It enables full automatic flash photography by TTL automatic flash exposure control. It now includes S-TTL flash photography for Sigma, 3-D multi-sensor balanced fill flash function and i-TTL flash photography for Nikon, E-TTL II flash photography for Canon, ADI flash photography and P-TTL flash photography for Minolta.

For bounce flash it can be tilted 90° upwards and 7° downward for close-ups. Also, it can be swiveled 180° to the left and 90° to the right. In addition manual flash can be set to full and 1/16 output levels in 2 steps. Covering focal length of the flashlight can be seen on the LED panel and the flash ready signal can be seen in the viewfinder. EF-500 DG ST incorporates auto power off system.