Questions about Canon Flashes

I'm new to Canon, although not new to SLR's and DSLR's.

About a month ago I bought a Canon G 12, which I find to be quite a remarkable little unit. Versatile, controllable, metering is excellent, etc.

I find the popup flash...limited. I'm not blaming Canon...being a long time photographer I know from experience that one has to rely on external lights, add on flashes to really get good results.

I'm looking at getting a Canon flash for my G12.

Considering the 430, the 220, the 270, the new 320 (think that's the name) as contenders.

I've ruled out the 220 and the 270 as probably too limited in power and I think as a result do not offer much more lighting punch than the in camera flash.

The 320...not sure, it's new.

The 430 I think will offer the most versatility ( bounce, side adjustment, power) ...but it looks like it may be bigger than the G 12 camera itself.

I like to take portraits, bounce, use fill in flash, take pictures of vintage vehicles...outdoors in the night.

Any suggestions are very much appreciated.

This was a good video to checkout. http://www.youtube.com​/watch?v=xDEU_sdhFA8
I'm going to start out with the 430 EX II with a softbox and a Cowboy Wireless transmitter (non TTL) and then buy the 580 EX II and the Canon transmitter. That way I can run multiple flashes. The only reason I'm not getting the 580 EX II first is because I want to buy the 24 - 70 L lens, that will break my wallet.

The 430exII is a great flash and will do what you want/need. You are right that a flash that size will be a bit top heavy on the G-series cameras. Not to doubt the G series, but given what you want to shoot and your need for more flash, is it time for you to step up to a dslr?

gonzogolf wrote in post #11905673
The 430exII is a great flash and will do what you want/need. You are right that a flash that size will be a bit top heavy on the G-series cameras. Not to doubt the G series, but given what you want to shoot and your need for more flash, is it time for you to step up to a dslr?

I've got two DSLR's...but both Pentax...one a K10D, the other the KM...great dslr's but the flash I have is a Pentax 360...I don't think it's a good idea to put Pentax on Canon or Canon on Pentax. I wish it would...it would be cheaper...save me some bucks...not buying a Canon flash.

So I like to use a sophisticated flash...and that's why I'm thinking the 430 EX.

I have the 270ex and it way more light output than the popup flash on my 7D. Its no 4XX or 5XX for dang sure, but it's not a slouch. Everyone should have the smaller one as it is perfect for many situations where the larger 4 and 5xx series are just way overkill.