what is E-TTL? and is it what my 500d needs?

[cbjohnson02]

I'm trying to buy a flash but the amount of jargon out there confuses me. I have a Canon 500d, have I got it right that the flash I need should have E-TTL if I want it to auto focus. I'm looking at maybe buying the YN-465 flash speedlite.

Many thanks

 

[seriousrikk]

E-TTL is the Canon through the lens flash metering system.

If you want a flash that will work correctly with the metering system and adjust it's output accordingly yes - you need an E-TTL compatible flash.

 

[acetone]

E-TTL (Evaluative-Through The Lens) is a Canon EOS flash exposure system that uses a brief pre-flash before the main flash in order to obtain a more correct exposure.