User guide

The Other YN-622C User Guide
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INTRODUCTION
What we know gets in the way of what we could know.
I have used Canon’s Flash Control menus for 5 years, appreciating being able to control remote flashes
from the camera. Well, sort of. Canon has been using an optical pulse “wireless” command system for
off-camera flashes, which works within a limited set of conditions. Pixel released their King triggers to
remove this limit, but their development was truncated. However, kudos to Pixel for pioneering this
category of trigger/controller. Now we have the Yongnuo YN-622C which seems to fulfil the promise
of a full implementation of Canon flash technologies over a radio link. It seems that Yongnuo has not
only achieved this objective, but has added a wide range of triggering and photographer-friendly
capabilities. Yongnuo have had a range of hot-shoe flashes, with a degree of unreliability. The design
engineer for this device looks like single-handedly rescuing the brand. The YN-622C is a transceiver
type radio device designed to go between a camera and one or more off-camera flashes, to provide:
 E-TTL, FEC & HSS off-camera triggering
 Radio control of off-camera flashes from camera flash control menus
General-purpose triggering
There is much (unnecessary) debate about the merit of TTL flash exposure versus Manual power levels.
Each method has its place, and photographers who understand the technologies can get predictable
results. The YN-622C is a tool for both approaches. One part of Canon’s E-TTL is often misunderstood
– Ratios. It is more than setting an FEC or EV adjustment on two flash groups. That still leaves
distance, height, angle, relative powers, uneven ambient etc that can make a substantial difference.
Canon’s ratio evaluates the actual contribution to the image of each group of flashes, and sets the
level accordingly. It is much more accurate than the EV method. The YN-622C implements the genuine
Canon technology in the camera. The YN-622C does not provide for firmware updates by the user.
Canon Wireless Master/Slave is not available, being replaced by the 622 procedures. The transceiver
buttons are hard to find by touch, and are sensitive to accidentally changed settings. Only flashes in
group C can be disabled remotely. It is not a significant list of drawbacks. An examination of the case
and internal components reveals a high-quality assembly. The case appears firm. I anticipate a good
life expectancy. Because the YN-622C is designed primarily to implement Canon technologies, a
thorough knowledge of both camera and flash manuals is helpful. Each camera model has its own
variations. My verdict: versatile, complex, well-made, suitable for many jobs, and low-priced. Buy it.
The author has no association with the manufacturer other than as a paying customer. Some
additional samples were received; thanks, Yongnuo. The main testing equipment was EOS 50D, 7D and
6D; Speedlites 580EX II, 430EX II and 550EX; Yongnuo YN-622C triggers; Pixel Soldier as a radio shutter
release.