Review on Canon 600EX RT Speedlite Flash Black by Michael Gonzales

Most photographers I know shoot with Canon, but I have a few friends who work for Nikon. I envied the superiority of Nikon flashes over Canon. In my opinion, the 600EX-RT levels the playing field. Here are a few comments on my first impressions of this new flash: 1. The built-in radio works perfectly and the connection is almost instantaneous2. Adjusting the flash intensity of different groups isn't as easy as it is in Pocket Wizard AC3, but it's not bad. Once you get the hang of it, it's only slightly slower than the AC-33. Two advantages: 5 groups vs. 3 on the AC3, and the backlit display is MUCH easier to see in low light. In low light it can be almost impossible to see the AC3 and you'll have to lower your camera to see the AC3's dials from above, where the 600EX-RT is easy to see in the dark and with the camera on a tripod. 4. By eliminating the need for separate radios, you save on flash installations, use fewer batteries, and take up less room in your camera bag or Pelican case.5. The higher cost of the 600EX-RT is less than half the cost of the Pocket Wizard Mini or Flex.6. The AF assist works MUCH better than the 580EX-II or 430EX-II and is compatible with my 5d Mark III.7's 61-point AF system. Possible minus: The camera should have a 600EX-RT or ST-3 as transmitter. The 600EX-RT, used only as a transmitter, is much more expensive than the Pocket Wizard Mini or Flex. I find one on-camera flash and a second on a stand or assistant good for wedding receptions, so I don't mind needing an on-camera flash. You can just turn off the master unit's flash on the camera and use it just as a transmitter and controller. I think the backlit display is actually a huge plus.8. I won't buy the ST-3 as it doesn't have AF assist and I don't care about the screen orientation which requires top-down viewing like the PW AC3.9. Since this is a Canon product, you don't have to wait for companies to reverse engineer Canon cameras and flashes to develop functionality. For example, my Mini and Flex are still not compatible with my new Canon 5D Mark III. I HIGHLY recommend upgrading to the new 600EX-RT, ESPECIALLY if you have a 5D Mark III or 1D-X.