Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT - Unboxing & First Look

Unboxing and brief 'hands on' look at the new Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT flash for Canon DSLR Cameras.

This is the new Canon Speedlite flash that features wireless Radio Triggering.

Only released last month (2 March 2012), this unboxing video shows detailed images of the new Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT, and explains what is in the box when you buys one.

It replaces the Canon 580EX II as Canon's flagship Speedlite.

It is designed to partner with the ST-E3-RT Speedlite Transmitter, which is fitted onto the hotshot of your Canon DSLR Camera.

Stay tuned to my CHANNEL as I will post a more detailed review on this new camera flash shortly.

See here:
Review Part 4 - [Stay tuned]

This exciting new Speedlite flash will allow photographers and strobist enthusiasts much more creativity in their photography, as the wireless Radio Triggering technology does not require direct line of sight to trigger the flash when taking photos. If you are a Strobist or Wedding Photographer - you will love this flash! This is the Future of Speedliting.

Filmed in 1080p HD HQ video.

[TheFamilyguy]

Yes, you will need the ST-E3-RT in order to use Radio Triggering (RT). This functionality is not built into the Canon 60D. However, it will still work with optical triggering with your 60D's pop-up flash (you will need line of sight ... or near line of sight if there is enough light bounce). The ST-E3-RT mounts into your hot shoe mount, and allows your camera to communicate with your off-camera Speedlite unit.

[TheFamilyguy]

No worries. It was a lot to pay for a camera flash - but I was happy to pay the extra for the weather sealing and extra durability on the 600EX-RT as I tend to bump my equipment around a bit.

[TheFamilyguy]

I bought my 600EX-RT over the internet from TopBuy Australia. I've bought camera equipment from them before and found them to be reliable & quick. You can also buy the new Speedlite from eBay. Two tips though - only buy grey-imports from sellers who offer a reliable Australian warranty. Make sure you read the fine print & don't have to send your flash overseas if there are any issues. Secondly, make sure they are a proper company who offer you a phone number if you need to call them. Good luck!

[TheFamilyguy]

I understand that they are identical units except for the Radio Triggering. You will still have off-camera optical triggering which works very well. Let me know how you like the 600EX.

[MrFunnyvids]

Awesome review of the new Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT! It's a nice camera flash!

[TheFamilyguy]

In answer to a question that I just received about the compatibility of the Speedlite 600EX-RT and the Canon EOS 60D ... Yes, it is fully compatible with a Canon EOS 60D. You can see me using the Speedlite on a Canon 60D in some of my other tutorial videos. However, you will need to buy the ST-E3 transmitter to put into the hotshoe mount of your 60D -- that is if you want to use the Radio Triggering functionality.

[TheFamilyguy]

I have actually found the Optical Triggering on a 600EX-RT (when being triggered by a 60D) to be very good. If I am shooting indoors, there is usually surprisingly enough light bounce from ceilings and walls to trigger the flash even when it is positioned directly behind a person or vase of flowers. It would definitely have its limits though (e.g. I can't imagine it would work outside).

[lollipopmissfit]

ive been drooling over this, since the pre-ordering.Thanks for the vid :)

[LuiG]

Hello again Familyguy! Here's what I noticed the other day: the 60D does have something called Integrated Speedlite Transmitter, a built in wireless control allowing full E-TTL II metering from the camera over two Speedlites units simultaneously. It is 1 out of 3 Canon cameras with this feature (the others are the 7D and the Rebel T3i).
I tried with my 430 EX II and it works!

The source:
Canon Digital Learning Center

[MrCuddlySandpaper]

Great review of the Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT!

[LuiG]

That's a quick response! Thank you very much. I'm going to look for the ST-E3 transmitter then!
Cheers!
Luigi

[LuiG]

Thanks! I finally bought a 430 EX II wich I use as a fill light when I'm shooting with the sunlight as master or key light - I don't have the budget to go for two Speedlites yet ;)

[TheFamilyguy]

The advantage of Radio Triggering over Optical Triggering is that with RT, you can trigger your flash even when it is positioned around a corner without direct line of sight (e.g. in a soft box, behind a wall, behind your subject, etc.). Optical Triggering requires line of sight. If you will never use that functionality, then you could save some $ buy getting a non-RT Speedlite. ...you could save the money and upgrade to a Canon 70D ...rumoured to be announced by Canon this week! ...maybe!

[LuiG]

Thanks again, your information comes handy! I think I'll be fine trying optical triggering while I save money for the transmitter ;) I was planning using it outdoors, but I understand It could fail, but I'm gonna try it anyway!

Thanks a lot. I Hope to see more updates from you related to photography!
Cheers!

[CRANKYONE]

nice vid mate - can you also do a vid showing how the new wireless function works?

[TheFamilyguy]

I've been wondering about the same thing. Second 600EX-RT flash or ST-E3? I'm also tempted to wait until the rumoured Canon Speedlite 440EX-RT flash comes out with Radio Triggering later this year (which surely can’t be too much more expensive than the ST-E3 … hopefully). Depending what camera body you shoot with, you could also wait to hear if the new 650D body has RT built-in to the camera (I personally doubt it … as I think Canon will keep it as a “high end” camera feature).

[jdonald]

Nice unboxing, I am getting mine today.  But remember you can use the EX and EX RT in slave and use your popup camera to flash the Speedlite, its IR but works!  Say buh bye to redeye lol.

[johnnykun]

Just bought the 600EX but not the RT version. Am I gonna expect much of a change? I'm assuming I wont have the Radio Transition, will I be missing out on much?

[LuiG]

OK! Still (sorry) I'm confused.
If I can fire any off-camera Canon Speedlite (slave) by optical triggering (using the pop-up flash of my camera as a master), shooting in line of sight, why buying the 600 EX-RT? Does the built in Radio Triggering function is to deliver communication between several other speedlites or the camera (Via transmitter mounted in the hot shoe of the camera)?. Because I just want my Speedlite as a side fill/master light for shooting models at short distances (less-6 mts)

[ianno]

Hi, amazing review.

I've been thinking about upgrading my camera from Canon 400D to Canon 7D. Is it compatible with the Canon 7D ?!

Thanks