] Flash Info For Field Work [

Hi,

I am a crime scene investigator, and need to shoot a large portion of my shots in the field with the elements, etc. My partner is in transition from film to digital, and has an EOS (forgot which one) with a Metz 32CT4 potatoe-mash style off shoe flash. The department just issued him a 300D, and he wants a flash thats compatible with the before mentioned Metz. However, the Metz is a number of years old and I cant seem to find info on it anywhere (even the Metz site). What are the advantages of these handle off-shoe flashes anyway.....just more durrable? The 580EX seems to pack more of a punch than most of these off shoe mounts (correct me if Im wrong). I am aware that some of these come with power pack attatchments which can be a big plus, but Im not really worried about that. What would you guys recommend? Power is my main concern (for lighting up dark scenes, alleys, car accidents etc). Would the 550 or 580 EX on a bracket suffice?


Oh yeah......if anyone DOES recommend the potatoe-masher type, they have to be E-TTL as well with the 300D....Correct?


Thanks a Mil------

You'll find many of your answers in the EOS Flash Sticky above.
Scott

Keep in mind that only "1" series DSLR cameras are weather sealed. If its raining and you have to take pics with the 300D dont get it wet make sure you have an umbrella or something.

Also bear in mind that the 1Ds, the Mk IIs and the 20D are the only EOS digitals which support the DVK-E2 image data verification kit, for proving the integrity of your photos.

Hi Jon,

Its a shame that in this litigious society of ours we need such things (especially for an extra $700). You would think that by taking the oath on the stand that you DID in fact take the pictures in question, that they ARE in fact a fair and accurate depiction of the scene, and that they WERE NOT manipulated in any way, would be good enough in a court of law. This is what weve become. Next officers wont even be allowed to make arrests without first video-taping the crime that occurred first.

Thank you Jon, for the info btw...I wasnt aware of this software thanks for the help. Im sure the spineless district attorney will call this a "must have".

Thanks again man (on the job are you?)