Canon 1D Mark III Flash

Canon EOS-1D Mark III Flash

Like most pro cameras, the 1D Mark III has no internal pop-up flash, but provides both an external flash hot-shoe as well as an external PC socket for connecting a strobe. The hot-shoe accommodates all Canon EX series speedlights, as well as a variety of third-party flash units. A Flash Exposure Lock button allows users to lock the flash exposure in advance of the shot, and a Flash Exposure Compensation option adjusts the overall flash power from -3 to +3 EV in one-third-step increments (only for Canon EX series speedlights). Automatic flash exposure bracketing is also available.

The Canon 1D Mark III's X-Sync speed is 1/300 second, and a High Speed Sync option synchronizes the flash with all shutter speeds available on the Mark III, from 1/8,000 to 30 seconds. (Note though, that a full-power flash almost invariably lasts longer than 1/8,000 second, so you won't see the full flash power when working with a shutter speed that fast.) When using a wireless capable Canon EX flash unit, you can also sync up wireless slave units for greater coverage, with no connecting wires, special codes, or anything. Full TTL flash metering is available even with multi-flash wireless setups.

Other flash related options available on the Canon 1D Mark III include evaluative or average flash metering, first- or second-curtain synchronization, in-camera access to Custom Functions specific to the attached Speedlite model, and the ability to disable the external flash while still using its AF assist beam for low-light photography without flash.