Testing the Intelligence of the Canon Speedlite 470EX-AI

AI flash is finally here! Though in this case it refers to Auto Intelligent instead of the simultaneously exciting and scary thought of artificial intelligence that has caused the fall of humanity in more than one fictional universe. Anyway… today we are referring to Canon’s latest flash, the Speedlite 470EX-AI, which becomes the first on-camera option to have a fully automatic bounce function. Beyond being a fun party trick, the creating of this tech makes the ideal of flash photography more accessible to all—and it works impressively well.

The trick with this flash is that the head will automatically measure the distance to the ceiling and walls and then determine, along with TTL data, where to position the head for optimal quality. Basically, it allows anyone to pick up a flash and use it effectively. Many detractors will point out that it takes the creativity and control out of the hands of photographers and, while this may be true, to an extent, I believe that making photography more accessible to beginners is beneficial to all. It can also function as an educational tool because it effectively shows photographers how to work with bounce flash.

One thing that does concern me about this tech is the added complications it might add. Sure, if it works well it should result in less time fiddling with the settings on the flash, saving time, and in my time with it, the performance was quite good. Ideally, you will be using this in rooms with walls and ceilings that are placed close enough that the flash can measure distance quickly and then use those measurements effectively. If you aren’t, like if you are outside, the flash will default to the straight forward position, which makes sense if there are no surfaces from which to bounce light.

Two Auto Intelligent modes are available, one full-auto mode that will do all the work for you by measuring the distances and then choosing the appropriate setting, and a semi-auto mode that allows users to set the angle manually and then have it reposition to that saved setting. The full-auto mode is fun to watch and useful if you are just starting out or want to gauge the room. I preferred the semi-auto mode, since I am comfortable with using speedlites and could choose my own angle and then freely move between portrait and landscape orientation.

Even without the AI Bounce function, this is a respectable and decently compact flash unit. It features a guide number of 154' (47 m) at ISO 100 and the 105mm position, a zoom head that covers the standard 24-105mm range along with a wide-angle panel that works with 14mm optics, and can function as an optical TTL slave. A unique aspect is that is features click-less tilt and rotation, from 0-120° and 360°, respectively. This lets you place it precisely where you need and allows the motor to do its thing with relative ease.

Light quality is what you would expect from a Canon Speedlite, in that it is reliable and works very well when set to E-TTL in conjunction with a current Canon camera. The flash also comes with a bounce dome diffuser, which should help get slightly softer lighting in your shots. It really is a handy flash unit for general photography and can serve well for event work. If you can spend the extra cash and want something that will help you get started with flash photography, the Speedlite 470EX-AI is an outstanding choice.

What are your thoughts on Canon’s AI tech? Are you looking to get into flash? Let us know in the Comments section, below!