Canon 550EX User Manual

Canon

English Edition

INSTRUCTIONS

Thank you for purchasing a Canon product.

The Canon Speedlite 550EX is a powerful, high-output flash unit featuring E- TTL (Evaluative-Through-The-Lens) autoflash control. It can be used as an on- camera Speedlite or as a master or slave unit in a wireless, multi-Speedlite system. When used with Type-A cameras (listed below), the 550EX obtains natural

looking flash pictures by balancing the flash output and existing light. The 550EX also enables high-speed sync (FP or Focal-Plane flash) for flash syn chronization at all shutter speeds, FE (Flash Exposure) lock, FEB (Flash Exposure Bracketing), and bounce flash. Its AF-assist beam is compatible with

the EOS-3’s area AF.

When used with Type-B cameras (listed below), the 550EX works as a TTL autoflash unit.

With Type-B cameras, some 550EX features are not available. Refer to the tables below to check your camera type and the features available. This Instructions booklet has separate sections for Type-A and Type-B cam

eras. Read the section which applies to your camera.

Type-A Camera

Type-B Camera TTL

E-TTL EOS-3, EOS 50 / EOS 50 E, EOS ELAN E / EOS ELAN I E,

EOS REBEL G / EOS 500 N, EOS IX All other EOS cameras

550EX Features Available with EOS Cameras

550EX Features With Type-A Cameras E-TTL autoflash control High-speed sync (FP flash) FE lock FEB Wireless, multi-Speedlite E-TTL

O: Available X: Not available

With Type-B Cameras

o o o o 0

Key to Symbols M : Warning for preventing camera or Speedlite malfunction.

0 : Supplementary notes for basic operation.

: Helpful tip for Speedlite operation or picture taking.

• Keep this Instructions booklet handy for future reference.

X X

Conventions Used in this Booklet

The Instructions are divided into separate sections for Type-A and Type-B cameras, if you have a Type-A camera, see pages 10 to 76 and 112 to

125. If you have a Type-B camera, see pages 10 to 22 and 77 to 125.

• The Speedlite operation procedures assume that the Speedlite 550EX has been turned on with its main switch. Before proceeding, turn on the main switch.

• The camera and Speedlite’s buttons and dials and their settings are indicated by icons in the Instructions. The name of each button and dial can be found in “Nomenclature” on page 6. Icons for camera modes are also used. They are as follows:

O : Full Auto

P : Program AE Av : Aperture-priority AE Tv : Shutter speed-priority AE M : Manual

• The S3 icon indicates a simple explanation of a relevant Custom Function. For details, see “Custom Functions” on page 112. The Custom Function explanations assume that the default Custom Function settings are in effect.

Contents

Before You Start

Basic Flash Photography

tf)

0) E

Advanced Flash

Photography

O <

re a.

Wireless Flash

LI.

Photography

Nomenclature............................................6

1. Installing Batteries...........................10

2. External Power Sources 3 Attachment to Camera

4. Wireless Selector

5. Main Switch

......................................

1. Using Flash in Full Auto Mode

2. Using Flash in

.................

......................

.............................

.......

12 13 14 16

Other Camera Modes.......................26

1. High-Speed Sync

(FP Flash)..........................................32

2. FE Lock

.............................................

3. Flash Exposure

Compensation..................................36

[1] Wireless System Setup and Testing ...52

1. Setting the 550EX as the Master Unit....52

2. Setting the 550EX as a Slave Unit..53

3. Setting the Master/Slave Channel..54

4. Setting the Slave ID..........................56

5. Master Flash ON/OFF

6. Wireless Flash Range

.....................

......................

57 58

Basic Flash

tf) S

Photography

re c

c re

Advanced Flash

Photography

<D CL

imm

Wireless Flash

Photography

1. Using Flash in Full Auto Mode

.......

2. Using Flash in

Other Camera Modes.......................80

1. Flash Exposure Compensation......86

2. FEB (Flash Exposure Bracketing).88

3. Bounce Flash

(1 ] Wireless System Setup and Testing... 100

1. Setting the 550EX as the Master Unit....100

2. Setting the 550EX as a Slave Unit...........................100

3. Setting the M aster/Slave Channel ......101

4. Setting the Slave ID............................................

5. Master Flash ON/OFF 6- W ireless Flash Range

...................................

........

................................................

...................................................

103 104

105

For Type-A cameras, see pages 10 to 76 and 112 to 125, For Type-B cameras, see pages 10 to 22 and 77 to 125.

6. Pilot Lamp and Test Firing

7. Flash Exposure Confirmation

8. Using the Zoom Button and

Wide Panel...................................18

9. Flash Mode

.................................

(1) Av: Aperture-Priority AE and

E-TTL Autoflash...........................27

.......

...

10. Setting the Film Speed

11. LCD Panel Illumination

12. AF-Assist Beam

Automatic Reversion to Default

Settings........................................22

M: Manual Exposure and

(3)

E-TTL Autoflash

(2) Tv: Shutter Speed-Priority AE and

E-TTL Autoflash...........................29

4. FEB (Flash Exposure Bracketing)

5. Bounce Flash

................................

6. Close-Distance Flash Photography

................................

[2] Wireless E-TTL Autoflash

1. Wireless E-TTL Autoflash

With Flash Ratio OFF

...............

2. Wireless E-TTL Autoflash

With Flash Ratio ON................

[3] Wireless Manual Flash

1 Wireless Manual Flash

......

...60

...63 ...71

7. Manual Flash Mode

8. Stroboscopic Flash

9. Second-Curtain

Synchronization

10. Modeling Flash.........................50

2. With Varied Flash Output

Wireless Stroboscopic Flash ....73

[4]

Manual or Stroboscopic Flash

[5]

With a Slave Unit ....74

Setting Manual Flash With a Slave Unit

...71 2.

(1) Av: Aperture-Priority AE and

E-TTL Autoflash

..........................

(3) M: Manual Exposure and

E-TTL Autoflash

(2) Tv: Shutter Speed-Priority AE and

E-TTL Autoflash

4. Close-Distance Flash Photography

5. Manual Flash Mode

[2] Wireless Manual Flash ...107

1 Wireless Manual Flash

With Uniform Flash Output

2. Wireless Manual Flash With Varied Flash Output.. 108

[3] Wireless Stroboscopic Flash ...109 [4] Manual or Stroboscopic Flash

..........................

......................

......

107

6. Stroboscopic Flash......................95

7. Second-Curtain Synchronization...98

92 93

1. Manual Flash With a Slave Unit.110

2. Stroboscopic Flash With a Slave Unit ...111

Custom Functions...........................112

Canon Speedlite 550EX System

Troubleshooting Guide

Specifications

With a Slave Unit ...110

..............

.............

..........................

...........................

....................

.........................

..........

........................

...........................

....

...................

..................................

21 21

44 46

114 116 118

Nomenclature

• Front

Flash head and transmitter

Built-in Wide Panel (retracted) (page 20,42)

Sensor -

AF-assist beam emitter (page 22)

Mounting foot (page 13) Locking pin (page 13) —

— Battery compartment

cover (page 10)

'The battery

compartment has a switch to display the distance in feet or meters on the LCD panel.

External power source socket Locking collar (page 13)

- Electrical contacts

Rear

<e>Horizontal bounce release

button (page 40,90)

When these two buttons are pressed simultaneously, the setting changes in the following loop:

(—

------

►rt^-1

-------

(Off)-«

-----

' < — > Decrement

button

* < -1- > Increment

button

* <*> LCD panel Illumination button (page 21)

CF Custom Function

setting button(page 112)

<MODE> Flash mode and slave setting button (page 21,74,112)

< PILOT > Pilot lamp/Test firing

button/Wireless slave SE cancel button (page 17, 59,107)

Flash exposure confirmation lamp (page 18)

Nomenclature

LCD panel

<0> Vertical bounce

release button (page 40, 90)

* <SEL/SET> Select/ Set button

< ZOOM > Zoom

button (page 18)

Main switch (page 16)

0 : Turns off the power.

1 : Turns on the power.

SE: Turns on the power and

enables the SE mode.

Wireless selector (page 14)

<f5FFl>

< MASTER >

<SLAVE>

For operation as an oncamera Speedlite. For operation as a wireless master unit. For operation as a wireless slave unit.

Buttons marked with an asterisk remain active for 8 sec. after the button is released. LCD

panel illumination with the <*.> button remains on for 12 sec.

• LCD Panel

Manual flash output display Flash exposure

compensation display

Flash exposure

bracketing (FEB) dispiay

0S Fligh-speed sync

(FP flash) icon

% FEB icon

ETTL/TTL Autoflash icon

----------------------

--------

Nomenclature

O Manual zoom icon

Zoom and focal length coverage display

Ct> Second-curtain

fiash sync icon

E Flash exposure

compensation icon

M/MuLTi Manual flash icon Muiti (stroboscopic) flash icon

S3 Custom

Function icon

Flash range scale

Flash ratio scaie

Wireless icon

Master : Slave :

Flash mode icon -

Master flash ON Master flash OFF

Slave flash

ETTL ffl El Zoom i88 mm

08 % -r B Hz

Multi 5K>.roie,BB№3ir.=.,.

-aa i23i4

0.5 0.7 1J |1.5| 2 3 [4 6 9 131 18 m '

--------

■ ■ 10 N5 20 30 401 60 fti.f 2.3 31

5 !

Aperture display

FEB status display Stroboscopic flash count and frequency display

•г£^

Custom Function display

^ Flash mode icon (Blinks when flash head is tiited down 7°)

Fiash ratio Distance

unit (meters) Distance

unit (feet)

Slave icon

Fiash ratio icon

Channel icon

Before You Start

This chapter is for preparing the Speedlite 550EX for actual operation.

1. Installing Batteries

Speedlite 550EX requires one of the following two types of batteries:

(1) Size-AA alkaline LR6 batteries x 4 (2) Size-AA Nicad KR15/51 batteries x4

•4 Slide the battery compartment cover

* as shown by the arrow and flip it up.

p Insert the batteries with the + and -

^ contacts oriented as shown in the

battery compartment.

O Close the battery compartment

as shown in the figure.

cover

Installing Batteries

Battery Cautions

• Use four new batteries of the same type. When replacing batteries, replace all four batteries at one time

• Although non-alkaline batteries (R6) may also be used, the number of flashes will be less

• The contacts of Nicad batteries are not standardized. If you want to use Nicad batteries, make sure the battery contacts touch the battery compartment's contacts securely,

• Remove the batteries when the Speedlite will not be used tor an extended period.

• In low temperatures, take two sets of fully-charged Nicad batteries and keep one set warm in a pocket, etc., and use the batteries alternately,

• To prevent faulty connections, make sure the battery contacts are clean. If necessary, use a clean cloth to wipe the battery contacts.

• Size-AA lithium FR6 batteries can also be used

Recharging Time and Available Flashes

Battery Type

Size-AA alkaline

LR6 batteries

Size-AA Nicad

KR15/51 batteries

The minimum recharging time applies to the E-TTL or TTL mode while the maximum recharging time applies to the manual or full-output (1/1) mode.

The minimum available flashes applies to the E-TTL or TTL mode while the maximum available flashes applies to the manual or full-output (1/1) mode.

The above data are based on Canon’s standard tests with new batteries

Approx. 0 1-4 sec

Approx. 0.1 - 2.5 sec.

Recharging Time

Quick Flash

Normal Flash

Approx. 0,1 - 8 sec

Approx 0 1-5 sec.

Available Flashes

Approx. 100 to 700

Approx. 40 to 300

2. External Power Sources

Speedlite 550EX can use any of the following two external power sources.

For details, refer to the Instructions of the respective external power source. (1) Transistor Pack E

Uses Canon Battery Magazine TP (six size-C alkaline R14 batteries) or Ni-Cd Pack TP.

(2) Compact Battery Pack CP-E2

Uses six size-AA alkaline LR6 or Ni-Cd batteries. Size-AA lithium (FR6) batteries can also be used.

Recharging Time and Available Flashes

Pow er Source

Internal

Size-AA alkaline L R6/A M-3 batteries x 4 App rox 0 1-4

Size-AA Nicad KR 15/51 batteries x 4 App rox 0 1-25

Sou rces

Transistor Pa ck E (Ni-Cd Pack T P) App rox 0 1-15

External

Transistor Pa ck E (LR14/AM -2) App rox 0 1-2

Com pact Battery Pack CP-E2 (LR6/A M-3)

Sou rces

Com pact Battery Pack CP-E2 (K R15/51)

While High-Voltage Pack E315's main switch is still on, do not clean the connector plug with water or a metal pin and do not touch the plug.

Even when an external power source is used, batteries must be installed in the 550EX to power the internal circuitry. The 550EX uses both the internal and external power sources to recharge the flash. Therefore, the internal power source may become exhausted sooner than the external power source. For prolonged flash photography, keep a spare set of batteries handy for the internal power source.

Rec harging T ime (sec.)

Quick Flash

App rox, 01-15 Approx 01-5 Approx 3 50 - 2200

App rox 0 1-1 App rox 0 1-2 Ap prox 130 • 900

Normal Flash

App rox, 0 1-8

App rox 0 1-5 App rox 4 0 - 3 00

App rox 0 1-3 App rox 3 00 - 1800

App rox 0 1-5 App rox 3 50 - 2200

Ava ilable Ftashea

App rox 1 00 - 700

3. Attaching the Speedlite to the Camera

Loosen the locking collar by turning it

as shown by the arrow.

O Slip the Speedlite's mounting foot ^ into the camera’s hot shoe until it

stops.

Turn the locking collar as shown by the arrow and tighten. (The mounting foot’s locking pin will extend into the hot shoe.)

• To detach the Speedlite, turn the locking collar in the opposite direction until it stops. (The locking pin retracts into the mounting foot.)

Although the hot shoe on the EOS 650, EOS 620, EOS 750, and EOS 850 does not have a locking pin hole, Speedlite 550EX can still be mounted on these cameras.

4. Wireless Selector

The wireless selector has three settings as shown below.

Set to OFF to use the 550EX as a normal, on-camera Speedlite.

10^* r SLAVE

xijimSTER

Set to MASTER to use the 550EX as the master unit in a wireless, multi-Speedlite system.

Set to SLAVE to use the 550EX as a slave unit in a wireless, multi-Speedlite system.

Wireless Selector

If the 550EX is to be used as a normal, on-camera Speedlite but the wireless selector has been set to MASTER or SLAVE, the following applies;

MASTER : If master flash ON has also been set, it will be the same as using the

SLAVE : It will be the same as using the Speedlite at the wireless selector’s OFF

• If the wireless selector is set to MASTER and master flash OFF has been set, the

• When the wireless selector is set to MASTER or SLAVE, the flash coverage is set

Speedlite at the wireless selector’s OFF setting. If master flash OFF has been sat, a picture cannot be taken.

setting. However, when the camera’s exposure meter turns off 6 sec. after the shutter button Is pressed, the 550EX will be a slave unit.

flash will not fire, (see page 57) automatically to Q ?Hmm. The Guide No. decreases as a result.

5. Main Switch

The main switch has three settings as shown below.

Turns off the power.

Turns on the power.

Turns on the power and enables the SE

mode.

• The SE (Save Energy) mode turns off the Speedlite automatically after a period of non-use as Indicated In the following table.

Wireless Selector Setting

OFF

When the wireless selector Is set to Sffi) or MASTER and the SE mode takes effect, the LCD

panel display turns off. To cancel the SE mode, either press the camera’s shutter button halfway

or press the Speedllte’s test firing button The Speedlite will then turn on again.

If the wireless selector is set to SLAVE and the SE mode takes effect, SE is displayed on the LCD panel. If the time limit (1 hour or 8 hours) for turning on the Speedlite again (SE mode

cancellation) elapses, SE turns off on the LCD panel. In this case, you must turn the Speedlite’s

main switch off and on again to turn it on again.

MASTER SLAVE

90 sec

60 min

Custom Function CF-4 can alter the time it takes before the slave unit enters the SE mode See page 113.

Custom Function CF-5 can alter the time limit for the master unit to be able to cancel the slave unit’s SE mode. See page 113.

Memory feature

The Speedlite’s current mode, zoom setting, flash exposure compensation setting, etc., are retained in memory even after the Speedlite is turned off. When the Speedlite is turned on again, all the settings remain effective. When replacing the batteries, the settings stored in memory can still be retained if the new batteries are installed within one minute.

6. Pilot Lamp and Test Firing

Set the Speedlite's main switch to I .

• The flash will start charging When the flash is ready, the pilot lamp lights

• Red pilot lamp When the flash is fully charged, the pilot

lamp lights in red. For normal use, confirm

that the pilot lamp is red before taking the

picture

• Yellow pilot lamp When the camera is set tor single shooting, a yellow pilot lamp indicates a less-than-full

charge which enables a quick flash (see description below). For close subjects which do not require full-output flash, quick flash shortens the recharging time

O To test the Speedlite, press the pilot ^ lamp (test firing button) to fire a test

flash.

• About Quick Flash

With the quick-flash feature, you can fire a flash even before the flash is fully charged. When the pilot lamp is yellow, a quick flash can be fired The Guide No. for a quick flash is 1/2 to 1/16 that of a normal flash. For details, see page 121 Quick flash cannot be fired in the following cases:

• When the Speedlite is used with a Type-B camera.

• The camera is set to continuous shooting Oli.

• FEB is used.

• In the manual flash mode or stroboscopic flash mode with the output set to 1/1 and 1/2.

• In the stroboscopic flash mode.

• When TTL Hot Shoe Adapter 3 is used with the Speedlite.

• When Custom Function CF-3 is set to 1 (TTL autoflash).

- The Speedlite cannot be test fired during the 6 sec. after you press the camera’s shutter button halfway (while exposure metering is active).

• If the Speedlite is in the SE mode, pressing the test firing button turns on the Speedlite.

7. Flash Exposure Confirmation

When a correct flash exposure has been obtained, the flash exposure confirmation lamp on the back of the Speedlite lights in yellow-green for 3 sec. If the flash exposure confirmation lamp does not light after the flash fires, the picture may have been underexposed. Move closer to the subject and try again.

8. Using the Zoom Button and Wide Panel

ETTL

05 07

______

Zoom 5umm

152 3 4 6 9 13 18tn

— SEL/SET ZOOM

The Speedlite’s flash head zooms automatically to provide adequate flash coverage for the current lens focal length. The Speedlite can provide adequate flash coverage for 24mm to 105mm lens focal lengths. If a zoom lens is zoomed, the flash head also zooms to suit the lens focal length. The flash head's zoom setting can also be set manually. The Speedlite’s built-in wide panel provides flash coverage for 17mm wideangle lenses.

Using the Zoom Button and Wide Panei

Automatic Flash Head Zooming

_ _ '

Zoom bumm

1S2 3 4 6 9 13 18 m

______________

— SEL/SET ZOOM

0 5 0.7

___________

. MODE +

'ettl

Q(q^©

Turn on the camera. Turn on the Speedlite.

• If O is displayed, press the <ZOOM> button until El turns off.

Press the camera’s shutter button

halfway. The current lens focal length will appear on the Speedlite’s LCD panel.

Manual Flash Head Zooming

Press the <ZOOM> button. O and

Zoom will be displayed. Keep pressing

the <ZOOM> button until the desired zoom setting (focal length) appears. Pressing the <ZOOM> button changes the zoom setting in the loop shown below.

0 Zoom 35mm -

9 Zoom 8umm "

If the zoom setting is a focal length longer than the actual lens focal length, the light will

fall off along the periphery of the picture.

- OZoom SOi

Dumm

------------

Using the Zoom Button and Wide Panei

• Using the Wide Panel

Pull out the built-in wide panel and flip it

down to cover the flash head. The flash

head’s zoom setting will be set to 17mm automatically.

• Using the wide panel disables the <ZOOM> button

• Use the wide panel with flash head at the normal or T downward tilt position.

• If the built-in wide panel is used and the flash head is turned or tilted for bounce flash, the flash result may look uneven. The LCD panel display will blink as a warning.

• Do not pull out the wide panel too hard. Otherwise, the wide panel may come off.

If the wide panel comes off, the

<ZOOM> button will not work. If this

happens, follow the procedure below.

• Use your linger to push in the panel as shown by the arrow

• The <ZOOM> button will work again, but the entire LCD panel display will keep blinking Take the Speedlite to the nearest Canon Service Center tor repair

9. Flash Mode

The following flash modes can be set with the <MODE> button; E-TTL (or TTL) autoflash, manual flash, and stroboscopic flash. Pressing the <MODE>

button changes the flash mode in the following loop:

ETTL TTL

• Multi ■

10. Setting the Film Speed

The film speed is set automatically according to the film speed set with the camera.

11. LCD Panel Illumination

Press the <^A-> button to illuminate the LCD panel for 12 sec. To turn off the illumination, press the <-§-> button again.

• The illumination stays on longer than 12 sec. it you press any button other than the < PILOT > and <-19:-> buttons.

12. AF-Assist Beam

In low-light or low-contrast situations, the Speedlite emits the AF-assist beam automatically to assist autofocusing. The AF-assist beam is compatible with the

EOS-3’s area AF and EOS-1 N’s five focusing points. The AF-assist beam is effective with 28mm and longer lenses.

Its effective range in darkness is indicated in the table below. See page

123 for details on when the AF-assist beam is emitted.

Position

Center

Periphery

Effective Range

Approx 0 6 -10 m / 2 - 33 ft

Approx, 0.6 - 5 m / 2 -16 4 ft.

Automatic Reversion to Defauit Settings

When Speedlite 550EX is attached to the

EOS-3, EOS-1N, or EOS-1, the Speedlite’s settings can be reset to its default settings (except for the Custom

Functions) by pressing the camera’s <CLEAR> button. The default settings are as follows.

E-TTL autoflash*

(All related settings are canceled )

E-TTL autoflash*

(All related settings are canceled.)

Master flash ON

No flash ratio setting

As a Normal

Speedlite

As a

Wireless

Master

Unit

' With the EOS-1N and EOS-1, TTL autoflash takes

effect.

Auto zoom

d ^Mmm

For Type-A Cameras

Basic Flash Photography

When the Speedlite 550EX is attached to a Type-A camera such as the EOS- 3, you can take flash pictures with E-TTL autoflash as easily as normal autoexposure (AE) pictures. As with evaluative metering, the E-TTL autoflash system uses a multi-zone sensor. A preflash is fired for evaluative flash metering and the reading is stored in memory. Since E-TTL autoflash is linked to the active focusing point, the flash exposure is highly accurate. The result is a natural-looking flash picture with excellent balance between the flash light and ambient light.

This section assumes that the Speedlite 550EX is used with a Type-A camera. Before proceeding, first turn on the EOS-3 and the 550EX. Set the SSOEX’s wireless selector to OFF. For EOS-3 operations, refer to the EOS-3 Instructions.

1. Using Flash in Full Auto Mode

Set the camera’s picture-taking mode to P (Program AE) or □ (Full Auto). Flash photography will then be as easy as normal AE photography. The camera sets the aperture and shutter speed automatically to suit a wide variety of lighting conditions including outdoor fill flash. The E-TTL autoflash system sets the flash exposure automatically.

H Set the camera’s picture-taking mode

' toP.

ETTL

05 07 1.5 2 3 4 6 9 13 18 m

1 OJi 0.7 1 1.5 2 3 4 6 e 13 10 m

ZoomCnjumm

V S O 5 .5

O Set the 550EX’s flash mode to

^ ETTL

0 Focus the subject.

• The shutter speed and aperture will be displayed in the viewfinder.

• The shutter speed will be set automatically at 1/60 sec. or faster (up to the top sync speed) The aperture is also set at the same time

A Check that the subject is within the

^ flash range displayed on the 550EX’s

LCD panel.

Check that the i Icon is displayed in the viewfinder, then take the picture.

• A preflash is fired immediately before shutter release and the main flash The subject's meter reading is obtained with the preflash and used to set the output of the main flash. An optimum flash exposure is thereby obtained

Using Flash in Full Auto Mode

After the flash fires, check that the flash exposure confirmation lamp

lights. When a correct flash exposure has been obtained, the flash exposure confirmation lamp lights for about 3 sec. If the lamp does not light, the flash may have been insufficient, resulting in underexposure. In such a case, check that the pilot lamp is red, then move closer to the subject and take the picture again.

The preflash is fired to obtain an evaluative flash meter reading The main flash illuminates the subject for the actual picture.

• Fill Flash

Fill flash can be used outdoors in daylight to supplement existing light. It can soften shadow areas of the subject or illuminate a backlit subject.

With fill flash. Without fill flash.

When fill flash is used, the flash exposure level is reduced automatically so that the subject's illumination by the flash balances well with the background's ambient light. Instead of having a properly-exposed subject and an underexposed background, both the subject and background are exposed correctly for a natural-looking flash picture.

2. Using Flash in Other Camera Modes

Flash photography is also automatic in the other picture-taking modes. In the Av (aperture-priority AE), Tv (shutter speed-priority AE), and M modes, the E-TTL autoflash system sets the flash exposure automatically. The camera sets the necessary shutter speed (in the Av mode), aperture (in the Tv mode), or flash output (in the M mode). Flash photography is as easy as normal AE picture-taking.

Shutter Speed and Aperture Settings for Picture-Taking Modes

Camera Mode Shutter Speed

Av Tv

Manually set: You set it yourself Automatically set: Set automatically by the camera.

1/X sec.: Maximum sync speed, (see page 124)

When the shutter button is pressed completely, a preflash fires to obtain an evaluative flash

meter reading for setting the optimum output of the main flash.

The background’s exposure is set with the shutter speed and aperture combination

- If the camera is set to the □ mode (Full Auto), the shutter speed and aperture will be set in the same way as in the P mode (Program AE).

• If the DEP mode (depth-of-field AE) is used with the 550EX, it will be the same as using the P mode (Program AE).

Automatically set (30 sec - 1/X sec.) Manually set

Manually set (30 sec. - 1/X sec.)

Manually set (bulb, 30 sec. - 1/X sec.)

Flash Aperture

Automatically set

Manually set

Using Flash in Other Camera Modes

(1) Av: Aperture-Priority AE and E-TTL Autoflash

This mode is effective for controiiing the depth of field in your fiash pictures. You can also obtain a balanced exposure between the subject and background. You set the aperture and the camera sets the shutter speed automatically to obtain a correct exposure for the background. The E-TTL autoflash system obtains the proper exposure based on the aperture you set.

H Set the camera's picture-taking mode

* to Av.

Set the 550EX’s flash mode to

ETTL.

2 Focus the subject.

A Check that the subject distance is

1 0.5 0.7

1.5 2 3 4 6 0 13 18 111 1

^ within the flash range displayed on

the 550EX’s LCD panel.

80 5.6

If the top sync speed display blinks, the background will be overexposed. And if the 30” shutter speed display blinks, the background will be underexposed. In such cases, change the aperture until the shutter speed display stops blinking.

C Check that the i icon is displayed in

^ the viewfinder, then take the picture.

Using Flash in Other Camera Modes

• Balanced Flash Exposures

In low-light situations, the exposure level can be balanced between the subject and background by using a slow sync speed. You can obtain balanced flash exposures automatically by setting the camera’s picture-taking mode to Av. The camera then sets the sync speed automatically to suit the background. Using a tripod is recommended to prevent camera shake.

Balanced flash exposure.

• To disable automatic balanced flash exposures, set the camera's picture-taking mode

T'l/' to M. You can then set the desired shutter speed and aperture manually. See page

30. Based on the shutter speed and aperture you set, the E-TTL autoflash system controls the flash exposure automatically.

■ If you are using the Canon EF 135mm f/2.8 soft focus lens on your camera without a tripod, setting the shutter speed and aperture manually is most effective for obtaining soft-focus effects. Follow the procedure below.

1) Set an aperture near the maximum aperture.

2) Set the minimum shutter speed required to prevent camera shake.

3) Check that the flash has recharged, then take the picture.

To obtain balanced flash exposures in the Tv mode, set the shutter speed until the meter reading indicates a correct exposure. To obtain balanced flash exposures in the M mode, set the shutter speed and aperture until the meter reading indicates a correct exposure. Under flourescent lighting, the photo may have a greenish cast. And under tungsten lighting, the photo may have an orange cast.

Flash exposure In the Full Auto mode.

Using Flash in Other Camera Modes

(2) Tv: Shutter Speed-Priority AE and E-TTL

Autoflash

By selecting the shutter speed, you can obtain various effects with flash. You can set the shutter speed from 30 sec. to the top sync speed. The camera then sets the aperture automatically to obtain a correct exposure for the

background. The E-TTL autoflash system controls the flash exposure based on the camera-selected aperture.

H Set the camera’s picture-taking mode

’ to Tv and set the desired shutter

speed anywhere from 30 sec. to the top sync speed.

Q Set the SSOEX’s flash mode to

^ ETTL.

Q Focus the subject.

A Check that the subject distance is

O.S 0.7 1 1.3 : 0 < 0 9 13 to m

ra It the aperture display blinks, the background may turn out overexposed or

Ll|J

underexposed. In such a case, change the shutter speed until the aperture display stops

blinking

^ within the flash range displayed on

the SSOEX’s LCD panel.

C Check that the i icon is displayed in ^ the viewfinder, then take the picture.

Using Flash in Other Camera Modes

(3) M: Manual Exposure and E-TTL Autoflash

In this mode, you set both the shutter speed and aperture. The E-TTL autoflash system controls the flash exposure based on the the aperture you set.

H Set the camera’s picture-taking mode

’ to M and set the desired aperture

and shutter speed anywhere from 30 sec. to the top sync speed. You can also use buLb.

Q Set the 550EX’s flash mode to

^ ETTL.

Q Focus the subject.

A Check that the subject distance is

0.5 0.7 1 1.5 2 3 4 6 0 13 18 m

^ within the flash range displayed on

the 550EX’s LCD panel.

5 0 5 .5

ETTL

/1 tfts &7

OZoom I'imm

I.S 7 3 4 • 1 15 1» m

C Check that the i icon is displayed in

the viewfinder, then take the picture.

ra If the flash ranges below apply, the

F-

L|l Icon will blink on the left end of the scale.

Zoom Setting Flash Range

17-28mm 0.5 m /1.6 ft or shorter

35mm and longer 0.7 m / 2.3 ft or shorter

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