The Speedlite EL-10 joins the Canon Speedlite family as a mid-range portable flash unit, replacing the Speedlite 430EX-III RT. This flash is for those that want to step up from more basic flash units, expand their capabilities and really get into flash photography. Like the previous Speedlite 430EX-III RT, this Speedlite packs about 1 stop less total flash power than the high-end Speedlites EL-5 and EL-1. What it lacks in power is offset by its communication abilities being able to control up to 15 additional compatible Speedlite units. Additionally, the new Multi-function connector at the EL-10’s “foot” enables advanced communication on multi-function shoe equipped cameras1 providing more customization and control to be shared between the flash and camera.
Important: Because of the transition to Canon’s Multi-function accessory shoe, please be aware that Speedlite EL-10 cannot be mounted or used on Canon cameras with other accessory shoe designs.
Flash photography is an incredible way to improve your images, but most people find it intimidating. The Speedlite EL-10 is an affordable way to get your feet wet and see how much you can improve your images from low-light situations. There are also times when adding a splash of light can make all the difference in an image, even when the sun is shining.
One of the best features of a clip on flash is the ability to swivel and bounce light off of surfaces instead of aiming right at the subject (like you would with a built-in flash). The head of the flash can be pulled back to 90o (straight up), and can swivel to the left 150o and 180o to the right.
One of the most exciting things in flash photography is taking the flash off camera to have the light come from an unexpected direction. You can easily achieve this with the ST-E3-RT Speedlite Transmitter and a compatible flash, or you can use the EL-10 itself with up to 15 additional compatible flash units. This is where flash photography can get very creative!
The new digital connector at the bottom of the Speedlite EL-10’s Multi-function shoe “foot” allows for greater flash to camera communication. In the case of the EL-10 you get superior coordination between the camera and the flash unit compared to previous Canon Speedlites, including the “Menu direct” function, Customize button function, and Custom flash modes. Gold-plated terminals in the shoe improve connection quality, and the installation status is checked before starting communications, to ensure reliable connection to cameras such as the Canon EOS R3, R7, R10, R50, and R6 Mark II.
Speedlite EL-10 sports a modern and refined look, featuring an easy-to-read dot-matrix LCD, and provides the same Menu direct + Select dial as the Speedlite 430EX II RT, that enables quick adjustments while shooting. With Camera-linked functions available through use of the “Speedlite menu direct button” in compatible EOS R-series camera’s “Customize Buttons” menu, the use of the dial can easily display “Flash function settings” or even “Quick flash group control” screens on the camera LCD screen for access to quick adjustments.
Changing flash modes and settings on the fly in high-stress situations can be extremely challenging – and with the addition of Custom Flash modes, the ability to instantly switch between registered setting including E-TTL auto flash to Manual flash and individual values is possible. This is extremely helpful in situations where ambient light changes frequently (Ex. shooting a bride and groom kissing on the alter, then switching exposure to a backlit scene as they walk out of the church.) This is also highly desirable when your priority for lighting changes from lighting a scene, to lighting only a face. This versatility can also link C1, C2, and C3 at the flash to C1, C2, and C3 at the camera on compatible cameras – allowing the recall of flash settings registered in Speedlite EL-10 using the camera’s shooting mode. By registering the flash settings in advance the flash mode is directly switched using the camera’s shooting mode setting.
Canon’s Camera Connect smartphone app allows users to control the wireless flash settings, shutter release, and check photo results. The user can operate and configure these settings from a smartphone without touching the camera or flash unit(s). This is particularly useful for multi-flash shooting, shooting with flash unit(s) placed in hard-to-reach spots, and shooting with a limited number of assistants. The user can choose the placement and direction of each flash unit, and then use the app to adjust the light intensity while checking the shooting results on the smartphone screen.
The maximum Guide No. is approximately 131.2 ft./40m at ISO 100 and 105mm flash coverage. -When the extendable wide panel is pulled out, the flash coverage is 14mm.
±3 stops, in 1/3-stop or 1/2-stop*¹ increments.
Flash Coverage (Focal length; for 35mm full-frame): 14mm: Wide Panel: Manual, Not compatible with EF15mm f/2.8 Fisheye or EF8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM shooting angles of view, 24mm: Zoom, A: Auto, Flash coverage is set automatically, accounting for [Auto zoom for sensor size] and [Light distribution] settings at the lens focal length., 50mm: M: Manual, Flash coverage is set manually, [Auto zoom for sensor size] and [Light distribution] settings are not taken into account.
The Speedlite’s flash exposure compensation takes precedence if flash exposure compensation is performed by both the Speedlite and the camera. Users who prefer to enable flash exposure compensation by the camera should set flash exposure compensation by the Speedlite to 0.
Corresponds to exposure level increments on the camera.
±3 stops, in 1/3-stop or 1/2-stop1 increments.
FEB is automatically deactivated after three shots.
Can be used with flash exposure compensation and FE lock.
Corresponds to exposure level increments on the camera.
Supported, Stores the flash output of E-TTL II / E-TTL autoflash and automatically sets the stored output level if users switch the flash mode to manual flash.
Flash output may vary slightly between E-TTL autoflash and manual flash.
Colors may vary between E-TTL autoflash and manual flash under the following conditions: When the color temperature of the Speedlite light differs greatly from that of ambient lighting and flash exposure compensation is set toward the negative end.
When E-TTL balance is set to [Ambience priority].
Differences in colors between E-TTL autoflash and manual flash may be reduced by taking one of the follow steps: Using the provided color filter. Setting white balance to an option other than AWB. When combined with specific cameras, FE Memory is possible by operating the camera buttons (by using the camera’s C.Fn of by custom buttons).
The Speedlite EL-10 can be set to function as a sender or receiver in wireless flash photography using radio transmission
The Speedlite EL-10 supports second-curtain synchronization in radio transmission wireless shooting.
Without any obstructions between senders and receivers, and without radio interference from other devices.
Transmission range may be shorter depending on factors such as how units are arranged, the surrounding environment, and weather conditions.
Without any obstructions between senders and receivers, and without radio interference from other devices.
Transmission range may be shorter depending on factors such as how units are arranged, the surrounding environment, and weather conditions.
Normal Flash: State when fully charged and the Speedlite can be used without restriction
Quick Flash: Can fire, but some restrictions apply: Max. intensity is in a range of approx. 1/2 to 1/3 of the fully charged intensity.
No Quick flash firing under the following conditions: When P.Fn-01: Quick flash is set to OFF. When using a camera that does not support E-TTL II/E-TTL autoflash. When used wirelessly via radio transmission. When the manual flash output is set in the range of 1/1 to 1/3.2.
Charging in progress: Does not fire in this state.
ALL: Flash metering control of all groups (A/B/C) as if they were a single flash unit, A:B: Flash metering control providing the flash ratio set for groups A and B Flash ratio setting: 8:1 to 1:8 Flash exposure compensation: +/-3 stops A:B:C: (1) Flash metering control providing the flash ratio set for groups A and B Flash ratio setting: 8:1 to 1:8 Flash metering control of group C as if it were a single flash unit Flash Exposure compensation +/- 3 stops Flash exposure compensation can be set for the flash output of (1) and (2) above Flash Exposure compensation +/- 3 stop
Set in C.Fn-21: 0: Standard: A light distribution setting that balances light distribution and the guide number. 1: Guide number priority: Prioritizes illumination at the center of the screen, the periphery may be dark. 2: Light distribution priority: Light distribution that reduces peripheral darkness.