Canon SPEEDLIGHT 550EX Instructions Manual
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Canon SPEEDLIGHT 550EX Instructions Manual

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INSTRUCTIONS

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Summary of Contents for Canon SPEEDLIGHT 550EX

  • Page 1 English Edition INSTRUCTIONS...
  • Page 2 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.
  • Page 3 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. G The Speedlite operation procedures assume that the Speedlite 550EX has been turned on with its main switch.

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Contents Nomenclature .........6 1. Installing Batteries......10 2. External Power Sources ....12 Before You Start 3. Attachment to Camera ....13 4. Wireless Selector ......14 5. Main Switch........16 1. Using Flash in Full Auto Mode ..24 Basic Flash 2. Using Flash in Other Camera Modes ....26 Photography 1.
  • Page 5 2. Stroboscopic Flash With a Slave Unit ...111 With Uniform Flash Output .....107 Custom Functions ......112 2. Wireless Manual Flash With Varied Flash Output ..108 Canon Speedlite 550EX System..114 [3] Wireless Stroboscopic Flash ...109 Troubleshooting Guide....116 [4] Manual or Stroboscopic Flash Specifications........118...

  • Page 6: Nomenclature

    Nomenclature G Front Built-in Wide Panel (retracted) (page 20, 42) Flash head and transmitter Sensor Battery compartment cover (page 10) * The battery compartment has a switch to display the AF-assist beam emitter distance in feet or (page 22) meters on the LCD panel.
  • Page 7 Nomenclature G Rear < >Horizontal bounce release PUSH LCD panel button (page 40, 90) When these two buttons are pressed simultaneously, the setting changes in the following loop: < > Vertical bounce PUSH release button (page 40, 90) (Off) * < >...

  • Page 8: Lcd Panel

    Nomenclature G LCD Panel Manual flash output display Flash exposure Manual zoom icon compensation display Zoom and focal length Flash exposure coverage display bracketing (FEB) display Second-curtain High-speed sync flash sync icon (FP flash) icon FEB icon Autoflash icon Flash exposure compensation icon Manual flash icon Multi...
  • Page 9 Before You Start This chapter is for preparing the Speedlite 550EX for actual operation.

  • Page 10: Installing Batteries

    1. Installing Batteries Speedlite 550EX requires one of the following two types of batteries: (1) Size-AA alkaline batteries × 4 (2) Size-AA nickel-hydride batteries × 4 Slide the battery compartment cover as shown by the arrow and flip it up. Insert the batteries with the + and –...
  • Page 11 • The minimum flash count applies in the manual or full-output (1/1) mode while the maximum flash count applies in the E-TTL or TTL mode. • The above specifications are based on Canon’s testing standards. • Using size-AA nickel-hydride batteries will yield only about 70 to 80 percent of the flashes (1550 mAh at full output) obtainable with size-AA alkaline batteries.

  • Page 12: 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 batteries) or Ni-Cd Pack TP. (2) Compact Battery Pack CP-E2 Uses six size-AA alkaline or nickel-hydride batteries.

  • Page 13: Attachment To Camera

    3. Attaching the Speedlite to the Camera Loosen the locking collar by turning it as shown by the arrow. 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.) •...

  • Page 14: Wireless Selector

    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. 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.
  • Page 15 Wireless Selector If the 550EX is to be used as a normal, on-camera Speedlite but the wireless selector has been set to , the following applies: : If master flash ON has also been set, it will be the same as using the Speedlite at the wireless selector’s OFF setting.

  • Page 16: Main Switch

    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.

  • Page 17: Pilot Lamp And Test Firing

    6. Pilot Lamp and Test Firing Set the Speedlite’s main switch to • The flash will start charging. When the flash is ready, the pilot lamp lights. G 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.

  • Page 18: Flash Exposure Confirmation

    7. Flash Exposure Confirmation When a correct flash exposure has been obtained, 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.
  • Page 19 Using the Zoom Button and Wide Panel G Automatic Flash Head Zooming Turn on the camera. Turn on the Speedlite. • If is displayed, press the < > button until turns off. Press the camera’s shutter button halfway. The current lens focal length will appear on the Speedlite’s LCD panel.
  • Page 20 • Use your finger to push in the panel as shown by the arrow. • The < > button will work again, but the entire LCD panel display will keep blinking. Take the Speedlite to the nearest Canon Service Center for repair.

  • Page 21: Flash Mode

    9. Flash Mode The following flash modes can be set with the < > button: E-TTL (or TTL) autoflash, manual flash, and stroboscopic flash. Pressing the < > button changes the flash mode in the following loop: 10. Setting the Film Speed The film speed is set automatically according to the film speed set with the camera.

  • Page 22: Af-Assist Beam

    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 AF of all EOS cameras. The AF-assist beam is effective with 28mm and longer lenses. Its effective range in darkness is indicated in the table below.
  • Page 23 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.

  • Page 24: Using Flash In Full Auto Mode

    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.

  • Page 25: Fill Flash

    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.

  • Page 26: Using Flash In Other Camera Modes

    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).

  • Page 27: Av: Aperture-Priority Ae And E-Ttl Autoflash

    Using Flash in Other Camera Modes (1) Av: Aperture-Priority AE and E-TTL Autoflash This mode is effective for controlling the depth of field in your flash 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.
  • Page 28 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.

  • Page 29: Tv: Shutter Speed-Priority Ae And E-Ttl Autoflash

    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.

  • Page 30: M: Manual Exposure And E-Ttl Autoflash

    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. Set the camera’s picture-taking mode to M and set the desired aperture and shutter speed anywhere from 30 sec.
  • Page 31 For Type-A Cameras Advanced Flash Photography This section explains advanced flash operations possible with the Speedlite 550EX. It contains the following: 1. High-Speed Sync (FP Flash) (page 32) 2. FE Lock (page 34) 3. Flash Exposure Compensation (page 36) 4. FEB (Flash Exposure Bracketing) (page 38) 5.

  • Page 32: High-Speed Sync (Fp Flash)

    1. High-Speed Sync (FP Flash) When you set the synchronization mode to high-speed sync (FP flash), the camera can synchronize with the 550EX at all shutter speeds. When high- speed sync has been set, is displayed in the viewfinder. • High-speed sync can be used in the E-TTL and M flash modes. •...
  • Page 33 High-Speed Sync (FP Flash) Check that the icon is displayed in the viewfinder, then take the picture. With normal flash. With high-speed sync. • With high-speed sync, the Guide No. changes depending on the shutter speed (see page 121). The faster the shutter speed, the shorter the flash range will be. Check the current flash range on the 550EX’s LCD panel.

  • Page 34: Fe Lock

    2. FE Lock You can use FE (flash exposure) lock with Type-A cameras. This is the flash version of AE lock. With FE lock, you use spot metering to obtain the correct flash exposure reading for a specific part of the subject. •...
  • Page 35 FE Lock Check the flash exposure level in the viewfinder, then take the picture. • If the subject is too far away to obtain a correct flash exposure, will blink in the viewfinder. Either move closer to the subject or use a larger aperture (smaller f- number) and try again.

  • Page 36: Flash Exposure Compensation

    3. Flash Exposure Compensation Flash exposure compensation with the 550EX can be set up to ±3 stops in 1/3-stop increments (or 1/2-stop increments with some cameras). You can also use flash exposure compensation in combination with normal exposure compensation (to control the background’s exposure level) in a flash picture. Press the <...
  • Page 37 Flash Exposure Compensation Check that the subject is within the flash range displayed on the 550EX’s LCD panel. Check that the icons are displayed in the viewfinder, then take the picture. • Flash exposure compensation set with the 550EX overrides any flash exposure compensation set with the camera.

  • Page 38: Feb

    4. FEB (Flash Exposure Bracketing) With FEB, you can obtain bracketed flash shots of the subject while the background exposure level remains the same. Three bracketed flash shots can be taken: Correct exposure, decreased exposure, and increased exposure. The three shots can be bracketed up to ±3 stops in 1/3-stop increments (or 1/2-stop increments with some cameras).
  • Page 39 FEB (Flash Exposure Bracketing) Check that the subject is within the flash range displayed on the 550EX’s LCD panel. Check that the icon is displayed in the viewfinder, then take the picture. Take the remaining two bracketed shots. (If necessary, repeat steps 4 to 6.) Correct exposure.

  • Page 40: Bounce Flash

    5. Bounce Flash With direct, frontal flash, harsh shadows are usually created in the background behind the subject. This can be avoided by bouncing the flash off a nearby wall or ceiling. Bounce flash also gives softer lighting effects. To turn the flash head, press the <...
  • Page 41 Bounce Flash Check that the icon is displayed in the viewfinder, then take the picture. • If the flash exposure confirmation lamp does not light after you take the picture, use a larger aperture (smaller f-number) and try again. With bounce flash. Without bounce flash.

  • Page 42: Creating A Catchlight

    Bounce Flash G Creating a Catchlight A catchlight is a reflection of the flash in the subject’s eyes. A catchlight in the eyes makes the subject look more lively. For portraits, you can easily create a catchlight with the 550EX. Tilt the flash head upward all the way by 90˚.

  • Page 43: Close-Distance Flash Photography

    6. Close-Distance Flash Photography The flash head can be tilted downward by 7°. This position enables the flash to better illuminate the lower part of a subject that is close to the camera. Press the < > button and tilt the flash PUSH head downward until it stops.

  • Page 44: Manual Flash Mode

    7. Manual Flash Mode In the manual flash mode, you can set the flash output from 1/1 (full) to 1/128 power in full-stop increments. • To prevent overheating and deterioration of the flash head, observe the following limits for continuous shooting with flash: (1) At 1/1 or 1/2 output: Max.
  • Page 45 Manual Flash Mode Press the < > or < > button to set the desired flash output. • Each time the button is pressed, the flash output changes by one stop. Press the < > button again. The manual flash output display will stop blinking and remain displayed.

  • Page 46: Stroboscopic Flash

    8. Stroboscopic Flash With stroboscopic flash, a rapid series of flashes is fired. It can be used to record multiple images of a moving subject in a single photograph for later study. You can set the firing frequency (the number of flashes per sec. expressed as Hz) from 1 Hz to 199 Hz.
  • Page 47 Stroboscopic Flash Press the < > button to select the firing frequency, flash count, or flash output display. When selected, the respective item blinks on the LCD panel to indicate that it can be altered. Pressing the < > button changes the blinking item in the following loop: Firing frequency Flash count...
  • Page 48 Stroboscopic Flash Use the following formula to calculate the required shutter speed. Flash count ÷ Firing frequency = Shutter speed Example: If the flash count is 10 and the firing frequency is 5 Hz, the shutter speed will have to be at least 2 sec.

  • Page 49: Second-Curtain Synchronization

    9. Second-Curtain Synchronization Normally, the flash fires in synchronization with the first shutter curtain when the shutter is fully open. With second-curtain synchronization, the flash fires immediately before the second shutter curtain closes at the end of the exposure. With second-curtain synchronization and a slow shutter speed, you can create a trailing blur (illuminated by ambient light) that trails a moving subject (illuminated by the flash) to give a natural-looking illusion of motion.

  • Page 50: Modeling Flash

    10. Modeling Flash When the 550EX is used with the EOS-1D, 1V, 3, D60, D30, ELAN 7/7E, and 30/33, a modeling flash can be fired so you can check the lighting and shadow effects before you take the picture. Set the desired flash photography settings with the camera and 550EX.
  • Page 51 For Type-A Cameras Wireless Flash Photography This section covers wireless flash photography with the 550EX. It explains the 550EX’s built-in master and slave flash features. 550EX Wireless Flash Features • A wireless flash system with multiple Speedlite 550EXs can be used as easily as a single, on-camera Speedlite 550EX.

  • Page 52: Wireless System Setup And Testing

    [1] Wireless System Setup and Testing 1 With a 550EX The wireless flash system can be setup in one of two ways: set as the master unit and one or more 550EXs set as slave units. 2 With Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2 (sold separately) used as the master unit and one or more 550EXs set as slave units.

  • Page 53: Setting The 550Ex As A Slave Unit

    2. Setting the 550EX as a Slave Unit Set the wireless selector to the 550EX to be used as a slave unit. A 550EX set in this way is called a “slave unit.” • The slave unit’s flash head zoom setting is set automatically to You can change the slave unit’s flash head zoom setting manually with the button.

  • Page 54: Setting The Master/Slave Channel

    3. Setting the Master/Slave Channel To prevent your master unit from firing another photographer’s slave units, four channels are provided to differentiate your slave units from unrelated ones. The master unit and slave unit(s) in the same wireless flash system must be set to the same channel No.
  • Page 55 Setting the Master/Slave Channel Press the < > or < > button to set the same channel No. (1, 2, 3, or 4) as the master unit’s. Press the < > button. • The icon and channel No. will be displayed.

  • Page 56: Setting The Slave Id

    4. Setting the Slave ID With multiple slave units, a slave ID can be assigned to distinguish a slave unit as being the main flash or fill flash. A flash ratio can thereby be set. Three slave IDs are available: A, B, and C. To set a slave unit’s slave ID, press the <...

  • Page 57: Master Flash On/Off

    5. Master Flash ON/OFF The master unit’s flash firing can be enabled (ON) or disabled (OFF). ) : This setting enables the master unit to fire a flash. • This setting is called “Master flash ON.” • This setting automatically sets the master unit’s slave ID to A. ) : This setting (Master flash OFF) prevents the master unit from firing a flash.

  • Page 58: Wireless Flash Range

    6. Wireless Flash Range After the master and slave units have been set, position them within the wireless flash range shown below. 15 m / 49.2 ft For indoors For outdoors 10 m / 32.8 ft 80° 8 m / 26.2 ft 12 m / 39.4 ft •...
  • Page 59 Wireless Flash Range Check that the master unit’s pilot lamp is lit and that the slave unit(s) are recharged and ready. • When a slave unit is ready, its AF-assist beam blinks once per second. Press the master unit’s pilot lamp (test firing button) to fire a test flash.

  • Page 60: Wireless E-Ttl Autoflash

    [2] Wireless E-TTL Autoflash Wireless E-TTL autoflash with multiple Speedlite 550EXs can be used in one of two ways: OFF : All slave units fire at the same flash output. : Slave units with different slave IDs (A, B, or C) can be fired at different flash outputs to produce a flash ratio.
  • Page 61 Wireless E-TTL Autoflash With Flash Ratio OFF Check for the following icons on the master unit’s LCD panel: • displayed • not displayed • displayed Make sure the master unit’s pilot lamp is lit and the slave units are ready. Press the pilot lamp to test the wireless transmission.
  • Page 62 Wireless E-TTL Autoflash With Flash Ratio OFF Check for the following icons on the master unit’s LCD panel: • displayed • not displayed • displayed Make sure the master unit’s pilot lamp is lit and the slave units are ready. Press the pilot lamp to test the wireless transmission.

  • Page 63: Wireless E-Ttl Autoflash With Flash Ratio On

    2. Wireless E-TTL Autoflash With Flash Ratio ON As shown in the figure below, the wireless E-TTL autoflash system described as an example consists of a master unit set to master flash OFF and two slave units. • The slave ID of the slave unit on the camera’s left is A. •...
  • Page 64 Wireless E-TTL Autoflash With Flash Ratio ON On the master unit, press the < > button and select • Pressing the < > button changes the selection in the following loop: (Off) Press the < > button to select ON A:B. •...
  • Page 65 Wireless E-TTL Autoflash With Flash Ratio ON Press the < > button to register the flash ratio. • The flash ratio bar stops blinking and remains displayed. • To indicate that a flash ratio has been set, A:B will remain displayed on the master unit’s LCD panel.
  • Page 66 Wireless E-TTL Autoflash With Flash Ratio ON G Setting the Flash Ratio for Three Slave Units: A, B and C With three wireless slave units, slave unit A is the main flash, slave unit B is the fill flash, and slave unit C is a supplemental flash. Thus, slave units A and B serve to illuminate the subject for a proper exposure while slave unit C illuminates the background to eliminate shadows.
  • Page 67 Wireless E-TTL Autoflash With Flash Ratio ON The following wireless E-TTL autoflash procedure is for a master unit with three slave units. This procedure sets the A:B flash ratio and the flash exposure compensation amount for slave unit C. • The flash ratio range for A:B is the same as when only two slave units are used. •...
  • Page 68 Wireless E-TTL Autoflash With Flash Ratio ON Press the < > button. • A:B and (flash ratio bar) will blink. Press the < > or < > button to set the A:B flash ratio. • Press the < > button to move the flash ratio bar to the left, or press the <...
  • Page 69 Wireless E-TTL Autoflash With Flash Ratio ON Press the < > button to register the setting. • The flash ratio bar and A:B:C remain displayed. • To change the flash exposure compensation amount, repeat steps 8 to 10. Follow the basic procedure for wireless E-TTL autoflash on page 60 and take the picture.
  • Page 70 Wireless E-TTL Autoflash With Flash Ratio ON G Wireless High-Speed Sync (FP Flash) After setting up the wireless flash system with one or more slave units, you can enable wireless high-speed sync by setting on the master unit. • You need not touch any controls on the slave units. •...

  • Page 71: Wireless Manual Flash

    [3] Wireless Manual Flash After setting up the wireless flash system, you can manually set the slave unit’s flash output with the master unit. The flash output can be uniform or varied among the slave units. To determine the proper flash exposure, use a hand-held flash meter.

  • Page 72: Wireless Manual Flash With Varied Flash Output

    2. Wireless Manual Flash With Varied Flash Output You can set a different flash output for each slave unit (A, B, and C) as follows. On the master unit, press the < > button and select M. Press the < >...

  • Page 73: Wireless Stroboscopic Flash

    Wireless Manual Flash With Varied Flash Output Press the < > or < > button to set the flash output for B. Press the < > button. • C and the flash output display will blink. Press the < > or < > button to set the flash output for C.

  • Page 74: Manual Or Stroboscopic Flash With A Slave Unit

    [5] Manual or Stroboscopic Flash With a Slave Unit Manual flash or stroboscopic flash can be set manually with a slave unit. The setting is independent from the master unit. The master unit just triggers the slave unit which fires according to its own independent (manual or stroboscopic flash) setting.

  • Page 75: Stroboscopic Flash With A Slave Unit

    2. Stroboscopic Flash With a Slave Unit • While M is blinking, press the < > button. will then start blinking. • To set the stroboscopic flash, see page 46. To determine the proper exposure, take test shots and experiment. Pressing the <...
  • Page 76 G Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2 (Sold separately) Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2 serves as the master unit for wireless Speedlite 550EX control. It can control up to two slave unit groups (A and B). It is attached directly to the camera’s hot shoe. As a master unit, the differences between the 550EX and Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2 are listed below.
  • Page 77 For Type-B Cameras Basic Flash Photography When the Speedlite 550EX is attached to a Type-B camera such as the EOS- 1N, you can take flash pictures with TTL autoflash as easily as normal autoexposure (AE) pictures. Flash photography can be fully automatic—all you do is press the shutter button.

  • Page 78: Using Flash In Full Auto Mode

    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.
  • Page 79 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.

  • Page 80: Using Flash In Other Camera Modes

    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 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).

  • Page 81: Av: Aperture-Priority Ae And E-Ttl Autoflash

    Using Flash in Other Camera Modes (1) Av: Aperture-Priority AE and TTL Autoflash This mode is effective for controlling the depth of field in your flash 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.
  • Page 82 Based on the shutter speed and aperture you set, the 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.

  • Page 83: Tv: Shutter Speed-Priority Ae And E-Ttl Autoflash

    Using Flash in Other Camera Modes (2) Tv: Shutter Speed-Priority AE and 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.

  • Page 84: M: Manual Exposure And E-Ttl Autoflash

    Using Flash in Other Camera Modes (3) M: Manual Exposure and TTL Autoflash In this mode, you set both the shutter speed and aperture. The TTL autoflash system controls the flash exposure based on the aperture you set. Set the camera’s picture-taking mode to M and set the desired aperture and shutter speed anywhere from 30 sec.
  • Page 85 For Type-B Cameras Advanced Flash Photography This section explains advanced flash operations possible with the Speedlite 550EX. It contains the following: 1. Flash Exposure Compensation (page 86) 2. FEB (Flash Exposure Bracketing) (page 88) 3. Bounce Flash (page 90) 4. Close-Distance Flash Photography (page 92) 5.

  • Page 86: Flash Exposure Compensation

    1. Flash Exposure Compensation Flash exposure compensation with the 550EX can be set up to ±3 stops in 1/3-stop increments (or 1/2-stop increments with some cameras). You can also use flash exposure compensation in combination with normal exposure compensation (to control the background’s exposure level) in a flash picture. Press the <...
  • Page 87 Flash Exposure Compensation Check that the subject is within the flash range displayed on the 550EX’s LCD panel. Check that the icons are displayed in the viewfinder, then take the picture. • Flash exposure compensation set with the 550EX overrides any flash exposure compensation set with the camera.

  • Page 88: Feb (Flash Exposure Bracketing)

    2. FEB (Flash Exposure Bracketing) With FEB, you can obtain bracketed flash shots of the subject while the background exposure level remains the same. Three bracketed flash shots can be taken: Correct exposure, decreased exposure, and increased exposure. The three shots can be bracketed up to ±3 stops in 1/3-stop increments (or 1/2-stop increments with some cameras).
  • Page 89 FEB (Flash Exposure Bracketing) Check that the subject is within the flash range displayed on the 550EX’s LCD panel. Check that the icons are displayed in the viewfinder, then take the picture. Take the remaining two bracketed shots. (If necessary, repeat steps 4 to 6.) Correct exposure.

  • Page 90: Bounce Flash

    3. Bounce Flash With direct, frontal flash, harsh shadows are usually created in the background behind the subject. This can be avoided by bouncing the flash off a nearby wall or ceiling. Bounce flash also gives softer lighting effects. To turn the flash head, press the <...
  • Page 91 Bounce Flash Check that the icon is displayed in the viewfinder, then take the picture. • If the flash exposure confirmation lamp does not light after you take the picture, use a larger aperture (smaller f-number) and try again. Bounce the flash on a plain, white, reflective surface. If a colored surface is used, the picture may have a color cast.

  • Page 92: Close-Distance Flash Photography

    4. Close-Distance Flash Photography The flash head can be tilted downward by 7°. This position enables the flash to better illuminate the lower part of a subject that is close to the camera. Press the < > button and tilt the flash PUSH head downward until it stops.

  • Page 93: Manual Flash Mode

    5. Manual Flash Mode In the manual flash mode, you can set the flash output from 1/1 (full) to 1/128 power in full-stop increments. • To prevent overheating and deterioration of the flash head, observe the following limits for continuous shooting with flash: (1) At 1/1 or 1/2 output: Max.
  • Page 94 Manual Flash Mode Press the < > or < > button to set the desired flash output. • Each time the button is pressed, the flash output changes by one stop. Press the < > button again. The manual flash output display will stop blinking and remain displayed.

  • Page 95: Stroboscopic Flash

    6. Stroboscopic Flash With stroboscopic flash, a rapid series of flashes is fired. It can be used to record multiple images of a moving subject in a single photograph for later study. You can set the firing frequency (the number of flashes per sec. expressed as Hz) from 1 Hz to 199 Hz.
  • Page 96 Stroboscopic Flash Press the < > button to select the firing frequency, flash count, or flash output display. When selected, the respective item blinks on the LCD panel to indicate that it can be altered. Pressing the < > button changes the blinking item in the following loop: Firing frequency Flash count...

  • Page 97: Shutter Speed

    Stroboscopic Flash Use the following formula to calculate the required shutter speed. Flash count ÷ Firing frequency = Shutter speed Example: If the flash count is 10 and the firing frequency is 5 Hz, the shutter speed will have to be at least 2 sec.

  • Page 98: Second-Curtain Synchronization

    7. Second-Curtain Synchronization Normally, the flash fires in synchronization with the first shutter curtain when the shutter is fully open. With second-curtain synchronization, the flash fires immediately before the second shutter curtain closes at the end of the exposure. With second-curtain synchronization and a slow shutter speed, you can create a trailing blur (illuminated by ambient light) that trails a moving subject (illuminated by the flash) to give a natural-looking illusion of motion.
  • Page 99 For Type-B Cameras Wireless Flash Photography This section covers wireless flash photography with the 550EX. It explains the 550EX’s built-in master and slave flash features. A wireless flash system with multiple Speedlite 550EXs can be used as easily as a single, on-camera Speedlite 550EX.

  • Page 100: Wireless System Setup And Testing

    [1] Wireless System Setup and Testing 1 With a 550EX The wireless flash system can be setup in one of two ways: set as the master unit and one or more 550EXs set as slave units. 2 With Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2 (sold separately) used as the master unit and one or more 550EXs set as slave units.

  • Page 101: Setting The Master/Slave Channel

    3. Setting the Master/Slave Channel To prevent your master unit from firing another photographer’s slave units, four channels are provided to differentiate your slave units from unrelated ones. The master unit and slave unit(s) in the same wireless flash system must be set to the same channel No.
  • Page 102 Setting the Master/Slave Channel Press the < > button. • The icon and channel No. will be displayed. To set the slave unit’s channel No., press the < > button and select • Pressing the < > button changes the selection in the following loop: (Off) Press the <...

  • Page 103: Setting The Slave Id

    4. Setting the Slave ID With multiple slave units, a slave ID can be assigned to distinguish a slave unit as being the main flash or fill flash. A flash ratio can thereby be set. Three slave IDs are available: A, B, and C. To set a slave unit’s slave ID, press the <...

  • Page 104: Master Flash On/Off

    5. Master Flash ON/OFF The master unit’s flash firing can be enabled (ON) or disabled (OFF). ) : This setting enables the master unit to fire a flash. • This setting is called “Master flash ON.” • This setting automatically sets the master unit’s slave ID to A. ) : This setting (Master flash OFF) prevents the master unit from firing a flash.

  • Page 105: Wireless Flash Range

    6. Wireless Flash Range After the master and slave units have been set, position them within the wireless flash range shown below. 15 m / 49.2 ft For indoors For outdoors 10 m / 32.8 ft 80° 8 m / 26.2 ft 12 m / 39.4 ft •...
  • Page 106 Wireless Flash Range Check that the master unit’s pilot lamp is lit and that the slave unit(s) are recharged and ready. • When a slave unit is ready, its AF-assist beam blinks once per second. Press the master unit’s pilot lamp (test firing button) to fire a test flash.

  • Page 107: Wireless Manual Flash

    [2] Wireless Manual Flash After setting up the wireless flash system, you can manually set the slave unit’s flash output with the master unit. The flash output can be uniform or varied among the slave units. To determine the proper flash exposure, use a hand-held flash meter.

  • Page 108: Wireless Manual Flash With Varied Flash Output

    2. Wireless Manual Flash With Varied Flash Output You can set a different flash output for each slave unit (A, B, and C) as follows. On the master unit, press the < > button. Press the < > button and select •...

  • Page 109: Wireless Stroboscopic Flash

    Wireless Manual Flash With Varied Flash Output Press the < > or < > button to set the flash output for B. Press the < > button. • C and the flash output display will blink. Press the < > or < > button to set the flash output for C.

  • Page 110: Manual Or Stroboscopic Flash With A Slave Unit

    [4] Manual or Stroboscopic Flash With a Slave Unit Manual flash or stroboscopic flash can be set manually with a slave unit. The setting is independent from the master unit. The master unit just triggers the slave unit which fires according to its own independent (manual or stroboscopic flash) setting.

  • Page 111: Stroboscopic Flash With A Slave Unit

    2. Stroboscopic Flash With a Slave Unit • While M is blinking, press the < > button. will then start blinking. • To set the stroboscopic flash, see page 95. To determine the proper exposure, take test shots and experiment. Pressing the <...

  • Page 112: Custom Functions

    Custom Functions The Speedlite 550EX has Custom Functions which enable you to customize Speedlite functions according to your preferences. G Setting a Custom Function Press the LCD panel illumination button for at least 2 sec. until appears on the LCD panel. Press the <...

  • Page 113: Custom Function Settings

    Custom Functions G Custom Function Settings Custom Function Setting Description Function No. Enabled FEB cancellation CF-1 after completion Disabled Correct exposure, decreased exposure, increased exposure FEB sequence CF-2 Decreased exposure, correct exposure, increased exposure E-TTL Flash metering CF-3 system Activate after 60 min. of non-operation. Slave unit SE mode CF-4 activation...

  • Page 114: Canon Speedlite 550Ex System

    Canon Speedlite 550EX System The accessories on the left enable wired, multi-Speedlite TTL autoflash. e TTL Hot Shoe Adapter 3 r TTL Distributor t Off-Camera Shoe Adapter OA-2 y Connecting Cord 60 u Connecting Cord 300...
  • Page 115 Canon Speedlite 550EX System 1 Speedlite 550EX (On-camera master unit) 2 Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2 Dedicated wireless transmitter for any 550EX set as a slave unit. 3 Connecting Cord ET (included with Transistor Pack E) 4 Transistor Pack E Houses Battery Magazine TP or Ni-Cd Pack TP.

  • Page 116: Troubleshooting Guide

    Troubleshooting Guide Problem Probable Cause Solution Page I cannot detach the Speedlite The locking collar has not Loosen the locking collar from the camera. been loosened enough to completely to retract the retract the locking pin. locking pin. The flash does not fire even The Speedlite has not been Mount the Speedlite properly when I press the shutter...
  • Page 117 Troubleshooting Guide Problem Probable Cause Solution Page The subject was toward the The subject was not correctly With an EOS camera having edge of the picture and it exposed with the flash. multiple focusing points, came out overexposed. select a focusing point which covers the subject and then compose the shot before taking the picture.

  • Page 118: Specifications

    Specifications Type: Direct-sync, shoe-mount flash with E-TTL/TTL autoflash control and wireless transmission/reception (E-TTL preflash, AF-assist beam, auto zoom, and bounce flash). Compatible cameras: Type-A EOS cameras (for E-TTL autoflash control) Type-B EOS cameras (for TTL autoflash control) Flash coverage and Guide No.: See page 121.
  • Page 119 Specifications Flash-ready indication: (1) Red pilot lamp indicates normal flash ready. (2) Yellow pilot lamp indicates quick flash ready. AF-assist beam linkage and range: Linked to area AF (45 focusing points), effective from approx. 0.6 to 10 meters / 2 to 33 feet at the center and 0.6 to 5 meters / 2 to 16 feet along the periphery (in total darkness).
  • Page 120 Dimensions (mm) and Weight: 80 (W) x 138 (H) x 112 (D), 405 g 3.1 (W) x 5.4 (H) x 4.4 (D) in, 14.2 oz • All data are based on Canon’s Standard Test Method. • Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 121 Specifications G Guide No. [Normal Mode] (At ISO 100 in meters) Flash Coverage (mm) Normal (full) Flash Guide No. Quick Flash Same as for manual flash from 1/2 to 1/6. 10.6 19.8 21.2 25.5 29.7 32.5 35.4 38.9 27.5 10.6 12.7 14.8 16.3...
  • Page 122 Specifications G Maximum Continuous Flashes Flash Output 1/16 1/32 1/64 1/128 Flash Output 1/16 1/32 1/64 1/128 Flash Output 1/16 1/32 1/64 1/128 Flash Output 1/16 1/32 1/64 1/128 • When the flash count is , the maximum flash count will be as follows regardless of the flash frequency.
  • Page 123 Specifications G AF-Assist Beam Emission Preconditions 550EX’s AF-Assist Camera’s AF-Assist 550EX/Camera Combination Beam Emitted Beam Emitted EOS-1D, EOS-1V, EOS-3, EOS-1N, EOS-1N RS, EOS D60, EOS D30, EOS ELAN 7/7E, 30/33, EOS 50/50 E/ELAN ll/ELAN ll E, EOS 300/REBEL 2000, EOS 500 N/REBEL G, EOS 3000N/66/REBEL XSN, EOS IX, EOS IX 7/IX Lite EOS 1000 N/REBEL ll/1000 FN/REBEL S ll, —...
  • Page 124 Specifications G Speedlite 550EX Feature Availability Camera’s Max. Sync Speed (sec.) Autoflash Control Wireless Flash Camera 1/90 1/125 1/200 1/250 1/500 E-TTL E-TTL × × EOS 650 × × EOS 620 × × EOS 750 × × EOS 850 × ×...
  • Page 125 G: Available. ×: Not available. Wireless Flash Flash Exposure Compensation Flash Ratio Modeling 2nd-Curtain FP Flash FE Lock Control Flash Sync M/MULTI w/550EX w/camera × × × × × × × × × × × × × × × × ×...
  • Page 126 This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Do not make any changes or modifications to the equipment unless otherwise specified in the instructions.
  • Page 127 The CE Mark is a Directive conformity mark of the European Community (EC) The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing. Batteries shall not be exposed to excessive heat such as sunshine, fire or the like. Dry batteries shall not be subjected to charging.
  • Page 128 CANON INC. 30-2, Shimomaruko 3-chome, Ohta-ku, Tokyo 146-8501, Japan U.S.A. CANON U.S.A. INC. For all inquiries concerning this camera, call toll free in the U.S. 1-800-OK-CANON or write to: Customer Relations, Canon U.S.A., Inc. One Canon Plaza, Lake Success, N.Y. 11042-1198 CANADA CANON CANADA INC.

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