Power, connectivity, and reliability, the Canon Speedlite EL-1 is an on-camera E-TTL / E-TTL II-compatible flash characterized by its flexibility to suit a variety of lighting needs. Featuring a xenon flashtube, greater exposure stability is possible along with a powerful guide number of 197' at ISO 100 and versatile exposure control from full 1/1 power down to 1/8192 power. Also distinct, the EL-1 utilizes the LP-EL rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack to promote shorter recycle times of around 0.9 sec, approximately 335 flashes per charge, and it contributes to improved thermal management and the flash's active cooling system.

Capable of handling professional applications, the EL-1 fully supports RT-series flash products for radio-based wireless control and triggering, including wireless second-curtain sync, and the flash has a rugged physical design equivalent to the dust and water-resistance of the EOS-1D-series camera bodies. Its improved user interface incorporates an updated joystick design, display, and control layout and it features a tunable LED modeling lamp to help previsualize the lighting. Additionally, the flash head can fully swivel 180° left and right, bounce upward 120°, and it includes a built-in wide panel.