Speedlite 320EX Flash for Canon SLR Cameras

I usually use a 420 but I thought that it would be nice to have a smaller light for when flash isn't a priority. For the just incase carry. Recently picked up an EOS-M with the 22mm f/2 lens and quickly fell in love with the fast and sharp lens. Then I realized that shooting video with the auto focus is darn nice. But I forgot about the 320's built-in LED video light so I tested it out a few times. And it's amazing! With the fast lens, the LED light is tremendously bright. I have no problems shooting vids at subjects 10ft! It was almost worthless with my 7D. On the 7D, I had to be within arms reach. Maybe I need to get some faster lens for it. Anyways, aside from the outstanding flash capabilities, the LED light isn't a gimmick. Its truly usable with the right equipment.

I don't know about you, but I really don't need an LCD screen on every single device in my kit, and when the 320EX showed up, I thought the price point for the power and features was dead on. The controls are simple and all tactile, and although I still will need ultimately to purchase more units (430EX and/or 580EX), this unit suited both my budget and my needs. What is absolutely fantastic is the remote capability not only to trigger the flash but to use the flash to trigger the camera. Since I shoot a Canon 7d, that is already built into the system, and although there are limitations with regard to line-of-sight, distance, and so on, it's helped give me power over my flash without the additional expense of Pocket Wizards or the equivalent. Again, I'll have to lay down the dough for that at some point, but I'm building slowly since I'm not rich and this unit is a great value, easy to learn and use, and small enough to find a place in my bag permanently.

First - even if you are an amature photographer like me, you can seriously upgrade your photos by getting an external flash. A big external flash sometimes seems like a very "proferssional" accessory and people may think only professional photographers need and use it, but once you see how your photos look comparing to ANY built-in flash, you will realize that this is one of the smartests upgrades you can make.this is a very good flash, but with current pricing you can get the next model up, the 430EX-II, for about $30 more. The 430 will give you two main benefits: more light and better AF assitance (Infrared instead of flash bursts). However, the 320 has a nice LED light feature that the 430 doesn't have, which can be useful for shooting movies.I had the 320 for a short while and I liked it.Things I liked:* nice size and weight* quick charge* decent amount of light* can tilt and swivel to bounce light off walls etc.* simple to operate (few very clear buttons)* nice LED feature* easy to use locking mechanism* good pricethings I didn't like (and why I ended up upgrading to 430):* could use more light, especially when bouncing off the ceiling* the next model, 430ex ii, is only $30 more and has more light* I ended up not using the LED light at all...Overall I would recommend this if you are looking for your first external flash and want to save some money by not going for the more expensive models. There's also a cheaper entry level model, the 270, which is supposed to be pretty good and is very attractively priced.

I would consider this flash an OK intermediate needs flash. Its great for the new 70D or Rebel that has a built in flash. I say this, because in order to use as an off camera slave flash, you need the built in flash as the master. This flash is an optic slave unit only. Should you have a second 320EX and be using a 6D or 5D with no built in flash, the 2nd unit will not master. The TTL works well and that's a good thing, because there is no other adjustments for manual use available. Also note that the flash has only two manual positions for mm coverage by physically pulling the head of the flash out or leave it pushed in. There is no manual ability to adjust output manually. The LED light is great if you are in a dark place and need a light to search through your camera bag for small objects or light up the trunk of your car in a dark parking lot, as a video light, not so good. Any subject more than 3' away quickly become dimly lit objects. As I said, good on camera Canon branded flash for point & shoot, but other than that not so good. Even though its been discounted over a $100.00 already, you'd be better off spending the same money on a Yongnuo product and have the manageability options one needs on a DSLR.

This flash is Powerful, Versatile, & Constructed well. I've been using mine now for a week and I cannot be happier. My old flash would kill the batteries after just an hour of shooting photos... This one has been firing now for a week and I haven't had to change the batteries yet (Uses 4 AA) Go with Duracell or Energizer, steer away from the cheap batteries...You might save money buying a different brand flash, but if you're using a Canon Camera - I would highly suggest investing in the Speedlite line! It works instantly and in harmony with your Canon camera... The item description states a 2 second delay in flash, however, that's optional... My Speedlite fires instantly (at the same time my camera takes a picture)... The options (from the menu) allow you to use a - 2 thru 2 + setting.I am glad that I invested in this product line because when it comes to Photography, perfection is important to me. Do yourself a favor if you're not sure as to which brand to buy... Take my word for it... Get the Speedlite line if you have a Canon!