Canon Speedlite 220EX used with the PowerShot G7

Written by: Siegfried Seierlein
Last Updated: 1 January 2008

Introduction

The Canon Speedlite 220EX is physically the smallest flash unit in the EX range. It is a full function Canon Speedlite and has E-TTL and E-TTL II technology build-in. The 220EX has a Guide Number (GN) of 25 and the PowerShot G7 build in flash has a guide number of 13. The 220EX is therefore nearly twice as powerful as the G7 build in flash. Physically the 220EX looks virtually the same as the MecaBlitz 20 from Metz. The 220EX has a fix flash light and it cannot be tilted or swivelled like Canon Speedlite 420 EX. Physically the 220EX is a perfect match for the PowerShot G7 and when fitted to the G7 the combination looks great.

PowerShot G7 fitted with the Speedlite 220EX

Functionally the 220EX is also a great match for the G7. One notice that when you fit the 220EX on the G7 and when you switch them both on. Immediately the red flash symbol appears in the G7 screen to indicate that the G7 has recognized a E-TTL flash unit. When you take the first picture with the 220EX you also notice the fact that the two units come from the same manufacturer, they work just perfectly together. Canon flash units has a unique feel to them and you realise that when you take a picture. The Canon Speedlite flash units just seem to have total control over the flash unit and its output. It is only when you experienced having a Speedlite flash unit on a Canon camera that you will know what I talk about.

Lets take a brief technical view of the G7 combined with a Speedlite flash unit. When you fit the 220EX onto the G7 then the two units function as one unit. The 220EX is part of the G7 menu structure and adjustments made on the G7 immediately apply to the 220EX. The Canon flash units has very powerful bulbs fitted to them, capable of completely over exposing a picture if not used correctly. Fascinating for me is how well the electronic circuitry the required light intensity measure and thereafter control. For example it is not only the lens opening, aperture (Av), and the shutter speed (Tv) that determines the exposure of flash photography. The light intensity created by the flash unit is also controlled at any given Av and Tv combination. Think about it, this really happen in parts of a second, the photographer press the shutter halfway, the G7 measure the required light intensity, adjust the focus and gives a beep to signal to the photographer, its ready to take the picture. When the shutter is pressed all the way the G7 will give a signal to the 220EX to flash and it will open the lens by opening the shutter. The G7 in combination with the 220EX will switch off the bulb long before the bulb reached its full capacity and that is to ensure the correct exposure for the given Av and Tv combination.

Speedlite 220EX seen from the back

I started the article by saying the Canon flash units has a unique feel to them. Personally I can “feel” the above control and I am fully aware of how the flash unit is controlling the light intensity. This fantastic control is not only build into the Speedlite EX flash units, it is also build into the G7 build in flash. In fact you can consider the build-in flash as being a Speedlite G7EX. Therefore the following discussion on how to work with a external flash unit, will also benefit those who want to better understand the build-in flash. This article will also apply to the 420EX, the 430EX and the 580EX. The latter three has additional functionality to the 220EX but they all share the 220EX basic functionality. Personally I do not know the 380EX well but I do understand from other users that it works well on the G7 and again much of what is discussed here will apply to the 380EX.

The Speedlite 220EX is heavier than the little Metz 20, even though they look virtually the same. The Metz 20 takes two A4 size batteries and the 220EX takes four. The Metz has a swivel flash head unit and the 220EX has a fixed head unit. I have included a comparison table for you to see the key differences between the basic flash units. I only included flash units that will physically be a good match for the PowerShot G7. What is Guide Number : A basic definition will be, it is the distance (ft) the flash will be effective at, when the camera it set at listed ISO value. (Normally ISO 100)

Short Summary of different Flash Functions

Take Note:-

Before we continue with this discussion I like you to reset your G7. Remember when you reset your G7 the C1 & C2 configurations is not reset, those you have to reset separately. You don't need to reset them for this discussion. When you did a reset, important is to set the file settings again on your G7. Go to all the modes, P-Mode, Auto, M-Mode and the others and make sure that the the file compression setting in the MyColors menu is set to (S) Superfine. This is one of the most important settings on the G7.

The Speedlite 220EX in Full Auto Mode

Personally I like the following procedure when fitting any flash unit to the G7. Switch all units off and then fit the 220EX to the G7. First you switch on the G7 and then you switch on your 220EX flash unit. Why this procedure ? When the G7 is switched on first, then it is ready to read and accept a option like the flash unit. In addition the flash unit is not charged and cannot accidentally apply a high voltage or charge to your G7. Next, when the 220EX is switched on, then the G7 and the 220EX will do a quick get to know each other and when done and all OK then the G7 will display a red flash symbol on the screen. The G7 and the 220EX is now ready for action. If the red flash signal is not displayed then the G7 has not recognised the flash as a E-TTL compatible flash.

Think of the 220EX as just a extension of your build in flash. You will see that only the 220EX will function and not the internal flash. That is correct because the G7 knows the 220EX is fitted and therefore disabled the internal flash.

With your G7 in Auto Mode you can now try a few pictures. Use the G7 inside the house, take pictures of the family, the dog and the furniture. Also go outside in daylight and again take a number of different pictures to see how the combo works. You will notice that the shutter speed is always 1/60 seconds and the aperture is always at its largest setting, for example f2,8 at minimum zoom. On a bright sunny day you will see that the shutter speed (Tv) will increase to a maximum of 1/250. You will also notice that the flash is permanently on and it is not possible to cancel or switch off the flash. On the back of the 220EX you will see a flash OK indication. Important is to check this indicator after each picture you take. The flash OK lamp goes on when the exposure was good based on the ETTL-L measurement. If not then the flash OK indication will stay off.

Instead of using auto Mode, my advice is to use P-Mode. P-mode is the same as auto mode but with a few additional features available to the photographer. With P-Mode selected you will have the following additional functionality:

High Speed Sync (FP Flash) allows you to increase the shutter speed to more than the maximum 1/250. Best way to try this is to go outside on a bright sunny day and to take a few pictures with the 220EX fitted. You will see that the flash is always on and that the exposure is measured as if the flash is not mounted. This is interesting as normally with a flash mounted one would see a aperture of 2,8 and a shutter speed of 1/60. The FP Flash function allow the G7 to act normal as if no flash is mounted. The are photographers who permanently leave their flash unit on the camera and switched on in the FP mode, especially during outside photography. Try it, you will be surprised to see how difficult outside areas, change into fun areas to photograph. For example this setting will allow for good fill flash plus good surroundings exposure. I did not find any clear description or setting to activate this function on the G7 internal flash only. To enable high speed sync on the G7 build in flash you select the Tv Mode. This enables you to select the shutter speed you like to have, also faster than the normal 1/250.

Flash Exposure Lock (FE Lock) is a handy way of pre-determining the correct exposure prior to taking the picture. Hold the G7 up and press the (*) FE button. You will see the G7 doing a pre-flash to measure the flash exposure and the exposure is then displayed on the bottom of the G7 screen. The G7 is now ready to take the picture. Often it is difficult to get the correct exposure outside. One way of measuring the exposure is to point the G7 down to a cement footpath or to green grass and to do a exposure lock on that area, then to lift the camera and to then take the picture. With this method you can fix a exposure, then differently fix the focus and then take the picture in the frame you wanted to. Alone with this function you have a lot of creativity and flexibility.

Exposure and flash compensation is also available when P-Mode is selected. With the G7 and the 220EX you can adjust both the flash output and the exposure. To better understand this functionality it is best is to experiment with these settings. Find a appropriate place outside with a dark area in front of you and with a bright blue sky line. Normally when you lift the G7 with flash mounted then the darker area in front will be good but the skyline will be over exposed. To prevent that from happening you can do exposure compensation, one for the skyline and one for the flash. The skyline or exposure compensation is done via the outside button, right above the adjustment wheel on the back of the G7 and the flash exposure compensation is done on the MyColors menu.

The Speedlite 220EX in the Creative Zone

Up to this point we have discussed most of the unique functions available with the G7 and the Speedlite 220EX. The Av and the Tv Modes are used in a similar way than without a flash unit mounted. Generally you will select Av mode when you like to manage or control depth of field and you will select Tv mode to manage movement. For example with night photography you can set the shutter speed to a value that will keep the shutter open for a longer time. When do you fire the flash, when shutter open or at the end of the exposure time ? This is decided by the synchronizing, 1st or 2nd curtain function. The flash will fire at the opening of the shutter with the 1st curtain and just prior to closing the shutter at the 2nd curtain synchronizing. Full Manual (M) Mode also offer unique control over the flash. For example when you add the 220EX, 420EX, 430EX or the 580EX to the G7, and the G7 is in Manual (M) Mode then you have 64 steps of manual flash exposure compensation available. The build in flash only has three steps flash compensation.

Conclusion

I was surprised to learn that Auto Exposure Bracketing does not function with the flash mounted. It is a great function without a flash mounted and something you should try. I will describe this function in another article. I also did not discuss techniques to help the photographer to control the flash output other than what is available in the camera. These other methods will include diffusers for example. There are a number of great ideas on the market and please do not be bullied into believing that the 220EX is some sort of sub standard flash that the professionals will never use. Its maybe true, but not all of us are professionals and for the hobby photographer that get to know his or hers 220EX stunning results are possible.

Folks this was a difficult article for me to write as you most probably noticed from my first attempt that was not great. The subject is so large that one does not know where to start and what to leave out. For example I have a great book on flash photography only and here one try to discuss something in a few words only. I hope you find it of value and that it will help you to try new techniques.

Best Regards

Siegfried