Increasingly, manufacturers are looking to bridge the gap between mains studio flashes and portable battery-powered speedlights. The latest innovation comes from Dison, a Chinese maker of lighting equipment.
The Dison Genius X-series are a range of IGBT flashguns powered by AAs, lithium batteries, the mains or a car cigarette lighter. They feature LED modelling lamps, hotshoe mounts, LCD control panels and a built-in radio triggering system.
There are three models in the series, codenamed X-806, X-807 and X-808. All have LED modelling lamps, some powerful enough for use in video as well as stills. The casing can be in one of four colours, for any style-conscious photographers out there.
Specifications
| Model | X-806 | X-807 | X-808 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flash Energy | 200J | 200J | 250J |
| Guide Number | 42 | 42 | 50 |
| Recycle Time | 2.0 - 5.0 seconds | ||
| Flash Duration | 1/800 - 1/1500 seconds | ||
| Colour Temperature | 5500 ± 200K | ||
| Barndoors | No | Yes | Yes |
| Modelling Lamp | 3W | 18W | 18W |
Optional accessories available with all three lights include an AC mains adapter, a car socket adapter and a high capacity lithium battery. An umbrella bracket, radio trigger and AA battery box are included. There is a 6V DC power input and a mono sync jack on the underside of each flash.
No reviews have been published yet, but you can already find the Dison Genius series on eBay. The X806 (X200) goes for US$134.99 while the video-capable X808 (D250) costs $190.00. Click here to see the listings. Any early adopters? Thoughts? Let us know in the comments.
Update:Â The Dison Genius X-808 is now also available from DealExtreme.