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Canon SpeedLite 580EX - User Manual

Canon SpeedLite 580EX
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Table of Contents

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Summary

Manual Conventions and Symbols

Select Dial Symbol

Explains the function of the Select Dial symbol (<).

Select;Set Button Symbol

Explains the function of the Select/Set button symbol (<).

Alert Symbols Guide

Defines the Caution and Note symbols used in the manual.

Speedlite 580 EX Nomenclature

Flash Unit Components

Identifies and labels the external parts of the Speedlite 580EX.

Included Accessories

Details the case and mini stand provided with the Speedlite.

Understanding the LCD Panel

Button Layout and Functions

Illustrates and explains the various buttons on the Speedlite.

Wireless Selector Operation

Explains the function of the wireless selector switch.

LCD Panel Display Elements

Interpreting Display Indicators

Explains various icons and readings displayed on the LCD panel.

LCD Illumination Control

Details how to activate the LCD panel illumination.

Getting Started and Basic Operation

Installing Batteries

Step-by-step instructions for inserting batteries into the Speedlite.

Attaching the Speedlite to Camera

Guide on mounting the Speedlite onto the camera's hot shoe.

Powering On the Speedlite

Instructions for turning on the Speedlite and checking its readiness.

Fully Automatic Flash Shooting

How to use the Speedlite in automatic E-TTL II/E-TTL modes.

Using E-TTL II and E-TTL Autoflash

Explanation of E-TTL II/E-TTL autoflash compatibility with camera modes.

Using Flash

Flash Exposure Compensation

Adjusting flash output for exposure control, up to +/- 3 stops.

Flash Exposure Bracketing (FEB)

Taking multiple shots with automatically varied flash outputs.

Flash Exposure Lock (FE Lock)

Locking flash exposure settings for specific subjects.

High-Speed Sync (FP Flash)

Enabling flash synchronization with high shutter speeds.

Bounce Flash Techniques

Directing flash off surfaces for softer lighting effects.

Zoom and Wide Panel Usage

Adjusting flash coverage and using the wide panel for wider angles.

Manual Flash Settings

Manually setting flash output power from 1/128 to 1/1.

Stroboscopic Flash Operation

Setting up rapid series of flashes for capturing motion.

Second-Curtain Sync

Creating light trails by firing flash before shutter close.

Custom Function Settings

Customizing Speedlite features and operational preferences.

Flash Exposure Compensation

Adjusting Flash Output Levels

Steps to set flash exposure compensation using the dial.

FEB (Flash Exposure Bracketing)

Setting Up and Using FEB

Procedure to configure and activate flash exposure bracketing.

FEL FE Lock Function

Locking Flash Exposure

How to lock flash exposure for specific subjects or scenes.

High-Speed Sync (FP Flash)

Flash Synchronization with High Shutter Speeds

Enables flash use with fast shutter speeds for fill-flash portraits.

Bounce Flash Operation

Setting Bounce Direction

Adjusting the flash head's angle for bounce lighting.

Creating a Catchlight

Using the Catchlight Panel

How to use the catchlight panel to add reflection to eyes.

Zoom Setting and Wide Panel

Adjusting Flash Coverage

Matching flash coverage to lens focal length (24-105mm).

Using the Built-in Wide Panel

Extending flash coverage to 14mm for wide-angle lenses.

Automatic Flash Coverage Setting

Camera Image Size Recognition

How Speedlite automatically sets coverage based on camera's image size.

Manual Flash Settings

Setting Manual Flash Output

Steps to set manual flash output from 1/128 to 1/1 power.

Stroboscopic Flash Operation

Setting Firing Frequency and Output

Configuring firing frequency (Hz), number of flashes, and output.

Second-Curtain Sync

Creating Light Trails

Using slow shutter speeds to create light trails following subjects.

Custom Function Settings

Customizing Speedlite Features

Accessing and modifying custom functions for personalized operation.

Changing Display Units (Meters;Feet)

Switching the distance unit display between meters and feet.

Custom Function Settings Details

Function List and Descriptions

A comprehensive table detailing all custom functions and their settings.

Wireless Flash

About Wireless Flash

Introduction to wireless flash capabilities and basic setup.

Fully Automatic Wireless Flash Setup

Configuring master and slave units for automatic wireless flash shooting.

Flash Ratio with E-TTL II

Adjusting flash output ratios between master and slave units.

Wireless Manual Flash with Varied Output

Setting different manual flash outputs for individual wireless slave units.

Setting Manual Flash for Slave Units

Manually configuring slave units for manual or stroboscopic flash.

About Wireless Flash

Wireless Flash Overview

General introduction to wireless flash functionality and benefits.

Basic Wireless Settings & Setup

Initial configuration steps for wireless flash systems.

Multi-Speedlite Wireless Configurations

Two Slave Groups Setup

Example configuration for wireless flash using two slave groups.

Three Slave Groups Setup

Example configuration for wireless flash using three slave groups.

Fully Automatic Wireless Flash Setup

Master and Slave Unit Configuration

Steps to set up the master and slave Speedlites for automatic operation.

Communication Channel Setup

Checking and setting communication channels to prevent interference.

Fully Automatic Wireless Flash Operation

Checking Flash Operation

Testing the wireless flash system before shooting.

Shooting with Wireless Flash

Final steps for taking pictures using the wireless flash setup.

Master Unit Flash Control

Disabling Master Flash Firing

Preventing the master unit from firing during exposure.

Setting Communication Channel

Preventing Signal Confusion

Changing channels to avoid interference with other flash systems.

Flash Ratio with E-TTL II

Setting Up Slave Units

Assigning slave IDs (A, B) to slave units for ratio control.

Setting Flash Ratios

Setting the Master Unit

Configuring the master unit to control flash ratios.

Selecting and Setting Ratios

Choosing and applying flash ratios (e.g., A:B) for slave units.

Wireless Flash with Three Slave Groups

Setting Slave Units A, B, and C

Configuring three slave groups for advanced wireless lighting setups.

Modeling Flash

Checking Lighting Effects

Using the modeling flash to preview lighting and shadow effects.

Slave Group Control

Managing multiple Speedlites assigned to the same slave group ID.

Wireless Manual Flash with Varied Output

Setting Individual Slave Outputs

Adjusting manual flash output for each slave unit (group A, B, C).

Manual and Stroboscopic Flash on Slave Units

Manual Flash Setup for Slaves

Manually setting flash output for slave units individually.

Stroboscopic Flash Setup for Slaves

Manually setting stroboscopic flash parameters for slave units.

Reference

580 EX System Overview

Description of the Speedlite 580EX system and its components.

Troubleshooting Guide

Solutions for common problems encountered with the Speedlite.

Major Specifications

Detailed technical specifications of the Speedlite 580EX.

Using a Type-B Camera

Information on compatibility and features when used with Type-B cameras.

580 EX System Overview

System Components Identification

Lists and illustrates all components of the Speedlite 580EX system.

Color Temperature Information Transmission

White Balance Optimization

How flash color temperature information optimizes camera white balance.

AF-Assist Beam Function

Autofocus Assistance

Explanation of how the AF-assist beam aids low-light focusing.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Speedlite Not Detaching from Camera

Resolving issues where the Speedlite cannot be removed from the camera.

Speedlite Not Firing

Diagnosing and fixing problems with the Speedlite failing to fire.

Slave Unit Not Firing

Troubleshooting issues with wireless slave units not firing.

Power Turns Off By Itself

Addressing unintended power-off due to auto power save.

LCD Panel Blinking

Identifying the cause for the entire LCD panel blinking.

Troubleshooting Picture Quality

Flash Range Scale Bars Blinking

Reasons for blinking flash range scale bars (e.g., bounce tilt).

Dark Periphery or Bottom of Picture

Correcting dark areas caused by incorrect flash coverage settings.

Underexposed or Overexposed Flash

Troubleshooting flash exposure issues like underexposure or overexposure.

Blurred Pictures Troubleshooting

Addressing causes of blurred images, such as camera shake or low light.

Major Specifications

Type and Compatibility

Details on Speedlite type, compatible cameras, and guide numbers.

Guide Number and Flash Coverage

Key performance metrics including guide numbers and flash coverage range.

Exposure Control Features

Information on exposure control types, flash range, and compensation.

Flash Recycling and Wireless Specs

Details on recycling times, indicators, and wireless transmission.

Major Specifications Details

Transmission Range and Slave Groups

Wireless transmission range, reception angle, and controllable slave groups.

Custom Functions and AF-Assist Beam

Details on custom functions, linkable AF points, and AF-assist beam range.

Power Source and Dimensions

Information on battery life, power saving, dimensions, and weight.

Major Specifications Tables

Guide Number Tables

Comprehensive tables of guide numbers for various flash coverage and output settings.

Using a Type-B Camera

Type-B Camera Features and Restrictions

Details available features and limitations when using Speedlite with Type-B cameras.

Regulatory Compliance

FCC Compliance Statement

Information regarding FCC rules, interference, and user modifications.

Safety and EMC Precautions

Product Safety Information

Warnings about exposure to liquids, heat, and battery charging.

Limited Warranty Information

Warranty Coverage and Limitations

Details on warranty terms, exclusions, and claim procedures.

International Service Network

Authorized Service Facilities

Information on obtaining service at authorized Canon facilities worldwide.

Summary

Manual Conventions and Symbols

Select Dial Symbol

Explains the function of the Select Dial symbol (<).

Select;Set Button Symbol

Explains the function of the Select/Set button symbol (<).

Alert Symbols Guide

Defines the Caution and Note symbols used in the manual.

Speedlite 580 EX Nomenclature

Flash Unit Components

Identifies and labels the external parts of the Speedlite 580EX.

Included Accessories

Details the case and mini stand provided with the Speedlite.

Understanding the LCD Panel

Button Layout and Functions

Illustrates and explains the various buttons on the Speedlite.

Wireless Selector Operation

Explains the function of the wireless selector switch.

LCD Panel Display Elements

Interpreting Display Indicators

Explains various icons and readings displayed on the LCD panel.

LCD Illumination Control

Details how to activate the LCD panel illumination.

Getting Started and Basic Operation

Installing Batteries

Step-by-step instructions for inserting batteries into the Speedlite.

Attaching the Speedlite to Camera

Guide on mounting the Speedlite onto the camera's hot shoe.

Powering On the Speedlite

Instructions for turning on the Speedlite and checking its readiness.

Fully Automatic Flash Shooting

How to use the Speedlite in automatic E-TTL II/E-TTL modes.

Using E-TTL II and E-TTL Autoflash

Explanation of E-TTL II/E-TTL autoflash compatibility with camera modes.

Using Flash

Flash Exposure Compensation

Adjusting flash output for exposure control, up to +/- 3 stops.

Flash Exposure Bracketing (FEB)

Taking multiple shots with automatically varied flash outputs.

Flash Exposure Lock (FE Lock)

Locking flash exposure settings for specific subjects.

High-Speed Sync (FP Flash)

Enabling flash synchronization with high shutter speeds.

Bounce Flash Techniques

Directing flash off surfaces for softer lighting effects.

Zoom and Wide Panel Usage

Adjusting flash coverage and using the wide panel for wider angles.

Manual Flash Settings

Manually setting flash output power from 1/128 to 1/1.

Stroboscopic Flash Operation

Setting up rapid series of flashes for capturing motion.

Second-Curtain Sync

Creating light trails by firing flash before shutter close.

Custom Function Settings

Customizing Speedlite features and operational preferences.

Flash Exposure Compensation

Adjusting Flash Output Levels

Steps to set flash exposure compensation using the dial.

FEB (Flash Exposure Bracketing)

Setting Up and Using FEB

Procedure to configure and activate flash exposure bracketing.

FEL FE Lock Function

Locking Flash Exposure

How to lock flash exposure for specific subjects or scenes.

High-Speed Sync (FP Flash)

Flash Synchronization with High Shutter Speeds

Enables flash use with fast shutter speeds for fill-flash portraits.

Bounce Flash Operation

Setting Bounce Direction

Adjusting the flash head's angle for bounce lighting.

Creating a Catchlight

Using the Catchlight Panel

How to use the catchlight panel to add reflection to eyes.

Zoom Setting and Wide Panel

Adjusting Flash Coverage

Matching flash coverage to lens focal length (24-105mm).

Using the Built-in Wide Panel

Extending flash coverage to 14mm for wide-angle lenses.

Automatic Flash Coverage Setting

Camera Image Size Recognition

How Speedlite automatically sets coverage based on camera's image size.

Manual Flash Settings

Setting Manual Flash Output

Steps to set manual flash output from 1/128 to 1/1 power.

Stroboscopic Flash Operation

Setting Firing Frequency and Output

Configuring firing frequency (Hz), number of flashes, and output.

Second-Curtain Sync

Creating Light Trails

Using slow shutter speeds to create light trails following subjects.

Custom Function Settings

Customizing Speedlite Features

Accessing and modifying custom functions for personalized operation.

Changing Display Units (Meters;Feet)

Switching the distance unit display between meters and feet.

Custom Function Settings Details

Function List and Descriptions

A comprehensive table detailing all custom functions and their settings.

Wireless Flash

About Wireless Flash

Introduction to wireless flash capabilities and basic setup.

Fully Automatic Wireless Flash Setup

Configuring master and slave units for automatic wireless flash shooting.

Flash Ratio with E-TTL II

Adjusting flash output ratios between master and slave units.

Wireless Manual Flash with Varied Output

Setting different manual flash outputs for individual wireless slave units.

Setting Manual Flash for Slave Units

Manually configuring slave units for manual or stroboscopic flash.

About Wireless Flash

Wireless Flash Overview

General introduction to wireless flash functionality and benefits.

Basic Wireless Settings & Setup

Initial configuration steps for wireless flash systems.

Multi-Speedlite Wireless Configurations

Two Slave Groups Setup

Example configuration for wireless flash using two slave groups.

Three Slave Groups Setup

Example configuration for wireless flash using three slave groups.

Fully Automatic Wireless Flash Setup

Master and Slave Unit Configuration

Steps to set up the master and slave Speedlites for automatic operation.

Communication Channel Setup

Checking and setting communication channels to prevent interference.

Fully Automatic Wireless Flash Operation

Checking Flash Operation

Testing the wireless flash system before shooting.

Shooting with Wireless Flash

Final steps for taking pictures using the wireless flash setup.

Master Unit Flash Control

Disabling Master Flash Firing

Preventing the master unit from firing during exposure.

Setting Communication Channel

Preventing Signal Confusion

Changing channels to avoid interference with other flash systems.

Flash Ratio with E-TTL II

Setting Up Slave Units

Assigning slave IDs (A, B) to slave units for ratio control.

Setting Flash Ratios

Setting the Master Unit

Configuring the master unit to control flash ratios.

Selecting and Setting Ratios

Choosing and applying flash ratios (e.g., A:B) for slave units.

Wireless Flash with Three Slave Groups

Setting Slave Units A, B, and C

Configuring three slave groups for advanced wireless lighting setups.

Modeling Flash

Checking Lighting Effects

Using the modeling flash to preview lighting and shadow effects.

Slave Group Control

Managing multiple Speedlites assigned to the same slave group ID.

Wireless Manual Flash with Varied Output

Setting Individual Slave Outputs

Adjusting manual flash output for each slave unit (group A, B, C).

Manual and Stroboscopic Flash on Slave Units

Manual Flash Setup for Slaves

Manually setting flash output for slave units individually.

Stroboscopic Flash Setup for Slaves

Manually setting stroboscopic flash parameters for slave units.

Reference

580 EX System Overview

Description of the Speedlite 580EX system and its components.

Troubleshooting Guide

Solutions for common problems encountered with the Speedlite.

Major Specifications

Detailed technical specifications of the Speedlite 580EX.

Using a Type-B Camera

Information on compatibility and features when used with Type-B cameras.

580 EX System Overview

System Components Identification

Lists and illustrates all components of the Speedlite 580EX system.

Color Temperature Information Transmission

White Balance Optimization

How flash color temperature information optimizes camera white balance.

AF-Assist Beam Function

Autofocus Assistance

Explanation of how the AF-assist beam aids low-light focusing.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Speedlite Not Detaching from Camera

Resolving issues where the Speedlite cannot be removed from the camera.

Speedlite Not Firing

Diagnosing and fixing problems with the Speedlite failing to fire.

Slave Unit Not Firing

Troubleshooting issues with wireless slave units not firing.

Power Turns Off By Itself

Addressing unintended power-off due to auto power save.

LCD Panel Blinking

Identifying the cause for the entire LCD panel blinking.

Troubleshooting Picture Quality

Flash Range Scale Bars Blinking

Reasons for blinking flash range scale bars (e.g., bounce tilt).

Dark Periphery or Bottom of Picture

Correcting dark areas caused by incorrect flash coverage settings.

Underexposed or Overexposed Flash

Troubleshooting flash exposure issues like underexposure or overexposure.

Blurred Pictures Troubleshooting

Addressing causes of blurred images, such as camera shake or low light.

Major Specifications

Type and Compatibility

Details on Speedlite type, compatible cameras, and guide numbers.

Guide Number and Flash Coverage

Key performance metrics including guide numbers and flash coverage range.

Exposure Control Features

Information on exposure control types, flash range, and compensation.

Flash Recycling and Wireless Specs

Details on recycling times, indicators, and wireless transmission.

Major Specifications Details

Transmission Range and Slave Groups

Wireless transmission range, reception angle, and controllable slave groups.

Custom Functions and AF-Assist Beam

Details on custom functions, linkable AF points, and AF-assist beam range.

Power Source and Dimensions

Information on battery life, power saving, dimensions, and weight.

Major Specifications Tables

Guide Number Tables

Comprehensive tables of guide numbers for various flash coverage and output settings.

Using a Type-B Camera

Type-B Camera Features and Restrictions

Details available features and limitations when using Speedlite with Type-B cameras.

Regulatory Compliance

FCC Compliance Statement

Information regarding FCC rules, interference, and user modifications.

Safety and EMC Precautions

Product Safety Information

Warnings about exposure to liquids, heat, and battery charging.

Limited Warranty Information

Warranty Coverage and Limitations

Details on warranty terms, exclusions, and claim procedures.

International Service Network

Authorized Service Facilities

Information on obtaining service at authorized Canon facilities worldwide.

Canon SpeedLite 580EX Specifications

General IconGeneral
Product colorBlack
Focal length range105 mm
Approx. number of flashes100 - 700
Approximate recycling time0.1 s
Guide number (ISO 100, set at 35mm zoom)58 m
Number of batteries supported4
Weight and Dimensions IconWeight and Dimensions
Weight375 g
Dimensions (WxDxH)76 x 134 x 114 mm

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