Designed for automatic operation only, the 220EX flash unit excels at providing natural-looking balanced flash exposures. When attached to the advanced cameras, such as EOS IX, EOS Elan II/Elan IIe, or EOS Rebel G, the 220EX delivers the benefits of the Canon's superior technology. These include Canon's unique E-TTL evaluative pre-stored flash exposure control system, FE Lock for a new dimension of creative control and FP Flash (high-speed sync) for flash photography up to maximum shutter speed. When used with other cameras, it operates as a TTL autoflash (off-the-film flash metering).When in E-TTL operation, flash exposure is measured and controlled by the camera in combination with Canon's AIM system. Subject position, ambient light level, evaluative metering and pre-flash data are instantly analyzed, including heavy backlighting or reflections from background windows or mirrors.

Featuring a recycle time of 0.1 to 4.5 seconds, the Canon Speedlite 220EX is a fully automatic flash, compatible with all Canon EOS cameras. The 220EX can also utilize E-TTL operation when paired with the Canon EOS IX, EOS ELAN II/IIE, and EOS Rebel G. Sporting a save-energy feature, whereby the flash is shut down after 90 seconds of idle, the 220EX is powered by four AA batteries, and has a flash capacity between 250 and 1,700. The convenience and ease of use ensure the 220EX a place in the hands of amateur photographers who want a high-quality flash, but aren't interested in learning to use the professional features of Canon's other offerings.