Press
release: Jan 28th, 2004
- Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction
of the Speedlight SB-800, the foundation of the new
Nikon Creative Lighting System for the Nikon D2H.
The
new i-TTL Flash Control system supports automatic
balanced fill flash that delivers outstanding results
as well as new creative possibilities. i-TTL Balanced
Fill-Flash flash control employs Nikon's new Advanced
Data Communication system to introduce an improved
method for the monitor pre-flash and wireless operation
that marks an evolution in higher precision over Nikon's
acclaimed D-TTL Balanced Fill-Flash control system
and forms the core of the new Creative Lighting System.
The
Nikon Speedlight SB-800 makes Advanced Wireless Lighting
(= wireless multiple flash) as easy to use as a single
on-camera speedlight, inviting professional and advanced
amateur photographers to explore the unlimited creative
possibilities.
Advanced Wireless Lighting lets you divide SB-800
Speedlights into 4 groups, including the Master and
3 remote i-TTL speedlight groups, to achieve total
lighting control. All groups can be controlled from
the Master, including independent flash mode ([TTL]
/ [AA] / [A] / [M]) settings and any-time adjustment
of flash output level compensation values for each
group.
Each
of the three remote groups can contain any number
of Speedlights, giving photographers full control
over how they illuminate the background.
With
new Distance Priority Manual Flash Mode, the photographer
can set the distance and aperture, and the SB-800
automatically sets the power output -- a great feature
for manual flash [M] shooting at weddings and for
product shots.
The
new FV Lock (Flash Value Lock) maintains the flash
value for correct exposure of the
subject while zooming or otherwise changing the composition
for a shot, so photographers can concentrate on lighting
a particular subject.
New
Auto FP High Speed Sync Mode provides ample fill-in
flash when shooting in bright light with fast aperture
lenses to achieve effective blur in the background.
When the mode is active, the camera automatically
uses high-speed flash synchronization to make shutter
speeds available that exceed the camera's own flash
sync speed.
A
new Modeling Flash allows photographers to visually
preview the lighting effects for all groups of speedlights
when using Advanced Wireless Lighting to shoot with
multiple flash units, a great aid in achieving the
exact lighting desired.
The
SB-800 is also fully compatible with existing Nikon
cameras, retaining the same functions as the SB-80DX
when used with them. Auto flash control uses D-TTL
on Nikon DX Format digital SLR cameras and TTL and
Non-TTL Auto Flash on film cameras. Advanced i-TTL
requires support for the new Creative Lighting System
and is currently available only on the D2H.
With
its ease of use and unlimited creative potential,
the Speedlight SB-800 will be welcomed by photographers
who want complete, yet simple, control over their
lighting.
