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Remote flash control. Working with the Nikon Creative Lighting System. Remote flash control Setup and control

For the opportunity Nikon Speedlight SB-800 flash review many thanks to Ivan http://mcphoto.com.ua/ .

The Nikon SB-800 is a good old professional flash. AT model range Nikon flash units have been replaced with . The Nikon SB-800 flash boasts great power and all the connectors, functions and features a pro needs.

Nikon SB-800 is small, very similar to Nikon. The Nikon SB-800 is significantly smaller than the Nikon. Nikon SB-800 will work great in automatic modes. If in a nutshell to write about the Nikon SB-800, then this is a good flash with slightly outdated ergonomics. After the old Nikon SB-800 seems like an incomprehensible 'brick'.

Main features and their use:

Nikon SB-800 can remotely control other flashes through the protocol. This is very good advantage Nikon SB-800 in front of Nikon, which does not know how.
Nikon SB-800 can work in Slave mode and remotely set on fire using built-in or Nikon. The flash can be used remotely. I really love remote control, in more detail about how to set up and how to use such control, read the section.
Nikon SB-800 can work in SU-4 remote control mode. This means that the flash can be fired with any other flash, even the built-in flash on cameras that do not support remote flash control. For example, the SB-800 can be fired remotely using the built-in flash. You can read more about the SU-4 mode. By the way, this mode does not support and.
Nikon SB-800 supports high speed FP sync. This means that with this flash you can shoot at any shutter speed, even as low as 1/8000 second. To do this, the camera must also support FP mode. You can read which cameras can work in FP mode with the Nikon SB-800 flash, and what it is used for.
The flash zoom is only 24-105mm, compared to the 17-200mm zoom.
The flash has diffuser card and wide angle diffuser. On the other side of the diffuser card is short instruction on using the menu.
Nikon SB-800 can optionally use fifth battery. The battery is inserted into a special booster compartment, which is attached instead of the usual battery cover. An additional battery extends the 'life' of the flash. If you do not install all 5 batteries at the same time, but only 4, then the flash will not turn on.
The SB-800 operates in standard TTL, i-TTL, D-TTL, BL, A, AA, GN, M, RPT modes. Nikon Diffusion Dome diffuser included
SW-10H, nice case, extra battery holder and boot.
The flash head rotates 270 degrees left and right and 97 degrees up and down.

Peculiarities:

The flash can be used D-TTL, which is used by old film cameras, or, for example, D1, . For many, this is very important.
Flash Nikon SB-800 can work in automatic mode without TTL. It's a damn useful feature. No one pays attention to this, but in vain, this is a very useful feature that is not in either. You can read more details in the section
The flash has a special connector for connecting an additional Nikon SD-7 power source or a Nikon SD-8A booster.
The flash has auto focus illumination. Why you need it, you can read, but you can read about the features of the settings.
The flash has a button to illuminate the subject being photographed using the flash lamp. The same can be done with other flashes by pressing the depth-of-field preview button.

Conclusions:

SB-800 is pretty old flash, has all the essential features for serious work. It takes a little time to get used to the controls.

Help the project. Thank you for your attention. Arkady Shapoval.

Versatile, easy-to-use Speedlight compatible with SLR cameras Nikon FX and DX formats and the Nikon Creative Lighting System. It is incredibly easy to use and supports a number of advanced features that make it easier to control the quality and direction of light. Three flash patterns give you full control over flash coverage, while an easy-to-access A:B mode lets you control multiple flashes remotely. This compact flash is the ideal and handy tool to take creative photos and get more balanced images in challenging lighting conditions.

Universal Speedlight I-TTL (Intelligent TTL) compatible with FX and DX format SLRs, as well as the Nikon Creative Lighting System.

Multi-step motorized zoom: covers a wide viewing angle of 24-120mm.

Visual control: The large, easy-to-read LCD screen and conveniently located controls make it easy to adjust settings.

Guide number: 25 (EVEN)/28 (STD)/30 (CW) (FX format, ISO 100, m, at 35mm focal length). Maximum guide number: 38 (STD, FX format, ISO 100, m, at 120mm focal length).

The following flash lighting patterns are available: center-weighted, flat and standard; they can be selected according to specific shooting conditions.

High Speed Reload: approx. 2.5 seconds when using NiMH or alkaline batteries and approx. 3.5 seconds when using lithium batteries.

A:B mode for simplified wireless control: provides control over the light ratio between Groups A and B Speedlights.

Upgradable firmware using the storage medium in the attached camera.

Automatic thermal protection system: High heat warning when the flash is fired intensively with a recycle delay (if necessary).

Automatic filter detection: The Speedlight automatically adjusts the attached camera's color temperature settings according to the color of the filter being used.

AF-assist illuminator: covers focal length in 24–135 mm*. Compatible with Multi-CAM3500 AF sensors.

Those. characteristics

Approx. 360 g (Speedlight only) Approx. 450 g (with four 1.5 V AA alkaline batteries)

Accessories included

Speedlight Stand AS-22, Nikon Diffusion Dome SW-14H, Incandescent Filter SZ-3TN, Fluorescent Filter SZ-3FL, Soft Case SS-700

Description

Flash Nikon Speedlight SB-700

Speedlight SB-700 from Nikon is a universal on-camera flash with a guide number of 28 (at ISO 100 at 35mm, FX-format). The device is i-TTL compatible for automatic metering on FX and DX format cameras and is optimized for use with Nikon Creative Lighting for total lighting control. The illumination angle on FX cameras is 24-120mm and can be extended up to 12mm with a wide-angle diffuser. The device tilts down 7° and up 90°, and rotates left and right 180° to provide 360° coverage suitable for a variety of shooting situations. The flash is mounted on a camera or stand via a hot shoe and runs on four AA batteries. Depending on the type of batteries and settings, the recharge time is 2.5-3.5 seconds.

Three lighting patterns

The SB-700 has three lighting patterns - standard, flat and center-weighted - allowing you to customize the lighting for specific applications.

Quick setting in master flash mode

For TTL control in master flash mode, there is a special Commander mode. In this mode, users can operate the advanced settings of Advanced Wireless Lighting to control multiple flashes, which can be divided into two groups (A, B) and four channels. The SB-700 allows quick A:B ratio control for quick setup and remote control of multiple flash units.

Additional features

The flash allows you to work in stroboscopic mode with a frequency of 1-100 Hz. There are first and second curtain sync modes, as well as slow and auto high-speed sync modes. There is a special red-eye removal mode, including in slow sync mode.

Accessories included

The SB-700 comes with a number of useful accessories, including a diffuser dome, fluorescent and incandescent filters, a stand and soft case.

Other Features of Nikon's SB-700 Speedlight

LCD display and rotary settings dial for easy control and viewing of current settings.
Eleven user settings.
Manual power setting from 1/1 to 1/128 full power.
Flash duration from 1/1042 to 1/40000 second depending on power settings.
Exposure compensation -3 to +3 EV in 1/3 EV increments.
AF-assist beam, modeling light, test firing, monitor pre-flashes.
Ability to update the firmware through the camera.
Flash size - 104 x 71 x 126 mm.
Weight - 360 grams.

The Nikon Dpeedlight SB-700, announced in September 2010, is the latest addition to the Creative Lighting System (CLS). The line started with the introduction of the base model SB-800 in 2003. The hardware is the most visible component of the CLS and flashes are relegated to highest value. Although the SB-700 has been hailed as a replacement for the SB-600, the previous model has not been discontinued by Nikon, as has the SB-900.

Compatibility

The Nikon Speedlight SB-700 is powered by four AA lithium, alkaline, or NiMH batteries, but carbon-zinc batteries are not recommended. It is fully compatible with CLS cameras, which are all manufacturer's digital SLR cameras (except D100 and D1), and film F6. Limited functionality is possible with Coolpix E8400, E8800, P5000, P5100, P6000 and P7000 models. When used with other cameras, many functions will not be available. The manufacturer has set a retail price of $330, for which the buyer additionally receives a soft case, a stand, a diffusion dome, filters for incandescent and fluorescent lighting, and instructions.

The Nikon SB-700 is equipped with a built-in reflector card and a wide-angle diffuser that can be installed separately or together.

Assembly and design

Nikon SB-700 in design does not offer anything new. The unit's rectangular body includes a tilt-and-turn flash head with controls and an LCD screen on the back and various sensors on the front. Externally, the flash is similar to the Vivitar 283, produced in the 1970s, although a little more compact. The materials are similar as plastic or composites have been used before. Although the head of the Vivitar 283 does not swivel, the overall layout has not changed much in 35 years. However, the overall similarity between old and new is lost upon closer inspection of the controls. If the 283 is simplicity itself, then the Nikon SB-700 has 9 separate controls and an LCD screen. The flash is somewhat different from the older model of the second generation SB-900. The mode selector replaced the button, and the lighting pattern switch eliminated the need to call this function through the internal menu.

Flash characteristics cannot be determined by flash number. Among the SB-600, 700 and 900 flashes, the SB-600 is the oldest, and the 900 is 2 years older than the 700. Changes in the controls of the SB-700 (and to a lesser extent the SB-900) are quite significant compared to the 600-800 generation models and, more importantly, they turned out to be for the best. First, the Nikon SB-700 power switch has Remote and Master positions. Secondly, the flash received a selector with specific settings, while the 800th model had a mode selection button. What may seem like a fairly minor addition makes life a lot easier for a photographer.

Functionality

In addition to the built-in white reflector card, wide panel and diffusion dome, the flash allows you to use a variety of optional accessories. One of the sought-after features of Nikon's CLS is the ability to fire multiple wireless flashes. You can set up 2 more sets and control them using the camera and SB-700 (3 sets for the 900th model). On the SB-800, you had to hold the SEL button for 2 seconds to go to the menu screen, find the wireless menu, press SEL again, scroll to Remote or Master, and press SEL again to select the option. And this procedure had to be repeated for each flash. On the SB-700/900, just set the switch to remote or master mode. To do this, press the lock button in the center, which, given its small size, according to user reviews, makes this procedure inconvenient. The SB-700 mode selector is also more convenient than the SB-800 key, which had to be repeatedly pressed until the desired selection was made. The swivel head rotates 360°. The menus and operations of the SB-700 are more intuitive than those of the SB-800, and the user interface is simpler.

overheat protection

Like the 900 model, the SB-700 is equipped with a thermal shutdown feature that monitors heat build-up due to fast flash firing and slows down (and in extreme cases disables) recycle time to prevent thermal damage. The LCD has a thermometer icon that shows the level of heat and can serve as a warning that the temperature is reaching critical values, but in practice it appears after the flash is turned off. After about 5 minutes, the device is ready for use again, but you should remember that it is programmed to block so as not to damage yourself. It's better to give your flash a break than to break it down and buy a new one.

Working with the camera

When using lamp filters different type the flash recognizes their presence and relays the information to the camera, which then adjusts the white balance accordingly. The Nikon SB-700 supports slow sync, rear-curtain sync, slow rear-curtain sync, red-eye reduction, and slow sync with red-eye reduction, but these are set by the camera, not the flash.

Red-eye reduction is performed by a series of pre-flashes that constrict the pupils. Animals may look away, so in this case the best solution is simple shooting followed by frame processing. If the subject is more cooperative, the SB-700 delivers pretty good results.

The flash allows you to quickly set standard, centralized, or uniform distribution light using the illuminator selector switch on the rear panel and can function as an AF-assist illuminator. Flash firmware can be updated through the D3 or D300 cameras, but a wide range of Nikon DSLRs do not provide this option.

Exposure compensation

To change the exposure compensation, you must press SEL, turn the ring, press OK and hope that the subject remains in place. In the SB-600, it was enough to use the "+" and "-" buttons. A slider like the SB-30 would be ideal.

Remote and Master

In this mode, the flash works as a slave device. Setting groups and channels is easy: press SEL until "Group" or "Channel" is highlighted, turn the dial and press "OK". The unit can function like the SU-4 by selecting the MENU> REMOTE> SU-4 setting.

In Master mode, the SB-700 controls other flash units. You need to set the channel and brightness of the slaves by pressing SEL to select different settings and rotating the dial to change them.

Filters

When a filter is installed, the flash detects and identifies it using small contacts. On newer cameras such as the D7000, even in auto white balance mode, the camera reads the presence of the attachment and automatically selects the appropriate settings. The SZ-3FL and SZ-3TN filters are specially designed for the SB-700. They will not fit other models. The optional gel SJ-4 uses the SZ-3 holder. If this filter is to be used, then in the flash menu you can specify which color is currently selected.

Ready indicator

If the ready indicator blinks for 3 seconds after a picture is taken, the flash should have fired at full power and may not have enough power. In this case, you should get closer, open the aperture, or use a higher ISO.

Zoom

Unlike a lens, when a flash "zooms", it only changes its reflector to diffuse or concentrate the light a little more or less. Despite Nikon's marketing gimmicks (and programming the firmware to further confuse the user), the SB-700 works just like any other motorized zoom model made since 1986. It is very sad that Nikon wasted the switch on the right for this function, instead of using it, for example, for exposure compensation, as in the SB-30.

Efficiency

At ISO 100, the working distance of the Nikon SB-700 flash is 28 m, which is slightly inferior to the 30 m of the 600th model. "Slightly less powerful" is a recurring motif on the second generation CLS models - the SB-800 outperforms the SB-900 by 38m versus 34m.

The instructions for the Nikon Speedlight SB-700 indicate a full recharge time of 2.5 s for alkaline and NiMH batteries, and 3.5 s for lithium batteries. When this time reaches 10 s, the batteries must be replaced or recharged. Using the Sanyo Eneloop AA after 75 photos the SB-700 on the D3s shoots 9 frames at 9fps with flash for each, the 10th without, and the next again with flash. Each hit is well exposed, and 9 hits before the ¼ second cooldown isn't too bad. Battery life is 330 shots for lithium batteries, 260 for 2600 mAh NiMH and 160 for alkaline.

Conclusion

The Nikon Speedlight SB-700 is part of the Creative Lighting System that replaced the SB-600. The user interface is simple, intuitive, with faster shooting settings required by most users. Recharging is fast - 2.5 seconds maximum for most power supplies - and partial discharges are produced at a rate of 9 flashes per second. Among the shortcomings of the Nikon SB-700, reviews cite a reduction in working distance compared to the SB-600, a significant increase in cost, and limited support for film cameras. The device is fully compatible with most reflex cameras Japanese manufacturer and several Coolpix, and of the film models, only F6 is fully supported. However, long-term users of the first generation CLS flashes (SB-800) are willing to pay the extra cost. The user-friendly interface is enough to justify the extra cost.

Together with the recently introduced new cameras D5 and D500 DSLR, a Nikon companyannounced its first portable flash with a built-in SB-5000 radio trigger.

The flagship flash SB-5000 not only presents the ability toremote control by radio or optical signal with modes Masterandslavefunctions, but alsocoolingsystem, allowingdoseriesbefore120 consecutive pulses at full power.

FlashNikon SB-5000 is compatible withmostrelevantNikonDSLR cameras in all major modes. But there is a limitation on innovation functionsand radio control - at this stage, itcan only be used with new cameras NikonD5 or D500 (also requiredexternal transmitter NikonWR-R10 andadapter WR A10, attachedeto the camera).

FlashNikonSB-5000It hasguide number 55 (200mm zoom, ISO 100), which is slightlyaboutmore, than the previous flagship flash SB-910with its value 48. PWith this SB-5000alsomuch more compact.

In the new flash, the control logic has been slightly changed - several functions have been assigned to the OK button on the control dials, so the SB-5000 interface provides more fast access frequently used functions such as flash exposure compensation, reflector zoom, and flash mode.

The "Info" button allows you to quickly navigate to the settings. And one more change - the radio control settings can be set directly from the menu of the Nikon D5 and D500 cameras.

FlashNikonThe SB-5000 is also equipped with baboutLarge dot matrix LCD screen.

KEY FEATURES OF THE SB-5000

Guide number 55m(ISO 100 / 200mm Zoom)
Flash Cooling System – Allows more than 100 consecutive flashes at full power
Flash modes - iTTL / M / Multi
High speed FP sync (HSS) up to 1/8000th
FEC / FEB -1/3 steps(±3 stops)
FEL (Flash Exposure Lock)
Power adjustment - from 1/1 to 1/256 in 1/3 steps
Built-in Nikon Wireless Radio (Works with D5 or D500 cameras, and WR-R10 / WR-A10 transmitter / adapter)
Number of groups in Master Radio mode - 6 (A / B / C / D / E / F)
Combination of optical and radio slave mode - 3 optical groups (A /B /C), 3 radio groups (D /E /F)
Slave radio mode - 6 groups, 4 channels.
Radio sync range is approximately 30 meters
NikonOptic Wireless Master & Slave modes with Nikon CLS system - 3 groups - A / B / C, 4 channels
Optical synchronization range -in the field of view
Full charge – From 1.8 s (approximately with Ni-MH 2600 mAh batteries)
Pulse duration - 1/980 sec at 1/1 (full) output power, 1/30820 sec at M 1/256 output power
Head rotation - 360 degrees, head tilt - from -7 to 90 degrees
Large dot matrix LCD display
AF illuminator
Slave flash support mode via SU4 optics
pilot impulse
User settings
Auto memory function
Sound signal
overheat protection
External port for HV battery
OptionalSK-6 Power Bracket Unit
PC Sync Port
Dimensions–73 x 137 x 103.5mm
The weight -   420 gr (without batteries)

WIRELESS RADIO SYNCHRONIZATION

A few years after Canon released its RT radio trigger based system, Nikon has finally introduced a wireless radio trigger system for its portable flash units with the new Nikon SB-5000 and Nikon D5/D500 cameras.

Nicon AWL (Advanced Wireless Lightibg) \ CLS (Creative Lighting System) technology can now function via radio synchronization. This makes it much easier to work with interference in the field of view and strong fill light.

Using the flash control menu on Nikon D5/D500 cameras or the control interface on the SB-5000 mounted on a hot shoe, you can fully control up to 6 groups (A\B\C\D\E\F) of the SB-5000 portable flash units directly from cameras up to 30 meters away.

Unlike Canon's RT system, which is compatible with some pre-release cameras, Nikon's radio synchronization system can only work with the new Nikon D5 and D500 cameras (and all Nikon cameras to come).

To control the flashes by radio, the D5 and D 500 cameras also require a small Nikon WR-R10 external transmitter (which was previously used for the remote shutter control function) to be connected to the front.

New Nikon cameras The D5 and D500 have a 10-pin port on the front of the camera and require a small WR-A10 adapter to connect the WR-R10 transmitter to it.

The devices combined in this way are then attached to the front of the camera.

In contrast to the inconvenience of using additional devices for radio synchronization, at least one advantage can be distinguished - the hot shoe remains free to install lights, radio synchronizers, microphones, etc.

But it's still a strange decision, to be honest. Why not make this transmitter built into the camera? Then it would be a real innovation, and not a banal “chase for Canon RT” ...

The WR-R10 itself does not have a flash control interface, so full control Up to 6 groups of remote flash units can be fired via the D5 and D500's built-in flash control menu.

Just like in Nikon optical wireless synchronization systems, it is possible to set TTL, Manual, OFF modes in different groups of flashes, and in radio-controlled systems, you can also work simultaneously with TTL and Manual modes. Nikon has also added an A:B ratio flash setting, like Canon systems, for users who prefer to adjust their settings this way.

Hot shoe mountedcamerasNikonD5 or D500 SB-5000 can also function as a 6-group control interfaceremote flash units SB-5000throughradio channel - i.e., in this position, the user has a choice whether to control remote flash units through the camera menu or through the flash menu. But in the second option, the WR-R10 + WR-A10 adapter must still be installed on the camera, there is no transmitter in the flash itself.

Another interesting feature is the combination of optical and radio synchronization, which allows you to use a line of Nikon flashes in the setup with the SB-5000, such as: SB-900, SB-910, SB-800M SB-700, SB-600, etc. By combining optical and radio synchronization, 3 optical groups (A/B/C) and 3 radio groups (D/E/F) are available.

With the SB-5000 flash mounted in the camera's hot shoe, you can control the optical and radio groups. Or 3 radio groups can be controlled and another Nikon portable flash (SB-910 for example) or SU-800 transmitter can be mounted in the hot shoe to control 3 optical slave groups.

DETAILEDSPECIFICATIONS NIKON SB-5000

Transmitter mode– radio control and optical communication

Rangeactions- Radio synchronization about 30m, optical communication - in the field of view.

Guide number– 34.5m/35mm 55m/200mm (FX format, standard metering mode) (at ISO 100)

Electronics design– Automatic Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) and series circuits

Exposure control– i-TTL Balanced Fill-Flash with CLS compatible cameras

Zoom values– 24 to 200mm, 14mm wide panel (FX format)

Metering mode –

The light spread angle automatically adjusts to the camera image area for the same for FX and DX formats.
standard
even
Center-weighted

Other available features

Test pulse button
Intelligent AF Beam
Modeling flash mode

Incline– flash head tilts down -7° or up to 90° with locking stops at -7°, 0°, 45°, 60°, 75°, 90°

Turn– Flash head swivels horizontally 180° clockwise and counterclockwise with locking stops at 0°, 30°, 60°, 75°, 90°, 120°, 150°, 180°

Minimum recharge time –

1.8 s (approx.) with Ni-MH (2600 mAh) batteries
2.6 s(approx) with AA-size Alkaline (1.5V) batteries

Pulse length –

1/980 s with M 1/1 (full) power output
1/1110 s at M 1/2 output power
1/2580 s at M 1/4 power output
1/5160 s at M 1/8 output power
1/8890 s at M 1/16 output power
1/13470 s at M 1/32 output power
1/18820 s at M 1/64 output power
1/24250 s at M 1/128 output power
1/30820 with M 1/256 output power

Pitanie– 4 rechargeable batteries or AA alkaline batteries

Externalsource of power– SK-6 Power Bracket Unit, SD-9 High-Performance Battery Pack

Flash-ready indicator –

Rear and front flashing: Not enough light for correct exposure (in i-TTL, Auto Aperture flash, Non-TTL Auto flash, or Distance-priority manual flash modes).

Rear light on, front light flashing: charged and ready to fire.

Ready Light– front-rear

Exposure compensation –
-3.0 EV to +3.0 EV in increments of 1/3 steps in i-TTL auto flash, Auto Aperture flash, Non-TTL auto flash and Distance-priority manual flash modes

Minimum number of pulses / Recycle time –

150/2.6-30s(1.5V AA Alkaline-manganese)
190/1.8-30s or more(1.2V AA rechargeable Ni-MH batteries)

Wireless flash modes– Master, Remote

Wireless groups –

RC: Master + 6 groups
Optically controlled: Master + 3 groups

Dimensions– 2.87 x 5.4 x 4″ / 73 x 137 x 103.5 mm (approx.)

Weight(approx)– 420 g