580EX for Canon 300D or XT

Is this flash a bit too much if your going to stay with the Canon XT or 300D? Or the 430EX would be better?

unless you want to shoot with 2 flashes you could just go with the 430, the flash is not as bright but its not that far off.

I have both of them and I use the 580 most of the time on my xt

Unless you understand and know how to take advantage of the features of the 580EX, then the 430EX will serve you just as well.

But with the release of the 580EX II, you might soon find some deals on the original 580EX as retailers clear their inventory. Buy carefully. The market value of the 580EX is less today than it was yesterday.

I guess the point I'm trying to ask is this, is the 580EX too big in terms of features and specs say as to a 20D or 5D and up? If they fit well should I wait for the 580EX II?

I had a 580EX on my 350D. It was fine. (Though it put my light camera + lens combo out of balance somewhat. This is something worth considering if you don't have much bulk in your lens.)

If you can pick up a 580EX cheap, go for it. When it comes to bouncing, I think the extra power is nice to have. The 580EX II adds little value to the 580EX, IMHO.

I've been using my 300D w/ my 580EX since the day I got it about 1.5 years ago and have not touched my 430EX since. Look for the closeout sales on the 580EX and you should be fine. Trust me, after a few years, you WILL upgrade to a better camera anyways, so you might as well get it now for a good price rather than later at MSRP.