Canon Speedlite 420EX Flash for Canon EOS SLR Cameras Description and Reviews.

Amazon.com Product Description
Though TTL compatible with all Canon EOS cameras and the manual-focus T90 SLR, the Canon Speedlite 420EX flash is also E-TTL compatible with all A-type bodies: EOS-1v, EOS-3, Elan 7 / 7E, Elan II/IIE, Rebel 2000, Rebel G, and EOS IX and IX Lite. The E-TTL function gives you features like high-speed FP sync mode and FE lock (spot/partial flash metering). The swivel head of the 420EX lets you bounce the light off the surrounding surfaces, giving your images soft, professional-quality lighting.

This flash also works as a wireless "slave" flash with EOS-1v, EOS-3, Elan 7 / 7E, and D30 bodies. The remote flash firing is controlled entirely by a master unit--such as the Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2, Speedlite 550EX, or Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX--connected to the camera, making it

fast and simple to set up. When used with the EOS-1V, EOS-3, or EOS D30 cameras, additional features such as lighting ratio control and modeling flash are also supported by the 420EX.
Product Description
The Speedlite 420EX is sure to appeal to EOS users everywhere with its combination of power, features and affordability. It is fully E-TTL-compatible, and reverts to standard TTL operation when used on older EOS bodies or the T90. The fully swiveling bounce head zooms automatically over a range of 24mm-105mm. Most impressively, 420EX' wireless E-TTL compatibility permits it to function as a "slave" unit, triggered by a 550EX; ST-E2, or MR-14EX. Any number of 420EX and 550EX Speedlites can be combined as "slave" units. ________________________________________________________________

Product Reviews:

disappointing power, January 17, 2006
Reviewer: Ogen Perry

I bought this flash hoping to improve my indoor pictures with my Rebel XT. Amazingly, I find absolutely no difference between using the built in flash of the camera or this unit. I find pictures taken at a very reasonable distance (8-10 feet) to be under-exposed unless I correct the exposure using the menu. Would be curious if the more expensive units including the 430EX are better, but I cannot recommend this one

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Nice flash , December 7, 2005
Reviewer: B. Myers

I'm new to the digital SLR world. I had been using the built in flash on my Rebel XT. The built-in flash had done alright, but was nothing to write home about. Since I had spent most of my money on the camera, I needed a flash that was both affordable and would get the job done. This flash met both requirements. IF you are an advance user, you will want a higher end flash because the flash has limited adjuastable features. Yet, if you a newbie like me, this flash is GREAT! It has improved my picture quality dramaticly.
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Not so impressed and broke already., November 29, 2005
Reviewer: ALKIN T.

I was expecting much more from this flash, I already started looking for the better one. If I knew this was a closeout item I'd never buy it. It died on me with no indication, sent to canon fixed and returned with a big scratch on it. Now it does work but sometings wrong with recycle time even with brand new duracell batteries...
Save money and buy 5XX series flash...
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Good value for money, November 11, 2005
Reviewer: Y. LAI "wibble"

I bought this flash to use on my Canon Rebel XT. The first thing I noticed was that without even reading the instructions I was able to get much better results on pictures taken indoors. Being able to bounce the flash off the white ceilings provided much better color contrasts to the built in flash. Even when I set my camera to shoot quick pictures in succession the flash did not let me down. It did not need anytime to recharge at all.
I recently just came back from vacation and took a lot of outdoor evening shots. Most of the pictures came back with great results. The only dissappointment I have is that when taking shots from further distance than I normally would, the pictures came back darker than I would've liked. So, to compensate for this I adjusted the flash exposure on my camera and although it was an improvement it was a hassle taking several test shots before getting it right.
Another problem I have with the flash is the battery cover. It's flimsy and I find it awkward to open and close at times. I always feel like I'm gonna snap it off by accident.
Overall I am happy. It's a good flash for the price you pay. The battery life is good. I still haven't even had to recharge the batteries and I've almost taken 200 shots with it. My low light picture have improved dramatically by investing in an external flash. Anyone with a decent camera should never use the built in flash. The difference is night and day.
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No more demon eyes!!, November 1, 2005
Reviewer: Mom, Me. "shixa"

All my life I have seen myself and especially babies for some reason be a victim of redeye. I bought this right before my son was born and have taken nothing but beautiful pictures ever since and haven't had a single red eye no matter how light someone's eyes are.

Another great benefit/feature is to be able to bounce the flash off of the ceiling or wall to avoid ghost face (to go along with the devil eye) It takes BEAUTIFUL pictures even in dimly lit rooms without a smidge of graininess. (see one of the two pictures of my son indoors in the customer images for this product) We use this with the Canon digital Rebel XT.