Canon 420EZ v S. cANON 420EX

Hello. Im due for a flash, I was looking at the Canon 420 EZ and Canon 420 EX. Does anyone have these?, how do you feel about the 420 ez? From what I understand, the only main difference between this and the ex version is the wireless cababiliy? correct? Im a little low on cash...$100 range due to compact flash cards are gettign old and one is corrupting, I have a wedding to shoot next weekend.

Thanks.

i think the 420EX has a slightly faster recycle rate and higher guide number.

ex=ettl


ez no ettl

Bob

The 420EZ is a nice flash ... for Canon film cameras.
It's not compatible with Digital cameras.

The only Canon Speedlites compatible with EOS digital cameras are the EX series Speedlites.

Curtis N wrote in post #2787178
The 420EZ is a nice flash ... for Canon film cameras.
It's not compatible with Digital cameras.

The only Canon Speedlites compatible with EOS digital cameras are the EX series Speedlites.

The only thing I can add is that the EX flashes can also be used on a film body and, depending on the camera model, will provide E-TTL II, E-TTL, A-TTL or TTL autoflash metering. Type "A" bodies allow E-TTL and Type "A-II" bodies allow E-TTL-II.

ACDCROCKS wrote in post #2786893
Hello. Im due for a flash, I was looking at the Canon 420 EZ and Canon 420 EX.

As Cutis said, the 420ez is a waste of time on a digital body, as it will not work in TTL mode, and does not surport E-TTL.

Clearly, the 420ex is the better buy, but, if your on a really tight budget there are other options.
Have a look at the local trading sites, and second hand stores for slightly older flashs with thier own Auto modes. Aftermarket brands are usualy best, but even old Canon flashs with Auto Tyyristors will work.
I have picked up a good collection of old flashs that all work very well on my 30D, and most have the option of useing a sync cord as well. All have an auto thyristor, including an old Canon 227T speedlite that works very.

These auto flashes work with a little built in light sensor, you usualy set the camera and flash to the same ISO and aperture, with the camera in manual mode and shutter speed between 1/60th and 1/250th.
Then the flash uses its little auto thyristor light sensor to detect how much light the scene has been exposed to, and shuts off when it thinks theres enough.
Its an old fashioned, by effective, and very consistant way of making flash exposures.
Most of them also have a very good manual mode, it requires a little more thought, but manual flash and manual exposure on the camera is the best way of yielding consistant results, especialy if you have a tape measure

The most expensive one Iv picked up so far cost me NZ$30, and the cheapest was NZ$1, and even comes with 1 stop flash exposure compensation by sliding a little ND filter over the sensor.

Note, it pays to check the trigger voltage on any older style flashs first.
Some Canon DSLR's are more tolerant to higher voltages than others.
This is easy to do, and there is a good link in the stickies at the top about to do it, as well as a link to a list of already checked flashes.

Just be aware that useing one to shoot a wedding with out first getting lots of experiance with it could be a bit of challange, and because your buying old, second hand gear it might not be as reliable as a newer 420ex or 430ex.
Also consider the Sigma range, which are also E-TTL II