Canon Speedlite 380EX Instruction Manual - Page 2

Thank you for purchasing a Canon prJduct. The Canon Speedlite 380EX is a Canon EOS-dedicated autofocus zoom flash unit featuring the newly-developed E-TTL (Evaluative-Through-The-Lens) auto flash control system. It also has two new features: FP (Focal-Plane) flash and FE (Flash Exposure) lock. FP flash enables the Speedlite to synchronize with all shutter speeds (high-speed sync) while FE lock locks the flash exposure reading for a specific area. These new features are available when Speedlite 380EX is coupled to a Type-A camera (see below). Other features include auto flash-exposure compensation, auto flash exposure with a manually-set shutter speed and aperture, second-curtain synchronization, and multiple-flash compatibility. When used with a Type-B camera, Speedlite 380EX operates as a TTL autofocus zoom flash unit. The features available with Speedlite 380EX differ depending on the camera it is used with. Refer to the table below to check your camera type. This Instructions booklet has separate sections for Type-A and Type-B cameras. Read the sections which apply to your camera. Type-A Camera E-TTL Type-B Camera TTL EOS 50 EOS 50E. EOS ELAN II EOS ELAN IIE EOS 500N EOS REBEL G EOS IX EOS IX 7 EOS IX Lite EOS-3 All other EOS cameras other than the above. Available Features with EOS Cameras 0: Available X: Not available. Speedlite Feature E-TTL auto flash control FP flash FE lock Second-curtain sync Fill flash Slow-speed sync Bounce flash Multiple flash Flash exposure compensation With Type-A Cameras o o o o o O O O* o With Type-B Cameras x* x x x o O O o o** * TTL auto flash control operates instead. ** Set with the camera (see page 46). 2 Canon Speedlite 380EX Features 1 E-TTL auto flash control When Speedlite 380EX is used with a Type-A camera, E-TTL auto flash control takes over. Unlike the A-TTL and TTL auto flash systems which use a multiple-zone flash metering sensor to read the flash exposure, the E-TTL auto flash system uses normal evaluative metering with the camera's metering sensor and controls the flash exposure automatically. The E-TTL auto flash system thereby controls the flash exposure with higher precision and boosts the performance of the AIM (Advanced Integrated Multi-point) system (which links the metering and flash exposure to the focusing point). The E-TTL auto flash system controls the exposure of the main subject as well as the background for a balanced exposure. It combines automatic exposure control for ambient light and flash exposure control for both fill flash and low-light conditions. 2 FP flash (high-speed sync) When Speedlite 380EX is used with a Type-A camera, it can synchronize with all shutter speeds. FP flash is effective when you want to use fill flash for an outdoor portrait while creating background blur with a large aperture. Or, when you want to produce a catchlight in the subject's eyes in daylight. 3 FE lock When Speedlite 380EX is used with a Type-A camera, you can lock the correct flash exposure reading for any portion of the picture. 4 Flash exposure confirmation The flash confirmation lamp on the back of the Speedlite lights for 2 sec. after the flash fires if the flash exposure was sufficient. It therefore gives you immediate feedback on proper flash exposure. 5 Auto zoom The flash head zooms automatically for optimum flash coverage for lens focal lengths ranging from 24mm to 105mm. 6 Bounce flash The flash head can tilt upward up to 9M to bounce the flash. 7 Auto power off If the Speedlite has been turned on and it is not used for about 90 sec., it turns off automatically to conserve battery power. To turn on the Speedlite again, press the shutter button or the Speedlite's test firing button. 3