The Canon 580EX was Canon's top of the line flash until it was replaced by the 580EX II in 2007. The 580EX features a range of up to 190 feet (58 meters) at ISO 100. The flash is compatible with Canon digital SLRs and film SLRs, as well as some of the Powershot G-series cameras. It has 14 custom functions as well as most standard flash modes.
Bounce
As the first Canon flash to feature a 180-degree swivel, the 580EX was ideally poised to work as a bounce flash. Using a flash straight on at a subject often causes glare and red eye, and results in harsh shadows and lighting. This light can be softened by using the flash in a bounce mode, and combining that with the built-in catchlight. To change the flash angle, press the button on the side of the flash at the joint and rotate the flash forward/backward and up/down. If inside, try different angles for bouncing the light off the ceiling to get the best light.
Multi-Strobe
The 580EX has a multi-stroboscopic feature that allows a photographer to fire the flash rapidly and capture multiple shots of a moving object into a single image. To activate this feature, push the mode button on the back of the flash until Multi is displayed. After activating multi-strobe, set the shutter speed on the camera according to the formula (Number of Flashes divided by Firing Frequency=Shutter Speed). Do not fire the flash in multi-strobe more than 10 times, and allow it 10 minutes to cool off after doing so.
Wireless
The 580EX has built in wireless capability, and can operate as either a master flash or a slave flash. Photographers can use multiple 580EX's to create studio quality lighting. The best way to do this is to have one flash on the hot shoe acting as the master flash; on the back of the flash, turn the wireless slider to Master, and turn the mode to ETTL. Change the wireless on other flashes to Slave. Now when the master flash fires, it will trigger the other flashes.
Tags: master flash, back flash, fire flash, flash until, other flashes