Off camera flash setup Q

[sagebrush]

I'd like to start using my 20D and 550EX off to the side via a PC sync cord. Are all PC sync cords the same? What's y'alls advise on getting one?

Thanks,
Sagebrush

[tim]

I didn't know you could use a sync cord with a 550EX, I thought you used wireless or the short canon offshoe cable 2, though i'm far from expert in this area.

[PhotosGuy]

Are all PC sync cords the same? They're all the same in that they'll eventually fail just when it seems that you need it the most. So buy 2, or 3! ;-) And keep a couple of slaves in your bag, too!

[PacAce]

I'd like to start using my 20D and 550EX off to the side via a PC sync cord. Are all PC sync cords the same? What's y'alls advise on getting one?

Thanks,
Sagebrush
All PC sync cords are the same on at least one end of the cord, the end that goes into the PC terminal on the camera. However, the other end may vary, depending on what type of flash you are going to use it on.

The 550EX does not have provisions for attaching it directly to the the PC terminal via a PC cord so you'd have to get one of those cables that has a hot-shoe adapter that the 550EX can slide into. You will lose all ETTL functions on the 550EX when you use the PC terminal so you'd have to operate the 550EX in manual mode.

If there is no particular reason why you have to use the PC terminal, you would be better off getting yourself the Canon off-camera-shoe-cord 2 (as suggested by Tim). With this cord, you'll retain full ETTL functions of the 550EX.