Nikon SB-400 AF Speedlight for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras by Nikon
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Digital camera reviews of Nikon SB-400 AF Speedlight for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras
Digital camera Review: Returned it the same day
Summary: 2 Stars
I bought this flash mainly for hand-help use for strobing while light painting during long exposure night photography. It wasn't very good quality, so I returned it.Digital camera Review: Nikon SB-400 speedlight
Summary: 5 Stars
I have only used this light once at a wedding reception and my photos came out great. This flash is very compact, not bulky at all. Unless you are a professional photographer I can't see why you would need anything more.Digital camera Review: Great Compact Flash
Summary: 5 Stars
This is the first flash I own but I work at a camera store so I've used a variety on my D40 and this by far is the best. Bounce flash is great if only it would tilt vertical for lengthwise photos. Recycle is really fast. No complaints. It makes me want to give it a hug.Digital camera Review: Nice and small but should be for occasional use only
Summary: 3 Stars
Before I purchased my Nikon D80, I was a Canon-ophile. It took many months of research and thinking before I decided to abandon Canon in favor of Nikon. I am not disappointed with the Nikon D80 nor the Nikkor lenses I bought. I even have the vertical grip that comes in handy. What I can complain about though, is this little flash.
It is true that it is small and looks very cute sitting on top of the camera. The flash tube pivots up with click-stops so that it is easy to get a specific bounce angle. Mine even came with a nicely padded fitted case. The problem I had was that this tiny flash quickly sucks batteries dry.
This flash uses two AA sized batteries. At first I used the rechargeable Nickel-metal-hydride (NiMh) but they didn't last too long--only about 35 flashes (they were new and fully charged). I switched to Alkaline and got about 40 then the recycle time kept getting longer and longer and longer. I supposed if I switched to Lithium batteries I'd get more flashes, but they are too expensive right now.
If you are trying to capture the spontaneity of a party or of little kids being their adorable selves, then this flash will let you down. For the odd snapshot where everyone will stand still until the flash recharges then I suppose it it ok.
I think a better bet would be the SB-600, SB-800 or the new SB-900 for more serious flash work. Both the SB-800 and the SB-900 provide auto-focus assistance that this flash doesn't.
For casual flash photography, this unit works ok. Anything else, save up and buy a better flash. (I know I am.)
Digital camera Review: Sinple and good
Summary: 4 Stars
This Nikon flash is almost foolproof. The only function on it is the on/off switch. Everything else is done by the camera, D40 in my case. It adds considerable depth to the on-camera flash, and so is just what I needed. However, it isnt the most powerful one available fron Nikon. It suits the design of the D40 since it can be used as easily as a point and shoot, but takes great photos.