The Canon Speedlite 580EX replaces the popular Speedlite 550EX model. A more powerful flash with a maximum guide number of 58/191 at ISO 100 in metres/feet (at 105mm focal length), faster recycling, more consistent colour and enhanced controls are among the improvements that all photographers, especially those who shoot digital, will find useful. It features a more comfortable and easy to use interface in a smaller and lighter package than its predecessors.

The 580EX flash is compatible with all film and digital EOS cameras as well as G-series and Pro-1 PowerShot digital cameras. The flash includes two features especially for digital photography. EOS 20D and EOS-1D Mark II* digital SLR users will especially appreciate the Speedlite 580EX flash's ability to auto-compensate for the size of the CMOS sensor, and zoom the flash head automatically to match the effective focal length conversion. This feature allows the Speedlite 580EX flash to maximize the efficiency of its light distribution and produce more flashes from a set of batteries.