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 flash tube, greater exposure stability is possible along with a powerful guide number of 60m 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.

The EL-1 fully supports EL-series RT flashes via its built-in radio trigger and receiver. It can trigger up to 15 RT-series receiver Speedlites to produce light freely even when not attached to the camera. For even more creative possibilities, the EL-1 features Second-Curtain Sync. 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 modelling 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.