Canon Speedlite 220EX for Canon Pro1, Pro 90, G Series and all EOS SLR Cameras

Why is this important? Because it is measuring the real light and not estimating what might be needed or trying to turn off the flash while it takes the picture when it thinks enough light has been delivered. Its complicated, but trust me you're pictures will be a lot better.

Now the 220EX model is Canon's smallest and lightest. You can opt for other Canon models (380EX is discontinued, 420 EX, 550EX), and you'll get higher light output (so you can use flash from more than 100 feet away), and swivel/tilt so you can bounce flash - but at the added cost of larger size, more weight, and more cost.

The 220EX also provides a long battery life (check out Amazon's price on Kodak photolife batteries) - I seem to get well more than 300 shots per set of AAs. And it also manages power by shutting down the flash after inactivity.

The 220EX makes sense for any smaller Canon camera, or even a larger one where the photographer is less likely to use flash form more than 70 feet away or use bounce flash capability. If that sounds like you, then buy this flash. Its a winner.


WEAK   November 2, 2005
Cesar Chavez (Amsterdam)
152 out of 169 found this review helpful

I bought this tiny flash for my digital Rebel XT. Mistake. A few test shots in the dark indicated that the Rebel's pop up flash was more powerful than the 220. I called Canon customer service to ask about this and was told that yes, in fact the pop up flash IS more powerful than the 220. Stay away from this flash. If you can't afford a bigger, better one, than you'll have to do without while you save up your money.


Compact, powerful, and a perfect complement to the G1   June 6, 2001
54 out of 55 found this review helpful

Having just purchased a Canon PowerShot G1 digital camera a few weeks ago, I felt the built-in flash to be of OK performance, but it was far from what I was used to using with some of my older SLR (single-lens reflex) cameras.

After reading the review here on the 220EX, I decided to go for it. I have seen the other EX offerings, and they are really big flash units. Since the G1 is pretty compact, I figured the 220EX would be the best fit. And after having used it for a while, I know I made the best choice. With 4 AA batteries in the flash, it's pretty heavy (especially in addition to the already somewhat heavy G1). Throw on your lens(es) of choice, and you have a camera of substantial size and weight.

But getting back to the flash, it's so user-friendly that you'll be taking great pictures in minutes. The real light metering works wonders, even in conditions where the subject you're taking a picture of is in complete darkness. I was really happy with how well this flash lit up rooms, evenly and naturally.

This flash is a great value, and comes highly recommended, as is the camera that I bought it for, the PowerShot G1.


Perfect for your G-series Canon   October 13, 2003
Michael J Edelman (Huntington Woods, MI USA)
37 out of 39 found this review helpful

I notice another reviewer called the Speedlite 220 the perfect companion for your G1; I thought of it as the perfect companion for my G2. Whichever camera you have, the Speedlite 220 is indeed the perfect way to get better illuminated flash photos and extend battery life in your G-series camera.

The single most important thing you can do to get rid of red eye and insure that your flash photography subjects don't have that flat, pasty-faced, deer-caught-in-the-headlights look is to seperate the camera from the flash. (You'll need Canon's off-camera extension cord for this) You can shoot with the camera in one hand and hold the flash in the other, or use a bracket to hold them. Or you can get creative, bouncing the flash off the walls, lighting behind your subject, etc. It's great for providing fill flash on sunny days, lighting shadows- and with digital cameras it costs you next to nothing to experiment with lighting and get immidiate feedback.

The 220 talks to all the G-series cameras (as well as all modern Canon SLRs) so you can concentrate on lighting and composition and let the camera worry about exposure. Add a couple sets of rechargeable AA cells and a small charger- cheap these days- and you have an inexpensive but powerful lighting studio. Some may recoil at the price- after all, you can get a tiny flash unit for half or a quarter the cost- but the ability to integrate withe the camera electronics are well worth it.


Why does Canon keep selling this subpar product?   February 3, 2006
Relentless (Gainesville, FL)
33 out of 45 found this review helpful

I ordered this flash as a replacement for a 420ex (that I was borrowing from a good colleague). The minute I opened I had the ominous feeling that it was going to be a disappointment. Indeed! The very first test shots were incredibly telling as to how lousy and shoddy this flash is. First, it does not swivel so you can kiss your hopes for bounce flash goodbye. Second, it's lacks punch and power. In many of the informal tests I performed, the built-in flash of my camera (and even that of a point-and-shoot I have lying around the studio) is more powerful!!!!!! I re-packed it and sent it back. Got a 430ex and am nothing but satisfied. In short, stay away from this flash! In this case you won't even get what you paid for--avoid!