Canon Speedlite ST-E10 Advanced User's Manual
  1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. Canon Manuals
  4. Camera Accessories
  5. Speedlite ST-E10
  6. Advanced user's manual

Canon Speedlite ST-E10 Advanced User's Manual

Transmitter
Hide thumbs
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

Download this manual
Advanced User Guide
E
CT2-D152-A
© CANON INC. 2021

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading

Related Manuals for Canon Speedlite ST-E10

Summary of Contents for Canon Speedlite ST-E10

  • Page 1 Advanced User Guide CT2-D152-A © CANON INC. 2021...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Contents Introduction..........4 Instruction Manual.
  • Page 3 Specifications..........82...

  • Page 4: Introduction

    Introduction The Speedlite Transmitter ST-E10 is a transmitter for wireless flash photography that can control up to 5 groups (15 units) of Canon Speedlites supporting wireless multiple-flash shooting using radio transmission. Read before use To avoid shooting problems and accidents, first read the Safety Instructions.

  • Page 5: Instruction Manual

    Instruction Manual The included Instruction Manual provides basic information on the Speedlite Transmitter. Advanced User Guide Complete instructions are provided in this Advanced User Guide. For the latest Advanced User Guide, refer to the following website. https://cam.start.canon/A004/...

  • Page 6: About This Guide

    About This Guide Icons in This Guide Basic Assumptions Icons in This Guide Links to pages with related topics. Warning to prevent shooting problems. Supplemental information. Troubleshooting tips.
  • Page 7 Basic Assumptions It is assumed that you have turned on the camera, transmitter, and flash unit. The icons used for buttons, dials, and symbols in the text match the icons found on the transmitter, cameras, and Speedlites. Transmitter features can be configured from the camera. Default settings are assumed for menu functions/Custom Functions of the camera, as well as Custom/Personal Functions of the transmitter and flash unit.

  • Page 8: Safety Instructions

    Safety Instructions Be sure to read these instructions in order to operate the product safely. Follow these instructions to prevent injury or harm to the operator of the product or others. WARNING: Denotes the risk of serious injury or death. Keep the product out of the reach of young children.

  • Page 9: Part Names

    Part Names < > Radio transmission confirmation lamp < > Menu button Mounting foot lock lever Lock-release button < > Charge/power lamp Dust- and water-resistant adapter Contacts Mounting foot locking pin Mounting foot Cover...
  • Page 10 Case...

  • Page 11: Getting Started

    Getting Started This chapter describes the preparations before starting wireless flash photography. • Attaching and Detaching the Transmitter • Turning on the Power • Accessing the Camera Menu for the Transmitter...

  • Page 12: Attaching And Detaching The Transmitter

    Attaching and Detaching the Transmitter Attach the transmitter. Insert the mounting foot in the multi-function shoe until it clicks into place. Secure the transmitter. On the mounting foot, slide the mounting foot lock lever to the right. When the lock lever clicks in place, it is locked. Detach the transmitter.
  • Page 13 Caution Make sure the transmitter is securely attached to the camera. Loose attachment may cause malfunctioning, and the transmitter may fall off. Do not touch the contacts with your fingers. This may lead to corrosion. Corroded contacts may cause malfunctioning.

  • Page 14: Turning On The Power

    Turning on the Power Set the power to < >. Slide the mounting foot lock lever to the < > position.

  • Page 15: Accessing The Camera Menu For The Transmitter

    Accessing the Camera Menu for the Transmitter Auto Power Off With the transmitter attached ( ), set the power to < > ( Set the camera's power switch to < >. Power is supplied to the transmitter, and < > is lit in red.
  • Page 16 Press the < > button. [Flash function settings] is displayed on the camera screen. Note All transmitter features are configured from this camera menu. The transmitter's settings are stored even when you detach it from the camera. The settings are maintained when you reattach the transmitter. You can set the camera to beep when the receiver is fully charged (C.Fn-20).

  • Page 17: Wireless Flash Photography

    Wireless Flash Photography This chapter describes how to shoot with wireless flash using radio transmission. See the system map ( ) for the accessories required for radio transmission wireless flash shooting. Caution Operations described in this chapter are not available when the camera is set to Basic Zone shooting modes.

  • Page 18: Wireless Flash Photography

    Positioning and Operation Range Shooting with sophisticated wireless lighting from multiple flash units is as easy as normal E-TTL II/E-TTL autoflash shooting when you use the transmitter with a Canon Speedlite supporting radio transmission wireless shooting as the receiver. The system is designed so that the settings of the transmitter (sender) attached to the camera are automatically applied to the wirelessly controlled Speedlite (receiver).
  • Page 19 Positioning and Operation Range Autoflash using one receiver ( EL-1 ST-E10 (3) Transmission distance: Approx. 30 m / 98.4 ft.
  • Page 20 Autoflash using groups of receivers ( E-TTL II / E-TTL autoflash photography is possible with two or three receiver groups, and the flash ratio (proportion of flash output) can be adjusted as needed. In addition, you can set and shoot in a different flash mode for each firing group, with up to five groups.
  • Page 21 Shooting in a different flash mode for each group ( * This is only one example of flash mode settings. 5 groups (A, B, C, D, E) (1) Auto external flash metering (2) E-TTL II (3) Manual flash (4) Manual flash (5) Manual flash...

  • Page 22: Wireless Settings

    Wireless Settings Setting the Sender Setting the Receiver Transmission Channel/Wireless Radio ID Settings < > Lamp Set the sender (ST-E10) and receivers (flash units) for wireless shooting as follows. Setting the Sender With the transmitter attached ( ), set the power to < >...
  • Page 23 Check < >. Confirm that < > is lit in red. Press the < > button. Confirm that [Flash function settings] is displayed on the camera screen.
  • Page 24 Setting the Receiver As receiver units, specify flash units compatible with wireless flash photography using radio transmission. For instructions on configuring receiver settings, refer to the instruction manual of the flash unit.
  • Page 25 Transmission Channel/Wireless Radio ID Settings To avoid interference with other photographers' wireless systems that have multiple flash units controlled by radio transmission, or with other wireless devices that use radio waves, you can change the transmission channel and wireless radio ID. Set the same channel and ID for both the sender and receiver.
  • Page 26 Set a transmission channel. Select [AUTO] or a channel from 1 to 15, then select [OK]. Select [Wireless radio ID].
  • Page 27 Set a wireless radio ID. Specify a four-digit number, then select [OK]. The < > lamp is lit when communication is established between the sender and receiver.
  • Page 28 < > Lamp You can determine the connection status from the state of the < > lamp. Status Description Action Connected – Not connected Check the channel and ID Too many units Do not exceed 16 senders and receivers, combined Blinking Error Restart the sender and receiver...

  • Page 29: Ettl: Fully Automatic Wireless Flash Photography

    ETTL: Fully Automatic Wireless Flash Photography Autoflash Using One Receiver Autoflash Using Multiple Receivers This section describes basic fully automatic wireless shooting with the ST-E10 attached to the camera as a sender to control a flash unit (receiver) wirelessly. Autoflash Using One Receiver Set the flash unit as a receiver.
  • Page 30 Position the camera and flash unit. Position them within the range shown in Positioning and Operation Range. Press the < > button. [Flash function settings] is displayed on the camera screen. Set the flash mode to [E-TTL II flash metering]. Select [E-TTL II flash metering] and then [OK].
  • Page 31 Check the connection and make sure the flash unit is charged. Confirm that the < > lamp is lit. When the receiver flash is charged, the AF-assist beam emitter blinks at approx. 1 sec. intervals. The charge lamp on the sender is lit when all flash units are fully charged.
  • Page 32 Autoflash Using Multiple Receivers Use more receivers and fire them as a single flash unit when more light is needed or as an easy way to ensure ample lighting. Add receivers, and then shoot as described in “Autoflash Using One Receiver” ( ).

  • Page 33: Advanced Shooting With Fully Automatic Wireless Flash

    Advanced Shooting with Fully Automatic Wireless Flash This wireless system eliminates the need to set up the following features on receivers, which are automatically configured based on transmitter (sender) settings. Flash Exposure Compensation< > FEB< > High-Speed Synchronization< > Second-Curtain Synchronization<...
  • Page 34 Set the flash exposure compensation amount. After setting the compensation amount, select [OK]. “0.3” indicates 1/3 stops and “0.7” indicates 2/3 stops. To cancel flash exposure compensation, return the compensation amount to “±0.” Note Generally, set an increased exposure compensation for bright subjects and set a decreased exposure compensation for dark subjects.
  • Page 35 You can take three shots while automatically changing the flash output. This is called FEB (Flash Exposure Bracketing). Press the < > button. Select [Flash exposure bracketing]. Set the FEB level. After setting the FEB level, select [OK]. “0.3” indicates 1/3 stops and “0.7” indicates 2/3 stops. When used with flash exposure compensation, FEB shooting is centered on your specified flash exposure compensation amount.
  • Page 36 Note After the three shots are taken, FEB is canceled automatically. Before shooting with FEB, consider setting the camera drive mode to single shooting, and make sure the flash units are charged. When the drive mode is set to continuous shooting, shooting automatically stops after three consecutive shots are taken.
  • Page 37 High-Speed Synchronization High-speed sync enables flash photography at all shutter speeds. This is effective when you want to shoot in the aperture-priority AE < > mode (open aperture) with background blur in locations such as outdoors in daylight. Press the < >...
  • Page 38 Caution With high-speed sync, the faster the shutter speed, the shorter the effective flash range will be. Note < > is not displayed on the camera screen when the shutter speed is less than the maximum flash sync shutter speed. To return to normal flash firing, select [First-curtain synchronization] in step 3.
  • Page 39 Second-Curtain Synchronization Using second-curtain sync at low shutter speeds enables natural shots of subject motion trails, such as car lights. The flash fires immediately before the camera finishes shooting (before the shutter closes). Press the < > button. Select [Shutter synchronization]. Select [Second-curtain synchronization].
  • Page 40 Note Second-curtain sync works well in < > (bulb) shooting mode. Flash units fire twice in [E-TTL II flash metering] flash mode. The first firing, which does not indicate malfunctioning, is preflash to determine flash output. To return to normal flash firing, select [1st-curtain sync] in step 3.
  • Page 41 FE Lock Shooting with FE (flash exposure) Lock provides suitable flash exposure over your specified area of the subject. Use the camera to configure FE lock. For instructions, refer to the instruction manual of the camera and flash unit. Note <...

  • Page 42: Using Multiple Senders

    Using Multiple Senders You can designate two or more sender units. Wireless flash photography under the same lighting arrangement (with the same receivers) is also possible using other cameras, by switching the camera that the sender is attached to. Caution When the <...

  • Page 43: Ettl: Wireless Multiple-Flash Photography With Flash Ratio

    ETTL: Wireless Multiple-Flash Photography with Flash Ratio Autoflash with Two Receiver Groups Autoflash with Three Receiver Groups Group Control Autoflash with Two Receiver Groups You can adjust the lighting balance (flash ratio) with receivers separated into 2 groups, A and B. The total (sum) of light from firing groups A and B is automatically controlled to a achieve standard exposure.
  • Page 44 Select [Flash group]. Complete steps 2–4 using the sender. Set to [A:B]. Select [A:B] and then [OK].
  • Page 45 Set the A:B flash ratio. Set the A:B flash ratio, then select [OK]. Take the picture. The receiver will fire at the set flash ratio.
  • Page 46 Autoflash with Three Receiver Groups Once flash groups A and B have been set up, you can add group C to fire with multiple flash units. For an overview of flash control, see “Group Control.” C is useful when you want lighting that eliminates the subject's background shadow. Set a flash unit as firing group C.
  • Page 47 Set to [A:B C]. Select [A:B C] and then [OK]. Set the A:B flash ratio. Set the A:B flash ratio, then select [OK].
  • Page 48 Set the flash exposure compensation amount for firing group C. After setting the compensation amount, select [OK]. Take the picture. Just as in normal flash photography, shoot after configuring the camera.
  • Page 49 Group Control Firing group A You can add more receivers when more light or sophisticated lighting is needed. For added receivers, simply specify the flash group (A, B, or C) that you want to be brighter. Up to 15 receivers are supported. For example, when three receivers are set to flash group <...

  • Page 50: M: Wireless Multiple-Flash Photography With Manual Flash Output

    M: Wireless Multiple-Flash Photography with Manual Flash Output MULTI: Stroboscopic Flash This section describes wireless multiple-flash shooting in manual flash mode. You can set the flash output in a range from full 1/1 output to 1/8192 output in 1/3-stop increments for each firing group.
  • Page 51 Select [Flash group]. Set the firing group. Select [Fire all (no separate control)], [A:B], or [A:B:C], and then [OK]. • For the same output from all receivers, select [Fire all (no separate control)]. • To set the output for firing groups A and B, select [A:B]. •...
  • Page 52 Set the flash output. After setting the output, select [OK]. Repeat steps 3 and 4 to set the flash output of all groups. Take the picture. Each group fires at the set flash output. Note Specify A, B, or C as the receiver firing group when using [Fire all (no separate control)].
  • Page 53 Press the < > button. Select [Flash mode]. Set the flash mode to [MULTI flash (stroboscopic)]. Select [MULTI flash (stroboscopic)] and then [OK].
  • Page 54 Select an item. Select the flash count (1), frequency (2), or output (3), then select [OK].
  • Page 55 Set the value. After setting the value, select [OK]. Repeat steps 4–5 until the flash frequency, count, and output are all configured.
  • Page 56 Calculating the shutter speed To ensure that the shutter remains open until all stroboscopic firing is finished, calculate a shutter speed to set on the camera as follows. Flash count ÷ flash frequency = shutter speed For example, when flash count is set to 10 (times) and flash frequency to 5 (Hz), set the shutter speed to at least 2 sec.
  • Page 57 Maximum continuous flash count Maximum flash count is as follows when the flash count is indicated as “----” (bar display). Flash Output / 6–7 8–9 1/16 1/32 1/64 1/128 1/256 1/512 1/1024 1/2048 1/4096 1/8192 Flash Output / 12–14 15–19 20–50 60–199 250–500...

  • Page 58: Gr: Shooting In A Different Flash Mode For Each Group

    Gr: Shooting in a Different Flash Mode for Each Group You can set and shoot in a different flash mode for each firing group, with up to five groups (A, B, C, D, and E). The flash modes that can be set are (1) E-TTL II / E-TTL autoflash, (2) manual flash, and (3) auto external flash metering.
  • Page 59 Select [Flash mode]. Set the flash mode to [Individual group control]. Select [Individual group control] and then [OK]. The receiver unit's flash mode is set automatically during shooting, controlled by the sender unit. Set the firing group of the receivers. Set this manually on each receiver.
  • Page 60 Set the flash mode. Select [Wireless set.]. Setting the flash mode For the selected firing group, choose [E-TTL II], [Manual flash], [AutoExtFlash], or [Disable].
  • Page 61 Setting the flash output and flash exposure compensation amount Configure flash features available in the flash mode. For [Manual flash], set the flash output. For [E-TTL II] or [AutoExtFlash], set the flash exposure compensation amount as needed. Repeat step 4 to configure flash features for all firing groups. Caution For [AutoExtFlash] flash mode, make sure the receivers support auto external flash metering.

  • Page 62: Clearing Transmitter Settings

    Clearing Transmitter Settings You can restore default settings for wireless shooting. On the camera, press the < > button. Select [External Speedlite control].
  • Page 63 Select [Clear settings]. Select [Clear flash settings] and then [OK]. The transmitter settings are cleared, and the flash mode is set to [E- TTL II]. Note Clearing the settings does not clear the transmission channel, wireless radio ID, and Custom Function ( ) settings.

  • Page 64: Test Firing From Receivers

    Test Firing from Receivers Flash units set as receivers can be used to test firing of other flash units. For instructions, refer to the instruction manual of the flash unit. Note When there are multiple senders, the one that was started first fires.

  • Page 65: Remote Release From Receivers

    Remote Release from Receivers Flash units set as receivers can be used to shoot remotely, enabling remote control shooting. For instructions, refer to the instruction manual of the flash unit. Caution Shooting is not possible when autofocus fails. It is recommended that you set the lens focus mode switch to <...

  • Page 66: Setting Transmitter Functions From The Camera

    Setting Transmitter Functions from the Camera This chapter describes how to set transmitter functions from the camera menu. Caution Operations described in this chapter are not available when the camera is set to Basic Zone shooting modes. Set the camera's shooting mode to < >...

  • Page 67: Control From Camera's Menu Screen

    Control from Camera's Menu Screen Transmitter Function Settings Settings Available in [External Speedlite control] Transmitter Custom Function Settings You can set flash functions and Custom Functions from the camera menu. For camera instructions, refer to the camera instruction manual. Transmitter Function Settings Select [Flash function settings].
  • Page 68 Set the function. The setting screen and options displayed vary depending on the camera. Select an option and set the function.
  • Page 69 Settings Available in [External Speedlite control] The configurable functions are as follows. Available settings vary depending on the camera and flash mode used, wireless function settings, and other conditions. Function Flash firing Enable / Disable E-TTL balance Ambience priority / Standard / Flash priority E-TTL II meter.
  • Page 70 Slow synchro You can set the flash-sync speed for wireless flash photography in < > (aperture priority) or < > (Program AE) mode. Flash mode You can choose the flash mode from [E-TTL II flash metering], [Manual flash], [MULTI flash (stroboscopic)], or [Individual group control] to suit your desired flash photography.
  • Page 71 Transmitter Custom Function Settings You can set Custom Functions for the transmitter from the camera menu. The information displayed varies depending on the camera used. For details on Custom Functions, see “Custom Function Setting Items.” Select [Flash C.Fn settings]. In [External Speedlite control], select [Flash C.Fn settings]. Set the Custom Function.

  • Page 72: Customizing The Transmitter

    Customizing the Transmitter This chapter describes how to customize the transmitter with the Custom Functions (C.Fn). Caution Operations described in this chapter are not available when the camera is set to Basic Zone shooting modes. Set the camera's shooting mode to < >...

  • Page 73: Setting Custom Functions

    Setting Custom Functions : Custom Functions Custom Function List Clearing All Custom Functions You can customize transmitter functions to suit your shooting preferences. The functions for this purpose are called Custom Functions.
  • Page 74 : Custom Functions You can set Custom Functions for the transmitter from the camera menu. The information displayed varies depending on the camera used. Select [Flash C.Fn settings]. In [External Speedlite control], select [Flash C.Fn settings]. Set the Custom Function. Select the Custom Function number and set the function.
  • Page 75 Custom Function List Number Item C.Fn-03 FEB auto cancel C.Fn-04 FEB sequence C.Fn-20 Beep...
  • Page 76 Clearing All Custom Functions To clear all the Custom Function settings, select [Clear settings] in the camera menu and then [Clear all Speedlite C.Fn's].

  • Page 77: Custom Function Setting Items

    Custom Function Setting Items C.Fn-03: FEB auto cancel You can set whether or not to cancel FEB automatically after shooting three shots with FEB. 0: Enable 1: Disable C.Fn-04: FEB sequence You can change the FEB shooting sequence. 0: Standard exposure, –: Decreased exposure (darker) and +: Increased exposure (brighter).

  • Page 78: Reference

    Reference This chapter describes the flash system and includes frequently asked questions. • ST-E10 System • Troubleshooting Guide • Specifications...

  • Page 79: St-E10 System

    ST-E10 System Wireless Flash Photography Speedlite equipped with receiver functionality Transmitter equipped with sender functionality Speedlite Transmitter ST-E10 Speedlites equipped with radio transmission wireless receiver functionality EL-1, 600EX II-RT, 600EX-RT, 430EX III-RT...

  • Page 80: Troubleshooting Guide

    Troubleshooting Guide If a problem occurs with the transmitter, first refer to this troubleshooting guide. If this troubleshooting guide does not resolve the problem, contact your dealer or nearest Canon Service Center. Normal shooting The power does not turn on.
  • Page 81 Pictures are under or overexposed. If the main subject looks very dark or very bright, set flash exposure compensation ( If there is a highly reflective object in the picture, use FE lock ( With high-speed sync, the faster the shutter speed, the lower the guide number. Move closer to the subject ( When using autoflash with three firing groups (A, B, and C), do not fire with firing group C pointing toward the main subject (...
  • Page 82 ±3 stops in 1/3- or 1/2-stop increments Supported High-speed synchronization * For details on cameras that support this feature, refer to the Canon website. Supported Second-curtain synchronization * For details on cameras that support this feature, refer to the Canon website.
  • Page 83 Weight Weight (approx.) 48 g / 1.7 oz. Operating environment Operating temperature 0–45°C / 32–113°F Operating humidity 85% or less All specifications above are based on Canon's testing standards. Product specifications and external appearance are subject to change without notice.

Table of Contents