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Canon 320 Speedlite / Video Hybrid Light

A quick intro to Canon’s Flash Series Numbers, is that the numbers refer to the guide numbers. For those of you unfamiliar with this, suffice it to say, the higher the number, the greater the power.

While I do not consider the 320 a pro-level flash, it is not a bad little back up for the casual shooter. What makes it unique is the built in LED video light as well as the built in remote shutter release.

While the video light is not that strong, if you know what you are doing with your ISO, it enough to make a difference. There have been a few times in the last year it saved the day.

Canon 580 EXII Speedlite

Up until this summer, the Canon 580 Ex and EX II were my workhorse flash units, at one point when I was shooting weddings every weekend, I had 4 of them. It was Canon’s Flagship Flash unit, but has been replaced by the 600 EX-RT, which uses longer distance capable Radio Transceivers. There is still a significant stock available (while supplies last) and probably will be for the next 1-2 years.

If you look around, you should still be able to find 580s on Ebay.

If you want to learn how to use it, look no further: Canon 580 Speedlite Crash Course DVD

Canon 600 Ex-RT Speedlite

I carry 2 of these as my primary flashes and use my 580EXII’s as backups, but I need to be honest, I am really loving the 600s. I will likely sell my last 2 580s and get another 600. While they are a little bigger and bulkier than the 580s, they are much more reliable when it comes to off camera flash work.

If you are a pro shooting with flash once a week or more often, you are going to want to make the upgrade.

Currently, I am the only one offering a training course on the 600 and ST-E3 Transmitter which can be purchased here: Canon Speedlite 600 Ex-RT Crash Course Video. BTW- It is a FANTASTIC course and great investment. Ill take all the fuss out of learning your Speedlite 600.

ST-E3 Transmitter

The ST-E3 is a radio controlled transmitter and is not compatible with the older 580 Speedlites.

While it lacks the Focus Assist beam which the older ST-E2 had, it is irreplaceable tool as an off camera Master control with the new 600 Speedlites.