I'm considering buying this flash for my Elan 7. And I have a few questions I hope someone can answer.

In general does the Sigma support all the same camera/flash functions as a Canon EX, i.e., CF settings, flash settings with modes, as indicated in my Elan 7 manual?

Does the Sigma meter flash exposure with the active AF spot like a Canon EX Speedlight? I think Canon calls this the AIM system.

I have the low light AF on the Elan 7 disabled (CF7-1), will the body use the Sigma's AF assist in a low light situtaions in the other CF7 settings? The Sigma web site says AF assist: "red LED", so is it a flashing red light instead of the bright white light on the body or infrared like an Canon EX Speedlight?

Thanks in advance - Jim

-- Jim R. (jim175@hotmail.com), November 15, 2001

Answers

"...does the Sigma support all the same camera/flash functions as a Canon EX, i.e., CF settings, flash settings with modes..."

Yes, but what the Sigma doesn't have are the specific custom function settings of the 550EX. However, it does function with all the custom functions of your camera.

"Does the Sigma meter flash exposure with the active AF spot like a Canon EX Speedlight?"

Yes, that's built into the camera and any E-TTL capable flash will do this.

"...will the body use the Sigma's AF assist in a low light situtaions in the other CF7 settings?"

Yes, just like the Canon 420EX and 550EX.

"The Sigma web site says AF assist: "red LED", so is it a flashing red light instead of the bright white light on the body or infrared like an Canon EX Speedlight?"

It's a near IR light just like the Canon Speedlites. It doesn't exactly flash. It comes on briefly to assist AF and then goes out. Sometimes this happens two or more times, very rapidly, depending on conditions.

-- Jim Strutz (j.strutz@gci.net), November 15, 2001.