Our Product Research Team

At Crutchfield, you'll get detailed, accurate information that's hard to find elsewhere. That's because we have our own in-house Product Research team — they open the box, verify contents, check the owner's manual, and record dimensions, features and specs. We stay on top of new products and technologies to help people make informed choices.

Features
Specifications

Features

Creative Lighting System: The SB-400 features a new Nikon Speedlight system, called Creative Lighting System (CLS). This system offers additional flash shooting possibilities with digital cameras by taking advantage of a camera's digital communication capabilities. CLS is available only when the SB-400 is used with compatible Nikon cameras.

Compatibility: The SB-400 is currently compatible with the following point-and-shoot and digital SLR Nikon cameras (as of 12/30/2011).

• D-Series: 3, 3S, 3X, 300, 300S, 3000, 3100, 40, 5000, 5100, 60, 700, 7000, 90
• Coolpix Series: P5000, P5100, P6000, P7100

Note: List subject to change as newer model cameras are released.

Microcomputer-Controlled: The Speedlight incorporates a microcomputer to control flash operations.

i-TTL Flash Operation: This is a new TTL auto flash operation in the Creative Lighting System. Monitor Preflashes are fired at all times. The subject is correctly exposed by the light from the flash lighting and the exposure is less affected by the ambient light than in the conventional TTL operation

Flash Modes: The SB-400's available flash modes vary, depending on the cameras and lenses in use or the camera's exposure mode. The following flash modes are available.

• Slow-Sync Flash: In Slow-Sync Flash mode the flash is controlled at a slow shutter speed to obtain the correct exposure for both the main subject and background in low-light situations or at night.
• Red-Eye Reduction: Red-Eye Reduction prevents the center of your subject's eyes from appearing red in color pictures. The SB-400 fires three flashes at reduced output just before the picture is taken.
• Red-Eye Reduction with Slow-Sync Flash: In this mode, red-eye reduction is combine with the slow-sync mode.
• Rear-Curtain Sync: Rear-Curtain Flash Sync creates a picture in which the blur or a moving subject appears behind the subject and not in front.
• FV (Flash Value) Lock: FV is the amount of flash exposure for the subject. Using FV Lock you can lock in the appropriate flash exposure for the main subject.
• Exposure Compensation and Flash output Level Compensation: Exposure compensation allows you to take well-balanced pictures by intentionally modifying the flash exposure. This is useful when a subject of extremely high or low reflectivity is included in the scene or when you want to create flash photographs to match your creative preferences.
• Manual Mode: Manual flash operation is possible with only the Nikon D40 series.

Note: Each mode should be set on the camera body, since it cannot be set through the SB-400.

Bounce Flash: With the SB-400 mounted on your camera's hot shoe, you can tilt the flash head in four steps (horizontal, 60-degrees, 75-degrees or 90-degrees) to bounce the light off the ceiling or other surfaces. This technique offers the following advantages - eliminates red eye, creates soft shadows and prevents hair or clothing from appearing to sheen .

Ready Light: The Speedlight features a rear-mounted LED that lights up when the SB-400 is recharge and ready to fire. The Ready Light will blink to indicate insufficient light, insufficient battery power, incompatibility of camera with the SB-400 or overheating.

Power Source: The Speedlight can operate off of two of the following AA-type penlight batteries (1.5V or lower) - Alkaline manganese (1.5V), Lithium (1.5V), Oxyride (1.5V), Ni-MH (rechargeable 1.2V). When the battery power becomes low the Ready-light blinks twice in a second for approximately 40 seconds advising you to replace or recharge your batteries.

Standby Function: If the SB-400 and camera are not being used, the standby function will automatically activate after 40 seconds, switching the SB-400 to standby mode to conserve battery power.

Mounting: The Speedlight mounts to the accessory shoe of your compatible Nikon camera via the unit's mounting foot lever lock which provides secure attachments to prevent accidental detachment.

Specifications

Electronic Construction: Automatic Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) and series circuitry

Guide Number (20°C/68°F): 30/98.4 (ISO 200, m/ft), 21/69 (ISO 100, m/ft)

Angle Of Coverage: Light distribution cover an 18mm lens when mounted on a Nikon DX format camera and a 27mm lens when mounted on an F6

Flash Shooting Distance Range: 0.6m to 20m (2 to 66 ft.) (varies depending on the ISO sensitivity, angle of flash head and lens aperture in use)

Bounce Capability: flash head tilts from 0° to 90° with click-stops at 0°, 60°, 75°, 90°

Flash Duration (approximately): 1/1300 second at full output

Maximum Number Of Continuous Firings:

Minimum Number of Flashes and Recycling Times:

Weight: 4.5 oz (without batteries)