QuickGuide to Canon
320EX Speedlite Features
The purpose of this QuickGuide is to provide a concise
review of how to operate the basic features and functions
of the Canon 320EX Speedlite. Unless otherwise noted,
the following instructions require your 320EX Speedlite to
be mounted to your camera’s hot shoe. This will allow your
camera to communicate with the 320EX and for you to
make flash settings with the camera’s menu system.
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.
Camera Exposure Mode Settings
The 320EX will function in any of the camera exposure
modes listed below. The maximum shutter speed at which
your camera can synchronize with the flash exposure is
represented by “1/x sec” (such as 1/200th second on EOS
Rebel models).
1
2
3
Mode
Shutter speed
Aperture
Full Auto, P,
A-DEP
Set automatically (1/x sec. – 1/60 sec.)
Automatic
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 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.
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
Flash Head Normal
Head Extended
APS-C size sensor
(Rebel series, 60D, 7D)
15mm or longer lens
32mm or longer
lens
Full-frame sensor
(EOS 5D & 1Ds series)
24mm or longer lens
50mm or longer
lens
Key Features and Controls (front)
Flash head
Remote release button
Allows remote triggering of
cameras compatible with the
RC-1, RC-5, or RC-6 Remote
Controllers*
LED light
Wireless sensor
Remote control transmitter
* EOS Digital Rebel; Rebel XT, XTi; Rebel XSi; Rebel T1i, T2i,
T3i; EOS 7D, EOS 5D Mark II (as of mid-2011).
E-TTL II Flash Range
The flash range will vary depending on the ISO setting,
angle of coverage, and 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. The table on the reverse side provides
a guide to minimum and maximum shooting ranges for the
EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom. Do not use the 320EX in
the extended position at a focal length of 18mm or less, or
the edges of the frame will be darker than the center.
Key Features and Controls (back)
Firing group selection switch
Assigns firing
group when 320EX is combined with other
wireless Speedlites
TELE lamp
Glows steadily when the flash coverage
matches the lens coverage. Blinks when
coverage is too narrow for lens coverage.
Power switch
On
turns on power
Slave
is for wireless operation
Off
shuts off power.
Channel selection switch
Assigns firing channel for wireless
operation. Slave flash channel must match
master flash channel.
Manual LED light button
Press and hold until the LED light turns on.
LED light switch
Set to M to enable Manual activation of
LED light. Set to Auto with EOS models
having auto LED illumination function,
such as Rebel T3 and T3i.
