Adequate Power: uses 4 batteries like the big sibblings.
High Speed Sync flash and daylight Fill Flash.
Soooo small, it's like, not there.
Cheap.

Cannot do ceiling bounce flash or swivel. (Don't need it if outdoors, anyway...)

I use several Canon speedlights 550 EX II and 480 EX II.
I bought this 220 EX out of curiosity, and too tag along my 5D as it has no pop up flash.
This little sprite is amazing.
It gives the 5D series and the 1D series like a pop up flash similar to the prosumer models. So small, it just squeezes into any space on the bag.
4 batteries for great power. High speed Sync flash.
A handy piece of good equipment to have along, always.

Customer Service

Never needed

Similar Products Used:

550 EX II
480 EX II

Small Lightweight Accurate, accurate, accurate Capable of high speed flash. Fast recycle time.

Expensive, expensive, expensive. I would give it a 5 rating if not for the price.

An excellent, small flash unit that always delivers on the money exposure. Quick recycle time is very helpful. I also have a 380 EX and the 220EX is ready for 2nd flash in half the time. If you have a Rebel (as I do) this flash will improve your flash pictures over the pop-up exponentially. I imagine it will do same for other Canons with pop-up. It's small and can be easily fit in a back pocket or in the accessory pocket of a small camera case. I got this after I already had the 380 EX because I found that I didn't want to carry around the 380, it was just a bit too big. The exposure is every bit as good under 30 feet away. It doesn't zoom so its range is more limited. It doesn't have a bounce head, but that's why it is so small. I still use the 380 a lot, but tend to carry the 220 if I'm out for a casual day not dedicated to shooting, but just carrying the camera. Also, it is capable of high speed flash for fill flash. All around, an excellent flash. If you are not satisfied with your pop-up flash results and don't want to carry a large "jointed" flash, get the 220EX. Unfortunately, it's very expensive new and used is no great bargain either. If the size and weight is not an issue, go with the 420EX, it has bounce and side bounce (fun!!).

Customer Service

Never used for the flash, but have used it for my Rebel. They are more responsive to direct customer interaction than through a service center. They said no to CS Center, then yes to me. Go figure.

Similar Products Used:

Canon 380EX

When evaluating a flash''s performance you have to look at the camera body it is mounted on''s performance when dealing with TTL Flash systems. That is why I give the entire Canon Flash system an A+++++++++ for its dead on flash exposures. The fact that you have Full auto flash, manual flash output if you change flash exposure compensation or ISO rating of the film, High speed flash syncing, And a good assortment of other features is incredible in a system so simply operated such as this one.

Power is more than a little weak at times! A little expensive if you ask me!

Hmmm....what can I say about this flash? It is lightweight (would be lighter if it used only two AA''s not four but that would probably mean less flashes), Compact, prevents redeye to some degree with its higher height from the lens, great technology inside.

Customer Service

never needed.

Similar Products Used:

nada. zip. zilch.

Small, light and has E-TTL for full integration with the Elan II and other Type A EOS camera.

Limited range, no zoom head. It is too expensive.

I bought this because of its portability (it easiliy fits in my pocket), and because the lens I use on my Elan II will block the pop-flash with the lens hood on. Another main reason is that it is an E-TTL flash, which my 200E is not. I have used in now for awhile, and it fulfills its intended function admirably. I.e. fill flash in sunlight situations, short range "people" candids at parties, etc. indoors. I have to make sure that I use the zoom lens at a above 35 mm or the flash won't cover the full scene. The E-TTL function works well, and I have gotten some extremely good flash photos with this speedlite. The main downside to this device is its price. It is too expensive when compared to the 380EX. However, if you need/want a flash small enough to carry in your pocket, has E-TTL and is strong enough to cover most shooting situations, this is the only choice. I bought it and I don't regret it.

Customer Service

Not used

Similar Products Used:

200E, 380EX, 540EZ

Small, portable, E-TTL & FP Flash that complement my 50QD (Elan II) and EOS300 (Rebel 2000)

None if you know it power limit

I hate the 380EX for not being able to swirl, the 550EX is way too expensive for my purpose (maybe the 420EX would strike a good balance). I long for a smaller package with all the new features (E-TTL, FP etc) that I could keep in my camera bag for fill flash (so it doesn't have to be powerful, but high-sync speed counts). I found mine used in perfect condition for $60 with a little bit of bargaining. Notwithstanding so it would still score high in the value rating.

Customer Service

Haven't try yet.

Similar Products Used:

380EX

It has a good response, is versatile, and is well constructed.

none that I encountered

a well constructed, quality device

Customer Service

haven't needed it yet

Similar Products Used:

none