Nikon Speedlight SB-900
July 1, 2008
Advanced, high-performance Speedlight for Nikon digital SLR cameras
TOKYO – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction of the Nikon Speedlight SB-900, a new external i-TTL flash unit with advanced features. The SB-900 offers a powerful guide number of 48/157.5 (ISO 200, meters/feet) and an incredible array of creative flash functions. The SB-900 is an ideal way to solve lighting challenges and extend Nikon D-SLR creativity.
The SB-900 is a high-performance Speedlight developed as the successor to the hugely successful Nikon SB-800. Practical functionality was emphasized in designing the SB-900, especially evident when used with Nikon digital SLR cameras compatible with the Nikon Creative Lighting System. It provides a wide 17-200 mm auto zoom range (expanded from the SB-800's 24-105mm), three illumination patterns, newly designed, streamlined operation with a full-information LCD panel, and AF-Assist illumination compatible with new-generation AF sensors. The SB-900 has an improved booster circuit for high-speed recycle time. In addition, firmware can be uploaded via a Nikon digital SLR camera the latest firmware can be downloaded from our website to a memory card and SB-900 firmware updated while mounted on a Nikon digital-SLR camera with the memory card inserted (Revised on July 10, 2008) −a world's first* for flash units, assuring that the SB-900 can accept technological advancements. The SB-900 serves as the new core for the Nikon Creative Lighting System when used in combination with current Nikon digital SLRs, and it supports Advanced Wireless Lighting as a master or a remote Speedlight, inviting photographers to explore the many creative possibilities.
Additional new functions include 180 degrees of left or right head swivel, a special built-in overheat protection system and automatic filter detection for unprecedented white balance correction, even in fluorescent lighting conditions.
With the SB-900, users can enjoy all the benefits of the Nikon Creative Lighting System for both automation and comprehensive control, enabling endless lighting possibilities.
- *The world's first flash unit with a user-applied firmware update function via a digital SLR camera as of July 1, 2008. According to research conducted by NIKON CORPORATION as of July 1, 2008. (Revised on July 10, 2008)
- Note: Specifications, design, product name, standard accessories and release schedule may differ by country or region
Nikon Speedlight SB-900 Major Features
- Multi-step auto zoom covers wide 17-200mm zoom range (24-105mm: SB-800)
- Three illumination patterns (standard, center-weighted and even) are available to match each shooting environment
- Automatically detects Nikon FX and Nikon DX formats and selects suitable light distribution
- Improved booster circuit for high-speed recycle time: Recycle time using four AA-size batteries is almost equal to the SB-800 with five AA-size batteries
- New AF-Assist illumination covers a wide 20-105 mm focal range compatible with the new Multi-CAM3500 FX/DX AF sensor
- Firmware update via Nikon D3 and D700 is possible (world's first*)
- Thermal Cut-out function limits the number of flashes to avoid deterioration of light emitting parts caused by continuous flash firing
- Automatically detects color filters (fluorescent or incandescent), enabling camera to control color temperature according to filter information from SB-900
- Improved switch panel for enhanced usability
- Improved GUI using a large-size LCD dot panel
- Bounce capability: tilts up to 90o, down to -7o, rotates horizontally 180o to right and left
- Advanced Wireless Lighting and versatile functions for up to three remote groups of SB-900s or other compatible Speedlight controlled through the master SB-900
- Optional Water Guard WG-AS1 (for D3), WG-AS2 (for D300), and WG-AS3 (for D700) is useful for protecting the camera's hot shoe contact when the SB-900 is mounted on these Nikon digital SLR cameras
- *The world's first flash unit firmware update function via a digital SLR camera as of July 1, 2008. The latest firmware can be downloaded from website to a memory card and SB-900 firmware updated while mounted on a Nikon digital-SLR camera with the memory card inseted. According to research conducted by NIKON CORPORATION as of July 1, 2008. (Revised on July 10, 2008)
Speedlight SB-900 Specifications
| Electronic construction | Automatic Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) and series circuitry | |||||||||||||||
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| Guide number (20°C/68°F) | 34/111.5 (ISO 100, m/ft), 48/157.5 (ISO 200, m/ft) | |||||||||||||||
| Illumination pattern | Three illumination patterns: standard, even and center-weighted The light distribution angle is automatically adjusted to the camera's image area in both FX and DX formats | |||||||||||||||
| Flash shooting distance range | 0.6 m to 20 m (2 to 66 ft) (varies depending on camera image area setting, illumination pattern, ISO sensitivity, zoom position, and lens aperture) | |||||||||||||||
| Flash mode | TTL, Auto Aperture flash, Non-TTL auto flash, Distance-priority manual flash, Manual flash, Repeating flash | |||||||||||||||
| Other functions | Test firing, monitor pre-flashes, AF-assist illuminator, and Modeling illuminator | |||||||||||||||
| Multiple flash operation | Advanced Wireless Lighting, SU-4 type wireless multiple flash | |||||||||||||||
| Compatible cameras | All cameras compatible with Nikon Creative Lighting System (other cameras can be used but functionality is reduced) | |||||||||||||||
| Flash exposure control set on the camera | Camera's sync modes: Slow-sync, Red-eye reduction in slow-sync, Rear-curtain sync, Rear-curtain slow-sync Shooting functions: Auto FP High-Speed sync, FV Lock flash |
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| Bounce capability | Flash head tilts down to -7° or up to 90° with click-stops at -7°, 0°, 45°, 60°, 75°, 90° Flash head rotates horizontally 180° to the left and right with click-stops at 0°, 30°, 60°, 90°, 120°, 150°, 180° | |||||||||||||||
| ON/OFF | Press the Power ON-OFF switch to turn the SB-900 on or off Standby function can be set | |||||||||||||||
| Power source/min. recycle time/no. of flashes (at full output) With fresh batteries (These data may vary depending on battery condition) |
Four AA-size penlight batteries (1.5V or lower) of the following types:
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| Ready light | The SB-900 is fully recycled: Rear ready-light lights up and front light blinks Insufficient light for correct exposure (in i-TTL, Auto Aperture flash, Non-TTL Auto flash, or Distance-priority manual flash operations): ready-lights and front lights blink after shooting | |||||||||||||||
| Flash duration | Approx. 1/880 sec. at full output | |||||||||||||||
| Mounting foot lock lever | Provides secure attachment of SB-900 to camera's accessory shoe using locking plate and mount pin to prevent accidental detachment. | |||||||||||||||
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | Approx. 78.0 x146.0 x 118.5 mm (3.0 x 5.7 x 4.7 in.) | |||||||||||||||
| Weight (without batteries) | Approx. 415 g (14.6 oz.) | |||||||||||||||
| Supplied accessories | Speedlight Stand AS-21, Nikon Diffusion Dome SW-13H, Color Filter Set SJ-900, Color Filter Holder SZ-2, Soft Case SS-900 | |||||||||||||||
| Optional accessories | Color Filter Set SJ-3, Water Guard WG-AS1/WG-AS2/WG-AS3, High-Performance Battery Pack SD-9, Wireless Slave Flash Controller SU-4, TTL Remote Cord SC-28/SC-29 |
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. July 2008
- The information is current as of the date of publication. It is subject to change without notice.