The Future Speedlites, Not Far Off Now? [CR2]

[Canon Rumors]

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A new Speedlite or two
We’re told Canon could be announcing two new Speedlites in the first or early second quarter of 2013. Both of the suggested Speedlites could be to replace the current Speedlite 430 EX II. The guide number of the new flashes would be 45. One of them would be compatible with the ST-E3-RT radio transmitter and the other would be a standalone unit without radio capabilities. No mention of whether either would have the af assist light/video light like is found on the EX 320.

There would be no new features to the flash functionality that aren’t found on the Speedlite 600EX-RT. When questioned about the possibility of a Speedlite 600EX without the “RT”, I was told that it was possible, but not in the immediate plans.

cr

[sheedoe]

I thought the 600EX without the RT is already available?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Canon-Speedlite-600EX-Flash-Speed-Lite-Light-600-EX-NON-RT-VERSION-/350649902594?pt=Digital_Camera_Flashes&hash=item51a45ce602
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Canon-Speedlite-600EX-Shoe-Mount-Flash-/230785695681?pt=Digital_Camera_Flashes&hash=item35bbe63fc1

[Marsu42]

We’re told Canon could be announcing two new Speedlites in the first or early second quarter of 2013.

Knowing Canon, that's probably end of June 2013... the transition to the rt tech is disappointing, still no remote 2nd curtain sync and obviously they wanted to sell as many expensive 600rt as possible before introducing "cheaper" (i.e. $400+ I guess) versions.

The one interesting information would be to know if there will be rt triggers for dumb (studio) flashes or at least for older speedlites...

[Marsu42]

Now, why don't they just bring in a flash control firmware upgrade for some of the pre 2012 bodies? Yes they want to sell gear, but Annie Leibowitz, amongst many high end pros, is still shooting the 1Ds MkIII because there is no better Canon body option yet, they could be selling so many more Speedlites if they would make the upgrade process more seamless.

Afaik the 600rt work on all pre-2012 bodies just fine (even at full hss speed over radio, this is confirmed for the 5d2, don't know about others) even if Canon says otherwise. The only things missing is rt control from the camera's gui (do it on the flash) and the group flash feature - the latter seems the purely-pro item Canon wants to sell with a camera body upgrade.

But as I wrote above, Canon's strategy appears to be strangely lagged for budget (430ex2 successor) flash sets or studio setups.

[yitzy]

NON-RT 600EX:

http://www.canon-europe.com/For_Home/Product_Finder/Cameras/speedlite_flash/speedlite_600EX/

http://www.lightingrumours.com/canon-600ex-the-best-speedlite-money-cant-buy-2258

[RLPhoto]

440 EX-RT!!!!! That would just destroy nikon flash!

[Marsu42]

I can confirm full power at 1/250 sync speed and complete HSS range up to 1/8000 on the 1Ds MkIII.

Looking at Canon's corporate policy during the last years, I dare to say that niceness is not on top of their priority list, it probably isn't even in the dictionary :-o ... but "professional support" surely is, so if seasoned photogs request ttl flash support or maybe even group flash it might, just might have a chance to be heard.

I guess Canon might introduce rt triggers for studio flashes sooner or later, but the question is when and I'm sure a trigger will be nearly as expensive as a full flash. Or maybe someone succeeds at reverse engineering the rt protocol and 3rd party alternatives will be offered...

[neuroanatomist]

Sounds like a release analogous to the 600 - a 450EX-RT released in some markets, and a 450EX also release in certain markets due to restrictions around RF frequency usage.  As was pointed out above (several times), the 600 flash exists in both an -RT and a non-radio version, although the latter is not available in all markets.

[unfocused]

Ordinarily I am very forgiving of Canon. They have a business to run and their profits help create products that I want.

But, the abandonment of the 580EXII was very unprofessional in my opinion. This was a strobe marketed to and used by professionals (which I am not). To release the 600 EX and transmitter without releasing a backward compatible receiver was an unconscionable disservice to the many professionals who invested in multiple 580s.

In addition, though, it was probably very bad business on their part as I am sure, even as I write this, Yongnuo and others are reverse engineering the strobe and transmitter and preparing a receiver for the 580EX (At least I hope they are doing that).

[Daniel Flather]

The manuals that came with my 600RTs clearly states that a non-radio version model is in production.

[ddashti]

I wonder what the 600EX without the RT would do to the price of the current 580EX IIs on the market.
The 600EX-RT and 580EX II are only $10-20 apart at the moment.

[unfocused]

...the abandonment of the 580EXII was very unprofessional in my opinion...To release the 600 EX and transmitter without releasing a backward compatible receiver was an unconscionable disservice to the many professionals who invested in multiple 580s...

That is a ridiculously uninformed and inaccurate statement to make. The 600EX-RT is fully backwards compatible with all previous Canon Speedlites and maintains full functionality with all the features the legacy gear had, the feature set on which they were sold at the time. It has added a complete new feature set, but it has not abandoned the old one.

If you are going to flame someone, at least have the decency to read their post. I clearly stated that Canon has not produced a RECEIVER that is backwards compatible for the 580EXII.

[neuroanatomist]

I think the point is that the 580EX II can already receive from (and transmit to) a 600EX-RT, using optical triggering.  I see your point regarding the ST-E3-RT, but not the 600EX-RT.  With the new flash, Canon offered good backward compatibility, not abandonment.

[Alex]

I wish instead of bringing out new flashguns they would bring out a receiver unit for the ST-E3-RT to make the 580's compatible...

[unfocused]

I think the point is that the 580EX II can already receive from (and transmit to) a 600EX-RT, using optical triggering.  I see your point regarding the ST-E3-RT, but not the 600EX-RT.  With the new flash, Canon offered good backward compatibility, not abandonment.

Yes, I have no problem with the 600EX-RT. My complaint is that Canon elected to produce a transmitter, but has yet to produce a receiver and does not appear inclined to do so.

Given that we are talking about customers who invested in the flagship strobe at the time (and often invested in multiple units), it is unprofessional of Canon to treat their top customers in this way. Keep in mind too, that a receiver is hardly a difficult product to produce, as many third-party manufacturers have shown.

I wish instead of bringing out new flashguns they would bring out a receiver unit for the ST-E3-RT to make the 580's compatible...

Exactly.