Flash : is SB400 sufficient?

[chicken chop]

After comparing the photos I took with my D3100 built in flash and my nephew photo with his Canon with external flash during Christmas I find that the built in flash is a bit harsh.

I would like to know if the SB400 is sufficient for usage in HDB rooms, Chinese Resturant for a group of 6-8 person? Wouldl it be sufficient toact as fill in light when photos is taken whereby light source is from the back in an outdoor environment? Thanks in advance for the advise.

 

[K S Kong]

It is more suitable for traveling use for fill-in light.

 

[jeff7id]

As you said that the flash would mainly be used for indoor shoot, such as in HDB rooms, Chinese Restaurant for a group of 6-8 person, SB400 should be sufficient for you.

The SB400 even can bounce light to the ceiling with additional bounce card for fill light, like this:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mortaric/1791748307/

SB400 is the best "Small Flash" for you to start with.

 

[chicken chop]

Thanks, will get one

 

[makolit]

Thanks, will get one

consider the SB600 as well.
SB400 can only be angled up to 90 degrees upwards. if you hold the camera sideways, your bounce will be to the side. SB600 can at least be swiveled sideways as well. not to mention it being more powerful when the need arises.

cheers!

 

[xtemujin]

I've the SB400, SB600 and SB900, personally I would not recommend buying the SB400.

You will not be able to use the SB400 with other camera brands and the flash is quite weak and I find that it is like using the builtin flash.

If I was to buy a new speedlight, I would save up and get the SB700.

HTH.

 

[chicken chop]

I've the SB400, SB600 and SB900, personally I would not recommend buying the SB400.

You will not be able to use the SB400 with other camera brands and the flash is quite weak and I find that it is like using the builtin flash.

If I was to buy a new speedlight, I would save up and get the SB700.

HTH.

Not thinking of changing my kit in near future. Very comfortable with the camera weight. I like to sling my camera around me and cycle around to take photos. If SB400 can improve my indoor photos and at the same time act as a fill in flash outdoor, it's fine already.

 

[chanjyj]

After comparing the photos I took with my D3100 built in flash and my nephew photo with his Canon with external flash during Christmas I find that the built in flash is a bit harsh.

I would like to know if the SB400 is sufficient for usage in HDB rooms, Chinese Resturant for a group of 6-8 person? Wouldl it be sufficient toact as fill in light when photos is taken whereby light source is from the back in an outdoor environment? Thanks in advance for the advise.

Yes. In terms of light output, it is more than enough for me. In fact I once shot a Leica D & D with it.

In terms of ability to direct light, that's a different issue.

 

[boopoo]

Jack up the iso no issue this is a good flash specially when i bring my 4 kids out

 

[Blitzkriegh]

I have an sb600 and just recently bought an sb400. This flash should not be underestimated as it works wonders. Good for traveling without the need to bring the big sb600.works great for group shots in hdb, resto, and for fill flash outdoors. For such a cheap price, it makes a big difference in the kind of image output that you can achieve.

 

[coolsigg]

For such a cheap price, it makes a big difference in the kind of image output that you can achieve.

can share the price u paid for the SB400?

 

[Blitzkriegh]

I bought from a fellow CS member, bnew 160. 

 

[wmayeo]

you might to consider 3rd party flash like Yongnuo ones, since price is almost there and you can get more control in creative lighting from bouncing light at different angles.

 

[coolsigg]

I bought from a fellow CS member, bnew 160. 

thanks!

 

[DM101]

I wanted to get a SB 400 but all shops NO STOCK and say discontinued. Ended up buying the SB 700

SB700 is heavy ... arghh... :angry:

 

[scramblur11]

I wanted to get a SB 400 but all shops NO STOCK and say discontinued. Ended up buying the SB 700

SB700 is heavy ... arghh... :angry:

I was also looking for SB400 sometime last Jul. Was told by shops that it is discontinued / no stocks. Call NSC and was told that they don't bring it to s'pore because of no demand. ..how can ppl buy nikon products if you don't even bring it into the country?

In the end I bought a grey set from TCW....:sticktong to Nikon Singapore

 

[Akatsuki]

i would recommend a SB700/600 for it's extra reach and ability to customize.

 

[RedSuns85]

Got it from second-hand in B/S forum in CS ..
http://www.flickr.com/groups/sb400/

 

[dazism]

Sorry, just curious.
can i use SB400 with commander mode in camera body to remotely trigger other flashgun?

 

[Dennis]

No you can't SB400 cannot be used remotely.

BTW for the usage like TS needed just need to add the Stofen SB400 diffuser it works wonders and is a whole world of difference. Crank up your cam iso a notch up and your photos will look very natural with the diffuser.

Sorry, just curious.
can i use SB400 with commander mode in camera body to remotely trigger other flashgun?