In conjunction with its Rebel XS release, Canon has unveiled the second generation of its Speedlite 430EX external flash unit – the Speedlite 430EX II.

Canon Speedlite 430EX II

Specs are essentially identical to the original Speedlite 430EX with just a few noteworthy exceptions: the hot shoe has been upgraded to a metal part for the "II" version, flash exposure compensation is now in 1/3 EV increments, and flash settings can be viewed and changed via the camera's LCD on all Canon bodies from the EOS 1D Mark III forward (that is, all DIGIC III equipped Canon DSLRs).

Canon Speedlite 430EX II

Per Canon, pricing for the updated version should be similar to the original Speedlite 430EX's $299 sticker. No word yet on availability, however.