Description
Speedlite 550EX is the main component of a new flash system designed together with the EOS-3 SLR camera. It provides full compatibility with the new 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 new 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. Recycling times are faster than those experienced with the Speedlite 540EZ. Speedlite 550EX is compatible with all EOS models.
Quick Glance
Compatible Camera: Type-A EOS cameras (for E-TTL autoflash control) Type-B EOS cameras (for TTL autoflash control)
Flash Mode: E-TTL, TTL, FP
Summary
Product Title: Canon Speedlite 550EX Flash Light
Manufacturer: Canon
Power Score: 4.9 | 8 Reviews
Compatibility
Compatible Camera Model(s): Type-A EOS cameras (for E-TTL autoflash control) Type-B EOS cameras (for TTL autoflash control)
Flash Mode: E-TTL, TTL, FP
Performance
Guide Number: 55 m/182 ft at ISO 100
Flash Coverage: 24 mm to 105 mm
Flash Recycle Time: 100 ms to 4 Second - Alkaline 4 x AA - Quick Flash, 100 ms to 2.5 Second - Ni-Cd Pack 4 x AA - Quick Flash, 100 ms to 8 Second - Alkaline 4 x AA - Normal Flash, 100 ms to 5 Second - Ni-Cd Pack 4 x AA - Normal Flash, 100 ms to 2 Second - Transistor Pack E Alkaline 6 x C - Quick Flash, 100 ms to 1.5 Second - Transistor Pack E Ni-Cd 6 x C - Quick Flash, 100 ms to 5 Second - Transistor Pack E Alkaline 6 x C - Normal Flash, 100 ms to 3 Second - Transistor Pack E Ni-Cd 6 x C - Normal Flash, 100 ms to 1.5 Second - CP-E2 Alkaline 6 x AA - Quick Flash, 100 ms to 1 Second - CP-E2 Ni-Cd 6 x AA - Quick Flash, 100 ms to 5 Second - CP-E2 Alkaline 6 x AA - Normal Flash, 100 ms to 2 Second - CP-E2 Ni-Cd 6 x AA - Normal Flash
General
Dimensions: 5.43" Height x 3.15" Width x 4.41" Depth
Weight: 14.29 oz
Warranty Information: 1 Year Limited
URL: Manufacturer Link
Strengths: Consistent Results, Features, Nice, large LCD with illumination
Weakness: Expensive Cheap Battery door construction
I have had this flash for a couple of months now and I love it. Gives consistent results if you know how to use it properly. Works perfectly with Canon's Digital SLRs. The only thing that I don't like about the flash is the battery door construction. Every time you open it, it feels like it is going to snap off. Other then that I have no problems except for the price, but you get what you pay...
Strengths: consistant performer, very versitile, feature rich can be used as a transmitter or slave for other 550 ex for multi light set ups.
Weakness: quite heavy and expensive, will be replaced by 580 ex
Once I got the product I ordered it has worked flawlessly right out of the box. Really improved the lighting in my pictures by 100%. As soon as I can afford it, I will buy another one.
Strengths: Perfect light metering, thus very accurate flash output
Weakness: none as of yet
I'm using this flash with my Canon Digital Rebel. Having owned Sigma EF 500 DG Super, I was used to almost always correct my flash shots in post-processing for they were too dark or too bright. Not anymore!!! With Canon 550EX, the flash exposure problems are solved! Needless to say I am very happy with this flash. Though I never (yet) tried 580EX - I think that for people on a budget 550EX will...
Strengths: Provides consistent exposures indoors at a greater range than the built-in flash of my Canon EOS 10D. The LCD info is great, provides focal length, aperature info to calculate DOF.
Weakness: The most expensive compared to other brands like the sigma super DG 500.
I find this flash to be very good at providing good light for indoor flash pictures. It uses E-TTL to provide consistent exposures. On the Canon 10D, I've learned that Av and Tv mode is for fill flash. Program mode lets you hand-hold shots indoors. Search E-TTL guides online before using this to get consistent shots with any E-TTL supported flash like this. Highly recommend this flash. Hope this...
Strengths: Perfect support for your Canon EOS.
Weakness: None.
I am using this flash with my Canon EOS 10D. It works in perfect harmony with the camera. I guess that should be kind of obvious since they are both Canon products. A good off-brand flash will save you about $60 but I highly recommend sticking with the people who designed your camera. The backlight LCD panel on the back of this is very handy in night situations. The LCD also displays a lot of...
Strengths: Great indoor pictures. The ability to work with multiple flashes wirelessly is great - I know I'll use it in the future. Plus it works with my Canon EOS 10D and XL1S equipment. The rotation is great.
Weakness: It's pricey, but you get what you pay for.
It does a great job for indoor pictures and helps out with those tough spots outside. This flash works great for the multiple Canon cameras I've got.
Strengths: fully support for Canon
Weakness: None
Whenever using indoor or outdoor, 550EX supports for capturing good pictures, I'm a beginner though. The important merit of this item is to fully support the functions for Canon cameras perfectly. Anyhow, it is a little bit expensive. Compared the third party flash such as Sigma, that is lower price. but, supports almost same functions.
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Good Canon Flash
Strengths: Well built, and feature rich.
Weakness: Price and a bit too big for my digital rebel.
Overall a good flash from Canon. Well built and comes with many featues. This flash can act as a Master to control other slaves flash (ex:420). I had been using for about a year without any problems. The size of this flash is a bit big compare to the newer ones (ex:580).