Nikon SB-400 AF Speedlight for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras
by Nikon
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Category: Digital Camera
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Digital product summary information
Manufacturer: NikonModel: B000KKPN5C
Product features:
- Compact, lightweight Speedlight unit
- 18mm angle of coverage with Nikon DX format digital SLR cameras
- Bounce capabilities in 4 steps up to 90 degrees; flash shooting distance range from 2 and up to 66 feet
- Approximate guide number of 98.4 feet at ISO 200 (at 18mm zoom head setting)
- Operates on two AA-size (1.5V) batteries; fast 2.5 second recycling time
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Digital camera reviews of Nikon SB-400 AF Speedlight for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras
Digital camera Review: Nice little flash, but a little weak for me...
Summary: 4 Stars
Due to some of the quirks my Quantaray, I wanted something a bit faster and more reliable for my jobs. When I first powered up the SB-400, I was amazed how much faster it charged than my Quantaray(8-seconds on a good day) The build quality is also miles ahead of this cheap rebranded Sunpak. The Nikon is a little heavier, has a metal shoe, wonderful locking mechanism and just feels more solid. However, none of this matters as much as the outcome of the photos...
With both flashes set at no bounce, there's very little noticeable difference. However, as soon as you click them up a notch, the power difference is quite obvious. Consider the bounce on the SB-400 more of an added bounus than a feature. While the pictures at 60-degrees bounce weren't bad, they were much darker than my Quantaray. Going all the way to 90-degrees made the photos almost too under-exposed to use.
The Nikon also lacks an AF-Assist light. The one in the Quantaray is quite effective even farther out than the built-in assist light, so having one would be quite a nice addition.
Also lacking on the Nikon are manual controls. There's no way to bump the EV up any higher... Well, there may be some way within the camera, but even using the "Flash Comp", I couldn't get it nearly as bright as the Quantaray was, especially when it was maxed out.
So all in all, I do really like this flash. However, if you plan to use a bounce flash, I'd strongly recommend looking into something more powerful. And believe me, since I got my Quantaray, I almost never take photos anymore without bouncing the flash to some extent.
Summary of Nikon SB-400 AF Speedlight for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras
The SB-400 gives photographers the opportunity to enjoy brighter and more natural lighting for images taken using a flash. It is designed to suit entry-level digital SLR users while also suitable for more experienced users. Those who have a camera within the D2 series will also benefit from the convenient portable flash unit. The SB-400 offers a guide number of 30 (ISO 200, m), and effortless bounce flash function and is controlled in i-TTL and the D40's M (manual) mode. Flash shooting distance range from 2 and up to 66 feet Electronic construction - Automatic Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) and series circuitry Guide number - (at 18mm zoom-head position, 20 degrees C/68 degrees F) 30m per 98.4 feet Angle of coverage - Light distribution covers an 18mm lens when mounted on a Nikon DX format digital SLR camera (27mm lens when mounted on an F6 35mm SLR) Flash shooting distance range - 2 to 66 feet (Varies depending on the ISO sensitivity, zoom-head position, and lens aperture in use) Flash mode - i-TTL, M (manual with the D40 only) Flash exposure control set on the camera - Slow-sync, red-eye reduction, red-eye reduction in slow sync, rear-curtain sync flash, FV lock flash, manual flash (with Nikon Creative Lighting System digital and 35mm SLR cameras) Bounce capability - Flash head tilts up to 90 degrees with click-stops at 0, 60, 75, 90 degrees Power Source - Two AA batteries (1.5V or lower) Flashes/Recycling time at full output - Alkaline-manganese (1.5V) 140/3.9 sec, Lithium (1.5V) 250/4.2 sec, Oxyride (1.5V) 150/3.1 sec, Ni-MH rechargeable (1.5V, 2600 mAh) 210/2.5 sec Lights up when the SB-400 is recharged and ready to fire. Blinks to indicate insufficient light, insufficient battery power and incompatibility of camera with SB-400 Flash duration - Approximately 1/1300th second at full output Mounting foot lever lock - Provides secure attachment to the camera accessoryAccessories
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