Flash for a Canon G9 - DPChallenge Forums

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III

12/19/2008 08:38:01 AM · #1

I followed the suggestions on the forum, and talked my dad into buying a Canon G9.

I would like to buy him a flash, and after doing a bit of research, i realized that it's compatible with a lot of flashes. Can someone recommend a compact flash for this camera? I am just looking for something that could be bounced of a ceiling or a wall, or at least angled a bit to get rid of those over-exposed skin-tones. I don't want to get a flash that's larger then then camera.

Thank you!

Yo_Spiff

Olympus 12-100mm f/4.0 M.Zuiko ED IS PRO

12/19/2008 08:54:19 AM · #2

Originally posted by PlayWithFire:

Can someone recommend a compact flash for this camera?

I like the ones from Kingston and Sandisk, however, I think the G9 uses SD cards, so I don't know why you want a compact flash.

OK, seriously...
I recently bought a Quantaray XLF-50 for $99 and it seems to work well. It's small and about 1.5x the power of the built in flash. It can be angled up to bounce off the ceiling, but does not swivel side to side. Operation is as simple as it can get. You have an an/off, ready light and flash power. At full strength it is enough to bounce off the ceiling in an average room. Here are some of shots I did with it on my Powershot S5:

I also bought a 430EX a couple of days later, but I expect to actually still use the little Quantaray a bit. It might be nice as a fill flash unit when outside, and it's a lot less awkward bulk than the 430EX.

Message edited by author 2008-12-19 09:00:25.

12/19/2008 11:00:35 AM · #3

HA! way to mess with my head. You confused the hell out of me.

Thanks for the suggestion, this is exactly what i am looking for. The 430EX looks to be too big, but the XLF-50 seems to be exactly what i need.

I'd love to hear more suggestions

12/19/2008 11:19:22 AM · #4

I have a 420EX to use with my G7. My dad has a 430 EX to use with his G9.

They look a bit goofy since the flash is as big or bigger than the camera, but they work very well.

As a bonus, the G7 and G9 give manual control over Canon flash units that typically don't have it when shooting in M mode because it's done from the camera. I've only done this with the 420EX, but I'd think that it would do the same with the 220EX.

I can't say what it would do with a 3rd party unit.

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

12/19/2008 11:22:00 AM · #5

Well, my dad has a G9 because he wanted a good camera, but didn't want the bulk.
And i really don't think he'll enjoy a flash that's bigger then then camera body. I know a small flash is going to be weaker, but i don't think it'll be a problem.

boss351

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

12/19/2008 12:08:21 PM · #6

Originally posted by PlayWithFire:

Well the 220EX won't look so out place on the G9. I have a G2 and when I put 420ex on it, it looked so funny and top heavy. But it sure did take a really nice picture.

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III

12/19/2008 01:15:06 PM · #7

hmm, you are right, i just saw a photo at the 220EX looks OK
i think i'd prefer that one, just because it's also Canon

Also, it looks like the Canon 220EX is twice the power, where the Quantaray XLF-50 is 1.5 times the power
I'll keep looking, and will swing by my local camera store to check out a few items.

Yo_Spiff

Olympus 12-100mm f/4.0 M.Zuiko ED IS PRO

12/19/2008 02:22:10 PM · #8

Originally posted by PlayWithFire:

Also, it looks like the Canon 220EX is twice the power, where the Quantaray XLF-50 is 1.5 times the power I'll keep looking, and will swing by my local camera store to check out a few items.

The 220EX is only slighty more powerful than the XLF-50, and the head does not swivel at all. Comparing the specs I can find (we discussed these in one of my Flickr groups just the other day), the XLF-50 is nearly as powerful, with a guide number of 65 feet at ISO 100. The 220EX is 72 feet at ISO 100. In comparison, the 430EX is a guide number of 141 feet at ISO 100. About twice a strong. The pop-up flash on my Rebel XT is a guide number of 43, to provide another yardstick.

The biggest "if" I can see is mediocre reputation of Quantaray brand accessories compared to the OEM item. But for under $100, I still don't think you can go wrong with it.

Message edited by author 2008-12-19 14:25:45.

12/19/2008 02:58:28 PM · #9

Originally posted by yospiff:

Originally posted by PlayWithFire:
Also, it looks like the Canon 220EX is twice the power, where the Quantaray XLF-50 is 1.5 times the power I'll keep looking, and will swing by my local camera store to check out a few items.

The 220EX is only slighty more powerful than the XLF-50, and the head does not swivel at all. Comparing the specs I can find (we discussed these in one of my Flickr groups just the other day), the XLF-50 is nearly as powerful, with a guide number of 65 feet at ISO 100. The 220EX is 72 feet at ISO 100. In comparison, the 430EX is a guide number of 141 feet at ISO 100. About twice a strong. The pop-up flash on my Rebel XT is a guide number of 43, to provide another yardstick.

The biggest "if" I can see is mediocre reputation of Quantaray brand accessories compared to the OEM item. But for under $100, I still don't think you can go wrong with it.

Actually, the biggest "if" for me would be Manual control over the flash, or lack thereof. Since the G9 itself will manually control of Canon flash units, if it won't do the same with non-Canon units, that would be a HUGE issue.

I can't tell if the Quantaray XLF-50 allows for manual control with the G9 or not either by itself or through the camera.

As for the swiveling head, I've found that the best way to shoot with my G7 and external flash is to use the Off-Camera cord, hold the camera in one hand, the flash in the other and point it whereever I want.

Message edited by author 2008-12-19 15:00:12.

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III

12/19/2008 03:53:20 PM · #10

Well, i'd rather go with an OEM part, but the fact that it doesn't swivel bugs me. You said you use a cord, do you mean Canon Off Camera Shoe Cord OC-E3?
That's another $50 and would take up more room in the bag.

Yo_Spiff

Olympus 12-100mm f/4.0 M.Zuiko ED IS PRO

12/19/2008 04:07:14 PM · #11

I seriously doubt the XLF-50 can be controlled through the camera. However, there really is not much to control. I don't think the 220EX can either.

Message edited by author 2008-12-19 16:07:53.

12/19/2008 04:56:13 PM · #12

Originally posted by yospiff:

I seriously doubt the XLF-50 can be controlled through the camera. However, there really is not much to control. I don't think the 220EX can either.

I'd bet that it can with the G9, in any event, it's worth checking out.

The 420EX doesn't have a manual mode. But the G7/G9 can manually control it.

12/19/2008 04:57:20 PM · #13

Originally posted by PlayWithFire:

Yeah, but it's invaluable for getting the flash away from the lens axis, which eliminates red eye and those harsh shadows from direct flash.