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Matching an external flash to camera is a frequent topic on photography discussion forums. The G9 is so new, so versatile and so small that this question is being asked repeatedly about the G9. It finally occurred to me to address this question in my blog rather than continually attempt to answer individual questions.
The G9 has a hot shoe for external flash and, in general, works well with the Canon ETTL flash system except that ETTL does not work in the G9 Manual mode. Beware: Some Canon flashes and accessories cost nearly as much as the G9! Fortunately, the G9 also works with other flashes – even very inexpensive flashes.
Specifically mentioned in the Canon G9 Manual are: 220EX, 380EX, 420EX, 430EX, 550EX, 580EX, 580EX II (actual functionality varies). I have personally used a 380EX, 420EX and 580EX with my G9. Some examples are here, here and here.
Here is a link to an excellent reference for using Canon flash systems and other flashes on Canon cameras. Much of this information applies to the G9 as well. http://photonotes.org/articles/eos-flash/
I’ve started a G9-flash compatibility list (discussion thread) at
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=4633569#post4633569
In the list below, I’m relying on personal experience as well as the referenced documentation and discussion for the Canon G7 or G9.
Canon
220EX, see http://www.powershotvalley.com/html/speedlite_220ex.html
380EX, I have personally used the 380EX with my G9
420EX, I have personally used the 420EX with my G9
430EX, see http://www.powershotvalley.com/html/g7_plus_430ex.html
580EX, I have personally used the 580EX with my G9
Many non-Canon flashes will also work in some fashion with the G9.
Cowardly Disclaimer: Recent Canon cameras can be damaged by high flash trigger voltage. This is also true of many cameras. Before using older flashes with your new G9, check for compatibility. Here’s one reference: http://www.botzilla.com/photo/strobeVolts.html
Metz
20, see http://www.powershotvalley.com/html/speedlite_220ex.html
28, see http://www.powershotvalley.com/html/speedlite_220ex.html
36, see http://www.powershotvalley.com/html/speedlite_220ex.html
C 20-C, “Photography with the Canon PowerShot G7”, Siegfried Sierlein, (http://www.mycanong7.com/)
Nikon
I routinely use the Nikon SB-28 on my G9. Although the SB-28 works only in manual mode (or its own auto mode) it is smaller than the Canon 580EX and works well on the G9.
SB-24, I have personally used the Nikon SB-24 with my G9.
SB-28, I have personally used the Nikon SB-28 with my G9.
SB-800, see http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1010&message=26277525&q=g9+flash&qf=m
Sunpak
Sunpak PZ40X II, see http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1010&message=26132024
Vivitar
Be careful here! The exact model number is important!
I have personally used a Vivitar 285HV with my Canon G9. The 285HV is a relativity recent re-design of the old 283/285 Vivitar flashes. The 285HV has the reduced trigger voltage to protect new cameras such as the Canon G9. The old 283/285 may have high trigger voltage and damage the G9.
I hope to update and expand this list, so please participate in the discussion thread or add your comment to this post.
Matching an external flash to camera is a frequent topic on photography discussion forums. The G9 is so new, so versatile and so small that this question is being asked repeatedly about the G9. It finally occurred to me to address this question in my blog rather than continually attempt to answer individual questions.
The G9 has a hot shoe for external flash and, in general, works well with the Canon ETTL flash system except that ETTL does not work in the G9 Manual mode. Beware: Some Canon flashes and accessories cost nearly as much as the G9! Fortunately, the G9 also works with other flashes – even very inexpensive flashes.
Specifically mentioned in the Canon G9 Manual are: 220EX, 380EX, 420EX, 430EX, 550EX, 580EX, 580EX II (actual functionality varies). I have personally used a 380EX, 420EX and 580EX with my G9. Some examples are here, here and here.
Here is a link to an excellent reference for using Canon flash systems and other flashes on Canon cameras. Much of this information applies to the G9 as well. http://photonotes.org/articles/eos-flash/
I’ve started a G9-flash compatibility list (discussion thread) at
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=4633569#post4633569
In the list below, I’m relying on personal experience as well as the referenced documentation and discussion for the Canon G7 or G9.
Canon
220EX, see http://www.powershotvalley.com/html/speedlite_220ex.html
380EX, I have personally used the 380EX with my G9
420EX, I have personally used the 420EX with my G9
430EX, see http://www.powershotvalley.com/html/g7_plus_430ex.html
580EX, I have personally used the 580EX with my G9
Many non-Canon flashes will also work in some fashion with the G9.
Cowardly Disclaimer: Recent Canon cameras can be damaged by high flash trigger voltage. This is also true of many cameras. Before using older flashes with your new G9, check for compatibility. Here’s one reference: http://www.botzilla.com/photo/strobeVolts.html
Metz
20, see http://www.powershotvalley.com/html/speedlite_220ex.html
28, see http://www.powershotvalley.com/html/speedlite_220ex.html
36, see http://www.powershotvalley.com/html/speedlite_220ex.html
C 20-C, “Photography with the Canon PowerShot G7”, Siegfried Sierlein, (http://www.mycanong7.com/)
Nikon
I routinely use the Nikon SB-28 on my G9. Although the SB-28 works only in manual mode (or its own auto mode) it is smaller than the Canon 580EX and works well on the G9.
SB-24, I have personally used the Nikon SB-24 with my G9.
SB-28, I have personally used the Nikon SB-28 with my G9.
SB-800, see http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1010&message=26277525&q=g9+flash&qf=m
Sunpak
Sunpak PZ40X II, see http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1010&message=26132024
Vivitar
Be careful here! The exact model number is important!
I have personally used a Vivitar 285HV with my Canon G9. The 285HV is a relativity recent re-design of the old 283/285 Vivitar flashes. The 285HV has the reduced trigger voltage to protect new cameras such as the Canon G9. The old 283/285 may have high trigger voltage and damage the G9.
I hope to update and expand this list, so please participate in the discussion thread or add your comment to this post.
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