Canon has announced two new accessories for the EOS system – the Speedlite 600EX II-RT and the Directional Stereo Microphone DM-E1 – designed to enable photographers and videographers to discover new and creative ways of shooting. The Speedlite 600EX II-RT is a powerful, high-performance flash, offering ultimate lighting control, ideal for fast frame-rate shooting, such as sporting events, weddings or red carpet moments. The DM-E1 is Canon’s first external EOS system microphone enabling videographers to capture high-quality sound to complement the exceptional image quality in movies shot on compatible EOS cameras.

A world of lighting possibilities – the Speedlite 600EX II-RT

The Speedlite 600EX II-RT delivers uncompromised performance, making it the perfect companion for the flagship EOS-1D X Mark II. Firing up to 50 per cent more flashes continuously compared with its predecessor, and a 100 per cent increase when used with the new CP-E4N, it ensures you capture even more of the action. The new and improved heat measure technology prevents overheating and allows longer bursts of flashes.

A guide number of 60m at ISO 100 allows you to creatively light your subject over a wide range of distances and large areas, ideal for capturing the whole congregation at a wedding. Thanks to a wide lens coverage, from 20mm to 200mm, or to 14mm via the built-in adapter, photographers can easily control how light is spread across a subject.

For creative illumination, the flash features a wireless slave function, enabling photographers to make the most of off-camera lighting. The radio control function, pioneered by Canon, provides further creative freedom, allowing photographers to build mood and atmosphere into a scene at up to 30m away by simulating multi-directional light. Up to 15 Speedlites can be used together off-camera for dramatic multi-flash photography – great when shooting interiors.

For portraiture specialists, the new and included bounce adapter SBA-E3 provides more freedom to bounce light from walls and ceilings for a softer, more natural result, whilst the rotating bounce flash eliminates unwanted shadows. The new clip-on hard coloured filters further helps when balancing flash with ambient light.

Outstanding sound quality – the Directional Stereo Microphone DM-E1

The DM-E1 is a compact stereo directional microphone providing exceptional performance for when high-quality sound matters just as much as the visuals. Designed to complement the movie quality of the EOS range, the DM-E1 is a versatile, high-quality microphone that can be used to capture a range of subjects.

Featuring a classic shotgun design with three directional sound pick-up modes, the DM-E1 provides the ability to adjust the microphone to capture in three different directional patterns. The monaural shotgun mode is best suited for capturing a sound source directly in front of the camera, such as a presenter or reporter, providing some isolation from other sounds from within their environment. Switching to the 90 and 120 degree modes provides stereo sound for sources that are spread over wider areas, such as an orchestra in a concert hall.

The in-built shock mount ensures noise from camera operations and lens zoom are effectively reduced, whilst wind noise is avoided thanks to the windshield. With a 50Hz to 16kHz sound frequency range pick-up, the microphone can capture a wide tonal range, while the 66dB S/N ratio and -42db sensitivity means users have a sensitive microphone with minimal distortion.

Perfectly compact, ideal for those on the move

The DM-E1 is one of the smallest and lightest microphones of its kind which makes it perfect for shooting on the move. Thanks to the 35mm audio jack connection, it can be used with a range of compatible Canon EOS cameras.