unit that works with their e-ttl. With that said, does anyone think it's worth switching to the Nikon just for this convenience? Keep in my mind I use Canon for my "bigger" gear. Opinions sought and welcomed. If only Canon's 270 would swivel!

tmwag

25th of December 2009 (Fri), 11:21

Hey guys I just got a new G11 from my better half. I was actually considering buying Nikon's version because they have a small flash unit that works with their e-ttl. With that said, does anyone think it's worth switching to the Nikon just for this convenience?

What's the Nikon version? Don't all Canon EX speedlites work with Canon's TTL

jr_senator

25th of December 2009 (Fri), 16:28

If my understanding of the specs are correct, the Metz 36AF-4 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/428999-REG/Metz_MZ_36341_mecablitz_36AF_4C_AF_E_TTL.html#feat ures) may be worthy of a look. A bit more power than the 270EX, a bit more spacing from the lens (could help with red eye), and only $100.

aRKay

25th of December 2009 (Fri), 16:31

430 ex ......tested on g9

tmwag

25th of December 2009 (Fri), 16:59

Tallking

26th of December 2009 (Sat), 10:14

Looks like there are already several votes for the 420/430. I add another vote. I've been using a 430EX on a G-9, and for the last year, on a G-10. It is larger than the camera, but I find the combo very workable. This is especially so given these cameras' inherently weak low light performance.

denncald

26th of December 2009 (Sat), 11:52

I've been using the 430EX II with my G9. I also got the Canon ST-E2 Wireless transmitter so I can use the 430EX II off camera, especially for hand-held macro shots. The combo works very nicely.

Dennis

Trackerxx

26th of December 2009 (Sat), 22:26

I guess I was wrong. Many "off-brand" flash units do e-ttl too. No problem.

tmwag

26th of December 2009 (Sat), 22:38

I think you'll like the G11. I'm trying to hold out for a "killer" deal on a 430EX II

Trackerxx

27th of December 2009 (Sun), 21:59

I wonder how soon Canon will make the G-series have HD video? I'm not sure how I feel about that anyway. I kind of like having a seperate camera to shoot video but this may be a thing of the past. Pretty soon all o our phones will be able to shoot HD video...

GSeries1

6th of January 2010 (Wed), 10:20

StandSure

7th of January 2010 (Thu), 20:37

I wanted a tiny flash with bounce and e-ttl so I just ordered an RD2000c from BH; should be here tomorrow... I'll let you know if it's any good.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/603410-REG/Sunpak_RD2000C_RD2000_Digital_TTL_Low_Profile.html

Mine just came today (for an SX20) and I'm already glad I got it. Takes direction from the camera well, super compact and the ability to bounce has made shots around the house better already.

GSeries1

8th of January 2010 (Fri), 01:00

Mine just came today (for an SX20) and I'm already glad I got it. Takes direction from the camera well, super compact and the ability to bounce has made shots around the house better already.

Got mine today also; it's not the most powerful flash so you usually need iso-200 for bounce flash but that's OK with me given how much more pleasing the light is.

GSeries1

8th of January 2010 (Fri), 12:26

RD2000c

linh811

12th of January 2010 (Tue), 21:35

I use a 270ex with mine. Anything bigger and I might as well bring my DSLR setup

Leo001

22nd of January 2010 (Fri), 10:23

Thanks for all the input, I should have mentioned "size matters" I am really interested in either the RD2000 or the 270EX

GSeries1

22nd of January 2010 (Fri), 11:03

Thanks for all the input, I should have mentioned "size matters" I am really interested in either the RD2000 or the 270EX

rd2000 is smaller and cheaper,,, but may also be less powerful...

alreadygone

22nd of January 2010 (Fri), 13:15

Does the camera adjust the output of the onboard flash or a supplimental flash unit?

GSeries1

22nd of January 2010 (Fri), 13:43

Does the camera adjust the output of the onboard flash or a supplimental flash unit?

If you hold down the flash button you will get those options.

rang

22nd of January 2010 (Fri), 13:53

Several folks have mentioned the Sunpak RD2000 and the Canon 270EX. I have used both with my G9.
The Canon is slightly larger in that in profile it looks slightly like a flatened C shape. And unlike the Sunpak...you can pull the flash head portion out and in for two distance settings. Both can be angled upwards for bouncing. The Sunpak has a next to useless white bounce panel...useless because it just flops around with out enough resistance to stay upright in position during large movements ...acutally it flops around just sitting still. So I just laminated a small index card and put velcro on it to attach to both flashes.
The Sunpak; you can make exposure adjustments from the back of the unit which is handy instead of futzing with the G9's menu system.

That's my take on the two.