430ex vs 580ex

reconstyle · Apr 2, 2008

What are the main differences between the 580 and the 430? I found a fairly cheap 430, but I don't want to buy it and then 2 months down the road realize that it sucks and I should have saved for a 580.

I would only be using the flash indoors to take just plain snap shots of people at parties and family gatherings and such...

Big Mike · Apr 2, 2008

I would only be using the flash indoors to take just plain snap shots of people at parties and family gatherings and such...

For that purpose, I think the 430EX would be good enough.

The main differences are...
Power: the 580 is bigger and more powerful.
Wireless capability: If you have multiple units, the 580 can be a 'master' or a 'slave'...the 430 can only be a 'slave'.
Control layout: The 580 has a nice wheel on the back for changing the settings...the 430 has some annoyingly small crescent shaped buttons.
The 580 has a built in bounce card.
The 580 is compatible with Canon's remote battery pack.

The 580 II, has weather sealing and an auto sensor (although, I've heard that it's auto sensing is terrible).

I've got the 430EX and it's been up to just about anything I've needed it to do.

Village Idiot · Apr 2, 2008

Big Mike said:
For that purpose, I think the 430EX would be good enough.

The main differences are...
Power: the 580 is bigger and more powerful.
Wireless capability: If you have multiple units, the 580 can be a 'master' or a 'slave'...the 430 can only be a 'slave'.
Control layout: The 580 has a nice wheel on the back for changing the settings...the 430 has some annoyingly small crescent shaped buttons.
The 580 has a built in bounce card.
The 580 is compatible with Canon's remote battery pack.

The 580 II, has weather sealing and an auto sensor (although, I've heard that it's auto sensing is terrible).

I've got the 430EX and it's been up to just about anything I've needed it to do.