What's on your Canon Speedlite Wishlist?

<p>I recently wrote the article "My Canon Speedlite Wishlist" on PixSylated.com. Much to my surprise, a huge number of Canon shooters from around the world have added their thoughts to it in the hopes that someone at Canon will actually read it. So, what's on your wishlist for Canon Speedlites?</p>

<p>Maybe hire Apple to design a more "human" interface. Canon's menu and button system is awkward.</p>

<p>Built-in radio control so that I don't need Pocket Wizards.</p>

<p>I wanted a small speedlite with bounce to use with the 5D<br>

Canon gave me the 270EX</p>

 

Commander mode built into bodies and flashes; like Nikon.

<p>Built in ETTL radio control from the camera's radio transmission or the computer's.<br>

Three 1/4 threaded mounts; back of the head, side of the body, and on the hot shoe base.<br>

1/4" flash sync jack on opposite side of threaded mount<br>

A stronger Hot Shoe connection system that can take quick turns without rupturing into pieces.<br>

A flash head only, with radio sync too, that uses the external battery pack as it's sole power source (no internal batteries) to make a lighter unit.</p>

 

<p>Definitely agree with the radio control. As for a stronger flash hot shoe I don't think you can beat the 580EX II's hot shoe for strength seeing as it is metal. Maybe a more accurate flash system that also provides a whiter light.</p>

<p>A Canon flash that works like a Nikon SB-900 or a Metz :-). <br>

Realistically, a radio transmitter compatiable with Alien Bees Cybersync CSR receivers. Alternatively, a way were one could do both have camera mounted transmitter and also an on-camera flash.</p>

 

<p>A 270EX with IR focussing instead of epilepsy inducing strobing flash - which would be the 220EX which I just bought with bounce capability added.</p>

<p>Wireless flash built into higher end bodies.<br>

If they can't do that (or don't want to) then they should update the ST-E2 by adding a third slave group (as per the 580EX) switching to 4x AA batteries or even better a lithium rechargeable. The 2CR5 is expensive and so 1980's.<br>

They should also add second curtain synch compatability to the ST-E2 and perhaps re-design the emitter dome to cover a wider angle with a better outdoor performance.<br>

(I do like my ST-E2 honest, just things I'd change)<br>

Slave mode available on any and all new EX guns (from the humble 270EX up)<br>

A budget EX ring flash (suitable for portrait as well as close work) I realise economies of scale come into play, but to my mind the canon macro speedlites are excessively priced.<br>

I use 2x 430EX's with my ST-E2 and there's nothing I regard I'm missing for the money.</p>

 

<p>For them to be Nikons and actually work....... without FlashComp/ ExpComp all the time. Radio remotes and an interface that makes using manual not an exercise in scrolling thru menus and buttons. Canon's very poor flash design has often made me wish I would have started with Nikons......but having used Canons since the '70's I probably won't switch any time soon. How can they make otherwise superb pieces of equipment and let their speedlites be so poor.............?</p>

<p>Another vote for radio control.</p>

<p>1) let the photographer decide if it's going to be a fill or flash or key light. (all canons are calibrated to default to fill making you use FEC for key)</p>

<p>2) Consistent and accurage ETTL II exposure indoors. (for some reason it only seems to work consistently outdoors)</p>

<p>3) An Auto Thyristor mode on all bodies, not just the 1 series. On my 5D I can't use Thyristor mode becuas you have to manually key in ISO and Aperture which takes way too long at weddings with those freaking menues.</p>

<p>In short the only reason I don't ebay all my 550s and 580 is the AF assist wich occationally comes in handy and the ETTL II performs pretty well outside. For indoor work I use Metz CL45-4s. They never miss.</p>