Have canon EOS Rebel XSI have Canon Speedlit how do I get to work 420 as a slave set camera? 420EX

[MikeSowsun · Accepted solution]

Sorry, but the 420EX will not work as a "slave" just using your camera.

The Canon 420EX will only work as a "Slave" if you have a "Master" that uses the Canon wireless system. The Canon system uses coded light signals from the "master" flash to trigger the "slave" and give you the correct exposure. 

Some newer Canon cameras have a built-in pop-up flash that can act as "master" but your XSi doesn't work that way. The Canon cameras that will do this are the T3i, T4i, T5i, 7D, 60D, or 70D.

You can also buy a Canon flash which can be used on your XSi and act as "master".  These  include the Canon 550EX, 580EX,  580EX II, and 600EX-RT. There is also a cheaper Canon ST-E2 that can also act as master but does not  work as a flash.

There are also some 3rd party flashes Like Yongnuo,  Nissin and Metz that may also work as "master".

[K---n]

Thank you

[ebiggs1]

You can get a inexpensive optical trigger and use your built-in for the master.  

[K---n]

Thank you. I think I will get the third party Yongnuo,