Canon needs to upgrade their flashes!

Please don't get me wrong, for the most part, I'm ok with my 580EXII Speedlites. I have not seen other posts, so please forgive if this has been discussed before, but here goes:

I can't understand why Canon has not improved their flash system by now. I have read rumors, but so far nothing from Canon.

As a a caveat, I do understand (and am very sympathetic) to the current situation in Japan and I know it will continue to impact upgrades. But, I'm hopeful for all that business and people's lives will begin to recover quickly and move forward soon.

The popularity of using small flash has skyrocketed, and so have our needs.

Here's what I'd like to see, and please add your comments and add your wishes to this list (Canon, I hope you're reading!).

1) Bring back a hard master/slave switch.
2) Add a built-in wireless RF system, and update the ST-E2 to digital and RF. (sorry, third party manufacturers)
3) RF wireless can control flash in ETTL or Manual.
3) Ditch the ratios method and replace with EV levels that can be changed for individual groups, including group C and a group D!
4) Add an additional fourth group (D). (Canon, you'll sell more speedlites!)
5) Add a built in optical trigger option.
6) Include a built in gel holder and dome diffuser.
7) Increase the zoom range.
8) Increase the FEC range. 3 stops is not enough.
9) Please ditch the offensive Master/Slave terminology and replace it with a better name. (suggestions, anyone?)
10) add an audible beep when the flash has recycled so we know when it's ready to go again.
11) Give us a robust and improved power system, for fast recycle times and power to go all day. Managing dozens of AA NiMH batteries third party chargers is a crazy system and I hate it.

Lastly - MAKE IT ALL INTUITIVE AND EASY TO USE!!

Please feel free to add to my wish list, or comment on any of the above.

Cheers!

Also include an aperture priority mode.

I like hard switches for changing camera/flash parameters rather than relying on menu options. I like my Master/Slave (I am not offended by the connotations of that terminology because I have used those terms regarding electronic equipment all my life) to be changed with the switch on my 550EX.

I wish that the Canon flashes had battery trays (sort of like the Vivitar 285HV) so I could replace four batteries at one time rather than inserting the batteries individually. It would be far quicker to replace and keep track of groups of four batteries, rather than individual batteries.

I also wish that the wireless flash capability of cameras like the 7D and others, was RF rather than optical. I like to use my flash on a Stroboframe off-camera bracket and, while the optical triggering capability of the 7D is OK indoors, it is chancy outdoors and is dependent on the angle of the sun in relation to your camera and subject.

Using the off-camera cord is just one additional thing that can fail and mounting the flash on the off-camera cord shoe makes it more vulnerable since the torque of the flash against the shoe is increased.

I loved the large and removable reflector of my Sunpak 120J. It was great for use with a small soft box. Using a softbox to diffuse the light made specular by the tiny reflectors of the normal hotshoe flash is like boiling ice cubes to make tea. It certainly can be done, but it is not the most efficient way to get a cup of tea.

There's a new article on canon rumors about a new potential canon flash.

And how much are you willing to pay for the new features ? .

I'd pay this much: http://www.amazon.com …TF8&qid=1305126​145&sr=8-1

Bwahahahaha....you're too cheap.

puggle wrote in post #12389199
I'd pay this much: http://www.amazon.com …TF8&qid=1305126​145&sr=8-1

maverick678 wrote in post #12389171
And how much are you willing to pay for the new features ? .

Are you kidding? No more than we already are! Nikon is way ahead of the game. If Canon is smart they'll release a new and improved flash for less cost than the SB-900. And unless it's substantially cheaper than they have been in the past (dreaming, haha) I won't buy one anyhow. I'm very hard pressed to spend $500+ on a canon flash when I can get the same thing minus eTTL in a YN-560 for $75 (shipped).

Well I hope Canon doesn't pick you as their new CEO or COO...they'll go bankrupt soon .

Aressem wrote in post #12389210
Are you kidding? No more than we already are! Nikon is way ahead of the game. If Canon is smart they'll release a new and improved flash for less cost than the SB-900. And unless it's substantially cheaper than they have been in the past (dreaming, haha) I won't buy one anyhow. I'm very hard pressed to spend $500+ on a canon flash when I can get the same thing minus eTTL in a YN-560 for $75 (shipped).

Yes, I know, but there are many people who are offended by the nomenclature.

I am sensitive and sympathetic to all, and it ought to be changed.

Nikon has done so.

maverick678 wrote in post #12389219
Well I hope Canon doesn't pick you as their new CEO or COO...they'll go bankrupt soon .

edited due to getting back on track.. never used a canon flash so cant comment...

thanks puggle!

maverick678 and Aressem -

Please refrain from jabbing each other.

Just give us your wishes and wants.

This is NOT the place to poke jabs at each other.

Play nice.

TeleFragger

I feel your pain. I don't like paying a lot either, but we are talking about improving Canon's flagship, flash units and matching Nikon's price for top-of-the-line improved flash unit is not unreasonable. IMHO.

If you want to get your features get ready to pay at least $700. Now flame me .

puggle wrote in post #12389240
maverick678 and Aressem -

Please refrain from jabbing each other.

Just give us your wishes and wants.

This is NOT the place to poke jabs at each other.

Play nice.

puggle wrote in post #12389253
TeleFragger

I feel your pain. I don't like paying a lot either, but we are talking about improving Canon's flagship, flash units and matching Nikon's price for top-of-the-line improved flash unit is not unreasonable. IMHO.

eyup.. updated my post... thanx..