New Nissin Di700A Flash to ship on July 31. And got a $25 mail in rebate too.

35 Responses

1. I wish they opgrade i40 so it can be controlled by commander as well.

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2. I have been using this flash and the Air1 for about two weeks and it works great in both manual and TTL from across a large room. A second strobe will arrive Tuesday and looking forward to shooting with both. Well worth the cost V. buying remote and triggers for each strobe.

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3. I have to fire a noob question, i still haven`t used nothing but a popup flash.
   Do these TTL-HSS wireless flashes for Sony retain their TTL-HSS capability when triggered by a Sony HVL flash?
   In short, if i buy, lets say, Metz 50 AF-1 now for nex7`s old hotshoe, will it be able to fully communicate with lets say, this Nissin or HVL-60M? Are the flashes for same camera but from different manufacturers compatible to work together in wireless setup?

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4. In answer to Nikola’s question, you have identified 100% of the problem with these flashes and the reason why I dismissed them. In terms of group firing TTL using the Air Commander, they are only compatible with that one flash – the Di700A. Even other Nissin flashes don’t have Air Commander capability (yet.) Also missing is a receiver to connect/use other brand and other Nissin flashes. It is rumored as “coming” but they haven’t even created it for the Nikon and Canon models which have been on the market for several months. Essentially what Nissin has done is introduce and incomplete system – Air Commander and flash with built in receiver – that is 100% proprietary with the promise of an independent receiver module.

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   1. So what flashes do you suggest a Sony user to go with?

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      1. Good Question. Don’t get me wrong. I like Nissin but it is so limited, and really question if will ever produce the receiver to accommodate other speedlights and strobes. That is so basic and should have been part of the original design when the set is released. If you need radio (not IR) controlled TTL and HSS that can intermix your current (or planned) speedlights and studio strobes (strobes manual only) the the only game in town is Phottix Odin with or without the Mitros+. But that has problems in an of itself. Specifically 1) cost significantly more than Nissin, 2) Sony version perpetually out of stock, and 3) Odin transmitter and receiver on Minolta mount, requiring ISO adapter.

         Me personally, I have a need for off camera flash which rules out Sony’s flash system which requires the master to be on camera, TTL is optional and 90% is shot in manual. a 1/160 sync speed has not been a problem. Currently have a Pocket (Poverty) Wizard TT1/TT5/AC3 system and Nikon Speedlights. With the transition to Sony will be ebaying the above and have already acquired a HVL-F60M when I saw it on sale for $399! Had the Odins on backorder with both B&H and Adorama for 6 weeks intending to cancel whomever didn’t fill first. Finally gave up and went full manual with 3 Yonguno YN560 IV and 560TX transmitter for about the same price as the Nissin single flash/Air system. Also got a couple of RF603 receivers hat will fire the Sony and other flashes/strobes – manual mode only and need to adjust the power level at the flash rather than on camera with the 560 TX. Despite being Yonguno’s Nikon version, works fine on Sony as just needs the center firing pin, not the other pins which support the wakeup mode on the Nikon and Canon versions. Obviously, I don’t have my A7RII yet, but test it on wife’s A6000. Pocket Wizard doesn’t support Sony but I think their AC3 contol unit with it’s power adjustment dials for 3 groups is far superior to step through menu system that Yonguno, Nissin, and Phottix use to adjust power, but I am getting use to it.

         If Nissin had that receiver as part of their system like the others do, I would be all over it. But not having something that basic with the initial release speaks volumes and will have to question if, like perpetually backordered Odins, it will ever appear.

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         1. This is really good advice. I sold my nissin stuff since I no longer have Sony’s old proprietary mount. Now, I’m covered for studio lights- but not flash. Maybe full manual will be my future for now. It’s working with some older flashes I have and I do use cowboy studio triggers.

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         2. Question about the transmitter- 560TX. I see they do a three pack with the Yonguno- I only see Canon or Nikon. There is one that doesn’t mention any specific brand you can use it with. Did you buy the 3 Yonguno flashes seperate and then the receiver?

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            1. I bought through B&H and didn’t see or look for a 3 pack. Initially I bought 2 YN560 IV with the 560TX plus 603 triggers which only sell in a set of 2. I could use the 603 to trigger my Sony F60M and Nikon SB910 as long as they were set in manual mode. Additionally, they will fire a studio strobe if added to the system – which is manual only. While they would fire with the 603, I lost the on-camera power adjustment through the 560TX and had to walk over and physically adjust power output at the flash. With Real Estate Photography, they were usually in an adjacent room or shower stall for supplemental lighting. Since so inexpensive, bought the third YN560 IV.

               The only come as Nikon or Canon, but that is immaterial. I bought the Nikon version which works fine on Sony (wife’s A6000). From what I understand, the reason for the two models is to activate the “wake from sleep” feature which have never found to be a problem on Sony, but the ‘test’ button would wake it up anyway if failed to fire due to sleep. Since it is manual only, all it really requires is the single firing pin.

               When I get the a7RII, will sell the Nikon and Pocket Wizards. Will keep the Sony F60M for the times I need TTL which is fast pace on-camera. Can’t envision off-camera due to continual flash arranging and placing issues, so manual is fine.

   2. Who identified problem in answer to my question? I can see no reply to my question.

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      1. Nikola…probably poor wording on my part, but you are the one that identified the problem in the question you originally posed. By your stating the need for TTL-HHS when triggered by Sony flash…No, just the opposite as it would be the Nissin Air triggering the Sony IF they had the receiver to attach the Sony to. The second issue was purchasing the Metz…again No as their is no receiver to communicate with the Metz or and other brand flash, including other Nissin. Unbenownst to you, you identified the problem as you stated the question which IMO is a very valid question as people are likely to own other brands of speedlights and/or studio strobes.

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         1. Ok, but what about other way around? Can you place Sony HVL-F20M in the hotshoe, and use it as a commander while using metz 50af1 as reciever? Metz states that it has wireless slave functionality?

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            1. Yes, and technically, that is the way I started with Nikons and their CLS system. There are problems with that setup. First and foremost, it relys on an IR (infrared) signal rather than a radio signal. While radio can pass through obstacles, such as walls, umbrellas, and lightboxes, IR is line of sight, or possibly reflected signal, and outside, sunlight may overpower the signal to even fire the flash. The other issue is power and flash placement. The F20M is a far better choice than the more powerful flashes, and set the EV to -3 so has limited impact. The irony is that it will work with 3rd party flashes, including Metz, Sigma, Nissin, etc., designed for Sony’s flash systems, however the Nissin on this thread may not work with it’s proprietary signal system. I did consider the F20M arrangement but the other problem best camera angle for composition may have a reflective area in the background that will give a flash hotspot from the F20M.

            2. Thanks bro, that is a complete answer to my earlier question. I know that odins are probably the best for controlling flash systems, but i am not a professional, so i would never cash out that much for flash system. All i want is a nice off camera flash so i wouldnt have to shoot direct light all the time.

   3. Larry, I am a bit confused. You are saying this remote only works with this particular Nissin Flash. But isn’t that the way the canon’s transmitter works (ST-E3-RT). I thought it worked only with the 600EX-RT until recently when they just added the soon to be 430EX III-RT. If you are shooting TTL with say the Photix, don’t you have to have a receiver for each flash you are using and I guess why we are at it, the adapter for the new hot shoe? I wanted to just make sure I had this correct before I considered getting this flash. If you are fine with the 700 this is not a problem, but if you want the flexibility to use various flashes you will have to continue to stay with multiple receivers attached to the speed lights? Thanks for any info.

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5. 1) Nissin will be shipping a standard Hot Shoe Radio Receiver for the Air 1 , so you an MIX in all your “other” Flashes , and hopefully “also” have some Inputs.
   * The KEY for Nissin is that they make the Air 1 Trigger “for ALL BRANDS” able to Trigger ANY Di700a regardless of which brand it was made for.
   and have the Air 1 also control the Zoom (which it can do). .. at the very least it “should” be able to control the Manual power levels on ANY Di700a flash regardless of Brand.
   But, being able to do TTL to the Air 1 Trigger that you are using would be GAME CHANGE.
   If you think about it TTL is basically just Firing and shutting down the Flash. …
   When you are runing a MIX of “your” Brand (Sony) and say the Di700a Nikon version. in theory all Nissin has to do is have the Nikon Di700a shut down the power at the same time as all the Sony Di700a

   2) The big deal for Sony shooter is that this is a MIS Hot Shoe that is RADIO TTL/HSS/Manual
   Just remember when using the Air 1 that you switch to WL Flash mode. (Wireless trigger)

   3) Also on ALL the Off Camera Di700a Flashs you have set to Wireless Receiver … what I have learned is you MUST “Lock” the settings on that flash to Receiver. It is waaaay too easy for the Flash to move out of Reciever mode. It is easy to just push the power button to LOCK and unlock. … you will thank me for that TIP latter. 🙂

   4) Nikon shooters will appreciate that the head moves and buttons just like the sb900/sb910.

   5) The Flash looks well made and solid .. I also like the shape , when I hold it with my left hand to “one man band” a off camera flash.
   the the controls is clean (very Apple ish , clean and functional) and “Easy” to use.

   even when zooming (changing the flash zoom to say 200mm and back) your Off camera flashes.

   6) My absolute FAVORITE feature is the Battery Magazine (batteries all load up the same way. But more importantly you can BUY more magazines. And on a Event shoot load new batteries very , very quickly.

   There is a optional Battery pack that speeds up the Flash too. (recycle)

   7) and the Flash is strobist , with all the connections you might use.

   8) the Price , for this Radio HSS/TTL/Manual MIS Sony flash

   So, as you can see … it is my feelings that this Nissin RADIO Flash MIS for Sony. Is the Best Sony Flash shipping now. 🙂

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   1. So how many of these Nissan Di700a’s did you end up buying for your Sony?

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      1. I have two Di700a (for now) ,
         p.s. because the Air 1 is using WL mode , and because I also have a 60m flash I tried to see if I set it up as a remote on the same channel , if it would fire , and it did not. too bad 🙂 …. the Key for Nissin is to “at least” ship the Manual Radio Receiver “with” two ports like there flash. So, you can also trigger studio strobes. and MIX them in. .

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         1. Well I’m sold. I’ll buy one for now and see how it goes. I’ll need three I figure eventually, but I can do most work with two. You think these would be powerful to shoot into a 7′ parabolic- I looking to add some umbrellas? Thanks.

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            1. The Current Di700a seems pretty powerful “for me”. * although this is not the most powerful Flash Nissin “can” make. The have a more PRO flash that is more powerful than the sb910 and is “Resistant” to Overheats. … * I am trying to “convince” Nissin to make “this” PRO Flash , and to have both a Commander and Receiver “Built IN” !!! … But when I have to overpower the Sun, I use four(4) and sometimes as much as 6. and that was sb910/sb900.

   2. Ross… #2… Setting to “WL” is for Sony F20M and 20am triggers… That’s not for 3rd party smart radio slaves, which typically require standard TTL, and specifically NOT “WL” mode on camera.

      Are you saying that the Nissin Air works differently than Pixel and Phottix units? Would be very strange for a Nissin RADIO trigger to work like a Sony OPTICAL trigger. What you suggest sounds incorrect.

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      1. When I first tried to trigger with the Air 1 I did not use WL. Only WL would trigger.
         and then I looked at the instructions , and there is instructions “for Sony” to change flash mode to “WL” on camera. 🙂

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         1. Really strange. So does the Air 1 use TTL or ADI protocols when utilizing WL mode? Both Odin and Phottix allow user to choose for best fit depending on lens. Can also choose Rear Sync with them because WL is supposed to be reserved for IR remote protocols.

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6. I also should mention … personally … I want Nissin to deliver a PRO Flash like this.
   “WITH” the Trigger and Controller built IN the Flash itself.

   Have even more Power

   and more resistance to Over Heat

   They do all that , we are talking the best Flash system for Sony Ever.

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   1. Aha! There is a review already posted on B&H- said the unit wobbles in the mount and ended up breaking. So sad, I really want this flash. If you don’t mind me asking however- what’s the benefits of a built in controller and trigger?

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      1. First of all, I did not get the wobble , or any hint that it would break.
         And I used it on a all day convention shoot.
         I also flipped the Air 1 “between” three cameras. a7r and a7s. and a77II.
         Two Di700a was up on stands , sometimes one of them hand held by my asst. on a monopod.

         “for me” I love how the Air 1 quickly mounts on the MIS hot shoe. and Clicks in and LOCKS. … and with just the Button it UN-locks Quickly.
         When you are moving the Air 1 from camera to camera , this is a help. 🙂

         The Benefit of having a Flash on your Camera Hot shoe , is in an event or wedding. When you are running around shooting “moments” … sometimes your off camera Flashes , “might” be mounted high in a large ballroom , or convention area. … and you are following , say the Gov. , and he walks to an area in the dark off stage that is not covered by your off camera flashes. … well, at that point your On Camera Flash comes in handy. 🙂 … it is also nice sometimes to have a On-Camera soft On-Axis Fill light. Mainly for women.

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      2. David Maynard’s blog at WPPI and pics with the Di700a: “So with the new Nissin Air 1 and 3 Di700A flashes we went to work with our model in the Nissin booth at WPPI. My goal was to keep my approach relatively simple, while allowing for the limited shooting space we had there.” http://www.dmaynardphotography.com/D._Maynard_Photography/Blog/Entries/2015/3/6_Fun_at_WPPI_2.html

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      3. fyi: I have the Di700a Flashes on Cold Hot Shoe Stands , and was moving them around all day , No issues – but only time will tell. I honestly do not see a problem. … Even on Metal Foot Hot Shoes , what would break is the Mount not the Foot. That way it was easily replaceable yourself , “in theory”. … (I do not use the supplyed free plastic stand for mounting the flash on Light stands) This simple “Strobist” Cold Shoe Umbrella swivel is what I use: it’s solid , small , easy to use … for long shoots, moving around I Duct Tape around the Cold Shoe to keep the Foot secure. 🙂 http://mpex.com/lumopro-lp633-compact-umbrella-swivel-w-variable-cold-shoe.html

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7. It’s got a two year warranty too. Man, I really REALLY need some solid modern flashes. Two of these should do it. I hope I won’t be disappointed.

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8. While I don’t know Canon systems that well, the 600EX-RT is highly respected and I believe the first by a camera manufacturer to switch from IR to RF signal that Nikon hasn’t matched. Traditionally, 3rd party manufacturers – Nissin, Phottix, Pocket Wizard, etc – designed their TTL trigger systems around the camera manufacturer’s protocol and would trigger other brands designed for that camera manufacturer in ‘slave’ mode and you could mix brands. This Nissin, due to it’s failure to release an independent trigger to attach other flashes to, limits itself to the one flash – and not even their other flashes. It is not a problem if you intend to limit yourself to a 100% Di700a system, just know that limitation.

   Concerning the Phottix system, the Odin is the controller and separate trigger, both of which only come in the Minolta mount and require an adapter. The Mitros is their flash which comes in two models, Mitros and Mitros+, both of which can be purchased in your choice of Minolta or ISO shoe. The Mitros+, like the Canon 600EX-RT, includes the commander/receiver within the flash, where the Mitros lacks that and requires the external Odin receiver like any other flash designed for that camera system. The Mitros+ can act as controller on camera, or removed from camera and receive signals from the Odin controller on camera. It is that external receiver that the Nissin is missing supporting other brands and other Nissin flashes. While may be designed for a specific camera system, the communication between the controller and receiver tend to be brand specific where you can’t mix Phottix, Pocket Wizard, Cactus, Nissin, RadioPopper, etc.

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9. Air 1 TTL , Manual

   The Powerful thing is it can also Control the Zoom Level.

   and Change the Channel it is using “On the Fly” for all the “Paired” Flahses.

   It using a unique Channel once Paired with the Flashes (Plural) so any Nissin shooter on the same channel “with you” will still not fire your Flashes.

   * But , here is the Kicker …

   Potenially a “Game Change” Feature of this Nissin Air 1 Di700a Flash “System” with other Di700a made for “other” Brands Canon and Nikon : )

   You have a Canon Air 1 Commander mounted on a Canon 5Dm3

   2) You “Link” a Canon Di700a , and a Nikon Di700a , and a Sony Di700a to it (the Canon Air 1)

   3) * Now you can “Control” all Flashes , including putting it in TTL and change the Power, and Zoom level ?

   4) Have not tested it on the Sony Air 1 , with Canon Di700a , Nikon Di700a , but Nissin USA confirmed that this is a Feature of the System. Because the Radio Triggers are just that , Triggers. Built IN. So, in a way they are “not” Brand specific. 🙂

   Now, we are talking about “OPEN” Flash systems … just like what #Sony is doing with the #a7rII , that can AF Canon and Nikon lens (via adapter) , and AF pretty fast. (with lens with modern AF motors)

   *** THIS is HUGE !

   http://www.nissindigital.com/di700-air.html

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   1. Heh… well… it’ll be an “OPEN” system when it can control other flashes besides Nissin brand. Until then, it’s a “CLOSED” system reserved to Nissin only products. That also means no studio strobes. And it won’t fire Pixel or Odin receivers either.

      Not that it can’t happen. Can buy a TV remote that works with all TV’s for cheap. But Nissin is still only Nissin. Nothing open about that until they work with other brands.

      Good to see a new player though. And good to see native MIS support. Bravo Nissin!

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      1. On the Nissin Di700a Flash site , there is a pic of the Reciever Hot Shoe.
         “with” a projected 2015 Winter ship. 🙂

         Add to that with ANY Air 1 , you can Trigger ANY Sony, Canon , Nikon (hopefully Fuji) type Di700a Flash
         and from what Nissin says “Control”.

         That sounds “more” open than any TTL / HSS / Manual Flash I have seen. 🙂

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10. Already a review posted on this- might want to read it first:

    http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1127490-REG/nissin_nd700ak_s_di_700a_flash_air_1.html

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    1. It’s a point of view. Like most post on the web. 🙂
       I could post there as well.
       All I am saying is you need to take each post with a grain of salt. (including mine).

       (p.s. I am not a big fan of plastic foot’s on Hot Shoes, but having said that … it’s not always the part that breaks off, many times it’s the base , not necessarily the plastic foot that many of the flashes have a metal part to it. … note : I have broken a MIS Flash at it’s base , and it was not the bottom foot part that broke , as I would have expected … it was the base part. … the good thing was the bottom base section can be unscrewed and the section replaced with a single part. … my guess is Nissin is no different , given that the bottom Hot Shoe section is different for each of the different brands Nissin supports with the Di700a – Canon , Nikon … which by the Air 1 can trigger any Di700a even the Nikon and Canon versions, from what I was told … so, you could use the Nikon metal foot one for any Off Camera flash (In theory)
       . 🙂

       I own over a dozen Flashes. still from about 5 brands.
       including 6 Nikon CLS still, Sony MIS , (Olympus, LumoPro , ProMaster) and now Nissin.
       And I use off camera flash a lot in my work. just saying.
       http://www.RDHphoto.net

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