270 or 430 flash for Canon G 12 ?

I bought a Canon G12 a couple of weeks ago as a carry around camera.

I am thinking about getting an add on flash, probably either the Canon 270 or 430 model.

I have been a shutterbug for over 40 years, using/having slr/dslr, rangefinder 35mm, Medium Format-film.

I have flashes already...Vivitar 285 HV (had for over a quarter century) and a Pentax 360 , which I use with my Pentax DSLR system.

Canon 270 Pro's:

* small , portable size
* lightweight
* doesn't overwhelm the G12, in terms of physical size

Con's:

* low power
* can't maneuver..ie: bounce , sideways,etc.

Canon 430 Pro's:

* powerful
* can bounce ....move sideways

Con's:

* pricier
* heavier

I've never used either the 270 or 430, so I don't know much about them when it comes to their abilities, etc. What I do know is based on assumptions , by looking at their spec sheets.


I'm thinking that if I buy the 270 I may regret not getting the 430 later.

What do you think ....270 or 430 and why.

Thanks,

Les

A friend of mine has both the 270 and 430, and he tried them both with his G11. He also has a 5d II and often uses the 430 on that. On the G11, the 430 just felt too huge for the camera, and he thought it looked ridiculous. However, he felt pretty comfortable with the 270 on it, given its limitations. My wife has a 270 that she uses on her Rebel T1i, and she's happy with it there as well. If you have the opportunity, find a store that sells all three and get the feel for yourself.

The 270 is far more appropriately sized, but the 430 has more options. I know that is pretty much what you said above, but that's the decision you have to make. I am not clear from your list above if you are aware, but the 270EX does bounce, it just doesn't swivel. The 430 can do both.

You did mention you have a Pentax SLR system, so won't you be using that when you need advanced features? I'd probably want to keep my compact system more compact as that's probably why you bought it.

P.S. I would also consider the Sunpak RD2000. It has a nice compact design like the 270EX, is cheaper and it has a neat folding design where the foot folds into the body for travel.

tkbslc wrote in post #11750864
The 270 is far more appropriately sized, but the 430 has more options. I know that is pretty much what you said above, but that's the decision you have to make. I am not clear from your list above if you are aware, but the 270EX does bounce, it just doesn't swivel. No I didn't know that. Thanks, I assumed from the pictures that the 270 was immovable. That's helpful as it does make a difference...I do a lot of bounce photography. The 430 can do both.

You did mention you have a Pentax SLR system, so won't you be using that when you need advanced features? Yes, I plan to use my Pentax DSLR system for more serious photography....I've got super wides, fisheye lens, super telephoto, etc... I'd probably want to keep my compact system more compact as that's probably why you bought it. I did buy the G12 primarily for that reason...small camera, daily carry around, very good quality. One of my Pentax bodies is the KM which at it's introduction was the smallest DSLR on the market. I originally planned to use that as my carry around...but although the body is small, the lenses are not necessarily..so I use it as a second body to my main body, a Pentax K10D.

Thanks for your comment...I need to remember the portability aspect...if I get the 430 flash and carry it with the G12....then my smaller, portable idea is nixed.

P.S. I would also consider the Sunpak RD2000. It has a nice compact design like the 270EX, is cheaper and it has a neat folding design where the foot folds into the body for travel.

I did think of a non Canon flash unit. At first I though I would use my Pentax 360 on the Canon G12...but after thinking about that, the two systems wouldn't integrate. But if that Sunpak RD2000 would work on both Canon and Pentax...that might be a better way to go..would add versatility.

Lesmore wrote in post #11751130
I did think of a non Canon flash unit. At first I though I would use my Pentax 360 on the Canon G12...but after thinking about that, the two systems wouldn't integrate. But if that Sunpak RD2000 would work on both Canon and Pentax...that might be a better way to go..would add versatility.

Unfortunately, the Sunpak still must be bought for a specific system. So if you bought a Canon dedicated one to work in auto on your G12, it would not work well on the Pentax.

sdipirro wrote in post #11750426
A friend of mine has both the 270 and 430, and he tried them both with his G11. He also has a 5d II and often uses the 430 on that. On the G11, the 430 just felt too huge for the camera, and he thought it looked ridiculous. The 430 does take away from the small and portable, which was the reason, I bought the G12.
If I had a Canon DSLR system (rather than the Pentax system) the 430 would definitely be the way to go...except it would take away from portability...but if I had a 5D or a 7D...then switch ability....between Canon DSLR and G12, would be a big factor. BTW, I've always found the 5D Mk. 11 to have a strong appeal.

However, he felt pretty comfortable with the 270 on it, given its limitations. My wife has a 270 that she uses on her Rebel T1i, and she's happy with it there as well. If you have the opportunity, find a store that sells all three and get the feel for yourself.

I think that's a good idea. In the city I live in there are about 9-10 good sized, well stocked camera stores. I think I will try the 270, 430 and the Sunpak that the other poster mentioned. With the Sunpak, I will take a Pentax body along with my G 12 and see how well it works on both systems.