Until 2007, the Canon 580EX was the top-of-the-line external flash unit offered by Canon. Known as "Speedlite," the 580EX is a powerful external flash that is designed to be used with Canon's line of digital single-lens reflex cameras. The Speedlite is designed for the professional or advanced amateur marketplace; as such, the design and build quality is suited for that market. The 580EX shares a lot of the same weather sealing that Canon's professional cameras have.
Instructions
1. Insert four "AA" batteries into the 580EX. This flash will light a large room and, thus, uses a fair amount of power. Using freshly charged or new batteries will go a long way to getting the most out of this flash unit.
2. Confirm the flash and digital camera are turned off. Slide the 580EX onto the camera's hotshoe at the top of the camera and turn the locking switch to secure the 580EX to the camera.
3. Turn the camera and the 580EX on. Set the camera to any exposure mode setting. Press the "Mode" button and set the 580EX to "E-TTL." In this setting, the 580EX will work with the camera to create the best exposure. This is a full automatic setting for the flash.
4. Press the "Mode" button until you see "MAN" appear in the LCD on the back of the 580EX. In this setting, you control the flash. You can adjust the power of the flash by pressing the "+/-" button and setting the power exactly where you want it.
5. Press the button on the side of the flash head to tilt the flash head toward the ceiling. This creates a softer, more natural looking light source when indoors with a low ceiling. There is a small built-in "bounce card" just behind the flash head. Pull this white card out to direct a small amount of light toward the subject.
6. Press the button on the side of the flash again to rotate the flash head so it is still directed toward the ceiling when you hold the camera in a vertical position.
Tags: flash head, 580EX camera, button side, button side flash, external flash, flash unit, Mode button