External Flash

External Flash

Canon cameras have live view restrictions that affect flash triggering. The table below summarises the available options.

Flash options

• Option 1 — E-TTL II flash via hotshoe. Works for all mid to high-end cameras. Disable live view exposure simulation in the camera settings. Does not work reliably on basic Rebel models because they re-enable exposure simulation after a few seconds.

• Option 2 — Non-E-TTL flash or studio strobes via hotshoe-to-PC cord adapter. Works on mid/high-end cameras and mirrorless (e.g. EOS M50) when live view silent shooting and exposure simulation are disabled. Basic Rebel models require the External flash mode option in Photobooth Settings.

• Option 3 — Camera’s built-in flash triggering a slave unit. Works on mid/high-end cameras when the built-in flash is set to manual (not E-TTL II, which fires a pre-flash). Basic Rebel models always use E-TTL II — use a slave unit with pre-flash cancellation.

• Option 4 — Camera’s built-in flash. Works with all cameras but produces harsh, unflattering lighting.

• Option 5 — Continuous or available lighting. No flash required. Works with all cameras but may cause issues if light levels are low or inconsistent.

Camera classification