The world of digital SLR cameras is riddled with accessories, one of the most popular being external flashes. Canon, one of the leading manufacturers of digital cameras, with its flagship EOS brand, has two notable external flashes that have become very popular with professional photographers and hobbyists alike: The Speedlite 420ex and its sister model, the Speedlite 430ex.
Basics
Almost all Canon DSLR cameras come with a built-in flash that protrudes from the top of the camera. These, however, are often considered subpar in their illuminating qualities and are generally only used for casual purposes by casual users. Most professionals prefer to equip their cameras with very powerful external flashes that easily attach to the top of the camera and extend farther above the lens. Not only are these accessory flashes more powerful than the built-in flashes, but because of their height above the camera's lens they can better prevent red eye and create a softer, more professional-looking lighting. Two of the most popular accessory flashes manufactured by Canon are the Speedlite 420ex and 430ex.
Manual Flash
Unlike the 420ex, the 430ex has a feature known as Manual Flash Mode. This is the intensity of the flash, which can be adjusted through seven levels ranging from full power to 1/64 power. This is extremely beneficial depending on the amount of light available at the shooting location. It can eliminate shot-to-shot exposure variations if you are shooting subjects in consistent lighting such as in portraits. The FEC (Flash Exposure Compensation) on the 430ex can also be set independently of the camera, whereas on the 420ex, the flash requires a camera body equipped with this feature.
Recycle Time
The improved, more efficient circuitry in the 430ex has helped it obtain a recycle time 40 percent faster than the 420ex. With four AA batteries, the time has been clocked at 3.7 seconds compared with 5.2 seconds for the 420ex. Take note that the time can be almost cut in half by using NiMH batteries, which are also rechargeable and thus far more economical.
Ease of Use
An oft-mentioned improvement of the 430ex over the 420ex is the inclusion of an integrated LCD screen that allows the user to access its various features. The 420ex, on the other hand, uses only a series of lights, which are labeled with their functions, taking practice and a trained eye in order to adjust the flash's settings properly.
White Balance
In contrast to the 420ex, compatible DSLR cameras can actually communicate with the 430ex and relay information, such as color temperature, and allow the flash to adjust the intensity of its light and create an optimal white balance. This is something that must be done manually, by adjusting outside light sources, with the 420ex.
Price Point
As of 2009, the 430ex is the replacement model for the 420ex and is still in production, retailing for around $300. A used 420ex can be found for around $200. For the added features the 430ex offers, it is the better value, but performance-wise, the 420ex offers about the same basic performance for a lower price.
Tags: 420ex 430ex, external flashes, accessory flashes, cameras with, digital cameras, DSLR cameras, external flashes that