Canon Speedlite 430EX flash

Canon have released details of the new 430EX Speedlite which replaces the current 420EX. The major features of the new 430EX Speedlite are:

Flash head moves up from 0 to 90 degrees, left from 0 to 180 degrees, and right from 0 to 90 degrees.
Manually variable power output from full power to 1/64 power
Automatic selection of camera white-balance settings and auto-adjustment of zoom flash position to match camera's sensor size
Flash head zoom covers the range 24mm to 105mm; integrated diffusion panel allows extends coverage to 14mm
Compatible with distance-linked E-TTL II system; supports other EOS cameras that do not support E-TTL II, when required

The current estimated street price of the 430EX is around $300 and it should be available in mid-October. While it's considerably more expensive than the existing 420EX (ca. $180), it does incorporate some features from the even more expensive Canon Speedlite 580EX ($380), such as variable power, automatic color temperature control and zooming which takes into account digital sensor size. If the 430EX does sell for $300 and the 580EX stays ar $380, I think I'd pay the extra $80 in order to get all the additional features of the 580EX, such as the ability to operate as a wireless master, higher power output, and stroboscopic operation, to name a few. For around $330 you can still get the 550EX, which is a very capable speedlite which can act as a wireless master and only lacks a few non-essential digital features such as zooming to compensate for sensor size and automatic color temperature control.

Here's a copy of the Canon press release:

Canon 430EX Speedlite

Canon, a leader in photographic and imaging technology, today announces the Speedlite 430EX flash unit, replacing the popular Speedlite 420EX. The Speedlite 430EX improves on many specifications of its predecessor, and includes new features to maximise digital image quality when using a flash. These include automatic selection of camera white balance settings, and auto-adjustment of the zoom flash position to match the sensor size of the camera to which the unit is attached. The Speedlite 430EX has increased its guide number to 43 (m/ISO 100 at 105mm), and has approximately 40% faster recycling time than the Speedlite 420EX.

An ultra-bright 2-LED configuration focus assist-beam has been designed to be compatible with all focus points within the frame of all EOS AF systems, up to 9-point AF.

Optimum flash coverage

The flash head zoom covers the range 24mm to 105mm and an integrated diffusion panel allows extended wide-angle coverage to 14mm. When attached to digital EOS cameras with smaller than full-frame sensors (such as the EOS-1D Mark II N, EOS 20D and EOS 350D) the Speedlite 430EX gives a more accurate flash coverage by detecting the model to which it is attached and automatically narrowing the angle of coverage. This has the effect of eliminating light loss in peripheral areas and extending the effective flash range.

Ideal white balance

The Speedlite 430EX automatically transfers colour temperature information to recent models of digital SLR cameras . The camera then sets the white balance optimally for the flash shot. This feature works when the camera's white balance mode is set to Auto White Balance (AWB) or Flash white balance mode.

E-TTL II

The Speedlite 430EX is fully compatible with the distance linked E-TTL II system found on recent EOS cameras, and supports other EOS cameras that do not support E-TTL II, when required. For a complete multiple flash system, the Speedlite 430EX serves as a wireless slave when either the Speedlite 580EX, Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX, Macro Twin Lite MT-24EX or Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2 is used as a master.

Upgrade for control

An intuitive and ergonomic interface includes an LCD panel for clear indication of modes and settings. A single bounce lock release button provides immediate control over the bounce head angle for flexible positioning of the flash head. The flash head can be moved up from 0 - 90degrees (5 settings), left from 0 - 180degrees (7 settings) and right from 0 - 90 degrees (4 settings). 6 custom functions allow customization of the flash operations. Despite high power and short recycling times, the unit is small and lightweight.

Fully synchronised

Features include 1st and 2nd curtain flash synchronisation, and manual adjustment of flash output from full to 1/64 power (7 levels).

Accessories

An optional Speedlite Bracket SB-E1 allows the flash unit to be mounted to one side of the camera. Designed specifically for press and wedding photographers, it eliminates the red-eye that can occur when mounting a flash on the axis of the lens, such as on the camera hot shoe. Flash batteries are replaceable without removing the unit from the bracket.

Specifications

Type	Mode: E-TTL II, E-TTL, TTL
Compatible Cameras	All Canon EOS cameras; PowerShot Pro1, G6, G5, G3 and G2
Guide Number	141 ft./43m (at ISO 100); flash head at 105mm zoom setting
Flash Coverage	Fixed condenser lens with inner zoom: (1) Auto Zoom, (2) Manual Zoom, (3) Wide Panel Zoom positions: 24mm, 28mm, 35mm, 50mm, 70mm, 80mm, 105mm; Indicated by numerals on the LCD's focal length display Image Size Zoom Control: With cameras compatible with auto zoom, it zooms automatically to match the camera's image size
Number of Flashes	Approx. 200 to 1,400, with AA-size Alkaline Batteries manufactured within the last three months or AA-size Ni-MH fully charged batteries.
Recycling Time	Approx. 0.1 to 3.7 seconds (AA-size Alkaline Batteries)/0.1 to 2 seconds (AA-size Ni-MH batteries)
Flash Range	At ISO 100, with EF 50mm f/1.4 For normal flash: Approx. 2.3-79.7 ft./0.7-24.3m For high sync speed (EF flash): Approx. 2.3-39.4 ft./0.7-12m
AF Assist Beam	Built-in; covers all focus points in EOS cameras up to 9 AF points Effective range: At center: Approx. 2.3-32.8 ft./0.7-10m Periphery: Approx. 2.3-16.4 ft./0.7-5m (in total darkness)
Custom Functions	Six user-selectable Custom Functions built-in; set on Speedlite's LCD panel
Power Source	Four AA-size Alkaline Batteries (6V) Four AA-size Ni-MH (4.8V)
Dimensions	2.8 x 4.8 x 4.0 in./72 x 122 x 101mm
Weight	11.6 oz./330g (without batteries)

For a comparison of the 220EX, 420EX, 430EX and 580EX see my article "Canon EX series speedlites compared"