From: Steve Deering  [deering@parc.xerox.com]

Comparison of EOS Speedlites 200E, 300EZ, 430EZ, 540EZ

The 200E provides:

        - GN 20 (meters/ISO 100)

        - coverage angle for 35mm lens

        - optional 28mm wide-angle adapter available

        - TTL automatic flash exposure with all EOS cameras

        - weight 4.6 oz., excluding batteries

Compared to the 200E, the 300EZ adds the following features:

        - more power (max GN 30)

        - automatic coverage angle zoom from 28mm to 70mm

        - A-TTL and TTL flash exposure modes

        - "rapid-fire" flash capability

        - second-curtain sync

        - autofocus assist beam

        - heavier (7.8 oz., excluding batteries)

Compared to the 300EZ, the 430EZ adds the following features:

        - more power (max GN 43)

        - greater zoom range (24mm to 80mm)

        - manual override of zoom position

        - tilt and swivel flash head

        - illuminated LCD panel

        - flash exposure compensation (+/- 3 stops, in 1/3 stop increments)

        - manual flash level setting (from full power to 1/32 power)

        - display of coupling range in M exposure mode and manual flash mode

        - automatic power shut-down ("energy-saver")

        - accepts external battery packs

        - stroboscopic flash feature (up to 10 Hz)

        - heavier (12.7 oz., excluding batteries)

Compared to the 430EZ, the 540EZ adds the following features:

        - more power (max GN 54)

        - greater zoom range (24mm to 105mm), plus 18mm wide panel

        - able to tilt downward (7 degrees) for close-ups

        - able to use wide panel as catchlight reflector with vertical flash

        - flash exposure confirmation light (in A-TTL and bounce modes only)

        - more manual flash level settings (from full power to 1/128 power)

        - no A-TTL pre-flash in Tv or Av modes, or in bounce mode

        - display of coupling range in Tv, Av, M modes and manual flash mode

        - switch-selectable feet/meter display of coupling range

        - wide autofocus assist beam for EOS-1N

        - higher maximum strobe frequency (100 Hz)

        - energy-saver override

        - slightly heavier (14.2 oz., excluding batteries)

        - emits very annoying high-pitched whine while powered on