To coincide with the launch of the EOS 500D camera, announced earlier today, Canon will roll out a new compact-sized flashgun in the shape of the Speedlite 270EX.

Replacing the 220EX, the ‘pocketable’ unit is designed to be equally at home attached to Canon’s professional series DSLRs as with the PowerShot G10 high-end compact, for example.

Key improvements over its predecessor include a zoom head, which allows bounce flash, and a ‘faster’ flash recycling time (3.9secs, according to Canon).

The 270EX carries a maximum guide number of 27m (at 50mm at ISO 100).

Powered by two AA batteries the new flash will cost £149.99 when it goes on sale in May.

Canon Speedlite 270EX