Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Nikon SB900: Flash forward?
Posted by Lee Yuan Sheng in "Digital Home Hardware & Accessories" @ 07:00 AM
Product Category: Camera Flash
Manufacturer: Nikon
Where to Buy: Amazon [Affiliate]
Price: $456 USD
System Requirements: Nikon DSLR with iTTL compatibility for full range of features.
Pros:
- Decreased recycle times (and without needing a 5th battery too);
- A proper switch that not only turns on the flash, but enables the wireless modes.
- New user interface is a bit quicker and easier to operate for many of the flash's myriad settings.
- A new flash-head that zooms to 200mm, giving control over the shape of the light projected...
Cons:
- ... at the cost of making the new flash much bigger than its predecessors;
- No increase in power or distance reached;
- Hotshoe stand (AS-21) mounting screw threads are plastic. Unforgivable cost cutting;
- As of now, the SB800 still is on sale, and represents a very viable and potentially better alternative.
Summary:
Introduced together with the Nikon D700 in early July, the SB900 replaces the SB800 as Nikon's high-end flash. It brings a few new features, such as increased flash cycle times, a new flash head with a twist, as well as an all-new user interface. How well did it do?