MELVILLE, N.Y., October 14, 2020 –– As a photographer, the equipment you invest in needs to measure up to the standards you set forth as a creator. In the true spirit of exemplary creativity, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced the Speedlite EL-1. This new generation professional Speedlite provides higher performance and reliability unlike ever before, in comparison to previous models, with a new rechargeable Li-ion battery and newly designed user-friendly interface.
“As an extended form of expression, we understand that integrating a flash into your photography is an art form, and having the right equipment to meet your artistic demands is imperative to client service,” said Tatsuro “Tony” Kano, executive vice president and general manager of the Canon U.S.A., Inc. Imaging Technologies & Communications Group. “We’re excited to bring the Speedlite EL-1 into our product catalog which continues to offer photographers, who are experts in their field, the right high-quality professional imaging tools of the trade.”
Preorder the Canon Speedlite EL-1 $1099
The Canon Speedlite EL-1 works seamlessly with EOS cameras and is ideal for any photographer who works in portrait, still-life, wedding or in-studio photography. It’s also a resourceful tool for those photographers who work for news agencies, red carpet events or entertainment reporters. Its durability and reliability are at the core of the newest features, which include:
- A powerful rechargeable Li-ion Battery Pack providing high speed recycle and increase in number of flashes while utilizing the Canon LC-E6 battery charger
- An increased continuous firing number of approximately 170 thanks to a new active cooling system
- Wireless second-curtain sync
- New joystick, FE one-touch memory, LED modeling lamp and user interface display design
- A high-durability Xenon glass flash tube to provide higher accuracy and durability of the flash head
- Preorder the Canon Speedlite EL-1 $1099
Additionally, the Speedlite EL-1 provides an expanded power range for versatility of exposure with “micro flash” minimum flash output as low as 1/8192 power, a zoom flash head that covers a wide focal length range of 24-200mm, bounce angle expanded to 120° and the same level of weather-sealing comparable with the EOS-1D camera series. Also included are two color filters and a bounce adapter for additional lighting control making the EL-1 a strong addition to the evolving catalog of Canon Speedlite flashes.
Pricing and Availability
The Canon Speedlite EL-1 is scheduled to be available for in-store purchase in February 2021 at an estimated retail price of $1,099.00*.
Preorder the Canon Speedlite EL-1 $1099
it still wouldn't be spent on this... RF glass yes; EL-1 no.
It looks like a model above the current model and not a replacement.
I know a couple of pros that have already preordered the EL-1. On paper, this is the best Speedlite we've seen.
I would agree if Canon made strobes/accessories like Profoto. The change in battery technology improves recycle time, but it would have added value if it natively controlled its own ecosystem of monolights. That way, Canon would provide the entire solution. The EX-600s helped to killed off pocketwizards with its own radio syncing built in. Canon would similarly pressure Profoto if it came out with a native line of strobes with some innovations (i.e. more flexibility/features with wireless technology).
EL-1: new flagship line, $1100
EL-5: 600-series replacement, $600
EL-10: 430EX replacement, $300
EL-100: existing, $150
I said this on the other post, but I'll crosspost my thoughts here in this thread:
So unfortunately I guess Canon saw that with the Profoto A1, people were willing to pay $1000 for a flash :( Unfortunate because I see this as a big update over my 600EX-RT, but will definitely try one out through Canon CPS and see if I decide it's worth the investment. I'm sure the pandemic may have upped the price with how delayed this thing was anyway. I wish it had more power output for a higher price, though. You can buy two Paul C Buff Einsteins or one and an external battery for the price of this, which is a lot more power and makes this a bit frustrating. But it's definitely a new line above the 600, so I can understand this is aimed at 1DX customers.
Looks like the new LP-EL battery is almost identical to the LP-E6 but is slightly longer and hangs off the LP-E6 charger. Should be enough to not confuse the batteries with LP-E6, but I'm sure I will anyway.
Nice that it includes the LP-E6 charger. I already have 3 but it I do enjoy having more to be able to charge more camera batteries anyway.
In one video I was pretty pleasantly surprised by the output of the modeling lights, they seemed to be pretty effective and directional even inside of a softbox. Also seems like it will be a nice autofocus assist, since you can turn it on and off just by double tapping the shutter button.
Canon hasn't mentioned it yet, but I get the impression the modeling lights could work well for video in low light, especially since they have adjustable color temperature. 3 hours runtime is somewhat short, but would be fine with a few batteries for long events.
I still think the biggest single thing for me is the 1/8192 power level. I shoot a lot of low light and long exposure portraiture where often I end up avoiding flash altogether to be able to see ambient light. I can see this being super useful for F/1.2 portraits in low light where you just want to add a pop to the face of your subject and some catch light in the eyes. Previously I've used cellphone flashlights on low power for some of these uses, but a flash in a softbox or umbrella would he endlessly better. Even just the modeling light would work great for those uses.
I will write that on a cardboard and walk in circles in my yard...
Yeah, that’s the spec that first caught my attention - an extremely low power fill could be useful in many situations.
Looking at the bottom of the flash in this product image, there's not exactly an opening for the fan. It's hard to tell if the joint where the head connects to the body of the flash is where the air would be moved, or if it is actually within the joint between the two, but I don't get the impression that this is any less sealed than the 600EX, and instead I actually get the impression that this is better sealed than the 600EX, especially since they claim the same level of resistance as the 1DX.