SB 400, an under-rated flash.

[pooQy]

Yeah, it's a flash unit that's kinda under-rated. Everyone's going for SB 600 and 900... But only if budget allows eh?

I read up on the Internet and found this SB 400 flash unit that is:

1.) Bounce Flash. (flipping up the SB-400 and bouncing it off the ceiling)
2.) Tiny!
3.) Excellent build quality and performance, better than Canon's top flashes.
4.) Runs on just two AA cells.
5.) Excellent battery life.
6.) Fast recycling.
5.) Easy to make an excellent soft box system for one penny.
6.) Fast and easy to use.

Credits here

There's always a saying:
Doesn't mean it's new = it's good.

I personally believe that some of the 'older' products are better engineered. (doesn't just have to be photography equipment)

Hmmm... anyone with experience on using this 'ancient' product? Or comments welcomed!

 

[ZerocoolAstra]

it has its pros and cons...
but yes i'll agree that a relatively low pricetag is on its side.
Can't bounce the flash upwards when in portrait orientation though...
No AWL capability.

 

[Blur Shadow]

Hi PooQy

I don't deny it's a good flash. But there are some issues.

1. You cannot bounce off the ceiling when shooting in portrait orientation.
2. Ok, it is small.
3. Yeah, decent build quality.
4. Agreed.
5. That's because the output is lower, amongst other things.
6. Ditto.
7. I don't understand that point.
8. Just like most modern TTL flashes.


Also, the SB-600 is older than the SB-400.

 

[optimage]

Great TTL flash to replace the built-in flash. Tiny, lightweight and very portable. Good enough for regular shots but not sophisticated enough for fine tweaking.

 

[pooQy]

Hi PooQy

I don't deny it's a good flash. But there are some issues.

1. You cannot bounce off the ceiling when shooting in portrait orientation.
2. Ok, it is small.
3. Yeah, decent build quality.
4. Agreed.
5. That's because the output is lower, amongst other things.
6. Ditto.
7. I don't understand that point.
8. Just like most modern TTL flashes.


Also, the SB-600 is older than the SB-400.

Point 7 refers to this:

Template here

 

[pooQy]

it has its pros and cons...
but yes i'll agree that a relatively low pricetag is on its side.
Can't bounce the flash upwards when in portrait orientation though...
No AWL capability.

AWL is?
Important for covering events.. ?

 

[pooQy]

Just to clarify again...

I'm collecting actual reviews from locals just to have a better understanding of the product. Those points I've listed out were from www.kenrockwell.com, so don't quote me.

TIA!

 

[Randius]

For those using the SB-400 on a light-weight camera such as D40(x) and D60, just get a SC-28/29 remote cord and you can bounce in any orientation. The long length of the cord may be a problem though...

I am thinking of getting the SB-400 (now using SB-900 on P6000) but wondering if there will be an update coming soon :think:

 

[zac08]

AWL is?
Important for covering events.. ?

AWL = Advanced Wireless Lighting.

Can't be used as a slave...

 

[Lomographer]

yeah awl is important for events

in case you need more then one flash... say 1 master 2 slaves kinda thing

 

[pooQy]

AWL = Advanced Wireless Lighting.

Can't be used as a slave...

yeah awl is important for events

in case you need more then one flash... say 1 master 2 slaves kinda thing

opppss... so meaning SB400 not usable for strobing lor?
damn ;(

 

[pooQy]

For those using the SB-400 on a light-weight camera such as D40(x) and D60, just get a SC-28/29 remote cord and you can bounce in any orientation. The long length of the cord may be a problem though...

I am thinking of getting the SB-400 (now using SB-900 on P6000) but wondering if there will be an update coming soon :think:

haha... the price is tempting too.

 

[Lomographer]

yes, but like i said, if you're not a flash guy you won't even want that flash

the only flash i'll consider buying is the SB-900 cos it's that good

but i have my trusty SB-28

what SB-400?

 

[pooQy]

yes, but like i said, if you're not a flash guy you won't even want that flash

the only flash i'll consider buying is the SB-900 cos it's that good

but i have my trusty SB-28

what SB-400?

haha... no budget for SB900 yet ma.

SB-28 can't use... only for film cams.
My manual SLRs all defective liao, can't shoot. Exp to repair also ;(
Got a mecablitz & Contax flash, but scared will damage the D90's horseshoe circuitry. :sweat:

 

[Lomographer]

the SB-28 works on my D200... surprisingly

however i use it on my F5 more cos i shoot like ISO 100 most of the time

velvia.

but yea if you want a good flash, save up get the SB-900

and say sayonara to all other flashes be it some SB-1000 comes out or wtv, you're not gonna need it

 

[Blur Shadow]

Point 7 refers to this:

Template here

Oh, you can do that with any flash. Really.

 

[smile_gerard]

haha... no budget for SB900 yet ma.

SB-28 can't use... only for film cams.
My manual SLRs all defective liao, can't shoot. Exp to repair also ;(
Got a mecablitz & Contax flash, but scared will damage the D90's horseshoe circuitry. :sweat:

The SB-28 will work in "A" mode if i'm not wrong. I used to use an SB-26 on a d70. Its a little more troublesome but it definitely works. And with good results. Just set to manual on the camera. Set your ISO and aperature for both flash and camera. Then just adjust your shutter speed for different lighting situations. I don't remember if you can use aperature piority on the camera. But i think you can.

 

[Reno]

SB400 is a pretty decent flash for personal usage but definitely not enough for event coverage as it is not strong enough and the recycle time is not fast enough compare to sb800 and sb900, furthermore both sb800 and sb900 have further reach and can be hooked to quantum battery for extra juice.

 

[redmonsoon]

>1. You cannot bounce off the ceiling when shooting in portrait orientation.
This alone makes it undesirable, almost unusable for general use . SB600 is a much better choice.

 

[pooQy]

The SB-28 will work in "A" mode if i'm not wrong. I used to use an SB-26 on a d70. Its a little more troublesome but it definitely works. And with good results. Just set to manual on the camera. Set your ISO and aperature for both flash and camera. Then just adjust your shutter speed for different lighting situations. I don't remember if you can use aperature piority on the camera. But i think you can.

I just re-read the review on KenRockwell.com, it states that it does work on A & M modes. :bsmilie: