Best Flash for G9?

[skylinegtrsteve]

Hi Guys n Girls

Any suggestions on best hotshoe flash for my G9? The built in flash is a little limiting. Any suggestions or comments would be welcome.

[GSeries1]

580 EXII

But you may not want the best; you may want something smaller with compromises.

[denncald]

The 580EX II is rather large for the G9. While my 430EX II on my G9 is somewhat smaller, it is still considered a little too large. The smaller more popular flash is the 270EX (http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Speedlite-270EX-Digital-Cameras/dp/B001XURPR2). The 580 is the best, with all the bells and whistles, the 430 is next in line, with less features. The 580/430 models can bounce flash as well as rotate the head. The 270 can bounce but not rotate. Here is a LINK (http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/eosfaq/ex_speedlites.html) explaining the differences, except for the 270. The info on the link site covers the previous 220EX model, which did not bounce.

I am seeing more folks with the G9/G10/G11 going for the 270EX, because it is size-appropriate for the G series, and can at least bounce.

Dennis

[tmwag]

Almost any external flash that you can bounce is better than the onboard. I used the 270EX with my G9 and was very pleased with the results

[GSeries1]

Almost any external flash that you can bounce is better than the onboard. I used the 270EX with my G9 and was very pleased with the results

Yeah, I use this little guy I bought for $60. Works great for 90% of the stuff I need it for. Look how tiny it is... http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/603410-REG/Sunpak_RD2000C_RD2000_Digital_TTL_Shoe.html

[tmwag]

It's so tiny I can't see it

[skylinegtrsteve]

Thanks all you guys. Yeah, I just sold the 580ex11 with my D1n. Too big for the G9 although I did use it on the G9 to take picks for eBay. I think I'm gonna go with the 270ex since its just mainly indoor snapshots, and some fill in and bounce for outside that i will be using the G9 for. Incidentally I have had the G9 for 2 years and it has been faultless throughout. Thinking about a G11 though...

You guys have been a great help many thanks.

[GSeries1]

Here's a pic of the rd2000 on my G9. $60, has e-ttl and bounce,,, can't beat that.
But it's not very powerful so don't try to light things up much further than 15-20 feet away...

[rang]

The RD2000 is nice and flat and small you have +/- flash controls on the outside...the only thing is the little bounce flipping flap is just that...constantly filliping as it won't stay in position.

Another alternative is the Canon 270EX which will bounce at different angles as well talks ettl and you can control it via the camera's flash exposure settings and the flash head in addition to bouncing will manually adjust for a wide angle and a longer reach.

I've used the 430Ex on it but it's not a comfortable balance. To compensate I screw onto the bottom 1/4 x20 hole a rubber "thingy" made by Bogen which is shaped like an 3 dimensional hour glass.
It is very handy. You can easily hold the G9 with a Lensmate adapter + add on lens + 430Ex flash with your left hand...leaving your right hand free to futz with controls or the camera grip.

[denncald]

I've used my G9 + 430EX II for about a year, and usually without the Lensmate adapter as a grip, and I find it no real problem handling. However, it does take some learning to get to that point. If I had it to do again, I might just go for the 270EX instead, simply due to the size factor. If the 270EX could also act as a slave using the Canon ST-E2 transmitter, then that would be even better. I use the ST-E2 with the 430EX II, so I would not really want to give that up.

Dennis

[linh811]

I use a 270ex on my g9. Anything bigger, might as well whip out the dSLR.

[des34415]

just curious - will the yongnuo flashes work with the G series compacts or the LX3?

[GSeries1]

just curious - will the yongnuo flashes work with the G series compacts or the LX3?

If it says Canon compatible it should work. But I don't know if it will have full functionality.

[Bob_A]

I use a 420EX with my G9. It's a bit big, but it can tilt and swivel and has lots of power.

[Dave Fox]

I have had a G9 for a couple of years now. Great pics but the flash shots have always been somewhat lacking. My wife got me the Speedlite 270 for Christmas and what a difference. Not to big, you can bounce the flash and the head stays put. It was a little on the expensive side but hopefully should last and not need to be upgraded.

[Leo001]

I purchased the RD2000 but I didnt find it much more powerful than the built in flash,

[rang]

If the 270EX could also act as a slave using the Canon ST-E2 transmitter, then that would be even better. I use the ST-E2 with the 430EX II, so I would not really want to give that up.

Dennis

Same advantage I found with a 430...Too bad Canon waited until now to wake up and follow Nikon with a CLS like controller in the body of their DSLR's Then they could've put it in their G series as well...economies of scale the net cost couldn't be all that much.
If only the 270 had a lousy sensor in it so the ST-E2 could talk to it.

[rang]

I purchased the RD2000 but I didnt find it much more powerful than the built in flash,

Yeah but at least you can bounce the light. Less "deer in the headlights" look.

Pretty much...you aren't gonna get alot of "umph" out of 2 AA's

[Raven]

+1 on the 270ex. If I'm carrying my G9 it usually means I'm traveling light and small. Otherwise I'll take my DSLR and 420ex (hmmm...reminds me I need to upgrade my flash).
Just wish the 270 swiveled both ways. But, for the money......