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Nikon Speedlight SB-400

November 16, 2006

The new compact and lightweight Speedlight

Tokyo – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction of the Nikon Speedlight SB-400. This is a new external flash unit that provides i-TTL flash operation in a compact and lightweight body at an affordable price. The SB-400 offers a guide number of 30 (ISO 200, m), and effortless bounce flash function. The SB-400 is a flash unit for entry-level digital SLR users, but it is also useful for D2 series digital camera users as a handy flash unit.

The SB-400 has been developed to provide an entry-level external flash unit which is compatible with i-TTL flash operation. In combination with cameras compatible with Nikon Creative Lighting System the SB-400 is controlled in i-TTL and D40’s M (manual) mode. 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 (depends on the ISO setting). Slow Sync, Red-eye Reduction and other flash modes can also be set on the camera body.
With the SB-400, users can easily enjoy brighter and more natural lighting for better flash pictures.

  • 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
For more information
  • The information is current as of the date of publication. It is subject to change without notice.