Discussion
I have a Nikon D5000, I am really pleased with my choice and exploring the function of the camera etc
I am a bit limited by the inbuilt flash. I have seen lots of flaches for sale, lots of diffent types and as a novice I am a bit confused really.
So as a first step from inbuit flash, were should I go ? what type of flash should I look to get as my first step ?
Any ideas on make, price or type would be very helpful too
Cheers
Nick
If you want the best combination of ease of use, good results and compatability, I'd go for a Nikon Speedlight.
I know there are cheaper alternatives, but the Nikon system is, at the same time, sophisticated and simple, clever and comprehensive.
The benefits are that you can fire one up, stick it on, leave things all on auto and get good results. Then you can start to play and learn all the clever things you can do. When you trade your current body for a new bit of cutting edge technology in a year or two's time, you will also be able to retain the Speedlight, because I bet it will still work happily with the next family of bodies.
I know there are cheaper alternatives, but the Nikon system is, at the same time, sophisticated and simple, clever and comprehensive.
The benefits are that you can fire one up, stick it on, leave things all on auto and get good results. Then you can start to play and learn all the clever things you can do. When you trade your current body for a new bit of cutting edge technology in a year or two's time, you will also be able to retain the Speedlight, because I bet it will still work happily with the next family of bodies.
TusckNick,
I very recently bought a Nikon Speedlight SB-600 to go with my Nikon D90. First impressions are very good - got some excellent indoor snaps of the family that wouldn't have worked anywhere near as well using the inbuilt flash. The flash will also work wirelessly off the camera allowing you to use it in far more creative ways as you progress - highly recommended bit of kit!
I very recently bought a Nikon Speedlight SB-600 to go with my Nikon D90. First impressions are very good - got some excellent indoor snaps of the family that wouldn't have worked anywhere near as well using the inbuilt flash. The flash will also work wirelessly off the camera allowing you to use it in far more creative ways as you progress - highly recommended bit of kit!
Nissin Di866 Speedlite Pro, £210 street price.
It was rated top alongside the SB-900 at £330 in Digital Camera Mag last month.
For the price it may be worth a punt but the build quality is not up to the SB-900 which outscored all others including both the Canon 430EX II & 580EX II at £215 & £350 specifically.
HTH
YB
It was rated top alongside the SB-900 at £330 in Digital Camera Mag last month.
For the price it may be worth a punt but the build quality is not up to the SB-900 which outscored all others including both the Canon 430EX II & 580EX II at £215 & £350 specifically.
HTH
YB
Many thanks to All, looks like the speedlight is the one. The SB600 and SB400 being top runners. I like the idea of sticking with Nikon (not just cos I like to be matching), the fact they talk to each other is good.
In terms of Price Jessops have the SB400 at £129 and the SB600 at £229. I am happy to go to £229, but as a novice i am not sure what I am getting extra (even having compare the features on the jessops website). The SB900 clearly has more features but that one looks as thought it is worthy of skills greater than mine.
Its between the SB400 and SB600 really then, just need to fine a keen price.
Nick
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