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<blockquote data-quote="WayneF" data-source="post: 126449" data-attributes="member: 12496">The internal flash menu in the recent camera models sees the SB-400 too, and also becomes the SB-400 menu then, so you set flash mode or manual power in that camera menu.&nbsp; This is ONLY true of the SB-400.&nbsp; What that means is, the SB-400 cannot even work as a flash if not connected to the hot shoe, it needs control from the camera.Usefulness depends on how you will use the flash.&nbsp;&nbsp; If all you're going to use is direct flash, it is more power than the internal flash (about 1.3 stops more - at ten feet, maximum power could use f/6.9 instead of f/4.1.&nbsp; A larger flash easily does another stop more).If you are going to use bounce flash, then SB-400 certainly has limitations, not really enough power (ten foot ceiling probably needs ISO 800 for maybe f/5).&nbsp; And the head does not swivel for portrait orientation or wall bounce.But if you want off camera use, then it's simply not a choice, SB-400 cannot even work if not connected to the hot shoe.So... if you want your flash skills to grow, there does seem better choices.</blockquote>

[QUOTE="WayneF, post: 126449, member: 12496"] The internal flash menu in the recent camera models sees the SB-400 too, and also becomes the SB-400 menu then, so you set flash mode or manual power in that camera menu. This is ONLY true of the SB-400. What that means is, the SB-400 cannot even work as a flash if not connected to the hot shoe, it needs control from the camera. Usefulness depends on how you will use the flash. If all you're going to use is direct flash, it is more power than the internal flash (about 1.3 stops more - at ten feet, maximum power could use f/6.9 instead of f/4.1. A larger flash easily does another stop more). If you are going to use bounce flash, then SB-400 certainly has limitations, not really enough power (ten foot ceiling probably needs ISO 800 for maybe f/5). And the head does not swivel for portrait orientation or wall bounce. But if you want off camera use, then it's simply not a choice, SB-400 cannot even work if not connected to the hot shoe. So... if you want your flash skills to grow, there does seem better choices. [/QUOTE]

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