Innovative and smart: Canon Speedlite 470EX-AI announced

Canon today launches the world's first flash equipped with AI Bounce – a new Auto Intelligent (AI) function that takes the fuss and uncertainty out of bounce flash photography. This revolutionary new technology intelligently calculates and manoeuvres the flash head position automatically to create optimum lighting for outstanding images.

Revolutionary flash innovation – AI Bounce
The AI Bounce function automates bounce photography within the flash. This never-before-seen innovation uses a test flash to calculate the perfect angle for natural, flattering illumination, whilst automatically moving the motorised flash head into the optimum position for perfect lighting.

The full-auto mode carefully manipulates the flash head for every new shot, eliminating unwanted shooting complications. It also removes the time needed to evaluate the shot and reposition the flash head manually. As a result, photographers of all levels can confidently and quickly use the flash, reassured that the Speedlite 470EX-AI can help deliver consistently beautiful images.

For those with greater experience in flash photography, the semi-auto mode allows the user to set the bounce flash angle for different shooting scenarios. The Speedlite 470EX-AI then automatically adjusts the flash head for different camera orientations. This pioneering technology enhances the opportunity for photographers to be creative with their lighting, whilst achieving consistency in every shot. This is crucial for portrait photographers who regularly alternate between landscape and portrait.

EOS magazine's take
It is a long time since we were excited by a Speedlite, but this one is amazing, based on what we've seen so far. Our brief interaction with the Speedlite 470EX-AI at the official Canon press event left us fascinated by the way in which the flash head moves of its own accord.

The repositioning of the head as you move the camera from horizontal to vertical format is extremely clever. The chances are that you will be watching the Speedlite more than the subject the first time you use it! If you have ever struggled with bounce flash photography, here is the answer. And it is also a very capable unit when you do not need the AI bounce flash feature.

The Canon Speedlite 470EX-AI is available from April 2018 with an RRP of £519.99.

Canon Speedlite 470EX-AI full press release and specification

More EOS firmware updates

Canon released a number of firmware updates in March 2024, as follows: EOS R3 – version 1.7.1 1. Enables servo zooming to be remotely controlled from EOS Utility or Camera Connect when Power Zoom Adapter PZ-E2/PZ-E2B is attached to a compatible lens. 2. Enables up to 2 TB to be used on CFexpress cards larger than 2 TB. 3. Fixes an issue that may cause the camera, in rare instances, to stop functioning when using GPS. 4. Fixes an issue that may display Error Code 70 when performing anti-flicker shooting at a shutter speed of 1 second or higher. 5. Enhances security for FTPS (File Transfer Protocol Security) connections. 6. Fixes an issue in which Mobile File Transfer may not function when connecting the camera to an iPhone compatible with USB 3.0 and higher. 7. Fixes an issue that, under specific circumstances, may prevent the image from being displayed in the viewfinder or on the screen causing the camera to stop operating, or Error Code 70 may be displayed. 8. Fixes minor issues. EOS

Canon announces development of flagship EOS R1

Canon Inc. has announced today that it is currently developing the EOS R1, a full-frame mirrorless camera, as the first flagship model for the EOS R system. Whilst there is no timeline given for launch as yet, Canon has released hints of what's to come in terms of technology. It will use a newly developed processor, called DIGIC Accelerator, alongside the existing DIGIC X found in other R-series cameras plus a newly developed image sensor, which will enable a large volume of data to be processed at high speeds, and which will also deliver advances in autofocus (AF) and other functions as yet unspecified. The Deep learning technology – first found in the current flagship EOS-1D X Mark III DSLR camera – will be embedded in the new EOS R1. Canon also mentions a new AF 'Action Priority' function, which " further recognises subject movement by rapidly analysing the subject's status ". This AI-based programming promises to predict the key activity in a match, there

Canon announces EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II as next R system evolution

Canon has today launched two new cameras for the EOS R system – the EOS R1, a new flagship model to take over from the EOS-1D X Mark III, and the EOS R5 Mark II, the next iteration of the ever-popular 5-series. The two camera share much more than just a launch date. They herald the arrival of the next generation of Canon's sensor-based focusing system – Dual Pixel Intelligent AF – as well as offering a raft of improvements over previous R-series cameras. The new features and the improvements alike are powered by a duo of DIGIC processors, one DIGIC X and one DIGIC Accelerator – and by Deep Learning, with the introduction of Action Priority AF for team-based sports. Both cameras sport brand new, purpose-made back illuminated stacked (BSI) sensors; the EOS R1 offers 24.2MP and the EOS R5 Mark II offers 45MP. Rolling shutter effect is reduced, significantly so on the EOS R1. In-camera there's also an up-scaling feature, giving users of both cameras the opportunity to increase res

EOS magazine news

Search for Canon news