Shooting with Speedlites

EL/EX Series Speedlites for EOS Cameras

Features of EL/EX series Speedlites (sold separately) can be used in flash photography with the camera.

For instructions, refer to the EL/EX series Speedlite's Instruction Manual.

  • Sync speed

    Varies depending on the shutter mode.

    [Shooting: Shutter mode] Setting Sync Speed
    Mechanical 1/200 sec. or slower
    Elec. 1st-curtain 1/250 sec. or slower
    Electronic 1/180 sec. or slower

  • Flash exposure compensation

    You can adjust flash output (flash exposure compensation). With an image displayed on the screen, press the Multi-function button, turn the Quick control dial 1 dial to select the flash exposure compensation item, then turn the Main dial dial to set the flash exposure compensation amount. You can set the flash exposure compensation up to ±3 stops in 1/3-stop increments.

  • FE lock

    This enables you to obtain appropriate flash exposure for a specific part of the subject. Aim the viewfinder center over the subject, press the camera's AE lock button, then compose the shot and take the picture.

Caution

  • Some Speedlites cannot be attached directly to this camera. For details, see Multi-Function Shoe.
  • Setting [Shooting: Auto Lighting Optimizer] () to an option other than [Disable] may still cause images to look bright even if you set lower flash exposure compensation for darker images.

  • Using high-speed sync may cause banding in images. To reduce the banding, it may help to do the following.

    • Separate the Speedlite from the camera
    • Lower the shutter speed
    • Set [Shutter synchronization] to an option other than [High-speed synchronization]
    • Set [Shooting: Shutter mode] to an option other than [Electronic]

Note

  • The Speedlite will fire an intermittent AF-assist beam as needed, if autofocusing is difficult under low light.
  • You can also set flash exposure compensation on the Quick Control screen () or in the [Flash function settings] setting of [Shooting: External Speedlite control] ().
  • The camera can turn on certain Speedlites automatically when the camera is turned on. For details, refer to the instruction manual of Speedlites that support this feature.

Canon Speedlites Other Than the EL/EX Series

  • With an EZ/E/EG/ML/TL series Speedlite set to A-TTL or TTL autoflash mode, the flash can be fired at full output only.

    Set the camera's shooting mode to [Manual exposure] or [Aperture-priority AE] and adjust the aperture value before shooting.

  • When using a Speedlite that has manual flash mode, shoot in the manual flash mode.

Non-Canon Flash Units

  • Sync speed

    Sync speed for non-Canon compact flash units varies by shutter mode.

    [Shooting: Shutter mode] Setting Sync speed
    Mechanical 1/200 sec. or slower
    Elec. 1st-curtain 1/250 sec. or slower
    Electronic 1/180 sec. or slower

    With large studio flash units, the flash duration is longer than that of a compact flash unit and varies depending on the model. Before shooting, confirm that flash sync is performed correctly by taking some test shots at a sync speed of approx. 1/60 sec. to 1/30 sec.

  • PC terminal

    • You can use flash units with a sync cord via the PC terminal (). The terminal has locking threads to prevent accidental cord detachment.
    • The PC terminal has no polarity. Sync cords can be connected regardless of polarity.

Caution

  • Using the camera with a dedicated flash unit or flash accessory for cameras of other manufacturers poses a risk of malfunction and even damage.
  • Do not connect flash units with an output voltage of 250 V or more to the camera's PC terminal.
  • Do not attach a high-voltage flash unit to the camera's hot shoe. It may not fire.

Note

  • You can use one flash unit attached to the camera's hot shoe and another connected to the PC terminal at the same time.