Canon Flash, worthwhile?

[Len]

I shoot lots of weddings and events in a photojournalistic style, so I'm used to shooting an auto flash (Vivitar 285) with my camera in manual mode so that I am in control of all the variables. I would like to take advantage of the TTL and Zoom flash options, so I am considering getting a Canon flash to go with my 10D (recent purchase). However, I'm unsure that my results will be as good, consistent or predictable going TTL. Is the 10D's TTL that good or is it just nice to have if you are uncomfortable with flash? Which Canon is best for professional use?

I also heard a rumor that some of these aftermarket flashes can put out a small charge to these digital cameras that can damage camera circuitry. Does that happen while on the hot shoe, through the PC cord, both, or not at all?

Any advice, experiences or links would be helpful.

Len

[MyKey]

Almost EVERY image we take is with Canon flashes. We have a 580ex on camera and 550ex as slaves. Before the 580ex came out we did the 550ex on main and 420ex on as slaves. The ETTL works well, yes sometimes it messes up but all in all it works great. using flash from overpower to 3 stop under has worked wonders for our photography and it is something we will always do. If you can afford it go with a 550ex or 580ex for the Master controls so down the road you can get a smaller 420ex as a slave and it will work great.

[LoungeLizard]

I agree with what Mike says - specially after seeing how they worked.

I just purchased a 580ex and expect to be very happy with it once I figure it out! There are plenty of used 550ex out there for about the same price as the Sigma and such. If you can't (or don't want to) afford the 580ex or a new 550ex, you can go this route. I will look at that for a secondary flash in a few months.

[brad]

I just purchased a 420ex and I absolutely love it.

I had it with me on this shoot this weekend.. all of these shots were taken with that flash used as a fill flash on aperature priority:

http://jti.smugmug.com/gallery/478361

It takes some experimentation to get the metering right on Av, but once you have it, the exposures are great.

[Len]

Brad,

Beautiful shots, thanks for sharing them with us. It's remarkable how you tuned your flash to be "just enough" to open the eyes and face without overpowering the ambient light.

Is there a program setting to avoid when using a Canon flash, like fully automatic TTL? (I'm so new to this camera and so set in my Hasselblad ways that I'm probably not even asking the question correctly.)

Len

[brad]

I've been told that full program will "nail the exposure" with a Canon flash.. but I hate the loss of control.

The 10D in Av (or Tv for that matter) allows you to set a number of stops under or overexposed... plus it has ways for you to do the same with the flash's exposure... read the 10D manual in the part about TTL flashes.

Oh, and I left out my favorite bit about the 420ex - Hi Speed Sync - It will sync with shutters of 1/1000th and even above.

[LoungeLizard]

Originally Posted by brad

I just purchased a 420ex and I absolutely love it.

I had it with me on this shoot this weekend.. all of these shots were taken with that flash used as a fill flash on aperature priority:

http://jti.smugmug.com/gallery/478361

It takes some experimentation to get the metering right on Av, but once you have it, the exposures are great.

Those are nice. I really like the next to last on the second page. Very cute pose!