Hands-on Canon Speedlite EL-10 review: bursting onto the scene with a flash!

Does the new mid-range Canon Speedlite EL-10 offer the perfect balance between features and price?

Canon EL-10 Speedlite
(Image: © Future)

Early Verdict

Canon's Speedlite EL-10 is a refreshing entry-level option for photographers using Canon's latest mirrorless cameras. It provides advanced features and a durable build, making it a compelling choice for those on a budget. However, the Multi-function foot may deter Canon photographers with older equipment, although it can be made compatible with the older hot shoe via the AD-E1 adapter. Overall, the EL-10 offers a good range of bounce and swivel options, zoom range, and custom mode options, with a respectable spec sheet and a usable Guide Number of 40.

Pros

  • +

    Attractive price-point

  • +

    1.5sec recycle at full power

  • +

    Three custom modes

  • +

    Multi-function foot

  • +

    Lightweight and portable

Cons

  • -

    No modelling or video light

  • -

    AA batteries rather than Li-Ion

  • -

    No weather or dust resistance

  • -

    Incompatible with older Canons

Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.

Despite the growth of LED lights, you can't beat a good flashgun – and the Canon Speedlite EL-10, successor to the 430EX RT-III, is a very good flashgun.

The arrival of the EL-10 extends the company's range of Speedlites to four. First up you have the entry-level EL-100, the EL-10 now sits above it, then it's the more advanced EL-5 and finally you have the flagship EL-1

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Guide number40
Flash Coverage 24-105mm
Wide Panel14mm
Angle90º up, 150º left and 180º right
Recharge time1.5 secs
Output1/1 – 1/1024
E-TTL IIYes
CoolingPassive
PowerAA battery x2
Size70.6 x 116.3 x 98.3 mm
Weight287g

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Dan Mold
Deputy Editor

Deputy Editor on PhotoPlus: The Canon Magazine, Dan also brings his technical wizardry and editing skills to Digital Camera World. He has been writing about all aspects of photography for over 10 years, having previously served as technical writer and technical editor for Practical Photography magazine, as well as Photoshop editor on Digital Photo

Dan is an Adobe-certified Photoshop guru, making him officially a beast at post-processing – so he’s the perfect person to share tips and tricks both in-camera and in post. Able to shoot all genres, Dan provides news, techniques and tutorials on everything from portraits and landscapes to macro and wildlife, helping photographers get the most out of their cameras, lenses, filters, lighting, tripods, and, of course, editing software.