Canon 380EX Flash Plus a G10 -- the Perfect Combination

Immediately after purchasing my G10, I started looking around for a flash to use on it. Canon recommends their current crop of E-TTL flashes (220EX, 430EX II, & 580EX II). Actually, you could refer to these flashes as E-TTL II flashes since they incorporate a couple of additional refinements not found in some of the older E-TTL flashes. In particular, Canon enhanced metering and the way distance data is used. You can get an excellent overview E-TTL, E-TTL II, and a lot more in this EOS flash article.

Because of the price, the 430EX II and 580EX II are a real mismatch for the G10. Last I checked, the 430EX II and 580EX II had street prices of $270 and $420 respectively. Since I don't own a Canon DSLR, spending that much on a point and shoot flash just doesn't make sense.

The 220EX is a nearly perfect flash for the G10. It is small, lightweight, and significantly increases the flash range. Unfortunately, you can't bounce the flash. For me, this is a deal breaker. My biggest justification for purchasing the G10 was to use it in places where a DSLR is awkward, like family gatherings. Indoors, a bounce flash makes all the difference in the world. Our dog Scout was uncharacteristically tired enough to pose for a few shots showing how much difference a bounce flash can make.

The first shot was taken with the built in flash. The G10 is in Program mode (mode dial set to P), the ISO dial set to 80, and exposure compensation set to 0.

The second shot was taken with the 380EX mounted. The settings are the same as above. Notice ****

The third shot was taken with the 380EX head tilted up to bounce light off the ceiling. The settings are the same,with one critical difference, some flash compensation was added.

 differencea bounce shot, 

The G10 is a fantastic camera for indoor family and friends photos