CANON Speedlite EL-10 Flash

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.

Standout Features:

A flash for everybody

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. 

Time to bounce

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. 

Let’s get wireless

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!

Multi-function shoe connection

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.

Intuitive UI Design

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. 

Custom Flash modes C1, C2, C3

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.

Expanded app controls

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.

1 Currently supported cameras include the EOS R3, R6 MKII, R7, R8, R10 and R50 running the latest firmware.