Canon Europe has launches what it believes to be 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.
Technology in the Canon Speedlite 470EX-AI intelligently calculates and maneuvres the flash head position automatically to create optimum lighting.
The AI Bounce function automates bounce photography within the flash. This never-before-seen innovation uses a test flash to calculate the best angle for natural, flattering illumination, while 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.
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.
The 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 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.
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.
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.
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.