stupid question about 580exII

[inkista]

Originally Posted by dishingthedivine

As far as I can tell, here are my options:
If I want the 580 flash, I have to upgrade my camera to really use it to it's full capability.

Actually, I disagree. You'd have to upgrade to use every feature the flash has, but being able to control the flash from the camera menu is merely a convenience. There isn't one thing you can do with the 580EXII that having an older camera body won't let you use--it's just slightly more of a pain to use the more limited LCD display on the flash's back than the camera menu system. Most importantly, it's not as if the flash is less powerful on an older body than a newer one.

[dishingthedivine]

Originally Posted by inkista

Actually, I disagree. You'd have to upgrade to use every feature the flash has, but being able to control the flash from the camera menu is merely a convenience. There isn't one thing you can do with the 580EXII that having an older camera body won't let you use--it's just slightly more of a pain to use the more limited LCD display on the flash's back than the camera menu system. Most importantly, it's not as if the flash is less powerful on an older body than a newer one.

Confused... you say that I would have to upgrade to "use every feature that the flash has" but then say that "there isn't one thing you can do with the 580EXII that having an older camera body won't let you use" - so is the "feature" that I can't use just the ability to use the camera's menu system? I guess I was under the impression from a previous post that I was going to lose out on more than that. I'd have to go back through all the posts to find it, but I thought someone suggested that maybe the flash and camera wouldn't sync up as well?

Thanks again for all your prompt feedback. I'm looking into affordable D40s on e-bay to see if they exist. I doubt it, but you know... can't blame me for trying.

[oldwolf]

Here are a couple links for used Canon 40d from Adorama.

I'd tend to trust Adorama more than I would ebay just because they're a big company vs. you buying from an unknown.

1901B105AA Canon Eos-40d 10.1 Megapixels Digital Slr camera body

1901B105AA Canon Eos-40d 10.1 Megapixels Digital Slr camera body

You can also try the POTN forums under their Classified: Sell.

Canon Digital Photography Forums - Powered by vBulletin

You'll need to register an account to be able to see that section I believe. Again you're working with individuals at this point but more likely than not they'll be more reliable because they're fellow photographers.

Good luck in your search.

[dishingthedivine]

Originally Posted by oldwolf

Here are a couple links for used Canon 40d from Adorama.

I'd tend to trust Adorama more than I would ebay just because they're a big company vs. you buying from an unknown.

...
1901B105AA Canon Eos-40d 10.1 Megapixels Digital Slr camera body

You can also try the POTN forums under their Classified: Sell.

Canon Digital Photography Forums - Powered by vBulletin

You'll need to register an account to be able to see that section I believe. Again you're working with individuals at this point but more likely than not they'll be more reliable because they're fellow photographers.

Good luck in your search.

You really are a vessel of useless information (see your tagline) except that in this particular instance, it's quite useful. I had no idea adorama or POTN even existed or sold cameras. Thanks for pointing me in these directions. I see the one at Adorama might even be affordable. I'll have to check out the POTN one later today.

You guys have been an amazing support group and knowledge base for me. Thanks for all your time and energy.

[inkista]

Originally Posted by dishingthedivine

Confused... you say that I would have to upgrade to "use every feature that the flash has" but then say that "there isn't one thing you can do with the 580EXII that having an older camera body won't let you use" - so is the "feature" that I can't use just the ability to use the camera's menu system?

Yup. All the other "additional" features the 580EXII has over the 580EX are things that work just as well on an older body--like the quicklock foot, autothyristor, etc.

In terms of sync--what you're probably thinking of is your max. sync speed. Higher-tiered bodies tend to have higher max. sync speeds, but if you're using the camera on the shoe, you can always go past that limitation with high-speed synch mode (aka "FP mode"). You trade off power to use the higher shutter speeds, but the option to use HSS will still be there, even with an older, lower-tiered body. It's when you go off-camera and lose the TTL pin signals that you're limited to your max. sync speed. But realistically the gain you'd make is maybe going from 1/200s to 1/250s. Not even a stop.

[dishingthedivine]

Originally Posted by inkista

Yup. All the other "additional" features the 580EXII has over the 580EX are things that work just as well on an older body--like the quicklock foot, autothyristor, etc.

In terms of sync--what you're probably thinking of is your max. sync speed. Higher-tiered bodies tend to have higher max. sync speeds, but if you're using the camera on the shoe, you can always go past that limitation with high-speed synch mode (aka "FP mode"). You trade off power to use the higher shutter speeds, but the option to use HSS will still be there, even with an older, lower-tiered body. It's when you go off-camera and lose the TTL pin signals that you're limited to your max. sync speed. But realistically the gain you'd make is maybe going from 1/200s to 1/250s. Not even a stop.

Good to know. So, if I can get my hands on a cheap 40D, great, but if not, then the 400D will work fine for now. Phew... I was beginning to wonder how I would afford anything cool ever again.

[HelenOster]

Originally Posted by oldwolf

Here are a couple links for used Canon 40d from Adorama.

I'd tend to trust Adorama more than I would ebay just because they're a big company vs. you buying from an unknown.

Thank you!

And if you ever require after-sales support or advice regarding an order from Adorama, please don't hesitate to email me directly.

[johndavid]

Let us know how it turned out