EZ vs EX

Hi Gents,

Any one can explane to me the diference?
But I would like to know more then TTL and ETTL.
Is this only to collect more money?
The new 430EX do not have cool options like 420EZ.
Is Canon lerning from mikrosoft?

The TTL flash systems used in film cameras relied on a sensor in the camera that measured light reflecting off the film surface in real time. These systems did not work with digital sensors, and camera manufacturers (not just Canon) had to invent new flash metering systems.

The new systems developed for digital cameras (Canon calls theirs E-TTL and E-TTL II) are entirely different. They use a pre-flash to measure light coming through the lens before the mirror goes up.

The EZ flash units, and all of the aftermarket units that were designed to use the film TTL systems, were not compatible with E-TTL. All of the flash manufacturers had to develop new units to work with the new systems.

What "cool options" are you looking for?

Thanks for answer, but I'm still puzzled.
Now I have 430EX and I did not noticed any pre-flash.
For short time I was using 380EX (the magic smoke gone) and with this unit to get OK exposure I needed to use "lock the flash" button for pre-flash.
So i do not see pre-flash I did expected. The same with using the bouncing light.
On the old Elan, and older 630 with bouncer it was pre-flash.

Cool options? OK, 420EZ can make up to I think 6 blinks in one exposure.
Very cool way to capture the movement.

best

The pre-flash happens so quickly that some people never notice it. If you take a flash shot in E-TTL mode with your left eye closed, you will see a flash in the viewfinder. This is the preflash. The real flash happens after the mirror goes up.

The flash exposure lock button will fire this pre-flash ahead of time and use partial or spot flash metering for when you want to meter the flash on a specific object in your scene.

Lots more info about Canon's E-TTL system in The EOS Flash Bible (link in my signature). I highly recommend it if you want to learn more.

As for cool options like stroboscopic flash (multiple bursts in the same exposure), unfortunately you'll need a 580EX for that. There are some aftermarket units that have that feature, also.

Oooo, it is getting even more interesting.
I know, I'm getting older and slower, but... it is so bad..
No, seriously. I need to really take look at this.
Do you know if this pre-flash is right after the shutter button is press half way for focusing? Or sequence is like this:
1)Half press for focus
- now can be some pause
2)press all the way
3)pre-flash
4)mirror up
5)real flash
steps 3,4,5 are so fast I can not see. Is this correct?

I think my (broken now for good) 380EX was broken from the beginning.
I did have to use the flash lock to get correct exposure.
It was very annoying, but for taking pictures of people impossible to use.
After pre-flash people were thinking I'm done. 50% shots was wasted.
Now I have brand new 430EX, and I'm exploring.
I'm reading EOS Flash Bible, I get printed one copy, but please be patient I will have questions for sure.

The stroboscopic flash was very cool, I did not used very often, but you know.
580EX is now out of my budget

Do you have any advice how I can put to use my old 420EZ?

best

If I were you, I'd buy the Sigma EF-500 super. It's about $200, and offers stroboscopic flash, is about as powerful as the 580EX, and has a bazillion other features.

As for your 420EZ, you can probably use it as a manual flash (As long as the voltage isn't too high). Other than that, I don't think it will help you too much.

fotograf2 wrote in post #3016888
1)Half press for focus
- now can be some pause
2)press all the way
3)pre-flash
4)mirror up
5)real flash
steps 3,4,5 are so fast I can not see. Is this correct?

That's basically it. If you're watching carefully you can sometimes see both flashes, but it happens pretty quick.

I don't know if the EZ units will work with optical slave adapters or not, but it could probably be used off-camera (manual mode) with a PC cord or radio trigger system.

As for the Sigma Super - It's a nice unit, similar in cost and value to the 430EX (I have two Sigma Supers). But I wouldn't buy one for the stroboscopic flash alone.

It is to late.
I get already Canon. In the past I get Sigma 24mm lens because was less expensive then Canon. It did not produced good pictures, AF was very loud.
Probably I should think twice in this case, but you know, hangover to Sigma.

Curtis, thanks for conversation, first one but I hope not last one
Now I will pay attention to this pre-flush. It is interesting.

Stroboscopic flash is not my first need, of course.
I need to test my EZ with optical slave, I will let you know.