The buyer decision: choosing between a universal auto thyristor flash and a Canon-dedicated E-TTL flash for your hot shoe. Both fit a shoe mount, but they take very different paths to getting light onto your subject.
Quick Verdict
The Vivitar 283 is listed at USD 24.99, making it the more flexible, lower-priced option for mixed camera setups. The Canon Speedlite 220EX is listed at USD 45.00 and is the tailored choice for Canon shooters who want a flash designed around their camera system.
At a Glance
| Product | Listed Price | Price Bar |
|---|---|---|
| Vivitar 283 Auto Thyristor Flash Shoe Mount | USD 24.99 | |
| Canon Speedlite 220EX Shoe Mount External Flash w/ Soft Case | USD 45.00 |
Where the Vivitar 283 Wins
- Universal compatibility: designed to work with a range of camera brands.
- Tilt feature: the flash head can be angled for bounce lighting in studio settings.
- The unit carries the label "Tested and working".
Where the Canon Speedlite 220EX Wins
- E-TTL metering: designed for Canon cameras for automatic flash control.
- Soft case included: a soft case is part of the package.
- Made in Japan.
Product Notes
Vivitar 283 Auto Thyristor Flash Shoe Mount - Tested and working - Read
For photographers who don't want to be locked into a single camera brand, this Vivitar flash is a flexible companion. Its universal hot shoe and tilt feature let you position the head for bounce light in a compact studio setup. The unit is marked "Tested and working". The auto thyristor design means you're working with a classic lighting approach rather than TTL automation, so you'll have more hands-on control over the flash output. If you're using a film camera or mixing different camera systems, this is a straightforward option. The main limitation is that you won't get Canon E-TTL communication, so a Canon shooter looking for automatic TTL metering would need to look elsewhere.
Canon Speedlite 220EX Shoe Mount External Flash w/ Soft Case Tested & Working
The Canon Speedlite 220EX is the camera-specific alternative. It's designed for Canon bodies and uses E-TTL to automate flash exposure, which can save time when you're concentrating on the composition. A soft case is included, giving the flash a home when it's not mounted on the camera. The unit is marked "Tested & Working". The trade-off is that this is a Canon-only flash, so if you primarily use a non-Canon system, it won't be the right match. For Canon shooters, it combines automatic exposure with a hot shoe mount and a carrying case.
Final Choice by Use Case
If you want a flash that works across multiple camera bodies, the Vivitar 283 is the one to reach for. If you shoot with a Canon camera and want a flash built around your camera's metering, the Canon Speedlite 220EX is the more tailored choice.
