The T7 pin issue is a headache for sure. I would suggest you be very careful because most third-party flashes simply wont fire on that body. You might want to consider the Godox TT685II-C TTL Flash for Canon because it is reliable and actually compatible with that missing pin. It stays right in your budget while providing much better results than those cheap generic ones that just end up wasting your money.

The T7 hot shoe lacks the standard ISO 518 center sync pin, so it requires a flash that supports Canon E-TTL signaling via the remaining pads. Universal flashes simply wont fire on this shoe. I've found these models reliable:

• Canon Speedlite EL-100
• Godox TT350C Mini Flash for Canon The EL-100 fits your budget and ensures the camera actually triggers the flash every time.

Honestly, that missing center pin is a total disaster for anyone starting out with the T7. It feels like a trap. I went through two returns before landing on the Yongnuo YN565EX III Wireless Speedlite for Canon and I've been really happy with it ever since. It communicates perfectly with the camera's electronic pins, so you get full TTL support. That means the camera and flash talk to each other to figure out the exposure automatically. It's a lifesaver for events like a graduation where things move fast and you don't have time to mess with settings. Quick tip... dont point it directly at people. Tilt that flash head up toward the ceiling. It makes the light bounce and look way more natural. No more grainy shots. Since you're on a budget, this flash is basically the best bang for your buck without paying the Canon tax. You could also look at the Neewer NW670 TTL Flash for Canon if you want to save even more. It works well enough for hobbyist stuff and definitely fires on the T7 shoe. Just make sure you're using fresh rechargeable batteries because these flashes eat cheap alkalines for breakfast. Nothing is worse than the flash failing to recycle right when your sister grabs her diploma. Stick with one of these and you'll be set for the big day.

Building on the earlier suggestion, that missing center pin really is the root of the problem here. Its super frustrating when you just want things to work, but once you get a flash that actually uses the electronic contacts, the T7 handles it quite well. I have been very satisfied with how my setup performs now that the communication is reliable and I dont have to worry about it misfiring. Since graduation ceremonies can be tricky with lighting, I have a couple of questions to help clarify what you need:

• Will you be close enough to the stage to bounce light, or are you going to be further back in a large auditorium or gym?
• Is having a small, lightweight setup important to you, or are you okay with a larger flash unit if it gives you more power for those long-distance shots?

100% agree