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06/13/2007 08:27:54 PM · #1 |
I am considering buying a SB400 (I searched the forum with SB400 but could not find anything useful)Before asking the question, let me put a few words on my needs and concerns.
This is mainly for taking photographs of my daughter(13 days old today) indoors..I would also like to be able to use it outdoors too.
I dont own any external flash at this moment(so this will be my first) and practically I know nothing about external flashes, so any suggestion is welcome.
Question is do I need to buy a SB600 or SB400 will be good enough ?
Hw much of a problem is being limited to only vertical movements?
I read the Ken Rockwell review and he seemed happy with it.
Thanks in advance,
Abhinaba |
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06/13/2007 08:39:10 PM · #2 |
Get the 600 if you can afford it.
I've got the SB400, and it took me about 2 days to wish I'd invested the extra cash and gotten the 600.
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06/13/2007 08:55:40 PM · #3 |
Thanks Kashi..
Any particular reason that you felt so?
I may afford the 600 but the size of 400 is a plus for me. |
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06/13/2007 09:05:14 PM · #4 |
I got the SB800 w/o blinking an eye ! I usually buy the max that I can afford.
I'm not sure of the features of all of the 400 and 600 features but the one I love with the 800 is:
COMMANDER MODE
You can use the flash "off" of the camera w/o wires. It allows you to position the flash(s) anywhere in the room. It lets you get creative with lighting. Amazing photos come along after a few days of practice.
Skid
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06/13/2007 09:05:33 PM · #5 |
I have the SB800 (very similar to the SB600), I do not have a SB400.
From what I can see the SB600 is about 30% more expensive than the SB400 but it is massively more capable. When used with a D70 or better camera the SB600/800 can be used TTL remotely with the Nikon CLS system. This is an excelent flash system that offers a great deal of flexibility. The only reasons I can see to get the SB400 are its small size, and a small saving in cost if you are sure you will never need the ability of the SB600.
Edit to add: If small size is of major importance then the SB400 wins hands down as both the SB600 and SB800 are quite large size.
Message edited by author 2007-06-13 21:08:35. |
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06/13/2007 09:16:12 PM · #6 |
I use an SB800 on my D70 and a remote SB600 for most of my outdoor photography.
I think the 600 is a great little (big in this case) flash, and the opportunity to put it somewhere in the room other than on your D70 is a HUGE advantage. When you upgrade your camera the increased capabilities of your camera will make the 600 even better!
The D80 and D200 both have a terrific commander mode for remote flashes built in.
If I can stop buying studio lights, I'll upgrade one of these days.
Good luck, and congrats on the kid! |
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06/13/2007 09:22:13 PM · #7 |
Originally posted by digitalknight:
..........
The D80 and D200 both have a terrific commander mode for remote flashes built in. |
The D70 does too, however it is limited to just one channel and one group and no manual mode. It's still perfectly usable however.
Message edited by author 2007-06-13 21:23:31. |
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06/13/2007 09:29:10 PM · #8 |
Oh I'm aware! :-)
The best part of the enhanced commander mode is the ability to turn the on board flash into just a trigger flash, one that doesn't register in the exposure. Sweet.
Have to use the SB800 for that now - soon, very soon!
Wanna trade for a minute? I'll give it right back, promise! |
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06/13/2007 09:34:50 PM · #9 |
Thanks Guys...
WOW...I had no idea that I could use SB600 wireless..I always thought that it must be a feature of SB800 and I am not going to get it with $180 SB600 (Lazy me..never read the reviews carefully enough)
This was really helpful...I will definitely get the SB600. Thanks for saving me some frustration.
U GUYS ROCK!!! |
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06/13/2007 09:35:51 PM · #10 |
| I must admit the full CLS commander mode is sweet!! It is one clever system, straight out the box it just works. It even handles macro work no problem. Dialing in exposure compensation for individual remote flash units on the camera is cool ... lol |
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