Canon Speedlite 320EX Flash for Canon SLR Cameras

by Canon

• Built-in LED light can be used to illuminate nearby subjects in dim light -
• Versatile vertical and horizontal bounce capability provides an extended range of possible lighting effects.
• Flash release function triggers the camera wirelessly from the flash on a 2-second delay,
• Wireless Slave function supports three groups and four channels, allowing the flash to be positioned off-camera.
• Flash coverage switched by extending or retracting flash head, with Normal (24mm full-frame equivalent, max. Guide No. 79 ft./24m at ISO 100)

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 2 x 4 x 4 inches ; 1.1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B004M8SWBU
• Item model number: 320EX
• Batteries 4 AA batteries required.
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (47 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank:
  • #43 in Electronics > Camera & Photo > Flashes > Shoe Mount Flashes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: February 6, 2011

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

In a first for Canon Speedlites, the versatile new Speedlite 320EX features an LED light on the front of the flash body that can be used to illuminate nearby subjects in dim light. The light is ideal for video recording but can also be used as a modeling light or as an AF assist beam during Live View shooting. When used with EOS DSLRs that have integrated Speedlite transmitters, the Speedlite 320EX can be used as a wireless slave unit positioned off-camera. A flash release function further facilitates wireless flash shooting by enabling the shutter to be released remotely from the Speedlite 320EX with a two-second delay, which gives the photographer time to re-aim the flash if necessary. The Speedlite 320EX combines rich bounce functionality with high performance, ensuring smooth, professional-looking results.

Flash coverage and guide number can be changed manually by extending or retracting the flash head. The Normal position provides wide coverage equivalent to a 24mm lens (full-frame) with a guide number of 79 (ft.) / 24 (m) at ISO 100. The Tele position boosts the guide number to 105 (ft.) / 32 (m) at ISO 100 while providing coverage for lenses 50mm and longer (full-frame).

Lightweight, pocket-sized, grip-friendly, and with an intuitive, easy-to-operate design, the Speedlite 320EX is powered by 4 AA batteries (not included) and recharges silently in approximately 2 seconds.

Product Description

The Canon Speedlite 320EX features an LED light on the front of the flash body that can be used to illuminate nearby subjects in dim light. The light is ideal for video recording but can also be used as a modeling light or as an AF assist beam during Live View shooting. When used with EOS DSLRs that have integrated Speedlite transmitters, the Speedlite 320EX can be used as a wireless slave unit positioned off-camera. A flash release function further facilitates wireless flash shooting by enabling the shutter to be released remotely from the Speedlite 320EX with a two-second delay, which gives the photographer time to re-aim the flash if necessary. The Speedlite 320EX combines rich bounce functionality with high performance, ensuring smooth, professional-looking results.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

70 of 71 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Good flash but you can get the next one up with just a small extra investment... August 17, 2011

By Gil

Amazon Verified Purchase

First - even if you are an amature photographer like me, you can seriously upgrade your photos by getting an external flash. A big external flash sometimes seems like a very "proferssional" accessory and people may think only professional photographers need and use it, but once you see how your photos look comparing to ANY built-in flash, you will realize that this is one of the smartests upgrades you can make.
this is a very good flash, but with current pricing you can get the next model up, the 430EX-II, for about $30 more. The 430 will give you two main benefits: more light and better AF assitance (Infrared instead of flash bursts). However, the 320 has a nice LED light feature that the 430 doesn't have, which can be useful for shooting movies.
I had the 320 for a short while and I liked it.
Things I liked:
* nice size and weight
* quick charge
* decent amount of light
* can tilt and swivel to bounce light off walls etc.
* simple to operate (few very clear buttons)
* nice LED feature
* easy to use locking mechanism
* good price

things I didn't like (and why I ended up upgrading to 430):
* could use more light, especially when bouncing off the ceiling
* the next model, 430ex ii, is only $30 more and has more light
* I ended up not using the LED light at all...

Overall I would recommend this if you are looking for your first external flash and want to save some money by not going for the more expensive models. There's also a cheaper entry level model, the 270, which is supposed to be pretty good and is very attractively priced.

72 of 78 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars One Flaw August 7, 2011

By M. McQueen

Yes, the 320EX has a cool LED video/model light, and yes the tilt/swivel head and slave capability are nice. But I'm selling mine on eBay for one reason: the focus assist. Instead of using a subtle red light like most flashes, this one puts out a veritable light show of sputtering bright flashes before focus is achieved, which is very annoying when photographing people indoors.

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Nice Little Flash April 27, 2011

By Ed B long island

I've had this flash for a few days now and it's solid. It was smaller then I expected it to be, but that's actually a good thing. While it is not as powerful as the other flashes I own (430 and 550 ex) it's a great little flash. I ordered it mainly because of the ability to use the light in the front for video. It works very well for this as long as your subject is close. I've also used the slave feature with my 7D. The flash is almost silent, (no capacitor whine) and there really isn't all that much to mess with. It's either manuel or auto (plus the slave settings). Overall a great little flash.