Product Description

i-TTL (intelligent through-the-lens) flash exposure control * four-position tilt flash head (tilts up from horizontal to 60, 75, and 90 degrees) * approximate guide number at ISO 200: 98.4 ft./30 meters (at 18mm zoom head setting) * compatible with select Nikon SLRs using the Creative Lighting System including the D40, D50, D70s, and D200 * uses 2 "AA" batteries (not included) *

Product Details

• Brand: Nikon
• Model: 4806
• Dimensions: 2.42" h x 3.07" w x 3.78" l, .28 pounds

Features

• Compact, lightweight Speedlight unit
• 18mm angle of coverage with Nikon DX format digital SLR cameras
• Bounce capabilities in 4 steps up to 90 degrees; flash shooting distance range from 2 and up to 66 feet
• Approximate guide number of 98.4 feet at ISO 200 (at 18mm zoom head setting)
• Operates on two AA-size (1.5V) batteries; fast 2.5 second recycling time

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.

Customer Reviews

The only flash I need!
I bought the Nikon SB 800 flash for my Nikon D50 after the built in flash stopped working. I quickly realized that it was a wonderful flash, and very powerful, but much too large. I started shopping around for other options, and bought the SB 400 not long after. It is less than half the size of the 800, but just as powerful as far as the flash goes. There are more features and gizmos on the 800, but I found that I never used those anyway. I just wanted a flash that would work! And this does that and still has perks:

-The tilt-up head of the flash is wonderful. You can aim the flash at different angles so that you arent hitting the subject head on. This reduces red eye and harsh shadows.

-It mounts easily and securely, and lights up a whole room without being heavy and in the way.

-It is very quick, you hardly have to wait at all for the flash to recharge after shooting. I rarely even notice a lag.

I would reccomend this flash to anyone!

SB400 Flash review
I just received the SB400 and used it for a family wedding. I discovered the two AA battery power source did not last very long and locked up my D80. I removed the SB400 and the camera work fine. The speedlite was a significant improvement over the on board flash for a large gathering and I was please with the overall performance.

Works great and is wonderfully small
I use the SB-400 with a D40, and it is great. It works exactly the way I need it to - automatically. In general I prefer natural light photography, but when I do use flash for indoor portraits, this unit suits me perfectly. The front tilts for bounce flashing off the ceiling, which is how I use flash 90% of the time. The nice thing is that ONLY the front tilts, not the whole unit, so everything stays wonderfully small and compact. Yeah, you can get a bigger, more powerful sb-600 or 800, but those things are huge. Especially when tilted up for bounce flash. If you need more control and extra options and power, then go with the bigger more expensive flashes, but for most D40 users - this flash fits perfectly. And it's pretty reasonably priced as well.

One thing, pick up some rechargeable batteries as well. Any flash will eat power quickly. I use Sanyo Eneloops and they are amazing - they last a lot longer in between charges than standard alkalines.

In conclusion, if you have a Nikon D40, get this external flash. Your indoor pictures (especially portraits) will be 100% better than if you use the on-camera flash. And once you discover bounce-flash, you'll always avoid having to use standard straight-on flash again.