First impressions - Canon Speedlite 220EX

I just received my little 220EX, today, from Vistek in Toronto. I can't get over how small it is and seems to be a good match for the G6. Yes, many of you will say "Why not the 420EX?"

I already have the large 540EZ for my EOS gear, and, if I need to use a powerful flash, chances are it will be for something that requires a lot of proofs and film is the better answer to those needs, plus I can go as wide as 20mm with my EOS system. There are times and places for film technology, despite how much I enjoy using the G6.

I was very pleasantly surprised to see the "made in Japan" monicker on the 220EX, as I assumed it would not be a Canon Japan item. It is nicely built and tough as nails, uses 4 AA cells for fast recycling and longer battery life, and comes with an attractive and functional soft leather case. I tried out some shots using the fill-flash ratio setting on the G6 to -2/3 of an f/stop, and it seemed to work very well. I'll be using this for outdoor fill-flash situations where I'm relatively close to the subject. Of course, if I want to take 'snapshots' that are better than the average ones with the built-in flash, I can do that.

I will do some further testing including using the Off-Camera Shoe Cord and a bracket.

That off-show cord will be a great additon for the 220EX as it will allow you do do some bounce flash work with the 220 that could not be done with it in the hotshoe (no tilt nor swivel). I've been meaning to get a cord myself for me 420 - just have not done it yet.......

Of course, this assumes I'm reasonably close to the subject and I'd be using a wide aperture, since you lose some in diffusing/bouncing the source. The beauty of the small digicam sensor is that f/2.8 has a lot of depth of field (DOF) and weaker flash units will work quite well, as opposed to film where you need f/5.6 to f/8 for the same effect.

The 220EX seems to do an adequate job for its small size. I'm glad I bought this instead of the larger 420EX, simply because it handles so well on the smaller G6. It doesn't fall over nor is it topheavy. Recycling time is quite fast, thanks to the 4 AA cells.

More to come once I try out the OCSC.

Superbaldguy, i have th 420ex external flash. could you clarify what you mean by

"tried out some shots using the fill-flash ratio setting on the G6 to -2/3 of an f/stop, and it seemed to work very well"

do you mean manually setting flash output to -2/3 while taking a shot in Av (or Manual with 0+) or are you talking about automatic flash exposure (possibly full power) but manually adjusting photo exposure to -2/3 via aperture and shutter speed combinations or perhaps exposure compensation set to -2/3?????

is this just a guide or rule one uses - set flash power to - 2/3 power for fill flash photography if that is what you mean? - i realise this is adjustable depending on how much fill flash is required... but can someone highlight or provide info on what is acceptable fill flash output (power) usage

hope this is clear.

I don't think the 220EX is sophisticated enough to allow me to set the flash compensation to the -2/3 stop via the G6 control in MANUAL mode (i.e. M on the G6) and have the exposure correct, but I will have to experiment.

I have been using the Av mode and dialing in the fill-flash ratio to that setting and it seems OK. Just as my EOS A2 bodies, you get correct and effective fill-flash if you manually set the expsoure and get it right (ambient light), then apply the TTL flash, and the effect is pleasing. If the exposure is not set correctly on the G6, the 220EX probably won't make it right unless you adjust the ratio and experiment.

I guess to sum up - get the ambient light exposure correct then the E-TTL flash should make the shot better. If the exposure is not correct, you won't be able to do much with the flash

OCSC and the 220EX don't seem to work, together.........

I tried out this combo on my G6 and I got washed-out exposures (slow shutter speeds even in P), and no lightning bolt charge indicator. Maybe my cord is buggered or this isn't designed to be used with the 220EX. This is the Off-Camera Shoe Cord II.

Was/is there a newer one for the E-TTL units?

BTW, the 220EX works like a charm in the hot shoe of the G6.