External flashes

I don't see why it wouldn't be, I've used mine on the D40 and D90. It should say right in your manual if it's compatible.
That said, from the "if I knew then what I know now" files, I'd get the SB600. The SB400 is a great little flash but it's limited.
 
Do you already have an external flash you like? Before digital SLR's I bought a used Canon Speedlite 533G. Last month I needed an external flash for portraits I was taking with my Nikon D200. I was very pleasantly surprised to have the 533G work flawlessly with the D200.
 
If choosing between, the SB-400 and the SB-600, I would probably go with the SB-600 for the extra $75. If later down the road, you want to start doing off-camera flashes, then just add the SB-800 or SB-900, since I don't believe that the D60 has a commander mode which can remotely fire a flash. I am not sure if you can remotely control an SB-400 either.

Either the 400 or the 600 should give you the capabilities for making better photos, but the 600 may give you more options down the road. If you can afford the extra $75 or so, then go for the 600.

I pulled these off of Amazon for you.

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.

Product Description
The SB-400 gives photographers the opportunity to enjoy brighter and more natural lighting for images taken using a flash. It is designed to suit entry-level digital SLR users while also suitable for more experienced users. Those who have a camera within the D2 series will also benefit from the convenient portable flash unit. The SB-400 offers a guide number of 30 (ISO 200, m), and effortless bounce flash function and is controlled in i-TTL and the D40's M (manual) mode. Flash shooting distance range from 2 and up to 66 feet Electronic construction - Automatic Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) and series circuitry Guide number - (at 18mm zoom-head position, 20 degrees C/68 degrees F) 30m per 98.4 feet Angle of coverage - Light distribution covers an 18mm lens when mounted on a Nikon DX format digital SLR camera (27mm lens when mounted on an F6 35mm SLR) Flash shooting distance range - 2 to 66 feet (Varies depending on the ISO sensitivity, zoom-head position, and lens aperture in use) Flash mode - i-TTL, M (manual with the D40 only) Flash exposure control set on the camera - Slow-sync, red-eye reduction, red-eye reduction in slow sync, rear-curtain sync flash, FV lock flash, manual flash (with Nikon Creative Lighting System digital and 35mm SLR cameras) Bounce capability - Flash head tilts up to 90 degrees with click-stops at 0, 60, 75, 90 degrees Power Source - Two AA batteries (1.5V or lower) Flashes/Recycling time at full output - Alkaline-manganese (1.5V) 140/3.9 sec, Lithium (1.5V) 250/4.2 sec, Oxyride (1.5V) 150/3.1 sec, Ni-MH rechargeable (1.5V, 2600 mAh) 210/2.5 sec Lights up when the SB-400 is recharged and ready to fire. Blinks to indicate insufficient light, insufficient battery power and incompatibility of camera with SB-400 Flash duration - Approximately 1/1300th second at full output Mounting foot lever lock - Provides secure attachment to the camera accessory



From the Manufacturer

Nikon introduces the Speedlight SB-600, a compact flash packed with impressive functionality inherited from the renowned SB-800. It serves as a solid base for the Nikon Creative Lighting System when used in combination with Nikon D70 or D2H digital SLRs.

When used in combination with Nikon's latest digital SLRs, the D70 or D2H, the SB-600 supports Advanced Wireless Lighting as a remote Speedlight that can be positioned as one of multiple remote flashes to significantly extend creative possibilities. To assist in such situations, the Speedlight SB-600 also has two Ready Lights located on both the left and right of the front that can be easily seen from a distance. The SB-600 can also emit an audible alert for further assistance.

Auto FP High-Speed Sync enables the use of Fill-Flash even in bright daylight with wide aperture settings for the achievement of outstanding results and new creative possibilities, including the effective blurring for of out-of-focus background elements. An optional color filter set SJ-1 is also available, allowing imaginative shooting to be pushed even further.

White balance is optimized through the use of flash color information obtained by the Speedlight. The SB-600 also features FV lock, which gives the user the convenience of being able to maintain the measured flash value while recomposing the shot to achieve the appropriate flash output for the subject.

It also offers uncomplicated operation made simpler by an easy-to-view LCD with only six buttons, each of which is backlit and simple to understand.

The Nikon Speedlight SB-600 also delivers plenty of style, both in its compact dimensions and a triangular motif consistent with the Nikon D-SLR theme.

The Nikon Speedlight SB-600 comes complete with a Speedlight stand and a soft case, while two flash cables (the SC-29 and SC-28) and the Color Filter Set (SJ-1) are available as options.

Major Features of the Nikon SB-600

* Supports the Nikon Creative Lighting System.
* Supports i-TTL (for automatic balanced Fill-Flash), D-TTL, TTL, Manual.
* Easy-to-view LCD with 6 simple-to-understand backlit buttons.
* Guide Number of 30/98 [ISO100,m/ft], 42/138 [ISO200,m/ft] (at 35mm zoom).
* Auto zoom of 24 to 85mm, extendable to 14mm with built-in wide-flash adapter.
* Same Wide area AF Assist Illuminator as the popular SB-800.
* Advanced Wireless Lighting available with D2H or D70 when used as a remote.
* Auto FP High-Speed Sync (with D2H only); use with fast shutter speeds achieves effective lurring of out-of-focus background elements.
* Flash Color Information - optimized white balance makes use of data from the Speedlight.
* FV lock holds flash value, enabling recomposition prior to shooting.
* Accurate i-TTL flash control achieved through flash exposure monitoring control.
* Design consistent with those of next-generation D-SLRs, with a triangular design element on the top that complements the D-SLR motif.
* Supports optional Color Filter Set (SJ-1).
* Ready light located beside the LCD on the back panel - highly visible even when used as a remote.

Product Description
When used in combination with Nikon's latest digital SLRs, the D70 or D2H, the SB-600 supports Advanced Wireless Lighting as a remote Speedlight that can be positioned as one of multiple remote flashes to significantly extend creative possibilities. To assist in such situations, the Speedlight SB-600 also has a readylight located beside the LCD on the rear panel that can be easily seen from a distance. The SB-600 can also emit an audible alert for further assistance. Easy-to-view LCD with 6 simple-to-understand backlit buttons Guide Number of 30/98 [ISO100,m/ft], 42/138 [ISO200,m/ft] (at 35mm zoom) Auto zoom of 24 to 85mm, extendable to 14mm with built-in wide-flash adapter Advanced Wireless Lighting available with D2H or D70 when used as a remote Auto FP High-Speed Sync (with D2H only); use with fast shutter speeds achieves effective blurring of out-of-focus background elements Flash Color Information - optimized white balance makes use of data from the Speedlight FV lock holds flash value, enabling recomposition prior to shooting Design consistent with those of next-generation D-SLRs, with a triangular design element on the top that complements the D-SLR motif Requires 4 AA Batteries (Alkaline or Rechargeable NiCad or NIMH) for use
 
I've had the SB-600 for over 2 years now on my D50 and now my D300. I also use it 95% of the time with a Gary Fong Lightsphere II diffuser. I couldn't be more happy with it. Has yet to let me down.

The SB-400 is a great little flash, but it is little. It can do some bounce, but it is limited. The SB-600 is pretty much 85% of what the SB-800 is and thats more than I need. I constantly use the SB-600 in a bounce position.

I say go for the SB-600.
 

I have the SB800 and love it. I agree with the other posters that I would go with the 600. It should do everything you want and more. The 400 is a great little flash and little is the key word.
 
Have you tried one of these? It's certainly cheap enough: only $5.00 shipped (ebay). I can't afford to get a separate flash for my BRAND NEW OLYMPUS E-510 (:cool1: :woohoo: :yay: :banana: ) that I just purchased yesterday (online, so I don't actually have it in my possession yet), but I would like something a little less harsh than the pop-up flash.

172902315_o.jpg
 
I've been thinking about one of those until I get an external flash. I imagine it should work.....seems like the same principle as a diffuser on an external flash.

You are going to like the E510. I've got the same camera
 
/
I'm so very excited!! I actually ordered it about 6 weeks ago and then cancelled the order about 3 days later. I didn't have enough saved to be able to pay cash for the whole thing. BUT my parents told me day before yesterday that that's what they wanted to do for me for Christmas: pay the difference between what I had saved and the total cost! That's a deal!
 
I'm so very excited!! I actually ordered it about 6 weeks ago and then cancelled the order about 3 days later. I didn't have enough saved to be able to pay cash for the whole thing. BUT my parents told me day before yesterday that that's what they wanted to do for me for Christmas: pay the difference between what I had saved and the total cost! That's a deal!


Cool parents!!


Enjoy the camera :thumbsup2
 
robgalbraith.com
Look at the CF/SD database.
 
I'm looking for as small a tripod as possible to take with us to Disney. We have a Nikon D90 SLR (18-105 mm lens) and a SB-800 flash. Just something good enough to aim the camera from a trashcan for fireworks or set on a table for a family pic.

Thanks!
 
If you're just looking for something you can set up on a trash can and not a full-legged tripod, you might want to check out the Gorillapod SLR-ZOOM.
 
If you're just looking for something you can set up on a trash can and not a full-legged tripod, you might want to check out the Gorillapod SLR-ZOOM.

I might go for the Gorillapod, but I was hoping for something a little cheaper as we wouldn't be using it too much.

Thanks!
 
Well if your taking pictures of the fireworks you wont have the flash attached. So a gorillapod might be good, also I used this tripod twice for Wishes on 2 different trips with my D50 and 18-70mm lens. This combo is just a tiny bit smaller than your D90 and 18-105mm lens. It a little more that what I paid 2 1/2 years ago, but it worked nicely and when folded up (down to 13.5") it fit in my backpack. I used it on top of a trashcan without the legs extended. At 6' tall this was perfect for me and gave me just enough room to have the lens "see" over the people that were in front of me. When fully extended it is also JUUUUST tall enough to see over the fences around WDW. Took Illuminations shots, long exposure water fall shots at AK and other stuff around WDW.
 
No disrespect to Kyle because I normally agree with him on most issues. I respectfully disagree with him on this issue. You spent HOW MUCH for the equipment you described and you want to put it on a $27 tripod?

It is not just an issue of it being strong enough to hold the camera, but also the head must be substantial enough to hold the camera up. I am sure there will be those on this board and others that thought the head was locked off and all of a sudden the the camera and lens goes thud to the front because it did not hold.

Your primary goal should be to protect the equipment. I also do not understand people that want to use a trash can as their base. I am sure many will say they use it all the time, I just know how many people are at WDW for wishes and how they are oblivious to what is going on around them.
 
No disrespect to Kyle because I normally agree with him on most issues. I respectfully disagree with him on this issue. You spent HOW MUCH for the equipment you described and you want to put it on a $27 tripod?

It is not just an issue of it being strong enough to hold the camera, but also the head must be substantial enough to hold the camera up. I am sure there will be those on this board and others that thought the head was locked off and all of a sudden the the camera and lens goes thud to the front because it did not hold.

Your primary goal should be to protect the equipment. I also do not understand people that want to use a trash can as their base. I am sure many will say they use it all the time, I just know how many people are at WDW for wishes and how they are oblivious to what is going on around them.

I'm not one to use a tripod very much. Its just not the type of photos I usually take. After buying the camera and flash, the budget for any other camera supplies is nil... Obviously, I don't want to buy a tripod that won't work with my equipment, but I'm looking for the cheapest route that will work.

As for the trashcan as a base - I'm going to be right next to it (strap (loosely) in hand at all times - I'll be using a remote to trigger the shutter). During my last trip I saw two people trip over full size tripods (one time the camera came crashing down with it! Luckily it hit a bush.) I think the trashcan route may actually be safer!

But I'm new to tripods, I'm taking all advice!
 
Tom, I truly understand the cost and the lack of use issue. I have no idea where you are from but you might want to check your local camera shop that rents equipment, if you have one and see what it will cost to rent one. Or, see if you have a friend that is also into photography that will lend you one.

I just know from experience that less expensive tripods that come with heads are notorious for slipping when you think they are tight. Also if you are using one that just has a post on it and you are not using a bracket or clamp, they can come loose and your camera does not fall off, it falls to the side!

At least go to your local camera shop, not Wolf, Ritz, etc. Not that they are bad, just you really want a tripod lesson.

Some of us use Really Right Stuff for our tripods and you do not have to go that far. There is some good stuff out there. Just go and look. Bogen,Silk, and other make good lesser expensive tripods. Since you say you will use a camera release, you sound like you may use your tripod more than you think.

I would just hate to have you have a catastrophe. I also agree with you you have to be careful with a full tripod at MK for fireworks. People have no clue what is around them. I will take the tripod and set it so I am in one of the divisions and usually stand to where anyone hits it, I can respond immediately.

Just be careful. This board and many other like it are full of people who buy expensive cameras then use inappropriate tripods and do not understand why it fell apart.

Once again, Klye offers great advise here, we just disagree on this issue. It obviously has worked for him.
 
Sorry. I know it sounds like a dumb question but I just purchased a new DSLR that doesn't have a built in flash. I never really thought much about it until I started thinking about what I needed to bring with me in January. On past trips, I can't remember using a flash much while at Disney. Maybe for restaurant and resort pictures (I never really liked how those turned out anyway) and maybe a few pictures at night but those were done mostly by with the Photopass CMs with their camera.

I figure if I can get away with it, it will be one less thing to bring with me and to buy for now. I've already had to get a bigger bag and swap my memory cards from SD to CF.

TIA :)
 













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