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

  • Flash exposure compensation

    You can adjust flash output (flash exposure compensation). With an image displayed on the screen, press the Multi-function button repeatedly to select the flash exposure compensation item, then turn the Main dial dial to set the flash exposure compensation amount.

  • 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.
  • In flash photography, 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 in [Flash function settings] in [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 Av or M 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

    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.

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 attach a high-voltage flash unit to the camera's multi-function shoe. It may not fire.

Quick Flash Group Control

As you view the shooting screen in wireless multi-flash photography, you can configure the settings for each flash group by pressing the button assigned to [Quick flash group control] in [Custom Functions: Customize buttons]. This example is based on assigning the Multi-function button ().

  1. Set the flash firing mode to Group (individual group control) to prepare for wireless multi-flash photography.

    • For details, refer to the instruction manuals of flash units supporting wireless multi-flash photography.

  2. During standby, press the Multi-function button.

    • A setting screen for each flash group is displayed.
    • Turn the Quick control dial 1 dial to select a flash group (A–E) to configure.
    • Turn the Quick control dial 2 dial to set the flash mode.
    • Turn the Main dial dial to adjust flash output or flash exposure compensation.

Note

  • The [Quick flash group control] setting screen can be displayed in Fv, P, Tv, Av, M, or B mode.
  • When Speedlites are set to a flash mode other than Group (individual group control), pressing the Multi-function button displays the [Flash function settings] screen.

FE Memory Function

You can set the flash output captured in the flash mode ETTL as the flash output for the flash mode M by pressing the button assigned to [ETTL M] in [Custom Functions: Customize buttons]. This example is based on assigning the Multi-function button ().

  1. Set the flash Custom Function setting [FE memory] to [2:Enable(MODE ETTL M)] ().

    • For the setting procedure with the flash, refer to the instruction manuals of flash units (except the EL-1) supporting FE memory.

  2. Shoot with the flash mode set to ETTL.

    • Press the shutter button completely to take the picture.

  3. During standby, press the Multi-function button.

    • The flash mode switches to M and the flash output captured in step 2 is displayed.
    • When you press the Multi-function button again after shooting with the flash mode set to M, the flash mode switches to ETTL and the flash exposure compensation is displayed.
    • To change the flash output or the flash exposure compensation, perform operations with the flash or set with [Flash function settings] ().

Note

  • The FE memory function is available in Fv, P, Tv, Av, M, and B modes.
  • When the flash is set to a flash mode other than ETTL or M, the flash mode will not change even if the Multi-function button is pressed.