Nikon SB-400 AF Speedlight Flash for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras
- 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
Nikon announces the Nikon Speedlight SB-400, an intelligent and versatile external flash unit that provides i-TTL flash operation in a super-compact and ultra-lightweight body at an affordable price. With its powerful guide number of 21, the SB-400 is an ideal flash unit for beginners in digital SLR photography, but it is also useful for hobbyists and professionals looking for a handy i-TTL flash unit offering an effortless bounce flash function. The SB-400 has been specifically developed to provide photographers with an entry-level external flash unit which is compatible with i-TTL flash operation. When combined with cameras that are compatible wih the Nikon Creative Lighting System, the SB-400 is controlled in i-TTL and D40’s M (manual) mode. The SB-400’s flash head can be tilted in 4 steps–horizontal, as well as 60, 75, and 90 degrees–and has a flash shooting distance range of between 60cm to 20m (depending on the camera’s ISO setting). Slow Sync, Red-eye Reduction and other flash
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A No Brainer for the $$$,
You wouldn’t, or shouldn’t, be reading this if you do not have a Nikon with iTTL. It is compact and works flawlessly if you do not want to eat up your camera’s battery when using flash. Advantages of bounce over the direct flash on whichever Nikon body you own, is overwhelming. Do not expect a flash unit of this size to bounce off of a high ceiling, but a large index card overcomes that problem. There is not enough offset from the lens for fill flash with a large lens hood, but you can’t expect everything from such a compact unit. Although I have many compact non-Nikon flashes, the proprietary electronics of the present day Nikons almost requires using their flash systems to get optimum metering.
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|A wonderful little accessory for Nikon DSLRs!,
I really like this flash unit. The reason is simple: it is small and unobtrusive. Most flashes add weight and bulk to a camera, and I often find myself deciding not to attach the outboard flash to my DSLR. This flash, by contrast, is small and barely noticeable on my D80 or D200.
This is a no-frills flash that simply does its job and does it quite well. It supports Nikon’s excellent iTTL flash system. Granted, if you are shooting a wedding or some other professional engagement, this would not be the flash of choice; the SB600 or SB800 would do better. But for casual shooting where more than the built-in flash is needed, this unit is extremely nice to have. And of course by using this unit instead of the built-in flash of one’s camera, the user can get more shots from the camera since the flash does not drain the camera batteries.
The unit uses convenient AA batteries, which of course are readily available. I’ll take this over those sometimes hard-to-find exotic batteries that some flashes use. It is well-constructed and with a guide number of 21, does a good job. Highly recommended.
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|Does exactly what it’s supposed to, and is very easy to use …,
If you need a small flash that is a lot more powerful than the on-camera flash on your compatible Nikon camera, this is a great flash. More than anything, it’s a better than on-camera flash that also has bounce capability, which none of the on-camera flashes do. For me, it doesn’t replace a full-featured flash like and SB-800 or SB-600, but is a lot smaller and lighter for many times when you don’t need the big mama. It’s not powerful enough for instance to bounce if the ceiling is higher than 10 or 11 feet with lower ISO settings, where the SB-800 can still reach. I have found I don’t use it as often as I thought I would, but that’s really because I’ve not gotten into the habit of using a fill-flash as much as I should. That’s not the fault of the flash.
It is fully automatic, which really means there’s nothing to set or control on this unit. If your camera isn’t compatible, basically this flash won’t work for you. If it is compatible, it works great and seamlessly. I use it with a D200, D70 and CP8400, and it works great with all of them.
One thing to keep in mind is if you were thinking of using it as a “better” main flash on for instance a D200 in wireless remote flash mode, think again. Only the actual in-camera flash can be used in the remote commander mode on a D200. And, this unit is NOT capable of being a remote flash in wireless flash, either. So basically, don’t consider it as part of wireless remote flash operation. It’s a better than in-camera flash, not a wireless flash.
Also keep in mind as far as I know in the Coolpix line only the 8400 and 8800 are fully compatible with this. Most of the newer DSLRs are, though. If your camera isn’t i-TTL, it’s not the flash for you. Check the compatibility before you buy.
If you want a small and fully integrated flash for your Nikon digital, it’s a great unit.
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