Canon EOS 600D / Rebel T3i flash

 

The EOS 600D / Rebel T3i is equipped with the same internal flash as its predecessor, which pops-up 55mm above the top of the lens mount (clearing the optional EF-S 18-135mm kit lens) and has a guide number of 13. As before, there's also a hotshoe for mounting external Speedlite flashguns and the fastest sync speed remains 1/200. As you'd expect for a consumer model, there's no PC Sync port, but then the EOS 60D didn't have one either. So far so similar to the earlier models, but Canon has enhanced the flash functionality of the 600D / T3i with support for wireless control and the latest video light equipped Speedlites. 

Starting with the former, the EOS 600D / T3i follows the EOS 60D and EOS 7D to become the third Canon DSLR to support wireless flash control. The built-in flash can be used as a Master to wirelessly trigger compatible Speedlites, although the implementation is a little simpler and more consumer-friendly than the EOS 60D and EOS 7D.

If you enter the Built-in Flash Func menu, you can now choose from NormalFiring, EasyWireless and CustWireless. EasyWireless greys-out all the advanced options, simply leaving the control channel and exposure compensation settings. This means all you need to do is match the channel of the slave unit and you're ready to go, which allows beginners to enjoy the benefits of wireless flash control without the complications. You can trigger multiple units sharing the same channel, although without separate control over their output.

More advanced photographers will however be pleased to find greater control under the CustWireless option, which unlocks the options to set the Wireless Function and the ratio between built-in and external units. Slave units can also be divided into two groups and the ratio between them set.

The EOS 60D and EOS 7D may offer more advanced wireless options with up to three groups and compensation applied in a broader range of +/-3EV, but the facilities offered by the EOS 600D / T3i remain more than sufficient for all but the most sophisticated setups, and the new EasyWireless option allows lighting beginners to make the first step into wireless control with the least hassle. Overall they're a valuable addition to the xxxD / Rebel line.

Like its predecessors, there's also control for compatible Speedlites mounted directly to the hotshoe, allowing you to adjust the compensation, bracketing, sync, zoom and wireless options without touching the flash.

New to the EOS 600D / T3i is support for the latest Speedlites which include LED lamps for illuminating video. Under dim conditions with the Movie exposure mode set to Auto, the camera can automatically turn the light on when required.