Artificial intelligence (AI) is making more of a splash across a lot more tech sectors these days. Huawei’s recently launched the P20 smartphone range which incorporates AI into its photography arsenal and now Canon is doing the same with the launch of the world’s first flash equipped with AI Bounce – a new Auto Intelligent (AI) function that takes the fuss and uncertainty out of flash photography.
This revolutionary new technology intelligently calculates and maneuvers the flash head position automatically to create optimum lighting for outstanding images. From photo enthusiasts learning how to use flash, to professionals looking for straightforward shooting, the Canon Speedlite 470EX-AI is a must-have for photographers.
Accomplished portrait, lifestyle and wedding photographer Jo Thorne used the flash whilst it was in development. Commenting on her experience, “Having used the Speedlite 470EX-AI on a few different shoots recently, the results are exceptional – far exceeding my expectations. The Speedlite 470EX-AI’s set-up efficiency means I’m able to capture more in-action moments, which cuts down my post-production time and gives me an abundance of more images to choose from. Using this flash has reignited my love of light, something that can add immense value to an image.”
Revolutionary flash innovation – AI Bounce
The AI bBounce function automates bounce photography within the flash. This never-before-seen innovation uses a test flash to calculate the perfect angle for natural, flattering illumination, whilst automatically moving the motorised flash head into the optimum position for perfect lighting.
The full-auto mode carefully manipulates the flash head for every new shot, eliminating unwanted shooting complications. It also removes the time needed to evaluate the shot and reposition the flash head manually. As a result, photographers of all levels can confidently and quickly use the flash, reassured that the Speedlite 470EX-AI can help deliver consistently beautiful images.
For those with greater experience in flash photography, the semi-auto mode allows the user to set the bounce flash angle for different shooting scenarios. The Speedlite 470EX-AI then automatically adjusts the flash head for different camera orientations. This pioneering technology enhances the opportunity for photographers to be creative with their lighting, whilst achieving consistency in every shot. This is crucial for portrait photographers who regularly alternate between landscape and portrait.
Powerful and reliable
The Speedlite 470EX-AI harnesses the power and reliability of Canon’s flash technology to deliver incredible illumination for diverse lighting scenarios. The revolutionary flash has a Guide No of 47m to create robust lighting over broader distances; great for shooting in large venues or in complex shooting scenarios, where all subjects need to beautifully lit. The impressive wide lens coverage – from 24mm to 105mm – and 14mm possible with the built-in adaptor, provides a flash distribution extensive enough to illuminate shots captured with a wide-angle lens. This is a particularly beneficial feature for wedding photographers who need to capture group shots.
Even the most spontaneous moments can be captured with natural looking lighting, as the Speedlite 470EX-AI recharges rapidly and silently in 5.5 seconds to full power with 4 AA/LR6 batteries, or 3.5 seconds with rechargeable NiMH batteries. This is first-class when swiftly capturing consecutive shots, such as during weddings or parties. The Speedlite 470EX-AI features a high-speed sync function, which enables the flash to be fired several times in rapid succession and thus uses a higher shutter speed than normally possible. This is particularly useful for action shots, or to create a darkened or blurred background for stand-out images.
Satisfy your creativity, extend your control
By rotating the flash head 180 degrees left and right, plus 120 degrees upwards, the AI Bounce flash function enables photographers to adapt to different environments and remove unwanted shadows. The bounce adaptor can be clipped onto the Speedlite 470EX-AI to deliver softer illumination, allowing for much more radiant portrait shots. With this level of control over the flash, photographers can focus on capturing high-quality, well-lit imagery that consistently delivers unrivaled results.
With 19 custom functions, the Speedlite 470EX-AI offers complete creative control as the photographer can personalise the settings in pursuance of capturing beautiful and unique shots.
The wireless optical receiver function allows the flash to be used at distances of up to 10m away from the camera. With a built in Speedlite transmitter function or Speedlite with Optical transmitter, further creative capturing is enabled via experimenting with varying lighting scenarios. This is perfect for photographers aiming to develop and create their own lighting style. The dot-matrix LCD panel provides an intuitive interface, guiding photographers to easily navigate the flash settings and select how diffused or concentrated the light is via priority settings. To achieve maximum flash output, shortcut buttons and a control wheel provide fast access to settings, delivering a creative fall-off effect and an even distribution of light across the whole image.
