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Canon's Speelite adventure has been a fun ride. As you probably know, the flagship Speedlite EL-1 was discontinued by Canon. There is no longer a flagship Speedlite in Canon lineup. For the people that needs the best of the best when it comes to Speedlites, Profoto is probably the one of the best brands out there to fill the void. That said, a lot people want the Canon brand on their Speedlites.
We have been told Canon may soon announce a “Hybrid” Speedlite that could also be the new flagship, but that couldn't be confirmed.
Hybrid means that there will also be a video light on the Speedlite. However, we're told that it's more than a “gimmick” and will actually be useful. It will also obviously work just like the Speedlites you're used to.
We're also told to expect new Speedlite features, but what those features may be weren't told to us.
We're told the announcement could be as early as November, but that wasn't confirmed. A lot of Speedlites during the EOS R era have taken a long time to get to market. We don't know if there is something specific in Speedlites that may be difficult to product in quantity.
We don't think Canon will continue without some kind of flagship Speedlite for too long.
In case you missed it, there has been a recall on the Speedlite EL-5. So that's worth checking out to see if your serial number is affected.
Support for Digital Hot Shoe (no brainer)
Brighter Modelling Lamp (+adjustable temp/adjustable brightness)
Modelling Lamp stays on even if flash is being used. If not mistaken current EL1 modelling lamp turns off as soon as you use flash.
+25% in price over EL1 just to troll this forum
I am fine with my old 430EX II, but I wouldn't it "fun" if I was afected with those EL-5 issues.
And the strategy with the new hot shoe in R50 but not offering a entry Speedlite with that hot shoe finally showed that a real strategy was missing.
When \"it\" tells you, \"...you'll sell a lot more of the new EL-1 Mark IIs @ $549.99 than a higher price,\" OBEY!
P.S. The usa.canon.com website sucks rocks. When I do an comparison, \"N/A\" shouldn't be the default.
someone mentioned getting the r3 cover as its fits but is easier to remove
I'm just trying to use positive words to describe less positive things. 😛
It might be they try the video/photo combo - it might be the wrong move, as it could appeal just to a subset of users doing both at the same time.
Just I hope they don't imitate the Prophoto Connect - a remote control that needs a phone app to manage the connected units.
There are only two things that bother me.
Firstly, that it has an infrared AF assist light, which is not functional with mirrorless cameras. I would like to have what Profoto has in the A10. It has a laser-based AF assist light that projects a grid onto the subject, which mirrorless cameras can use.
And secondly, the battery consumption of the EL-1 when switched off is enormous. I put a fully charged battery in it, leave the flash switched off for a few weeks and the battery is completely empty.
The round head doesn't allow easily built-in diffusers or reflectors. About laser AF assist, the note in the manual "The AF assist light works with a structured laser light ‘which is generally harmless for the eye, although the hazard increases if viewed with optical aids, including magnifiers, binoculars, or telescopes". "Mostly harmless"? Well, I wouldn't like it pointed to me.