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.
Final note and update: As of Feb 2010, the NIKON MOUNT versions can utilize standard radio triggers like Pocket Wizards, Flashwaves, YongNuo, Cactus, etc. The Canon mount haven’t been updated and CANNOT use standard RF triggers.
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…
November 21st, 2009 at 5:57 pm
Hi David! I've heard that there is already a firmware update for Nissin Di622 nikon, for it will work on RF. Do you have any news when will this be available for Canon? Thanks
- Jay
November 29th, 2009 at 4:36 pm
bought one a few days ago..It works wonders even on the pocket..very good buy for a third party flash..:)
November 29th, 2009 at 4:52 pm
Jay, they said it won't be available till January (for the Canon mount)
December 4th, 2009 at 1:04 am
Hello David, this is Drey from Tsikot.
I would like to hear more about modifying the trigger flash. I just bought a Nissin Di622 and was disappointed to hear that it will not trigger using Yong Nuo CTR 301. Just starting to love photography and would like to know more.
Thanks for this. :D
-Sandre
December 4th, 2009 at 3:49 pm
Hi Drey: The Nikon mount Di622 can have its firmware updated by your local service/distributor so it can be triggered with normal RF triggers. The Canon-mount firmware is said to be available 1st quarter of 2010.
December 8th, 2009 at 1:47 am
how much is the Nissin Di622?
i would like to get it for my nikon d5000?
could you email me at wesleytjq_dna@hotmail.com (:
December 8th, 2009 at 4:26 am
Wesley: Sorry I'm not selling any units anymore. However, there is a local Singapore dealer available and there are quite a few Nikon mount Di622 in the used section of clubsnap.com. Cheers.
December 8th, 2009 at 5:26 am
Hi. Does this support 2nd curtain sync on Canon cameras?
December 8th, 2009 at 6:33 am
No it doesn't Matt, neither can it do HSS.
December 20th, 2009 at 1:42 pm
Sir David, what do you mean by Canon-Mount firmware? I'm planning to get an order from DPOnline the di622 this Christmas for my Sx10 IS of canon. Do you know the maximum shutter
speed the powershots can use with the di622? Also, what happens when the lens go beyond the di622's 105mm range like when my uncle's 40d goes 117 mm-ish. Thanks!
December 20th, 2009 at 2:59 pm
The SX10's max sync speed is 1/500, if I'm not mistaken. Flashes by themselves technically doesn't have a "sync speed" on their own, so it'll work whether you're using a camera with a 1/30 sync or 1/500.
The firmware update is for the Di622 to work with off-camera radio triggers, which the older firmware (and all Canon versions as of the date of this message) cannot support.
When the zoom of the lens exceeds the zoom of the flash, nothing "bad" will happen, you'll just be wasting some light as the beam is wider then the angle-of-view of the lens and the flash won't reach as far due to light fall-off.
Traditionally speaking, however, flash zoom heads only cover up to 105-200mm at the most regardless of brand as the notion is, if you're that far, your flash shouldn't be on cam anyway. There are products that act as a lens to put in front of the flash to extend it's range.
December 30th, 2009 at 5:52 am
Hi David!
Taken above…
"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."
My question:
Will this work on EOS 450D? How?
Thank you for your time.
December 30th, 2009 at 9:09 am
Hi Jojo, I should've been more clear about it… I had an on-camera external flash (550ex) acting as a master unit.
January 12th, 2010 at 4:29 pm
Oh ok. Thanks David.
January 17th, 2010 at 10:28 pm
Has anyone done the mod and got it working with rf-602?
January 18th, 2010 at 11:11 am
Hi David,
Where did you get this info? I'd like to know too… I've been considering of buying one too but what's stopping me is the fact that it won't work with the usual RF triggers. I'm not sure if shops in Manila sell the ones with updated firmware though. But I have my eye in this particular model. I hear this more than the other flash models.
January 30th, 2010 at 5:57 am
Just modded the nissin di622 and confirmed it works with rf-622 without firmware upgrade!
February 4th, 2010 at 6:39 am
Dear David, I recently bought the Nissan Di622 for my Canon Powershot G10. The reason is so that I can do bounce flash on the G10 and I can also use it to supplement my Nikon SB400 as an off camera remote flash. I agree that out of the box it tends to put out a weak light when connected to the G10 in default mode. To improve it I use it in manual mode by setting it at 2nd. weakest power postion. But I have found a way to do TTL flash with the G10 and get the flash to work right. What I did is to go into the flash compensation menu on the G10 and set the flash power to +1 or 2 and then it works as a charm. That's my 2 cents. Cherio.
February 4th, 2010 at 7:39 am
Hi Raden, welciome to the site. The info you posted would help other G10/G11 users out there. :)
Dave
February 13th, 2010 at 1:07 pm
Hello David, I am interested in purchasing this Nissin Di622 Flash and have been monitoring it and reading a lot of good reviews about it. Just wondering if you could help me on how to purchase where and actually how much it is here in Singapore??? Thank you
My Email & Number
fidel316@hotmail.com / 8138 8855
February 14th, 2010 at 4:56 am
Fidel: There's an authorized distributor here in SG called "Red Dot Photo", you might wanna visit clubsnap.com's mass sales section. Cheers.
February 14th, 2010 at 5:32 am
@ David : Ok Thanks, I'm so eager to have this one as a flash for my Cam … Helpful tips & Review …. Keep it up!!! :-)
February 23rd, 2010 at 11:28 am
hi, can you help me.
i dont get the transmitter part.
is it possible to send a flash signal with my fill flash being the master |BUT i dont want any flash coming from my built-in flash just from the nissin which is off camera. now when it triggers, both flash lights which defeats the purpose. Can this be done with using other methods?
March 20th, 2010 at 10:23 pm
is this flash long lasting??
March 20th, 2010 at 2:27 pm
are this flash picture quality same as 430ex?? sanpakpz40x n nissin di622 which is better??
March 21st, 2010 at 2:28 am
Mursyeed: Yes, the flash is sturdy and should last most folks quite a while. As for picture quality, flashes don't exactly alter the image quality of a photograph, the only differences that will show on the photos are how the TTL metering is implemented. The Sunpak is an equally capable flash and may be a better option if you want to use it with radio triggers for Canon mount as the Canon version cannot support RF triggers yet.
March 24th, 2010 at 6:40 am
Can i know…Nissin Di622 can support Canon 550D
March 25th, 2010 at 5:03 am
Yes it does, Shal.
April 12th, 2010 at 9:31 pm
Would you recommend this over S/H Canon Speedlite 550EX? Obviously dont have the money for 430/580 unit.
cheers
April 12th, 2010 at 3:47 pm
550EX is a superior flash. As the model number states, the 550EX has a Gn55, while the Nissin only has a Gn of 46.
April 16th, 2010 at 11:58 am
Hi David – I'd be very grateful if you could help me on this one (especialy as I'm no expert and maybe doing something wrong): I recently bought a Di622 to go with my Canon 450D. It works very well when attached to the hot shoe, but I can't seem to get it to work properly as a 'slave'. Using the built-in flash as the master, it sets off the flash on the slave, but does so at the time of focusing, so the slave has already 'gone off' by the time the picture is taken (whereupon the built-in flash goes off again!). Do I need to change some setting or another?
THanks,
Graham.
April 16th, 2010 at 2:20 pm
Puwede bang mag tagalog. Hirap ksi ako sa english. Bimili ako ng Di622 misan ginamit ko sa graduation ng aking pamangkin. Tinodo ko ang settings ng flash at medyo nag increase ako sa flash compensation konti lang. ginamit ko ang kanyang built-in deffuser. Nang napansin ko mukhang amoy plastic. yung plang deffuser nya nasunog sa gitna nangitim. yun di ko na maalis may marka na sya sa gitna.
April 16th, 2010 at 3:31 pm
Ah, understand that optical slave systems (regardless of brand) will be triggered by the focusing flash assist lights, you need to turn off the AF assist feature of your Rebel so the Nissin won't trigger when it flashes.
Check your camera's manual for "auto focus assist" light. Good luck.
April 16th, 2010 at 3:33 pm
Val: Usually, the flash, even at its full power, isn't powerful enough to melt plastic. Did you pop the flash in rapid succession? I've used flashes with external packs quite heavily and haven't experienced a burn-down yet.
April 16th, 2010 at 10:30 pm
Brilliant! Thanks David – I found the AF assist feature buried deep in the custom settings menu and set it to 'disable' – after which, the Di622 worked perfectly as a slave, when triggered by the built-in flash. Many thanks for you help! Graham.
April 17th, 2010 at 2:52 am
Glad to hear that, Graham :)
April 19th, 2010 at 3:19 am
Hi David, pardon me for asking silly question. What is the meaning of triggered optically? Correct me if im wrong, does it means tt both Di866 and Di622 will be triggered by my pop up flash? And if my pop up flash is not in used, the nissin flash will not be triggered? So in order to trigger the off cam flash w/o using the pop up flash, i need to get a wireless trigger system (which Di622 does not support)?
i'm still new to photography, so im looking out for a value in money & room for add-ons and yet able to have fun with the off cam function flash. But im not planning to use off-cam function often for the time being.
April 19th, 2010 at 2:22 am
Hi David, Is it that all DSLR are able to optical trigger Di622/Di866? I'm planning to get a Nissin flash, but i'm having trouble to decide Di622 or Di866. Does Canon 500D able to wireless optical trigger Di622 without having to purchase wireless trigger? Or Di866 is able to?
April 19th, 2010 at 2:43 am
Wayne: For the Di622, technically it should as a slave as it's using an optical trigger. With the 866 as well, but the 866 can utilize RF wireless triggers as well right out of the box.
Both flash can be triggered optically (using the camera's flash) but they won't be ETTL. The Di622 CANNOT be triggered by wireless triggers (Canon variant), however. The Di866 can.
I do suggest you consider Metz and Sunpak equivalents if you're planning to use off-cam flash often, they're better options right now.
April 19th, 2010 at 4:15 am
@Wayne: Optically, meaning the fire will trigger if it senses a quick burst of light from another light source, usually your on-cam pop-up flash.
If you don't use your pop-up flash, the Nissins will not receive any "signal" to fire itself. I'm not sure if the 7D's wireless flash commander (like Nikon's CLS) can trigger the Di866, however. I'm pretty sure it won't trigger the Di622.
In order to trigger the cam off flash w/o using the pop-up, you must get a different flash model as the Di622 (Canon variant) doesn't support it.
The Sunpak (http://www.sunpak.jp/english/products/pz42x/) and Metz 48 (http://www.metz.de/en/photo-electronics/mecablitz-models/system-flash-units/mecablitz-48-af-1-digital/product-information.html) are good, cost-effective alternative to the Canon EX flashes.
If you're considering the Di866, however, you're on the 430EX territory in terms of pricing already. I'd always recommend an OEM flash over a 3rd party if cost isn't an issue.
April 24th, 2010 at 7:14 am
It works with the Canon G9/10/11 with no problems, I don't see why it won't work with an SX1-IS (I assume you're referring to this?). I'm 99% sure it's ETTL works fine on the Sx1-IS
April 24th, 2010 at 6:00 am
would this work with my Canon Powershot IsI5 is say 430ex & 580 ex II but some non Canon only work with DSLR as not as compatable as a genuine Canon
April 24th, 2010 at 7:14 am
It works with the Canon G9/10/11 with no problems, I don't see why it won't work with an SX1-IS (I assume you're referring to this?). I'm 99% sure it's ETTL works fine on the Sx1-IS
April 27th, 2010 at 1:22 pm
Hi David, is the Nissin Di622 also compatible with the Nikon d90? Thanks!
April 27th, 2010 at 7:48 am
Hello, yes it is compatible with the D90.
April 28th, 2010 at 12:53 pm
Lenny: No I only sold them at one point after this review.
The Nikon mount version can use any RF triggers, the Canon can't.
April 28th, 2010 at 12:35 pm
sir david! do you still own the di622? i own one, too, but i can't find a wireless trigger for it. have you used the yong nuo rf 602 or ctr 301 on it?
May 4th, 2010 at 4:24 am
Hi guys. Do check out .www.reddotphoto.com.sg if you're keen to purchase Nissin units in Singapore.
This is Jon from RDP and you can contact us at enquiries@reddotphoto.com.sg or directly at +65-81885650
May 4th, 2010 at 12:48 am
Hi David, would like to get the Nissin 622 flash and also rechargeable batteries & charger for my 500d and would appreciate your advise please. Please sms to 81273627
May 4th, 2010 at 3:58 am
Joseph, I suggest you contact the Singapore dealerhttp://www.reddotphoto.com.sg. They have the flash and the batteries/charger you need. Cheers.
May 6th, 2010 at 5:31 am
Wendell: If you want the most compatible flash, then stick to Canon's flagship flash, the 580EX II. There's really an advantage using an OEM flash because of in-cam control, as well as exposure consistency.
May 6th, 2010 at 7:45 am
I don't sell anything, Wendell.
Your options for OEM flashes are 430EXII (smaller) and 580EXII. I'm not certain how much they cost right now, you might wanna check Amazon.com for reference.
May 6th, 2010 at 7:45 am
I don't sell anything, Wendell.
Your options for OEM flashes are 430EXII (smaller) and 580EXII. I'm not certain how much they cost right now, you might wanna check Amazon.com for reference.
May 6th, 2010 at 11:47 am
Hi David, I’m just new in photography & just bought my canon 50D.
I don’t have any flash yet so I’m looking for best that can work w/ my cam and yet affordable… is the Nissin Di622 also compatible with Canon 50D or is there any else that you can suggest that is much more compatible with it?
Thanks lot sir!
May 6th, 2010 at 2:15 pm
David, do *you have that 580EX II? How much is that?
Thanks alot!
May 11th, 2010 at 6:35 am
hi david, good day!!! i just wanna ask rgrding this di662 flash (nissin), im new w/ this flash and
used n my d90 , while pressing the shutter speed n half way , it is normal the di662 the flash blink twice b4 the final flash fire…
May 11th, 2010 at 1:35 pm
Yes, all iTTL/eTTL flash fires a preflash to determine flash exposure the split-second before the image is captured. However, it's usually not during half-press but just after you press the shutter but before an image is taken.
May 11th, 2010 at 5:14 pm
I recently bought two di622's… I use them with my Nikon D80 and SB800 in the iTTL mode. This setup works fine indoors – but I've taken them on two outdoor shoots and the Nissin's optical sync will not work at all in the daylight – or the shade… Any one else experience this??
May 11th, 2010 at 9:48 pm
Hi Brad, it's a common shortcoming for all optical slave triggered system as it requires the receiving unit to "see" the light pulse from the main flash to work. When the ambient has a lot of light to begin with, the triggering flash's pulse may not be bright enough for the receiving flash to "see", hence it won't trigger.
May 12th, 2010 at 12:33 pm
Trix
HI, have been reading all the posts and a bit up in the air very new to this have a canon g10 is this flash O.K for it …thanks
May 12th, 2010 at 12:46 pm
Yes it'll work with the G10. However, the smaller Nissin Di466http://www.nissindigital.com/en/Di466.html might be more suitable due to its size.
June 15th, 2010 at 6:45 pm
Hi sir David. Im planning to buy 2 pcs or Di622 and planning to mount this on my Youngnuo PT-04 Trigger and Receiver. will this work now since there is already an update? hope you can enlighten me.. Thank you very much…
June 16th, 2010 at 12:47 am
Hi Stanley,
Nikon version had an update, not the Nikon version, so make sure you test yours in the shop with the triggers.
June 17th, 2010 at 2:47 pm
thank you sir david i will take that note. thank you so much
June 23rd, 2010 at 1:43 am
Hi David,
I’ve got Di622 Speedight Flash you mentioned that in can be triggered by Infra red,
Can you tell me how?
I have Nikon d90 DSLR just in case you want know….
June 23rd, 2010 at 1:44 am
Eric, your TTL pre-flash throws an IR signal out for the Nissin to detect. Your Nissin has to be in Slave mode and not Manual mode.