Comments or feedback should be addressed to Robert Scott

EOS for astrophotography
Canon has produced a limited edition of the EOS 20D which addresses the needs of astrophotography. The EOS 20Da features a modified low-pass filter optimised for photographing the night sky. It is also the first EOS digital camera with a live preview on the LCD monitor. The camera is available by special order from selected dealers. It has a suggested retail price of around GBP 1,830/Euro 2,550. More information is available at EOS 20Da camera

Enjoy digital SLR cameras
Earlier this month, Canon launched a new website. It provides a beginner's guide to understanding and using EOS digital cameras. Browse it at Enjoy digital SLR cameras

Direct print demonstrations
Would you like to see how easy it is to print direct from Canon digital cameras? Canon UK is running a series of demonstrations at selected Comet, Currys, Dixons and PC World stores during July. Check to see if there is a demonstration near you at Direct Print demonstrations

Digital Centres - Instore Days
Canon Digital Centres run occasional Instore Days. These offer comprehensive product demonstrations and give you the opportunity to put your questions to specialists. The next Instore Days are at T4 Cameras, Witney Oxfordshire (6 August) and Micro Computer Consultants, Liverpool (20 August). For more information, go to Instore Days

Try a Canon printer for free
See the results from a Canon digital printer before you buy. You can upload one of the images to Canon. The image will be output on the printer you select, and the results posted back to you - all at no cost to you. For more details, go to Free sample print

Speedlites for digital cameras

A frequent query received at EOS magazine is about the compatibility of Canon Speedlites with EOS digital cameras. Many readers are switching from an EOS film camera and have one of the Speedlite EZ-series of flash guns. Unfortunately, this will not operate with a digital model. Well, it will, but only with the Speedlite in manual mode, and the shutter speed and aperture set manually on the camera. If you want Speedlite autoflash, you need one of the EX-series of flash guns.

Why? Because Speedlite EZ-series flash guns operate with A-TTL flash metering. Here, light is reflected off the film during exposure to flash sensors in the base of the camera. Digital cameras don't have these sensors. EX-series flash guns use E-TTL (or E-TTL II) autoflash metering, which work with sensors in the viewfinder area of digital models (the same sensors are also used for ambient light metering).

If you have an EOS film camera, you can use EX-series Speedlites. More recent EOS film models support E-TTL or E-TTL II autoflash metering. With earlier EOS film models, EX-series Speedlites operate with TTL autoflash metering (a simpler form of A-TTL metering).

In brief, EX-series Speedlites are compatible with all EOS cameras, film and digital. EZ-series Speedlites are only compatible with EOS film cameras.

Back issues now available online
You can now order back issues of EOS magazine online. They cost £3.50 each, plus postage, and can be despatched worldwide. For more details go to EOS magazine back issues

Free issue when you subscribe online
If you are not already a subscriber to EOS magazine, visit the EOS magazine website to see what you are missing. Subscribing online gives you the bonus af a free back issue.