Canon 270EX II manual Key Features and Controls, Flash Control via the Camera Menus

QuickGuide to Canon 270EX II Speedlite Features

The purpose of this QuickGuide is to provide a concise review of how to operate the features and functions of the Canon 270EX II Speedlite. Unless otherwise noted, the following instructions require your Speedlite to be mounted to your camera’s hot shoe. This will allow your camera to communicate with the 270EX II and for you to make flash

Key Features and Controls

Flash head – Emits flash and AF-assist beam Wireless sensor – Senses triggering and control signals from master flash unit Remote control transmitter – Emits signal for remote triggering of compatible cameras Bounce angle index marks – Has marks for 60º, 75º, and 90º

Flash ready light

Power switch

OFF: Turns off power

SLAVE: Activates wireless slave mode

ON: Turns on power

Remote release button – Allows remote triggering of EOS Digital Rebel, Rebel XT, XTi, XSi, T1i, T2i, T3i, EOS 7D, and 5D Mark II (as of mid-2011)

settings with the camera’s menu system.

Flash Control via the Camera Menus

Any control of the Speedlite 270EX II beyond simple automatic E-TTL exposure requires a camera body with External Flash Control Menu capability, such as the EOS 40D ~ 60D; Rebel XS/XSi, T1i, T2i, T3, T3i; EOS 7D, 5D Mark II, EOS-1D Mark III / Mark IV, and EOS-1Ds Mark III (as of mid-2011).

E-TTL II Auto Flash Set-up

For cameras with built-in flash:

1.Press the camera Menu button.

2.Select the first Shooting Menu (first camera icon on the left).

3.Select [Flash control] or [External Speedlite control].

4.Select [External flash func. setting]. Press Set.

5.Set [Flash mode] to [E-TTL II]

This step is not necessary for cameras that have no built-in flash. It is also not necessary if you have not previously changed the default flash settings on your camera.

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Camera Exposure Mode Settings

The 270EX II will function in any of the camera exposure modes below. The maximum speed at which your camera can synchronize with the flash exposure is represented by “1/x sec” (such as 1/200 with EOS Rebel models).

Mode	Shutter speed	Aperture
Full Auto, P,	Set automatically (1/x sec. – 1/60 sec.)	Automatic
A-DEP
TV	Set manually (1/x sec. – 30 sec.)	Automatic
AV	Set automatically (1/x sec. – 30 sec.)	Manual
M	Set manually (1/x sec. – 30 sec., Bulb)	Manual

The mode you choose will depend mainly on the balance you prefer between the flash exposure and the ambient light exposure. Longer shutter speeds will allow longer ambient light exposures to help prevent dark backgrounds; however, long exposures also risk blur from subject or camera motion. Smaller apertures provide more depth- of-field but require more flash power and reduce the maximum flash range.

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Flash Coverage

The flash head can be manually extended or retracted to better match the flash coverage to the camera and lens in use. Refer to the table below for recommended settings.

Camera type	Head Normal	Head Extended
APS-C size sensor	17mm or longer lens	32mm or longer
(Rebel series, 60D,		lens
7D)
Full-frame sensor	28mm or longer lens	50mm or longer
(EOS 5D & 1Ds		lens
series)

E-TTL II Flash Range

The flash range will vary depending on the ISO, the angle of coverage, and the maximum aperture of your lens. If you see a blinking <> icon in your viewfinder then your subject is too far away. You should either move closer or increase the ISO. Do not use the 270EX II in the extended position with lenses that have a focal length of 30mm or less, otherwise the edges of the frame will be noticeably darker than the center.

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