Nikon SB-400 AF Speedlight Flash for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras
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Brand | Nikon |
Compatible Mountings | Nikon |
Included Components | Soft Case SS-400 - 1-Year Nikon USA Warranty |
Color | black |
Number of Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. |
About this item
- 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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Product information
Product Dimensions | 1 x 1 x 1 inches |
---|---|
Item Weight | 1 pounds |
ASIN | B000KKPN5C |
Item model number | 4806 |
Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. |
Customer Reviews |
4.5 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #144 in Shoe-Mount Flashes |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Date First Available | October 2, 2001 |
Manufacturer | Nikon |
Language | English |
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Product Description
Product Description
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 modes can also be set on the camera body, enabling users to enjoy brighter and more natural lighting for better flash pictures.1-Year Nikon USA Warranty.
From the Manufacturer
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 with 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 modes can also be set on the camera body, enabling users to enjoy brighter and more natural lighting for better flash pictures.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the flash capability, performance, size and value of the camera other accessories. For example, they mention that the built-in flash is fine, it provides excellent fill flash for those strongly backlit, and that it fits in just about every pocket. That said, they appreciate the value for money. As for appearance, they say that it produces beautiful shots.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers like the flash capability of the product. They mention that the built-in flash is fine, but bouncing the flash off the ceiling gives them excellent fill flash. The flash works great, and is better than on-camera flash. It's super bright, and versatile, making it a great product.
"...command, and with Nikon's Creative Lighting System, flash control can be almost instinctive, and the possibilities can be endless and limited to the..." Read more
"...Nonetheless, the flash unit is a great product and it is fun, easy to use, and produces wonderful results...." Read more
"...in good condition, buy it for your Z series cameras as they provide excellent fill flash for those strongly backlit pictures we often have to take..." Read more
"...More than anything, it's a better than on-camera flash that also has bounce capability, which none of the on-camera flashes do...." Read more
Customers like the performance of the SB-400. They say it performs admirably most of the time, produces terrific results, and is a perfectly capable unit. It works great with their ZF and other Nikons, and can be used in every iTTL situation. Customers are impressed with the power it has and say it works wonderfully with the flash options offered through the menu.
"...my P7100 and D5000, along with the aging D200, and the performance has been excellent with each of these, primarily because of the i-TTL mode...." Read more
"...great power (high number)- great battery life- highly reliable- very quick recycle time-..." Read more
"...a "test" button to manually trigger the flash, but it works wonderfully with the flash options offered through the menu of my new D5100...." Read more
"...It worked well, was never let down by the power and the pictures came out great...." Read more
Customers like the compact size of the flash. They say it fits in just about every pocket of their clothes, and is the perfect size for their Nikon camera. The bounce card is designed to work well with the SB-400 and is just right for normal sized residential rooms with white ceilings. Some say they're glad they didn't buy a bigger one.
"...It's small and it's not cheap, but its performance is surprising.Pros:*..." Read more
"...And it fits in just about every pocket of my clothes so all I have to do is pick it up and stash it.Even when I'm NOT carrying a bag...." Read more
"...The SB-400 is delightfully small and easy to carry along while mounted on my camera, serving as an everyday "walk around" flash unit; I now use my..." Read more
"This is a perfect size Nikon flash for my Nikon Z6, which does not have a pop-up flash. Very easy to use in my testing of the flash...." Read more
Customers appreciate the value of the flash. They say it's inexpensive, worth every penny, and economical to operate. Some customers also say that it'll last a long time and is well made.
"...And it is worth every penny of it.I take photos for both personal and professional purposes...." Read more
"...(product selection & accurate description, reasonable price, fast shipping, excellent packing)." Read more
"...the casual photographer with a Nikon DSLR, this is an effective, budget-friendly way to add more flexibility and quality results to your shooting...." Read more
"...reasonable priced.This fits the bill nicely...." Read more
Customers say the camera produces beautiful shots, with lifelike images and rich tones. They also appreciate the creative tips and full-color images. Customers also mention that the flash feature gives nice shadow-free photos. Overall, customers are satisfied with the appearance and functionality of the product.
"...And there are enough creative tips, along with excellent full-color images and diagrams that can make use of the SB-400 even easier to..." Read more
"...- includes a very attractive, compact and durable case to protect it when not in use...." Read more
"...It worked well, was never let down by the power and the pictures came out great...." Read more
"...SB-400 performs quite admirably most of the time, and it is a nicely designed unit...." Read more
Customers find the portability of the external flash to be a strong suit. They say it's easy to carry around, and is compact and easy to keep with you. Customers also say it is great to have in your bag as a backup to your prime light.
"...The SB-400 is delightfully small and easy to carry along while mounted on my camera, serving as an everyday "walk around" flash unit; I now use my..." Read more
"...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...." Read more
"...It is fairly small, very light thanks partly to the fact that it uses two instead of four AA batteries, and it does its job unobtrusively...." Read more
"...Portability is its strongest suit. I put this little gem in my pockets in either cargo pants or a jacket and we are set to go...." Read more
Customers like the quality of the flash. They say it's well-made, solid, and has life-like colors. They also say it comes in excellent condition and is a solid little flash for typical indoor photo situations. Customers also say the flash is almost foolproof and has never failed.
"...Pros:* Excellent construction quality; the SB-400 has a metal hot shoe* Uses just two AA cells; excellent battery life*..." Read more
"...very quick recycle time- batteries that are cheap, long lasting, readily available (easily found on on-a-pinch)-..." Read more
"...This was listed as Used - Very Good Condition and is exactly what I was looking for. It included the original carrying case too...." Read more
"...nor has the SB600 and SB800's arsenol of features its a nice blend of minimal features and includes a built in bounce. -..." Read more
Customers like the brightness of the flash. They say it provides ample lighting and allows the user to bounce the flash off. It extends the light to make it useful in macro shots, and it can light up a decent size room. Customers also mention that it functions with Nikon's Creative Lighting System.
"...It looks almost new and works perfectly, giving a uniform light with the ability to rotate the head vertically for bounce flash...." Read more
"...point the flash at the ceiling or a wall and everything gets soaked in natural looking light. It does wonders for skin tones and colors in general...." Read more
"...Just a perfect solution to get a softer, more diffused lighting for indoor photography by allowing you to bounce the light rather than direct..." Read more
"...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..." Read more
Reviews with images
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Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
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If you look at the product description, this SB-400 is listed as being made "for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras" but there's more to it than that: it also works quite with the Nikon Coolpix P7100 along with a number of other Nikon digital cameras, as verified on Nikon's website. I've personally used it with my P7100 and D5000, along with the aging D200, and the performance has been excellent with each of these, primarily because of the i-TTL mode. The SB-400 was made to work with contemporary Nikon DSLRs made since 2004. It's small and it's not cheap, but its performance is surprising.
Pros:
* Excellent construction quality; the SB-400 has a metal hot shoe
* Uses just two AA cells; excellent battery life
* Fast recycling, about 2 ½ seconds
* Shooting range 2 ft. up to 66 ft.
* i-TTL fill-flash with CLS-compatible cameras
* Bounce capabilities: 4 steps, to 90 degrees
Cons:
* No sideward head tilt
In Use:
The first thing that you'll note about the SB-400 when unboxed is the precision feel to the unit. I was surprised to see that it had a metal hot shoe, as so many flashes today have gone to plastic. There's also a lock lever on the rear, and it has indicators so that you'll know if you forgot to lock it. There's an excellent little zippered soft case that will store your flash and keep it from getting dinged up in your camera bag. The flash uses only two AA batteries that can be purchased almost anywhere, and though I'm not carefully measuring it, I get about 200 flashes per pair of batteries. I'm getting a recycle time of just over 2 ½ seconds with a pair of Sanyo eneloop Ni-MH 2000 mAH rechargeable batteries.
The tilt head is excellent, and if you're using your Nikon in horizontal (landscape) mode, it offers four vertical positions of 0, 60, 75 and 90 degrees. But if you're holding your camera in the vertical (portrait) mode, then you'll have to shoot with the flash straight on or bounced off of a wall. It's a tilt head, and doesn't have a swivel head like the more costly Nikon SB-700 offers.
The angle of coverage on the SB-400 is 18mm (DX-format) and 27mm (FX-format). For reference, this is the equivalent of about a 28mm lens on 35mm film camera. The flash coverage is excellent and generally well distributed. Tinting the head for a bounce effect will give you a softer effect, but if you need more, using a bounce card or the OM-400 Omni-Bounce Flash Diffuser for Nikon SB-400 will work, and there are similar devices.
Suggestion:
For many, the SB-400 may be all that's needed as an excellent step upwards for Nikon DSLR owners who need more than their built-in flash offers, but some may be perhaps looking for more. As stated earlier, this flash is the beginning, entry-level unit of the Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS). It supplements my aged Nikon SB-600 in that respect, but in truth I use the SB-400 far more on a day-in, day-out basis. For those wishing to explore Nikon CLS and what can be done with it, I might suggest the Nikon Creative Lighting System Digital Field Guide by photographer Benjamin Edwards. This well-written guide offers an excellent overview of the creative control of flash at the photographer's command, and with Nikon's Creative Lighting System, flash control can be almost instinctive, and the possibilities can be endless and limited to the users own creativity. And there are enough creative tips, along with excellent full-color images and diagrams that can make use of the SB-400 even easier to understand.
Summary:
The Nikon SB-400 is an unpretentious, high-quality flash with all the features that many will actually use. But do you actually need one of these, considering that the built-in flash on contemporary Nikon DSLRs (and the P7100) are so good? Maybe not, but consider the SB-400 if you want an easy-to-use bounce flash, if you want faster recycle times than your camera may offer, and excellent coverage with your ultra-wide lenses. You'll also get more shots per camera battery charge, since your camera's built-in flash uses 2-4 times as much power; using the SB-400 means you don't use the built-in flash. Other flash features can be gimmicks that may even interfere with taking pictures, and will slow you down rather than get the job done. Considering all that this small wonder does, it's a 5-star recommendation.
5/6/2012
And it is worth every penny of it.
I take photos for both personal and professional purposes.
I own more cameras and lenses that I care to admit publicly, including several "high end" flashes.
Why this one?
Two sets of reasons:
First set (somewhat unique):
One of my workhorses is a retro-style Nikon DSLR camera model called the Df.
This camera has the look and all the knobs and levers that old SLRs did but the guts of the most modern (digital) DSLR.
Built like a tank, it still has menus you can use if you are so inclined, but you can also look at it and or tweak all the dials and knobs.
Like an older SLR it does NOT have a built-in flash.
I do NOT want to go against this combination of simplicity and power by putting a gigantic high end flash on top of it that is 2X+ longer and heavier and much more complex than this one is.
Second set of reasons:
It has virtually all the features I look for in an separate flash unit:
- great power (high number)
- great battery life
- highly reliable
- very quick recycle time
- batteries that are cheap, long lasting, readily available (easily found on on-a-pinch)
- automatic control with complete camera interoperability
- adjustable head !!! (up / down / etc)
- includes a very attractive, compact and durable case to protect it when not in use.
What it lacks, I can do without most of the time: and that is remote commander-style master/slave control of other flash units.
Which I only use on special glamour shots.
Nikon made a huge mistake discontinuing it, but you can fix that - however you'll have to either buy it used or if you want it new (like I did) you must order it from a merchant in Amazon or elsewhere that gets it from Japan where it is still for sale.
The amazon seller I used, got it me in relatively short time and in perfect condition. Which for whatever reason included hand folded origami "thank you" notes. (a nice touch)
Of course if you or someone you know will be traveling to Japan, have them get you a copy.
The price is higher than original because in a Capitalist system, high demand drives the price up but in my mind it is still a value purchase. Everyone in the know wants this flash. It combines extreme functionality in a very very small package.
The model Nikon put out to replace it has been neutered, so your real options for external flashes are still much more expensive. Larger too.
Most of the time I shoot natural light with no flash.
But when I do need a flash, this is the one I use.
And it fits in just about every pocket of my clothes so all I have to do is pick it up and stash it.
Even when I'm NOT carrying a bag.
Now imagine all this at half the price (its original price).
Nikon, wake up and smell the coffee.
Bring this item back into regular markets.
Top reviews from other countries
La parte migliore è che il flash è abbastanza compatto ma permette di direzionare il fascio di luce anche verso l'alto come i modelli professionali, comodissimo per evitare di "sbiancare" i volti ottenendo un effetto luce dall'alto sul soggetto inquadrato puntandolo verso il soffitto (basta che non sia troppo alto, altrimenti meglio mettere un un foglio per riflettere la luce).