Flashes & lighting
Canon Speedlite 380EX User manual
User manual for Canon Speedlite 380EX. 47 pages in English. Read the original PDF, download or print a copy without registration.
47 pagesEnglish3.8 MB PDF
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Document details
- Brand
- Canon
- Model / document
- Canon Speedlite 380EX
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 47
- File size
- 3.8 MB
- Category
- Flashes & lighting
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
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Page 1 · Read text
www.butkus.us
Canoil
3AOEXSPEEDLITE
EnglishtrEdition
INSTRUCTIONSView original page 1Page 2 · Read text
Thankyoufor purchasinga Canonr product.;;{r{.F'lBItb#+frfi;'liltsi+i
The Canon Speedlite380EX is a Canon EOS-dedicatedautofocuszoom flash unit featuring
the newly-developedE-TTL (Evaluative-Through-The-Lens)auto flash control system. lt also
has two hew features:FP (Focal-Plane)flash and FE (Flash Exposure)lock. FP flash enables
the Speedliteto synchronizewith all shutterspeeds (high-speedsync) while FE lock locks the
flash exposurerehdingfor a specificarea. These new featuresare availablewhen Speedlite
380EX is coupledto a Type-Acamera (see below).
Other features includeauto flash-exposurecompensation,auto flash exposurewith a
manually-setshutter speed and aperture,second-curtainsynchronization,and multiple-flash
compatibility.
When used with a Type-B camera,Speedlite380EX operatesas a TTL autofocuszoom flash
unit.
The featuresavailablewith Speedlite380EX differ dependingon the camera it is used with.
Referto the table belowto check your cameratype.
This Instructionsbooklet has separate sections for Type-A and Type-B cameras. Read the
sectionswhich applyto your camera.
Type-ACamera E.TTL EOS 50 EOS sOE EOS ELAN II EOS ELAN IIE
Type-B Camera TTL EOS 650 EOS 620 EOS 7s0 EOS 850 EOS 630 EOS-1
EOS RT EOS 10 EOS 1OS EOS 7OO EOS l OOO
EOS REBEL EOS 1OOEOS ELAN EOS 1OOON
EOS REBELII EOS l OOOFNEOS REBEL SII
EOS 5 EOS A2 EOS ME EOS 5OO EOS REBELX
EOS 5OOOEOS 888 EOS.1N EOS-1NRS
AvailableFeatureswith EOS Cameras
O: AvailableX: Not available.
SpeedliteFeature With Type-A Cameras With Type-B Cameras
E-TTL auto flash control o x*
FP flash o X
FE lock o X
X Second-curtainsync o
Fill flash o o
Slow-speedsync o o
Bounceflash o o
Multiple flash O* o
Flash exposurecompensation o o
. TTL auto flash controloperatesinstead.
.* Availableonly with the EOS-1N,EOS-1NRS, EOS A2|A2E.View original page 2Page 3 · Read text
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GanonSpeedliteO80EXFeatures
1 E-TTL auto flash control
When Speedlite 380EX is used with a Type-A camera, E-TTL auto flash control takes
over. Unlike the A-TTL and TTL auto flash systems which use a multiple-zoneflash
meteringsensor,to read the flash exposure,the E-TTL auto flash system uses normal
evaluative metering with the camera's metering sensor and controls the flash exposure automatically.
The E-TTL auto flash system thereby controlsthe flash exposurewith higher precisionand
boosts the pedormanceof the AIM (Advanced IntegratedMulti-point)sfstem (which links
the meteringand flash exposureto the focusingpoinl;.
The E-TTL auto flash system controls the exposure of the main subject as well as the
backgroundfor a balanced exposure. lt combines automaticexposure control for ambient
lightand flash exposurecontrolfor both fill flashand low-lightconditions.
2 FP flash (high-speedsync)
When Speedlite380EX is used with a Type-A camera, it can synchronizewith all shutter speeds.
FP flash is effectivewhen you want to use fill flash for an outdoor portrait while creating
backgroundblur with a large aperture.Or, when you want to producea catchlightin the
subject'seyes in daylight.
3 FE lock
When Speedlite380EX is used with a Type-A camera, you can lock the correct flash
exposurereadingfor any portionof the picture
4 Flashexposureconfirmation
The flash confirmationlamp on the back of the Speedlite lights for 2 sec. after the flash
fires if the flash exposure was sufficient. lt thereiore givejyou immediate feedback on properflash exposure.
5 Auto zoom
The flash head zooms automaticallyfor optimum flash coverage for lens focal lengths
rangingfrom 24mm to 105mm. .
6 Bounceflash
The flash head can tilt upward up to 90" to bounce the flash.
7 Auto power oft
lf the Speedlite has been turned on and it is not used for about 90 sec., it turns off
automaticallyto conserve battery power. To turn on the Speedliteagain, press the shutter
buttonor the Speedlite'stest firing button.
IView original page 3Page 5 · Read text
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I Speedliteaccessoriesfor creativelighting
Off-Camera Shoe Cord 2 connects the Speedlite off the camera while retaining E-TTL
auto flash control. Accessoriesare also availableto set up multiple-flashsystems
maintainingauto flash exposurecontrol'
SpeedliteGare
1 Speedlite380EX contains high-voltagecircuitry.Nev_erattempt to
disassemblethe Speedlite.For any repairs,take the Speedliteto a
Canon ServiceCenter.
2 Do not get the Speedlitewet. lf it is exposed to rain or snow, wipe
immediatelYwith a dry cloth.
3 When the Speedliteis not to be used for an extendedperiod, remove
the batteries.
4 Avoid putting the speedlite where it may be expo_sedto. high
tempeiature6.High temperaturesmay cause the Speedliteto
malfunction.
Symbolsused in this Instructions:
Q:Warning for preventingcameramalfunctionor damage'
ffi :lnformationyou should know when operatingthe Speedlite380EX'
-lii::Helpfultip for usingthe Speedlite380EXand takingpictures.View original page 5Page 6 · Read text
Contents . lf you have a Type-Acamera,read pages2-28 and 36-46. . lf you have a Type-Bcamera,read pages 2-16 and 29-46.View original page 6
Page 11 · Read text
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1. Installingthe Batteries
Installone of the followingtypes of batteries:
(1) Four size-AAalkalinebatteries(LR6 or AM-3)
(2) Four size-AANiCd batteries(KR15or KR51)
1 Slide the battery compartment ' cover as shown by the arrowand
flip it up.
Insert the batteries with the 2 contacts oriented as shown in the
batterycompaftment.Use four new
batteriesof the same type.
. To prevent faulty connections,make sure
the batterycontactsare clean.
? Closethe batterycompartment v coveras shownin thefigure.
1 0View original page 11Page 12 · Read text
l. BeforeYouStart
BatteryCautionsE
. When replacing batteries, replace all four batteries at one time.
. Although ordinary, non-alkalinebatteries (RG or UM3) may be used, the
number of flashes will be less.
. The contacts of NiCd batteries are not standardized. lf you want to use NiCd
batteries, make sure the battery contacts touch the battery compartment's
contacts securely.
. When you will not use the Speedlite for an extended period, remove the
batteries.
. In low temperatures,take two sets of fully-chargedNiCd batteries and keep
one set warm in a pocket, etc., and use the batteries alternately.
. Speedlite380EX cannot be used with an externalpower source.
Battery Life and Recycling Time
BatteryType No. of Flashes RecyclingTime
Size-AAalkalinebatteries
260 to 1800 0.1 to 7.5 sec.(LR6or AM-3)
Size-AANiCd batteries
75 to 500 0.1 to 4.5 sec.(KR15or KR51)
' The above figuresare based on Canon'sStandardTest Methodwith a new set of batteries.
1 1View original page 12Page 13 · Read text
2. Mountingthe Speedlite www.butkus.us
the arrow. oo @ 1 Loosenit as shownthe lockingby collarby turning
ll v - r---
oo @ -) onStipthethecamera'sSpeedlite'shotmountingshoe untilfootit
stops.
Q Turn the lockingcollaras shown by - oo @ t h e a r r o w a n d t i g h t e n . ( T h e
mountingfoot's lockingpin extends
intothe hot shoe.)
. To detachthe Speedlite,turn the locking
c o l l a r i n t h e o p p o s i t ed i r e c t i o nu n t i l i t
stops. (The locking pin retractsinto the
mountingfoot )
f= Afihoughthe hot shoe on the EOS 650, EOS 620, EOS 750, and EOS 850 does
IJJ not have a locking pin hole, Speedlite 380EX can still be mounted on these
cameras.
',2View original page 13Page 14 · Read text
3. PowerSwitch
- A O E O O Set the power switch as
24 28 35 50 70 105 follows:
O :To turn off the power.
| : T o t u r n o n t h e p o w e r . l f t h e
Speedliteis left unused for about
90 sec., it turns off automaticallyto
save battery power. To turn on the
Speedliteagain, press the shutter
button or press the test firing
button.
4. FP FlashSwitch
Use this switch to set high-
speed sync.
O : For normalsync.
lx: For high-speedsync.
When Speedlite380EX is used with a Type-A camera and the switch is set for high-speed
sync, using a shutter speed faster than the camera's maximum sync speed sets the high-
speed sync mode and using a shutter speed slower than the maximumsync speed sets the
normalsync mode.
When a Type-B camera is used, normal sync mode is set regardlessof this switch'ssetting.
1 3View original page 14Page 15 · Read text
5. PilotLampandTestFiring www.butkus.us
O O O O I f O Setthe powerswitchto l. 24 28 35 50 70 105 1
. The Speedlite starts to recharge. When
rechargingis completed,the pilot lamp
lights.
After the pilot lamp lights, press it ) - to test fire the flash. (The pilot lamp
is also a test firing button.)
l=l The flash cannot be test fired while the exposure setting is displayed during the
lll halfway pressing of the shutter button and the four seconds after the shutter
button is released.
6. FlashExposureConfirmation
The flash confirmationlamp lights for
O E E O O O 2 sec. after the flash fires if the correct
24 28 35 50 70 105 flash exposure has been obtained.lf
the flash confirmationlamp does not
light after the flash fires, the picture
may have been underexposed.Move
closerto the subjectand try again.
1 4View original page 15Page 16 · Read text
7. FlashCoverage
Speedlite380EX's flash head zooms automaticallyto provide adequate
flash coveragefor the lens focal length in use. Flash coverageis provided
tor 24mm to 105mm focal lengths.The correspondingflash coverage
indicatoron the Speedlitelights.
When a zoom lens is used, the Speedlite adjusts the flash coverage
automaticallywheneverthe lens is zoomed. The correspondingflash
coverageindicatorlights.
. When the flash coveragechanges,the Speedlite'sGuide No. also changes. See "Guide
No." on page 44 to see how the Guide No. changes.
. lf a lens wider than 24mm is used, the light will falloff at the picture'speriphery.
. Usingany lens longerthan 100mmlightsthe 105 flashcoverageindicator.
I Turnon the camera. I
on Speedlite380EX.
2Turn
? Press the shutter button halfway. v The flash coverage indicator
correspondingto the lens focal
lengthlights.
1 5View original page 16Page 17 · Read text
www.butkus.us 8. AF-AssistBeam
lf where you focus lacks sufficientlight or contrast,the speedlite'sAF-
assist beam is emittedautomaticallyto help the camera autofocus.The
AF-assistbeam is effectivefrom 0.7 to 10 meters(2.3to 33 feet).
AF-assist beam activation
Dependingon the cameraand the activefocusingpoint,eitherthe camera'sAF-assistbeam or
the Speedlite'sAF-assistbeam is emitted.Speedlite380EX'sAF-assistbeam is linkableonry
to the center focusing point. lf the camera has only one focusing point (AF frame), the
Speedlite'sAF-assistbeam is emitted.lf the camerahas multiplefocusingpoints,the camera's
AF-assistbeam is emittedinstead.with the Eos 50,Eos 50E,Eos ELAN tr,Eos ELAN tr E
and EOS-1N,Speedlite380EX'sAF-assistbeam is emittedif the centerfocusingpoint is
active.See page 46.
9. ShutterButtonOperation
The EOS camera'sshutter button operatesin two steps: Press it halfway
or all the way.
When it is pressed
halfway:
1) Autofocusis activatedto focus the
subject.
2 ) T h e e x p o s u r e s e t t i n g ( s h u t t e r
speed and aperture)is also set at
the sametime.
When it is pressed
completely:
1) The shutteris releasedto take the
pictureand then the film advances
to the next frame.
1 6View original page 17Page 18 · Read text
Spgedlite380EXwith Type-ACamerast!,with a Type-A camera, you can use Speedlite 380EX's E-TTL auto flash
system. The E-TTL auto flash system uses the camera's focusing point-
linked, evaluativemetering sensor to meter the flash exposure. Flash
exposure control is more precise, resulting in a balanced exposure for
both the subject and backgroundin fill-flashor low-lightconditions.
Automatic exposure control and flash exposure control are therefore
combined.FP flash and FE lock can also be easily set.
1. Fully-AutomaticFlashOperation
For fully-automaticflash operation,attach Speedlite38oEX to a Type-A
cameraand set the camerato ProgramAE ( e ) or FullAuto (E ) The E-
TTL auto flash system then sets the camera'ssync speed and aperture
automatically.This mode makes flash photographyeasy and automatic
for low-lightand fill-flashconditions.
(1 ) Fully-AutomaticFlashOperation
Set the camerato ProgramAE (p ) 1' or FullAuto(E ).
. lf a Programmed lmage Control mode is
set, the Full Auto mode takes effect
T u r n o n t h e S p e e d l i t e ' sp o w e r -) switch.
1 7View original page 18Page 20 · Read text
lite 380EXwith
Fill Flash
in daylight,you can use flash as fill light for harsh shadowsor dark,!ve.nbacklitportraitsubjects.
*6
With fill flash. Withoutfill flash.
a fully-automaticpicture-takingmode is used with Speedlite 3BOEX,the fitl l=l Wh9n
l-|l flash output may be reduced automatically to balance the exposure between the
subject and background.This is called auto flash output reduciion.
1 9View original page 20Page 21 · Read text
2. Flashwith OtherModes www.butkus.us
The E-TTL auto flash system can also be used with a Type-A camera set
to Av (aperture-priorltyAE), Tv (shutterspeed-priorityAE), oI M
(manuai;.Set the FP flash switchto the greendot (normalsync).
t When you press the shutter button halfway,the shutter speed and aperturesetting are
displayedas in any AE mode.
ShutterSpeedandApertureSettingAccordingto Mode
Mode ShutterSpeed FlashAperture
Full Auto and Programmed Automaticallyset
lmage Control (1/60-1/Xsec.) Automaticallyset
Automaticallyset
P ( 1/60-1/X sec.) Automaticallyset
Automaticallyset
Av (30-1/Xsec.) Manuallyset
Manuallyset
Tv (30-1/X sec.) Automaticallyset
Manuallyset
M (buLb-1/Xsec.) Manuallyset
. Manuallyset: Set by the user. Automaticallyset: Set by the camera.
. llX sec.: Camera'smaximumsync speed (see page 46).
I When you press the shutter button completely,the Speedlitefires a test preflash
immediatelybefore the shutter is released.The flash exposure reading obtainedwith the
preflashis used to calculatethe optimumoutputof the main flash.
I The exposurefor the backgroundis set with the shutterspeed and apeilure.
l=l lf flash is used in the DEP (Depth-of-fieldAE) mode, it will be the same as using
ljl flash in the ProgramAE mode.
20View original page 21Page 22 · Read text
ll. Speedlite380EXwith Type-ACameras
(1) Flashwith Aperture-PriorityAE
When you want to control the depth of field or when you want the
backgroundcorrectlyexposed, use aperture-priorityAE. You set the
apertureand the camera sets the shutterspeed automaticallyto suit the
background'slight level.The E-TTL auto flash system controlsthe flash
outputaccordingto the apeftureyou set.
Set the camera to Av (aperture- I I priorityAE) and set the desired
aperture.
Check that the FP flash switch is 2 set to the greendot.
Press the shutterbuttonhalfwayto 3 focusthe subject.
Checkthat nothingis blinkingin the 4 viewfinderand press the shutter
b u t t o n c o m p l e t e l yt o t a k e t h e
picture.
In low-light conditions, a slow sync speed is set automatically. A tripod is
recommendedfor slow sync speeds.
lf the maximum sync speed blinks,the backgroundwill be overexposed.lf the 30"
sync speed blinks,the backgroundwill be underexposed.Change the aperture E settinguntil the sync speed stops blinkingand stays on.
21View original page 22Page 23 · Read text
www.butkus.us ll. Speedlite380EXwith Type-ACameras
(2) Flash with Shutter Speed-PriorityAE
when you want to create a certain effect with the shutter speed, use
shutterspeed-priorityAE. In this mode,you set the sync speed anywhere
from 30 sec. to the camera's maximum sync speed. The camera then
sets the apertureautomaticallyto obtain the correct background
exposure.The E-TTL auto flash system controlsthe flash output
accordingto the apeftureset automaticallyby the camera.
S e t t h e c a m e r a t o T v ( s h u t t e r 1 ' speed-priorityAE) and set the sync
speed anywhere from 30 sec. to
the camera'smax. sync speed.
Check that the FP flash switch is 24O 35D f ] - O50 70 105 )- set to the greendot (normalsync).
? Press the shutterbutton halfwayto v focusthe subject.
A Check that nothingis blinkingin
+ the viewfinder a-nd press ihe
shutter button completelyto take
the picture.
H l f t h e a p e r t u r e s e t t i n g b l i n k s , t h e b a c k g r o u n dw i l l b e o v e r e x p o s e do r
qr underexposed.Change the sync speed until the aperturesetting stops blinking
and stays on.
22View original page 23Page 24 · Read text
(3) Flash with Manual Exposure
When you want to set both the sync speed and the aperture,use manual
exposure.The E-TTL auto flash system controlsthe flash output
accordingto the apertureyou set.
I S e t t h e c a m e r a t o M ( m a n u a l t e x p o s u r e )a n d s e t t h e d e s i r e d
apertureand sync speed anywhere
from bulbto the camera'smaximum
sync speed.
Check that the FP flash switch is )- set to the greendot (normalsync).
Pressthe shutterbuttonhalfwayto 3 focusthe subject.
C h e c k t h e i n f o r m a t i o ni n t h e 4 viewfinderand press the shutter
b u t t o n c o m p l e t e l yt o t a k e t h e
picture.
23View original page 24Page 25 · Read text
www.butkus.us 3. UsingSpecialFeatures
with a Type-Acamera,speedlite380EXenablesFp frashand FE lock.
(1) FP flash
FP (focal-plane)flash, or high-speedsync, enabresthe speedliteto
synchronizewith a shutterspeedfasterthan the camera'smaximumsync
speed.
when a sync speedfasterthan the camera'smaximumsync speed is set,
Speedlite3B0EX automaticallysets the high-speedsync mode for auto
flashexposure.
FP flash can be used in the P, Tv, Av, M, and DEp modes.lt is effective
when you want to use fill flash for an outdoorportraitwhile blurringthe
backgroundwith a large aperture.lt can also be used to produie a
catchlightin the subject'seyes or to eliminateharsh shadows.The result
is best with a fast (large-aperlure)lens.
. lf a largeapertureis to be used,set the camerato the Tv, Av, or M mode.
1 S e t t h e d e s i r e d p i c t u r e - t a k i n g r mode.
D - O O - Slide the Speedlite 380EX's FP I 24 35 50 70 105 - f l a s h s w i t c h t o t x ( h i g h - s p e e d
sync).
www.butkus.us
Q Press the shutter button halfwayto e focusthe subject.
24View original page 25Page 28 · Read text
ll. Speedlite380EXwith Type-ACameras
. lf the subjectis too far away for FE lock to
b e s e t , I b l i n k s . M o v e n e a r e r t o t h e
subjectand repeatsteps 2 and 3.
A Composethe picture. T
E Within 16 sec. after releasingthe rv FE lock button,checkthe displayin
t h e v i e w f i n d e r , r e c o m p o s e i f
necessary, then take the picture..
. Each time you pressthe FE lock button,a
preflashis fired to obtain the correctflash
exposurereadingwhich is then lockedfor
16 sec.
. The FE lock is canceled16 sec, after the
FE lock symbol( * ) is displayedor when
the CommandDial is turned.
With a Type-A camer?, the FE lock links to
the focusing point as follows:
FocusingPoint SelectionMethod FE Lock-LinkedFocusingPoint
Automatic Center
With CustomFunction
Center
C08 set to 0. Manual
With Custom Function
User-selected
C08 set to 1.
With CustomFunction
Center
C08 set to 0.
Eye-controlled
With Custom Function
User-selected*
C08 set to 1.
WathEye-ControlledAutofocus,if you press the FE lock button while pressing
the shutter button halfway,FE lock links to the selectedfocusingpoint. E Also, if you press the FE lock button before focus is achieved or without
pressingthe shutter button, FE lock links to the center focusingpoint.
Within 16 sec. after pressingthe FE lock button,you can turn the Quick Control
Dial for exposure compensation.In this way, you can control the exposure for
the background.
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