D60 / 550EX combo. Can it be used in full manual?

Right now I have an ST-E2 remote and two 420EX flashes. This system works only on E-TTL. Which can be frustrating, especially doing weddings. I was thinking of selling the remote and getting the 550EX. Other than the fact that it is an excellent flash, what benefits will I gain? Can I use it in full manual mode, and control the 420s manually? Can the zoom be operated manually?

Thanks in advance,
John

>>I was thinking of selling the remote and getting the 550EX.

If you can afford it, keep the remote. It's a handy piece of kit.

>>Other than the fact that it is an excellent flash, what benefits will I gain?

More light, more control, the ability to use turbo battery packs. use as master or slave, control multiple slave groups, flash ratio control. ETC.

>>Can I use it in full manual mode

Yep. It's manually adjustable from full power to 1/128th. Mind you it has no auto f-stop settings if that is what you mean. Pity too as those are super handy.

>>and control the 420s manually?

Not exactly, but sorta. The best answer is no. It's kinda complicated. You can use flash ratios, but it'll still be E-TTL. If you want to get full manual you really gotta step up to the 550s.

>>Can the zoom be operated manually?

Yup. works like a charm.


Hope this helps a little.