Product Description

Perfect for expanding your creative options on compact cameras and entry-level EOS DSLRs, Canon's Speedlite 270EX adds power and flexibility for enhanced flash photography anywhere. Light, compact and small enough to fit in your pocket, Speedlite 270EX features 2-step coverage for 28mm and 50mm focal lengths, plus a highly useful bounce-flash function for amazingly easy, polished results. An indispensable complement to your Canon camera, Speedlite 270EX is a perfect extension of your photographic genius.

Product Details

• Brand: Canon
• Model: Speedlite 270EX
• Dimensions: 5.00" h x 6.00" w x 5.00" l, .55 pounds

Features

• Compact, lightweight design - ideal for compact PowerShot cameras (G-series and select SX-series) and EOS Rebel class cameras
• 28mm and 50mm. 2-step Coverage Angle Selection
• Bounce feature for an even greater range of picture-taking options
• Simple set-up using the camera's rear monitor
• Color temperature communication

From the Manufacturer

Perfect for expanding your creative options on compact cameras and entry level EOS DSLRs, Canon’s new Speedlite 270EX adds power and flexibility for enhanced flash photography anywhere. Light, compact and small enough to fit in your pocket, the Speedlite 270EX features 2-step coverage for 28mm and 50mm focal lengths, plus a highly useful bounce-flash function for amazingly easy, polished results. Powered by 2 AA batteries, Speedlite 270EX is easily set up and controlled through your camera’s menu system (with select models), communicates color temperature information with your camera for optimal white balance and recharges silently in less than 4 seconds. An indispensable complement to your Canon Camera, Speedlite 270EX is a perfect extension of your photographic genius.

Speedlite 270EX Highlights

• Compact, lightweight design with 2 AA batteries; ideal for compact PowerShot cameras (G-series and select SX-series)
• 28mm and 50mm. 2-step Coverage Angle Selection
• Bounce feature for an even greater range of picture-taking options
• Simple set-up using the camera's rear monitor
• Color temperature communication
• Optimized recycling time (approx. 0.1 to 3.9 seconds)
• Quieter charging
• Easy storage soft case

Customer Reviews

Nice option for those wanting "a little more"
The 270EX is a simple, two AA battery flash that should be perfect for someone wishing to add a bit more power or bounce to an digital EOS camera, or one of a few Powershots with a hot shoe.

The flash is very small, and balances well on cameras like the Powershot G10. I did most of my flash evaluating on a Rebel T1i, and was pleased with the handling of the duo.

The flash has almost nothing to set for increased power. Slide it on, turn it on, take pictures. Unlike fancier flashes, there is no power zoom flash panel, but you can manually set the flash to get a bit more distance with telephoto lenses by simply pulling the flash head out a notch.

If you want to make your closeup shots a bit less harsh, pull the head out (as per above), and you can tilt the head of the flash up at different angles to bounce the flash. My simple test worked very well, with much more pleasing skin tones (although bouncing does seem to lose, on all flashes, some of the whites of the eyes).

Compared to more expensive Canon flashes, several features are missing. Most notably is a sophisticated (such as a pattern) focusing assist system to help the camera's AF in low light or low contrast shooting. Additionally, don't expect advanced features like wireless flash, High Sync, etc.

Thus, the 270EX is great for anyone wanting a bit more powerful flash, adds bounce, and is in a nice, small, package.

270ex Compact marvel
I purchased this flash for my new (and awesome!) Canon 5D Mark II. Most of the time, the Mark II can handle indoor and low lighting conditions without any issue; it's quite usable up to 3200 ISO. Still, even in RAW mode it can't handle all lighting conditions as it doesn't have an onboard flash. I like using flash for fill lighting especially for shooting flowers and insects. That's where the 270ex comes in as a carry around flash. The most surprising thing was how small and light it is; it really does fit in a shirt pocket. It powers up and is ready much faster than I expected considering it just takes 2 batteries. Considering the low profile, the forward angle of the build helps to eliminate lens shadows on long lenses. Still, it isn't without some faults; it isn't the build quality of a 580ex or 430ex. It also isn't the widest coverage I've seen on a flash with just 28 & 50mm settings. Still it's pretty great considering that it isn't supposed to be a replacement for a 580ex II.

Pros
*Light & small, fits in a shirt pocket
*Forward tilt angle doesn't cause lens shadow on a 24-105IS when fully extended
*Usable bounce angles
*Takes just 2 standard AA batteries
*Fast flash recharge
*Quite operation; way better than my 430ex Speedlite
*Good color temperature, not too blue
*Simple foot lock switch
*Easy operation with both the 5dII and 9G

Cons
*Less impressive build that more expensive Canon Speedlites
*So-so flash coverage when lens is 24mm or wider

the small size is a game changer, great for portraits
If you like to carry your camera around with you and take photos in low light, this may be the ideal flash. Unlike the 220, the 270's head tilts preventing the flash-flattening blowout you get with head-on flashes. But it is really the size that's a game changer. Compared to the 430 the 270 is so small I never think twice about bringing a flash with me.