When you only get one chance, make it count with the new Speedlite EL-1
London, United Kingdom, 14 October 2020 – Canon Europe today announces the launch of the Speedlite EL-1, a high-performance Speedlite which delivers results consistently and reliably, even in tough environments, thanks to the robust and weather resistant design. Offering a range of power options from full power down to as low as 1/8192, its versatility gives photographers greater control and precision over lighting to create the look they want. With fast recycle times of 0.1 to 0.9 seconds[i], and powered by the newly-designed Canon LP-EL battery pack high-power battery, professionals can shoot quicker and for longer. Paired with Canon’s latest professional DSLR and mirrorless cameras – the EOS-1D X Mark III and EOS R5 respectively – which are praised for their speed and image quality, the Speedlite EL-1 empowers photojournalists, sports, wildlife and wedding photographers to capture those unmissable moments. To signify the professional level performance, the Speedlite EL-1 is the first Speedlite flash to boast a ‘red ring’ – Canon’s hallmark of professional ‘L-series’ image quality.
High performance
The Speedlite EL-1 achieves a consistently powerful flash ensuring photographers can capture the moment, whatever the scenario. With a powerful output and high reach, the Speedlite EL-1 has a competitive Guide Number of GN60, to illuminate even distant subjects. It achieves the highest continuous firing performance of any Canon Speedlite, capable of up to 170[ii] continuous full power flashes in a burst without over heating and high-speed flash charging of 0.1 to 0.9 seconds1 – perfect for shooting the likes of a red carpet event.
In situations where photographers are shooting continuously for long periods of time, it is key they have confidence in their kit. No longer will professionals have worries over power - thanks to the battery level indicator on the Canon LP-EL battery pack. The lithium ion battery is synonymous with power and reliability, affording photographers approximately 335 flashes at full power. Leveraging an active cooling system with an internal fan, the Speedlite EL-1 maintains consistent flash performance during extended periods of shooting – ideal for those long days photographing events such as weddings. In Continuous Shooting Priority (CSP) Mode the flash output is automatically lowered by one stop, and the ISO speed is automatically raised by one stop instead to further conserve battery power, extend shooting and reduce recycling times.
Enhanced flexibility and control
The Speedlite EL-1 is a versatile Speedlite, offering more freedom of choice and greater control so that photographers can achieve their desired look. The Speedlite EL-1 is the first Canon Speedlite equipped with bi-colour LED modelling lamps, enabling photographers to see where and how the light of the flash will fall on their subject and to make any necessary adjustments to colour temperature and brightness. With a new low-power option down to 1/8192th, photographers can control the flash output across 14 steps of range, for example in macro photography where just a subtle amount of light is needed or when capturing portraits and balancing the exposure with a night sky backdrop. It is also possible to connect the Speedlite EL-1 to up to 15 other flashes for studio levels of performance. The radio wireless transmission opens up a number of creative options, now including second-curtain synchro[iii] for greater artistic expression such as trailing light. Using the Flash Exposure (FE) memory feature, the Speedlite EL-1 can store the last E-TTL flash shot settings, allowing the photographer to switch to Manual Flash mode, making minor adjustments around these settings as needed, for a quick, easy and constistent set up.
Reliable and robust build
Built to withstand challenging weather conditions such as heavy rain, the Speedlite EL-1 employs similar weather resistant sealing to Canon’s EOS-1D X series cameras. Utilising the same electronic contact mechanism as the popular Speedlite 600EX II-RT, this unlocks the dual benefit of a wipe function for resistance against dust and a dual-line communication system to provide back-up communication between camera and flash, which prevents misfires. The new xenon tube provides better durability, accuracy and consistency, making the low-power flash possible.
Intuitive design, simple operation
Designed to match the performance of flagship cameras such as the EOS-1D X Mark III and EOS R5, the Speedlite EL-1 has a new user-friendly interface and joystick, enabling photographers to effortlessly navigate across the menu and change settings quickly. The LCD screen has also been enhanced with a white backlight and white text on a black background so that it is easy to read settings, even in low light. A greater degree of bounce movement has also been added – now capable of 120 degrees of tilt – the flash can be directed backwards, making it simple to bounce the flash and soften the light. Alongside the supplied bounce adaptor and two colour filters included in the box, this creates the perfect toolkit for portrait photographers. The new Canon LP-EL battery pack has been specifically designed to quickly deliver the high currents needed to charge Speedlite EL-1 and enable such exceptional performance, while also being able to utilise the same LC-E6/LC-E6E charger as used on many of Canon’s existing cameras.
[i] 1/8192 to 1/1 power charging time required for firing.
[ii] At 23° Celcius, with the fan set to ON, and before reaching flash firing restriction Level 1, with no flash adapters fitted (bursts up to 160 full power flashes with the flash zoomed from 150-200mm).
[iii] A firmware update for cameras maybe required.
