Canon announces a new flagship flashgun: the Speedlite EL-1

Canon has launched a high-performance and versatile Speedlite flashgun. The Speedlite EL-1, which is compatible with Canon's radio and optical flash systems, is built to withstand demanding environments, with a weather-resistant design and fast recycling times of between 0.1 to 0.9 seconds.

Matching the Speedlite 600EX-RT in terms of reach – with a guide number of 60 – the Speedlite EL-1 offers a number of firsts in relation to its design and performance. It has a new user-friendly interface and joystick for quick and easy navigation. The bounce ability has been enhanced, with 120º of tilt now possible. It also comes with a range of accessories, including a new rechargeable battery pack, the LP-EL, which is rated for 335 shots at full power. What's more, the EL-1 is capable of up to 170 continuous full power flashes in a single burst, without overheating, which Canon says is as a result of a new active cooling system.

There's also a low power mode, with output possible at just 1/8192. The zoom flash head offers coverage over a focal length range of 24-240mm.

Finally, amongst a host of other innovative and useful features, the Speedlite EL-1 offers a Flash Exposure (FE) memory feature, allowing you to store the last E-TTL flash shot settings, making it easier to switch from automatic to manual flash mode.

For the full press release and specifications, visit the Canon Speedlite EL-1 system page

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

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