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Use of an external flash unit is a good way to improve your photography. The built-in flash on the average camera is okay, but it only points forward and you can't rotate it. With an external flash unit, you have a more powerful flash and you can change the position of the flash in order to bounce the light off a wall or off the ceiling.This small size of this external flash makes it easier to carry around and also doesn't make the camera itself significantly heavier. While you may want a larger flash for a studio shoot, this is perfect if you want an external flash unit when you're on the go.
The easiest to use flash unit ever. Within its design & feature-set limitations, I cannot come up with any cons. I set the D90 on red eye reduction auto, take the picture and viola.
That's it, the rest is automatic.Love the bounce flash for nice indoor fill and which does not produce the red eyes. I can't praise this flash enough for such great (perfect). Put batteries in, insert on the hotshoe, lock and turn on.
all eyes appear completely natural and pretty :-) Wife is impressed. However, what's also great is you can set the camera on red-eye reduction mode for situations that bounce does not work well such as when the ceiling is over 10 feet high or night time outdoors, where the use of direct flash may be necessary. I tested this out inside the house at night using SB400 by pointing it directly at my subjects at eye level about 5 feet away which I believe happens often in family gatherings - my willing wife holding our reluctant cat.
results.As other reviews have pointed out, it is speedy, tiny, weighs nothing, and inexpensive yet sturdy. One day I may want the big fancy brothers, but for casual photography, I'm very pleased.
I am very, very disappointed in Nikon quality. Now I have to go through the hassle of shipping my flash off to Nikon for repairs again.
After struggling with poor quality photos, I took the D40 back to the shop where I bought it from, and they agreed that the camera needed servicing. I bought this flash to go along with my D40x.
The flash then worked fine for 3 months, but it too has stopped working. So out the camera body went to Nikon for a few weeks.
Nikon agreed the camera was defective, repaired it, and it came back working normally. My camera is used primarily for taking family and baby photos, and I handle the camera very gently.
Either I am particularly unlucky, or Nikon makes cheap junk nowadays.
I have always used a portable flash unit on my old slr's. Combined with the electronics of the D-40 and the bounce capabilities of this flash. Do yourself a favor and get it if you require basic (but excellent) results in your photographic endeavors. However, with the newer DSLR's, the built in pop up flash is inadequate and just too weak. Pricewise, it knows no peers. The Nikon SB-400 added to my Nikon D-40 makes all the difference in the world. Just popped them on the hotshoe and presto, instant lighting. it makes this flash a no-brainer.
I am not a professional, but take my photography seriously. This is the easiest to use, basic flash I have ever used. I have no reservations in highly recommending this flash unit. You will not be disappointed.
The SB-400 is a great quick and light but functional Speedlight. After receiving the product and testing it out, it doesn't make a difference compared to the built-in (popup) flash on our Nikon D80 in all situations. It does add light in further off shots better than the built-in and also removes shadowing (created by the lens) because the flash sits up higher on some shots. The best feature for the price is the ability to bounce off ceilings to get better lighting which works well on this product.
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