Canon Delays Launch of the Speedlite EL-5 Due to Production Issues
Canon has delayed the launch of the Speedlite EL-5 due to production issues that prevented it from being able to make enough of them.
Originally scheduled to come to market this month, Canon Japan has made the decision to push that out to “around summer” — an imprecise and amorphous time period — to give itself enough time to manufacture more of them.
“Regarding the Speedlite EL-5, which was announced on November 2, 2022 and was scheduled to be released in March 2023, due to production reasons, we are unable to prepare a sufficient supply for the launch,” Canon’s notice reads. “We have decided to postpone the release to around the summer of 2023. We sincerely apologize.”
The launch window has been pushed at least three months, as Canon says it intends to provide more specific timing for the release in early June.
To Be Canon’s First Flash for EOS R Mirrorless
The Speedlite EL-5 is to be Canon’s first to take advantage of the multi-function hotshoe found on its latest EOS R series mirrorless cameras. Powered by the LP-EL rechargeable Lithium-ion battery pack, the unit is capable of finding 350 full-power flashes on a single charge as well as continuously triggering up to 95 flashes in a row. It also featured a built-in LED modeling lamp and was able to connect with a smartphone running the Canon Camera Connect app to allow for remote settings control.
Canon’s EL-5 will cost $399, which is a lot more than more simplistic third-party options in what is a very crowded market. Speedlights have become pretty much a commodity over the last several years and camera companies have struggled to find ways to appeal to photographers with prices that tend to be double or triple what brands like Nissin or Yongnuo ask. In 2021, Nikon seemed to fully accept this when it partnered with Nissin to produce flashes that work seamlessly with its cameras. It then discontinued the SB-500 earlier this year and the SB-5000 appears to be on the same track.
Canon hasn’t made a similar move yet and instead the EL-5 which brought with it enhanced features that can’t be found in cheaper third-party offerings. Whether those are enticing enough to warrant the $399 price remains to be seen.
Image credits: Canon
