Concurrent with the launch of the EOS 5D Mark III, Canon has announced several new accessories. The Speedlite 600EX-RT will replace the 580EX II model at the top of the Speedlite line-up.
The Speedlite 600EX-RT will replace the 580EX II model at the top of the Speedlite line-up. Featuring both radio and optical communication capabilities, the Speedlite 600EX-RT provides improved flexibility and extended trouble-free operation. Offering a Guide number of 60 (metres/ISO100), the new flash gun can provide constant light coverage at focal lengths of between 20-200mm. The unit’s stable E-TTL metering function uses a face detection algorithm that detects face colour and then optimises flash output to optimise the exposure for the subject.
Canon’s new Speedlite 600EX-RT, shown with a colour filter attached.
Radio communication enables the Speedlite 600EX-RT to be positioned up to 30m from the camera. It can also be used behind or facing away from the camera, or in a soft box. When coupled to the new Speedlite transmitter, ST-E3-RT (which was also announced today), up to five groups, each containing three slave units can be controlled from the master flash.
The Speedlite transmitter also provides improved multi-flash shooting, thanks to bi-directional communication between master and slave units. Slave unit settings can be changed directly from the master unit, enabling photographers to manipulate lighting levels remotely as required. The unit’s inbuilt wireless communications capability also allows the camera’s shutter release to be triggered from a slave unit, even when that unit is not directly in front of the camera.
The Speedlite 600EX-RT also comes with a range of filters for adjusting the colour temperature of the flash output to suit different shooting requirements. A filter holder is included and extra filters are available. The Speedlite 600EX-RT also complements the sophisticated features available within Canon’s new EOS 5D Mark III and top-of-the-range EOS 1D-X cameras. For each camera, the unit’s AF assist beam covers all 61 autofocus points and is effective from up to 10 metres from a subject.
Also announced with the EOS 5D Mark III is the BG-E11 battery grip, which can hold two LP-E6 rechargeable batteries or six AA cells. An additional multi-controller and M-Fn button make this a comfortable option for shooting in portrait format. The WFT-E7 Wireless File Transmitter supports high-speed communication over 802.11a/b/g and n networks and enables the EOS 5D Mark III to be connected to high-speed wired Ethernet networks. Pricing for these items has still to be released.
The EOS 5D Mark III shown with the WFT-E7 Wireless File Transmitter.
The EOS 5D Mark III shown with the WFT-E7 Wireless File Transmitter and Speedlite 600EX-RT.
For more information, visit www.canon.com or www.canon.com.au.
