Speedlite 550EX is the main component of a flash system designed together with the EOS-3 SLR camera. It provides full compatibility with the area AF technology employed by the... more
Manual Power Control Levels: 1/1, 1/64, 1/128, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32
Auto Shut-Off: Yes
Features: AF illuminator, illuminated LCD display, flash +/- compensation, wireless off-camera control
Miscellaneous
Carrying Case: Soft case
Manufacturer's product description
Speedlite 550EX is the main component of a flash system designed together with the EOS-3 SLR camera. It provides full compatibility with the area AF technology employed by the EOS-3 and refined E-TTL autoflash for improved performance. Other main features include a maximum Guide Number of 180 (ISO 100, ft.), an AF-assist beam which links to the EOS-3's 45-point area AF, FP Flash (high speed sync), FE lock (a flash version of AE lock), and FEB (Flash Exposure Bracketing). The Speedlite 550EX also incorporates a built-in wireless transmitter, which can control other Speedlite 550EX units set up as slave units. Flash coverage is set automatically from 24mm to 105mm, and a wide-angle panel extends the coverage to 17mm. The Speedlite runs on 4 AA-size batteries, and can also be used with optional external power supplies such as Compact Battery Pack E and Transistor Pack E.
Power
Power Consumption:
Recycling time - 0.1 - 8 sec / 700 flash(es) - with 4 x AA type - alkaline
Recycling time - 0.1 - 5 sec / 300 flash(es) - with 4 x AA type - nickel cadmium
Required Battery: 4 x battery - AA type
Manufacturer warranty
Service & Support: 1 year warranty
Service & Support Details: Limited warranty - 1 year
Advantages Excellent Features, Delivers Brilliant Flash Images. Disadvantages Expensive, Large and Heavy.
...I recently upgraded my camera from the Canon EOS 300 35mm version to the 300 Digital and after using it for a short period noticed some serious drawbacks with the built in flash.
These were mainly that the pictures often had exposure problems, commonly that the picture was far too bright. Whilst this can be rectified by the software provided with the camera I decided to invest in a flashgun for the camera, especially as I am trying to move into photography semi professionally.
The flash itself is a large beast which will pretty much double the weight of the camera which is a serious consideration if you do not use a tripod much, however the features it delivers are phenomenal.
The flash itself connects easily to the top of the camera and screws easily into place onto the hotshoe.
As the flash was developed with the EOS range...
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helpful
8/9/2004
Job done in a flash
Review of CanonSpeedlite550EXHot-shoeclip-on flash by
lou074
taken from ciao.co.uk
Advantages Does everything Disadvantages Expensive and Bulky
...This flash is for people that want to get a terrific flash, but don't mind paying for the privilege!
If you're not familiar with flashes, you may not realise that they can fire in different directions, other than just straight into the subject's face. By bouncing the light of walls and ceilings, you can create a much more natural effect. This one swings about in every direction you could want. This is one way to reduce red-eye in portrait photography, because your not flashing someone straight in the eyes with the light.
I am only an amateur photographer at the moment but I wanted something that could be classed as 'professional' quality. Canon, in my opinion, offer the best options for amateurs because they are the best quality for the price. Having the option to be able to go away and do basic studio lighting using a couple...
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helpful
2/16/2006
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8/9/2004
