Photography can be greatly enhanced with the use of a good flash unit.
The Canon PowerShot SX1 IS is a compact digital camera offering a number of advanced features. It has a 10-megapixel sensor, full high-definition movie recording, a 28mm wide-angle lens capable of 10x optical zoom and advanced face detection and image processing software. Unusually for a compact camera, it also allows an external flash unit to be attached.
Canon Speedlite
Canon recommends the use of external flash units in the Speedlite EX range. Compatible models include the Speedlite 220EX, 380EX, 420EX, 430EX, 550EX, 580EX, 430EX II and 580EX II. These flash units automatically adjust their light output when the camera mode is set to automatic. The flash exposure compensation can also be adjusted. This allows the camera to set the optimal exposure of the image by firing the flash before the photo is taken and adjusting the exposure accordingly.
Third-Party External Flash Units
The SX1 features an ISO-compatible hot-shoe connector for attaching external flash units to the camera. Theoretically this means that any flash unit with a standard ISO connection can be fitted to the SX1. Some features available when using Canon Speedlite units may not be usable on third-party accessories. Canon includes additional proprietary connections on the camera and Speedlite units, which can be used to communicate other information. This includes variable flash output and exposure compensation.
Incompatible Flash Units
Some external flash units will not work at all with the PowerShot SX1. This includes any accessory not using an ISO standard hot-shoe connector. Some Minolta flash units use a different connector. Always check the specifications of the external unit to see what connection type it uses.
Considerations
Using a Canon Speedlite external flash unit specifically recommended for the PowerShot SX1 IS is the best option. It allows the full range of functions to be used and is better matched to the capabilities of the camera. There is a small possibility that a third-party accessory could damage the camera. The flash will simply fire at full strength whenever it is activated by the camera. This means that photos of closer subjects are more likely to be overexposed. Some external third-party units may have to be fired manually rather than having the camera do it.
Tags: external flash, flash unit, Canon Speedlite, external flash units, flash units
