Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT replacement coming soon [CR2]

Etienne · May 12, 2020

I'm not sure what more a light can do. More powerful, great.
But then I almost always use them on manual.

BadHorse · May 12, 2020

All I want from a flash upgrade is for it to record the power setting used in the EXIF so I can learn from what the E-TTL II system does.

sulla · May 12, 2020

it could be able to recharge faster and supply more flashes per second over a longer period of time. I sometimes run into recharging issues with the current ones.
But a "big step forward"?

koenkooi · May 12, 2020

Maybe it will switch away from AA batteries and/or allow USB-C charging.

sulla · May 12, 2020

being more creative and radical, the ETTL system could be replaced with more detailed information supplied by the camera to the flash: With mirrorless cameras, the camera could tell the flash the colour of the subject (as there is live-view information always available), thereby eliminating the need for flash exposure compenstation, and information on the 3-dimensionality of the scene (as there is phase-AF available all over the sensor), and thus better deal with subject-background illumination problems.

BeenThere · May 12, 2020

Extended zoom range to say 400mm?

Mr Majestyk · May 12, 2020

Well it wll have have to AI in there somewhere to be truly groundbreaking. The AI will analyze the scene and adjust power to suit the subject and will determine if there are reflective surfaces it can use to bounce the flash.

koenkooi · May 12, 2020

sulla said:
being more creative and radical, the ETTL system could be replaced with more detailed information supplied by the camera to the flash: With mirrorless cameras, the camera could tell the flash the colour of the subject (as there is live-view information always available), thereby eliminating the need for flash exposure compenstation, and information on the 3-dimensionality of the scene (as there is phase-AF available all over the sensor), and thus better deal with subject-background illumination problems.

It has bothered me that Canon never talks about 3d analysis or reconstruction when DPAF is giving you that information pretty much for free.

The 90D has an "group photo" mode where it figures out the aperture needed to get everyone in focus, but that only works in OVF mode, the M6II completely lacks that feature. I would've thought that doing that mode with DPAF would be easier than with the tiny AF sensor.

Trey T · May 12, 2020

Make it the size of 430 at same 600 features and couple it w/ lion battery

privatebydesign · May 12, 2020

1: AI bounce technology from the 470EX-Ai (it is awesome).
2: LP-E6N batteries.
3: Much bigger and better resolution screen that shows all Groups at the same time.
4: Much more intuitive menus.
5: Wider zoom without needing the diffusion panel.
6: Faster recycle time.
7: Cost realignment, flashes shouldn’t cost $500 and more considering the competition, choices and options.

P.S.
8: Remote changing of functions, most other systems you can change the power, Groups, sync mode etc from an app or another controller or the remote flashes themselves.
9: Second curtain sync, others can do it even within the Canon RT system!

Wallybud · May 12, 2020

I’m done buying canons speedlites lol. Never again. I’ll stick with flashpoint.

sanj · May 12, 2020

Wallybud said:
I’m done buying canons speedlites lol. Never again. I’ll stick with flashpoint.

Why? I want to learn. Thank you.

Trey T · May 12, 2020

sanj said:
Why? I want to learn. Thank you.

Some said it’s unreliable. Same group also says their canon cameras are unreliable too but they still use them.

privatebydesign · May 12, 2020

sanj said:
Why? I want to learn. Thank you.

The only reasons could possibly be cost and power, plus rechargeable batteries. Unfortunately Canon just don’t make the lights some people need, including me.

Chaitanya · May 12, 2020

koenkooi said:
Maybe it will switch away from AA batteries and/or allow USB-C charging.

Switch to 14500 Li-Ion cells would facilitate that.

So why so quick for replacement to 600ex II, where is the replacement to 320ex?

koenkooi · May 12, 2020

privatebydesign said:
[..]7: Cost realignment, flashes shouldn’t cost $500 and more considering the competition, choices and options.

$1300 for the mt26-ex

Somervillain · May 12, 2020

Better batteries would be huge, but I will say...I have both yongnuo speedlights and Canon ones, including the 600-EX RT II. Canon is MUCH MUCH MUCH more reliable. I never use the yongnuo (their generic 600 equivalent) lights because I can get 2 shots before they stop firing. The canon can get 4-5. Also, the Canon adjusts color balance perfectly. With the Yonguo, it looked a little on the cool side....I wasn't sure if it was an anomaly, but I didn't care. I had one flash I can trust and rely on and another which was a huge gamble. So I NEVER buy Canon lenses, but I swear by their speedlights. I use them nearly daily photographing my small kids. I use my Yonguo as 2nd, 3rd and 4th flashes when I want to play with off camera flash...but it is tedious waiting for them to recharge for so long after 2 shots...whereas the canon is ready after a second or 2. You can tell just by picking them up. The canon is very heavy, the yongnuo is light as a feather. I haven't used flashpoints yet, but I seriously doubt they are Canon quality/reliability.

Shane · May 12, 2020

If they use an Lp6-EN or similar rechargeable battery I am all in! I have looked at other systems and used the off brand, but they are less reliable and don't last as long. Been using off brand for beach engagements when in water though as they are cheap, but at wedding receptions everything I have tried is far less reliable. Hopefully they are not much bigger. The RF glass is filling my bag haha.

jdavidse · May 12, 2020

Hopefully Li-on battery for lower heat disapation, faster recycle time and the end of the mess of dozens of AA batteries.

Hopefully a fan system for even more reliability.

better controls.

Integrated magnetic grid/gel system.