The Nikon Speedlight SB-400 is unveiled today, designed to partner the new D40 DSLR camera, and will cost £149.99 / €229.99 when it hits the shops in January 2007.

Nikon UK Press Release

Nikon UK is pleased to announce the introduction of the Nikon SB-400, an external flash unit that boasts i-TTL flash operation in a compact, lightweight body at an affordable price. 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 yet it is 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 Nikon 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.

Due to its compatibility with Nikon’s Creative Lighting System, entry level users are able to experience a sophisticated wireless lighting system that is easy to use. Its flash head can be tilted in 4 steps, horizontal, 60, 75 and 90 degrees, and has a flash shooting distance range from 0.6m to 20m (depending on the ISO setting). Slow Sync, Red-eye Reduction and other flash modes can also be set on the camera body.

Note:
Specifications, design, product name, standard accessories and release schedule may differ by country or area.

Nikon Speedlight SB-400 Major Features

- Compatible with i-TTL and D40’s M mode
- Flash head can be tilted in 4 steps; horizontal, 60, 75 and 90 degrees
- Flash shooting distance range: 0.6m - 20m (depends on the ISO setting)
- Guide number: 30 [ISO 200, m, 20°C]
- Angle of coverage: 18mm (with Nikon-DX format cameras), 27mm (with Nikon F6)
- Depending on the camera in use, the following flash modes are available:
Slow Sync, Red-eye Reduction, Red-eye Reduction with Slow Sync, Rear-curtain Sync, FV Lock, exposure compensation, M (manual, only with D40 camera)
- Power source: two AA-size 1.5V batteries (also compatible with lower voltage batteries)

Note: SB-400 cannot be used with cameras not compatible with Nikon Creative Lighting System.
SB-400 is not compatible with Advanced Wireless Lighting.

Speedlight SB-400 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 covers 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, zoom-head position, and lens aperture in use)

Flash mode
i-TTL, M (manual, only with the D40)

Compatible cameras
All cameras compatible with Nikon Creative Lighting System

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 D40 camera)

Bounce capability
Flash head tilts up to 90° with click-stops at 0°, 60°, 75°, 90°

ON/OFF switch
The ON/OFF switch turns the SB-400 on and off

Power source / min. recycling time / no. of flashes (at full output)
With fresh batteries (These data may vary depending on battery condition)
Two AA-size penlight batteries (1.5V or lower) of the following types:

Batteries Min. recycling time (approx.) Min. number of flashes / interval between full flash output and ready light on*
Alkaline-manganese (1.5V) 3.9 sec. 140/3.9-30 sec.
Lithium (1.5V) 4.2 sec. 250/4.2-30 sec.
Oxyride (1.5V) 3.1 sec. 150/3.1-30 sec.
Ni-MH (2600 mAh) (rechargeable) (1.2V) 2.5 sec. 210/2.5-30 sec.

*When firing the Speedlight at full output once every 30 seconds (120 seconds with lithium batteries.)

Ready light
• Lights up when the SB-400 is recharged and ready to fire
• Blinks to indicate: insufficient light/insufficient battery power/incompatibility of camera with SB-400/overheating

Flash duration
Approx. 1/1300 sec. at full output

Mounting foot lever lock

Provides secure attachment of SB-400 to the camera accessory shoe with a mount pin to prevent accidental detachment
Dimensions (W x H x D)

Approx. 66 x 56.5 x 80mm (2.6 x 2.2 x 3.1 in.)

Weight (without batteries)
Approx. 127g (4.5 oz.)

Included accessory
SS-400 Soft Case

These performance specifications are applicable when fresh batteries are used at normal temperature (20°C/68°F).

Specifications and design are subject to change without notice.

Oxyride Battery is a registered trademark of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
Products and brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

Specifications and equipment are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer. November 2006
©2006 Nikon Corporation