Once in a while, great products come out in the market that not only offers quality but also great value. While most OEM products are well worth their weight in dollars, many camera equipment are beyond the beginner’s limited budget.
With repeated advice in my site to beginners to get a flash before anything else after their first camera kit, it’s about time that we review a low-cost, high-quality flashgun that’s out in the market today.
The Nissin Speedlite Di622 is manufactured by one of Japan’s oldest camera flash manufacturers, Nissin Marketing. The Nissin Di622 (Di622 hereon out) is a mid-level flash model for the Nissin brand and it’s intended to match up against the mid-level offerings of Nikon and Canon (SB-600 and 430EXII, respectively) in terms of output and features.
First the specs:
Usable camera - CANON digital camera, NIKON digital camera
Guide Number - 44m, 145ft. (ISO 100), 62m, 205ft. (ISO 200)
Variable power 6 levels: Full – 1/2 – 1/4 – 1/8 – 1/16 – 1/32 powers
Flash exposure control E-TTL and E-TTL II for Canon cameras / i-TTL for Nikon cameras
Power source 4X LR6 or equivalent Mi-MH, lithium, oxyride batteries
Recycling time 0.2 -4.7 sec., with fresh alkaline batteries / 0.2 -4 sec., with Ni-MH batteries
Energy saving system 5 minutes to stand-by mode, 30 minutes to shut down
Number of flashes 200-1500 flashes by fresh alkaline batteries
Illumination angle Digital lens : 16mm (14mm with wide angle diffuser) / by zooming reflector to – 18 – 24 – 35 – 47 – 57 – 70mm
Traditional lens : 28mm (20mm with wide angle diffuser) to – 28 – 35 – 50 – 70 – 85 – 105mm
Turning head 90-degrees upward, 90-degrees to the left, 180-degrees to the right
Slave mode Slave sync : with respect to the digital pre-flash system
Power level : same as the variable power above
AF Assist light Infrared LED for distance of 0.7 to 6 meter.
Color temperature 5,600K (same as daylight)
Flash duration 1/800sec. to 1/20,000sec.
Camera contact Hotshoe only (not compatible with the traditional hotshoe system)
Accessories included Shoe stand, pouch
Dimensions 77(W) x 130(D) x103(H) mm / 30(W) x 51(D) x 40(H) inches
Weight 315g (without battery) / 11oz
The main attraction for the Di622 is the cost. At roughly US$150 a unit, it’s at least 40% cheaper than the equivalent Nikon or Canon unit, and it’s fully compatible with each brand’s TTL flash metering system.
The flash is slightly larger than the Nikon/Canon equivalent with a tilt/swivel head and zoom flash head. The head can turn all the way back, which is very helpful when creating directional light when shooting indoors by bouncing off walls. Interestingly, the flash swivels 180-degrees to the right, instead of the usual left. It’s more useful for a flash to swivel to the right when you’re holding the camera vertically as it still allows you to bounce light off the ceiling.
Having a button-less tilt/swivel head makes it easy and fast to switch flashhead direction.
Standard package comes with a flash unit, a carrying pouch, a flash stand, and user’s manual. The lightstand is very useful when you need to use the flash off-camera, more on this later.
The Di622 takes 4 AA batteries, as usual, but Nissin also has their own proprietary battery that allows much faster recyling time (not available in this review). The battery compartment door slides and tilts before opening, so accidental opening of the battery compartment is reduced.
The flash has a built-in diffuser panel that spreads up to 17mm wide angle coverage, while the zoom head covers a 24-105mm range. The flash also has a built-in bounce card, handy when you need to soften your light by bouncing vertically, while still requiring a bounce card to fill in the shadows.
The flash head zooms and unzooms as soon as you turn your lens’ zoom ring. There’s quite an audible noise present when the flash head is zooming internally, unfortunately.
Controls are very simple and straight-forward. There are a total of three buttons at the back with 3 sets of indicator lights. The Mode button functions as an automatic TTL/ Slave mode selector, or as a power adjustment selector. The Power button turns the unit on and off, while the LED indicators are clearly labeled to indicate power levels, pilot light, and TTL indicator.
The lack of menu and LCD allows quick selection of the different options available for the flash and it’s incredibly simple to use in dark areas unlike flash units with monitors.
The flash performs really well with a wide range of subjects. There is a hint of underexposure but not too much that it’s noticeable in most photographs. TTL system works well and is very reliable. The camera can control the flash compensation amount and you can use flash exposure lock on your camera as well to lock exposure on the Di622.
The flash recycles quickly and produces even and consistent output even at 6+fps burst frames.
One of the special features of the Di622 is the ability to work off-cam via wireless optical mode. The Di622 can be triggered either by optical means (a primary flash burst) such as a pop-up flash or another flash gun; or via infra-red signal coming from a flash commander/master.
In the example below, a Canon 550EX unit was set to Master with its flash power set to “Off”, meaning that the flash will only send out a signal to trigger other flashes without firing a light itself. The Di622 worked reliably indoors even through line-of-sight obstacles.
Here you can see the Di622 firing off-camera via remote IR. Note that no light is coming from the axis of the lens as the flash on the the camera is only acting as an IR master, and not another flash unit.
The next photo shows the on-camera flash set to fire, while the Di622 still supplies the light from the left side of the subject.
The wireless optical (via flash) triggering works well even outdoors with obstacles. The photo below shows the Di622 placed at around 25ft from the camera and no misfires were detected in 20 consecutive shots.
If you have other multiple flashes available, you can configure the flashes to fire off each other optically and produce creative lighting for your subjects. Do note, however, that the flash tends to enter a battery-saving, stand-by mode in 30-seconds if the flash doesn’t detect any signal while off-camera.
Note that the Di622 will fire via optical or IR signal, but it cannot be used with a standard center-pin radio trigger system as the circuitry is designed differently. It will not work with Flash Waves, Pocket Wizards, Skyports, Cactus, etc.
You can trigger the Di622 with traditional RF triggers if you’re handy with a soldering iron, feel free to try this page (registration may be required, written in Tagalog), or these two videos (part 1, part 2) – Warning, warranty will be void and I won’t be resposible if your flash gets damaged, try it at your own risk.
The Nissin Di622 is well made and works as advertised. If you’re after more power and a unit that can trigger with standard radio triggers without modifications, there is a higher-end model called Nissin Di866 available, which we’ll review in the future.
Returning to the flash review…
Last negative would be that the Nissin Di622 doesn’t offer high-speed sync where you can use your flash beyond your camera’s sync speed.
If you’re after an on-camera flash that doesn’t break the bank, the Nissin Di622 is tough to match in performance and value. It’s a real workhorse used successfully by pros and amateurs alike. While it lacks certain OEM features like the Nikon CLS or Canon Wireless ETTL ratio syncronization, most 3rd party flashes at this price range don’t offer these OEM features either.
The Metz/Sigma counterparts are more expensive, but they do offer ratio-based iTTL/eTTL metering, however (thanks to some forum folks at PotN for providing me these info).
If budget isn’t an issue, I’d recommend you to get an OEM flash, however, the price difference is quite great and sometimes, the differences are not as significant in real-life applications. In most on-camera cases, all you’ll need is a sturdy flash that can swivel and bounce, provides consistent exposures, recycles quickly, and built solidly for your day-to-day shots and even serious event coverage.
Technorati Tags: flash, flashgun, Nissin Speedlite, Di622, Japan
July 7th, 2009 at 5:54 pm
A Video Review available in YouTube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQgl8Fg-u0o
July 8th, 2009 at 9:42 am
Hi David! Noel here. Have proceeded with the mod. Regarding the zoom drive mechanism, I openned up my unit and found that the mechanism is not crappy as I thought it will be. The drive has metal gears and a very precise screw drive. This set up is more durable than all plastic zoom drives. I know because I worked with something similar used in industrial steam generators. Only much bigger. The Nissin is a great buy and becoming more popular by the minute. I hope the prices don't go up with this popularity.
July 8th, 2009 at 1:37 pm
Noel: Maybe the gears were large and they didn't use multiple smaller cogs hence the noise. That's a big comfort as the zoom was the only questionable built part that I can think of.
Let me know if you've done the RF mode already. Feel free to post images and/or instructions, I'll be glad to host the instructions here.
July 9th, 2009 at 8:32 am
Thanks to this review, I've discovered a feature of the di622 using Nikons CLS! Thanks again David!
July 9th, 2009 at 11:43 am
please have a review about the sunpak pz42x =)
July 9th, 2009 at 2:52 pm
Ace: Nice to hear.
John: Unfortunately, unless someone lends me one, I don't think I'll be able to grab hold onto one.
July 10th, 2009 at 3:44 pm
want to order this nissin flash di 622
July 10th, 2009 at 4:24 pm
hi david any idea when will the di866 be in sg..im using a di622 now…saw online selling from $249-$299 pound about sgd $600..thanks
July 11th, 2009 at 2:35 am
Henry: What mount? I can get you the Nikon mount in about a week lead time, I can get it for you a lot less than that.
Ronal: Please send me your contact number and I'll send you a unit. You can SMS me at 83789056
July 13th, 2009 at 5:13 am
im using a nikon mount now my contact is 81985870
July 13th, 2009 at 5:31 am
Hi Henry, will contact you shortly.
July 13th, 2009 at 11:07 am
Hi David, do you have nikon mount Di622 ? I'm interested to get one… where to collect ? 91899660
July 13th, 2009 at 11:21 am
Hi Sam, will send you SMS.
July 13th, 2009 at 11:52 am
Hi Sam, yes, will SMS you shortly.
July 23rd, 2009 at 5:57 am
Modded Di622 with Cactus V4
http://tinyurl.com/n58we7
http://tinyurl.com/lmy427
images from: href="http://warlycunanan.multiply.com/">Warly Cunanan.
July 24th, 2009 at 6:15 am
bought one set, nikon mount from david. nice and helpful.
love trying wireless, still trying out to figure out wireless ttl though.
on camera works fantastic, recycle is pretty good, recharge sound and zooming just a little on the down side.
July 24th, 2009 at 7:02 am
Hi Prime, it was nice meeting you. Glad to know the flash is working well for you. The recyling of the Di622 is a lot quieter than my 550EX but not as silent as the 430EX. The zoom is a little noisy, but Noel (see 2nd comment above) opened his unit up and it's nice to see that the zooming gears are made of brass and not plastic. I guess that's why it's a little noisy.
July 25th, 2009 at 7:55 am
maybe that's why. both not too big of a deal for me. cos i use it mainly wirelessly.
have to do it manually though, hopefully can master it manualy.
the recyle i'm worried that my love will be irritated by the noise. hopefully not. it's super fun doing wireless.
July 26th, 2009 at 2:06 pm
Don't worry about the sound. I've openned up my unit to look at the zoom mechanism. It's built tough. The gears are all metal driven by a very hefty motor.
July 26th, 2009 at 2:10 pm
For the moment, I'll be using it via cable after it failed with the Yong Nuo CTR 301s. Nothing wrong with the Nissin or the Yong Nuo though. It's just a compatibility issue. Cactus V4s have been confirmed to work flawlessly. I'll get this when needed.
July 26th, 2009 at 6:17 pm
Thanks for the update, Noel:
July 27th, 2009 at 2:18 am
My nephew who works for Petrophil watched a professional photoshoot on the company's helipad. All of the slaves used were Nissin Di622 models firing optically in unison with Nikon SB flash units.
July 27th, 2009 at 2:22 am
The optical sensor is sensitive enough for me, for most indoor purposes, it has served me really well.
July 28th, 2009 at 9:23 am
Can this be triggered via st-e2?
July 29th, 2009 at 8:06 am
Yes, but not with ratios, just for triggering.
August 4th, 2009 at 9:40 am
So it won't retain e-ttl?
August 4th, 2009 at 4:27 pm
Not off-cam, no.
August 21st, 2009 at 12:15 pm
interested to get 1 for my canon 500d.
please sms me at 81686252
warranty wise?
August 23rd, 2009 at 2:04 am
Ekardo: Sorry, all units are sold out.
September 5th, 2009 at 3:54 am
Thank You very much for review. I was ready to run out and buy this Flash this morning but decided to search for review first and luckily I found your review. You are the only reviewer who mention the compatibility of the flash Trigger and Hot shoes for Nissin 622. I mainly use my flash as Off Camera Flash so I was so disappointed that it wont work on Radio Trigger. Do you know any other flash That wont work on Radio Trigger? Canon EX series Flash? Now I'm looking at the Nissin 866 instead since it has syn port and you can upgrade Firmware later on too.
September 5th, 2009 at 5:53 am
Oud: Hi and thanks for dropping by. The Di622 doesn't work with RF triggers, that's correct. There are other flashes that won't work due to proprietary contact designs, I'm not precisely sure what other flashes are as well.
However, all Canon, Nikon flashes will work with any RF trigger, you don't have to worry about that, the Di866 will be compatible as well, not to mention it's A LOT more powerful.
September 5th, 2009 at 9:23 am
Actually now, I have my eyes on Di866 but I heard so far there are only Nikon version, Do you know if the cannon version will come out anytime soon? I saw the Di866 VDO and it has a nice color LCD in the back and look very easy to use.
Have you ever heard of Tumax DPT386AFZ-C? Is it any good?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NEhHzPFIyk
September 7th, 2009 at 4:25 am
Hi Sebastian, yes, a Rebel (500D and lower) max shutter sync speed is 1/200 while 40D/5D etc are 1/250. That's the flash sync limit of virtually all cameras other than the Nikon D70 and D40 which have 1/500 limit.
The Di622 doesn't have high-speed sync support, however.
Dave
September 7th, 2009 at 2:46 am
Hi, I got the Di662 from you too. I got it for my Canon 450D. But i found out that the Flash sync speed stop at SS 1/200. My setting in M mode with F/4 n SS 1/500, when i took a shoot, the SS auto go back to 1/200. My 450D flash sync set at auto. May i know is it normal? or is there any setting to make it able to shoot with SS more than 1/200?
September 7th, 2009 at 5:51 am
Hi David, thank for your reply. Do Di866 have high-speed sync support?
September 7th, 2009 at 10:36 am
Hi Sebastian, yes, the Di866 supports HSS, please see:
http://bit.ly/41bYNX
http://bit.ly/7SIe1
http://bit.ly/4BVzGy << Video
The Canon variant isn't available until mid to late Sept, I'm getting one to replace my aging 550EX. However, Nikon variants are already available as of late August.
September 8th, 2009 at 5:14 am
Hi David,
Let me know if you have this item to sell. i want one. email me the price. Thanks
September 11th, 2009 at 11:10 pm
Jay: I only have one Nikon-mount unit left, let me know if you’re interested (and if you’re based in Singapore).
October 6th, 2009 at 3:05 am
Hi david, I would like to check with you, is there any way that the di622 able to support on Canon 5Dmk2?
October 6th, 2009 at 7:00 am
Sebastian: What do you mean by "support" exactly?
If the question is will it fire and meter correctly via ETTL-II, then yes, just like any other Canon flash. However, if you're asking whether or not the camera can control the flash via the menu, then no, only the newer EXII Canon flashes can do so.
October 7th, 2009 at 5:19 am
thx. david. actually i wan to ask will it be fire and meter correctly when mount on 5DMK2. Cos i read somewhere, it say Di622 unable to use in 5D mk2.
BTW, when i using it with my 450D, it sometime will have over exposure. Is there any problem?
October 7th, 2009 at 10:06 pm
You’re correct, Sebastian… The 622 doesn’t work on the 5DII, for the price, you might want to add a little more and get a used 430EX (I), or get a Metz.
October 9th, 2009 at 1:05 pm
David, is this review of Nissin Di662 holds true with Nikon?
October 9th, 2009 at 1:07 pm
I mean Nissin Di622, sorry.
October 9th, 2009 at 11:39 pm
@Fiscal: Should be, AFAIK, only the TTL algorithm is different.
October 11th, 2009 at 4:30 pm
hi Sir,
do you have a review for canon 500d?
October 19th, 2009 at 2:54 pm
Nikon camera user here sir,
with regards to the trigger voltage? Is it the same with its Nikon SB counter part?
October 19th, 2009 at 7:04 am
Arvin: Most new flashes released these days are under 6V, so no problem with DSLR bodies.
October 21st, 2009 at 1:29 am
David, have u tried the Di622 with Canon ST-E2? Total control from ST-E2 with the different power ratios n stuff or does it just trigger the Di622 at full power n we hafta adjust the Di622 power manually?
I’m thinking of adding a few Di622 to my arsenal if they can be fully controlled by the ST-E2.
October 20th, 2009 at 11:28 pm
Ian: The Di622 works with the ST-E2/550EX/580EX-EXII's triggering but not the ratio control. The Di866 can be triggered with full ratio control but not the Di622, hope that clarifies.
October 21st, 2009 at 3:37 pm
Hi David, can you control the zoom via the buttons at the back even if its off camera?
October 21st, 2009 at 3:57 pm
Hi Mig, no you cannot.
October 26th, 2009 at 3:00 pm
sir, text me if nissin di622 is still available.. 9152005999
November 4th, 2009 at 11:17 am
Update to all users, Nikon mount already has a firmware update that allows regular RF triggering…