Remote flash control. Working with the Nikon Creative Lighting System. Remote flash control Compact body, simple controls

05.05.2021

Together with the recently introduced new cameras D5 and D500 DSLR, a Nikon companyannounced its first portable flash with a built-in SB-5000 radio trigger.

The flagship flash SB-5000 not only presents the ability toremote control by radio or optical signal with modes MasterAndslavefunctions, but alsocoolingsystem, allowingdoseriesbefore120 consecutive pulses at full power.

FlashNikon SB-5000 is compatible withmostrelevantNikonDSLR cameras in all major modes. But there is a limitation on innovation functionsand radio control - at this stage, itcan only be used with new cameras NikonD5 or D500 (also requiredexternal transmitter NikonWR-R10 andadapter WR A10, attachedeto the camera).

FlashNikonSB-5000It hasguide number 55 (200mm zoom, ISO 100), which is slightlyOmore, than the previous flagship flash SB-910with its value 48. PWith this SB-5000alsomuch more compact.

The new flash has slightly changed control logic - several functions are assigned to the OK button on the control dials, so the SB-5000 interface provides faster access to frequently used functions such as flash exposure compensation, reflector zoom and flash mode.

The "Info" button allows you to quickly navigate to the settings. And one more change - the radio control settings can be set directly from the menu of the Nikon D5 and D500 cameras.

FlashNikonThe SB-5000 is also equipped with bOLarge dot matrix LCD screen.

KEY FEATURES OF THE SB-5000

Guide number 55m(ISO 100 / 200mm Zoom)
Flash Cooling System – Allows more than 100 consecutive flashes at full power
Flash modes - iTTL / M / Multi
High speed FP sync (HSS) up to 1/8000th
FEC / FEB -1/3 steps(±3 stops)
FEL (Flash Exposure Lock)
Power adjustment - from 1/1 to 1/256 in 1/3 steps
Built-in Nikon Wireless Radio (Works with D5 or D500 cameras, and WR-R10 / WR-A10 transmitter / adapter)
Number of groups in Master Radio mode - 6 (A / B / C / D / E / F)
Combination of optical and radio slave mode - 3 optical groups (A /B /C), 3 radio groups (D /E /F)
Slave radio mode - 6 groups, 4 channels.
Radio sync range is approximately 30 meters
NikonOptic Wireless Master & Slave modes with Nikon CLS system - 3 groups - A / B / C, 4 channels
Optical synchronization range -in the field of view
Full charge – From 1.8 s (approximately with Ni-MH 2600 mAh batteries)
Pulse duration - 1/980 sec at 1/1 (full) output power, 1/30820 sec at M 1/256 output power
Head rotation - 360 degrees, head tilt - from -7 to 90 degrees
Large dot matrix LCD display
AF illuminator
Slave flash support mode via SU4 optics
pilot pulse
User settings
Auto memory function
Sound signal
overheat protection
External port for HV battery
OptionalSK-6 Power Bracket Unit
PC Sync Port
Dimensions–73 x 137 x 103.5mm
Weight -   420 gr (without batteries)

WIRELESS RADIO SYNCHRONIZATION

A few years after Canon released its RT-based flash system, Nikon finally introduced a wireless radio flash system for its portable flashes with new Nikon SB-5000 and Nikon D5 \ D500 cameras.

Nicon AWL (Advanced Wireless Lightibg) \ CLS (Creative Lighting System) technology can now function via radio synchronization. This makes it much easier to work with interference in the field of view and strong fill light.

Using the flash control menu on Nikon D5/D500 cameras or the control interface on the SB-5000 mounted on a hot shoe, up to 6 groups (A\B\C\D\E\F) of the SB-5000 portable flash units can be fully controlled directly from cameras up to 30 meters away.

Unlike Canon's RT system, which is compatible with some pre-release cameras, Nikon's radio synchronization system can only work with the new Nikon D5 and D500 cameras (and all Nikon cameras to come).

To control flashes by radio, the D5 and D 500 cameras also require a small Nikon WR-R10 external transmitter (which was previously used for the remote shutter control function) to be connected to the front.

The new Nikon D5 and D500 cameras are equipped with a 10-pin port on the front of the camera and a small WR-A10 adapter is required to connect the WR-R10 transmitter to it.

The devices combined in this way are then attached to the front of the camera.

In contrast to the inconvenience of using additional devices for radio synchronization, at least one advantage can be distinguished - the hot shoe remains free for installing lights, radio synchronizers, microphones, etc.

But it's still a strange decision, to be honest. Why not make this transmitter built into the camera? Then it would be a real innovation, and not a banal “chase for Canon RT” ...

The WR-R10 transmitter itself does not have a flash control interface, so full control of up to 6 groups of remote flash units can be done through the D5 and D500's built-in flash control menu.

As well as in Nikon optical wireless synchronization systems, it is possible to set TTL, Manual, OFF modes to various groups flashes, and in radio-controlled systems, you can also work simultaneously with TTL and Manual modes. Nikon has also added an A:B ratio flash setting, like Canon systems, for users who prefer to adjust the settings this way.

Hot shoe mountedcamerasNikonD5 or D500 SB-5000 can also function as a 6-group control interfaceremote flash units SB-5000throughradio channel - i.e., in this position, the user has a choice whether to control remote flash units through the camera menu or through the flash menu. But in the second option, the WR-R10 + WR-A10 adapter must still be installed on the camera, there is no transmitter in the flash itself.

Another interesting feature is the combination of optical and radio synchronization, which allows you to use a line of Nikon flashes in the setup with the SB-5000, such as: SB-900, SB-910, SB-800M SB-700, SB-600, etc. When combining optical and radio synchronization, 3 optical groups (A/B/C) and 3 radio groups (D/E/F) are available.

With the SB-5000 flash mounted in the camera's hot shoe, you can control the optical and radio groups. Or 3 radio groups can be controlled and another Nikon portable flash (SB-910 for example) or SU-800 transmitter can be mounted in the hot shoe to control 3 optical slave groups.

DETAILEDSPECIFICATIONS NIKON SB-5000

Transmitter mode– radio control and optical communication

Rangeactions- Radio synchronization about 30m, optical communication - in the field of view.

Guide number– 34.5m/35mm 55m/200mm (FX format, standard metering mode) (at ISO 100)

Electronics design– Automatic Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) and series circuits

Exposure control– i-TTL Balanced Fill-Flash with CLS compatible cameras

Zoom values– 24 to 200mm, 14mm wide panel (FX format)

Metering mode –

The light spread angle automatically adjusts to the camera image area for the same for FX and DX formats.
standard
even
Center-weighted

Other available features

Test pulse button
Intelligent AF Beam
Modeling flash mode

Incline– flash head tilts down -7° or up to 90° with locking stops at -7°, 0°, 45°, 60°, 75°, 90°

Turn– Flash head swivels horizontally 180° clockwise and counterclockwise with locking stops at 0°, 30°, 60°, 75°, 90°, 120°, 150°, 180°

Minimum recharge time –

1.8 s (approx.) with Ni-MH (2600 mAh) batteries
2.6 s(approx) with AA-size Alkaline (1.5V) batteries

Pulse length –

1/980 s with M 1/1 (full) power output
1/1110 s at M 1/2 output power
1/2580 s at M 1/4 power output
1/5160 s at M 1/8 output power
1/8890 s at M 1/16 output power
1/13470 s at M 1/32 output power
1/18820 s at M 1/64 output power
1/24250 s at M 1/128 output power
1/30820 with M 1/256 output power

Pitanie– 4 rechargeable batteries or AA alkaline batteries

Externalpower supply– SK-6 Power Bracket Unit, SD-9 High-Performance Battery Pack

Flash-ready indicator –

Rear and front flashing: Not enough light for correct exposure (in i-TTL, Auto Aperture flash, Non-TTL Auto flash, or Distance-priority manual flash modes).

Rear light on, front light flashing: charged and ready to fire.

Ready Light– front-rear

Exposure compensation –
-3.0 EV to +3.0 EV in increments of 1/3 steps in i-TTL auto flash, Auto Aperture flash, Non-TTL auto flash and Distance-priority manual flash modes

Minimum number of pulses / Recycle time –

150/2.6-30s(1.5V AA Alkaline-manganese)
190/1.8-30s or more(1.2V AA rechargeable Ni-MH batteries)

Wireless flash modes– Master, Remote

Wireless groups –

RC: Master + 6 groups
Optically controlled: Master + 3 groups

Dimensions– 2.87 x 5.4 x 4″ / 73 x 137 x 103.5 mm (approx.)

Weight(approx)– 420 g

Lighting under control - thanks to our first radio-controlled Speedlight SB-5000.

Fast, reliable and versatile, the SB-5000 provides optimal lighting for both outdoor and studio shooting. The range of the radio channel is 30 m, which allows the photographer to create complex systems from several flashes. Now you can work in any conditions, even when there is no line of sight or when the optical signal is weakened by bright sunlight. The new built-in cooling system allows you to quickly take more than 100 flash shots powered by full power. And to make sure the photographer never misses the moment, the lightweight, compact SB-5000 is equipped with simple controls that make it intuitive to use.

Professional Speedlight for optimal shooting in any light

Designed to meet the needs of professionals shooting outdoors or in the studio, the SB-5000 is a Digital Speedlight compatible i-TTL Speedlight. SLR cameras FX and DX formats. Part of Nikon's Creative Lighting System, this Speedlight can be mounted on the camera's hot shoe, and used as a wireless flash remote control or as a remote flash unit. This is the first Nikon Speedlight to feature wireless radio control, which means that the master and remote flashes no longer have a line-of-sight, while also improving reliability in bright sunlight. Nikon's new built-in cooling system increases the number of consecutive firings and eliminates unnecessary delays. Thanks to it, you can get good shots in situations where ultra-fast shooting is needed. In addition, the flash has a guide number of 34.5 and covers a wide range of focal lengths, from 24 to 200mm for FX-format cameras (14mm with built-in wide-angle diffuser). Optimized controls and menus ensure smooth operation, and the compact shape and light weight make the flash very easy to use when mounted on the camera. Three flash patterns provide full coverage of the shooting area in a variety of conditions. A built-in wide-angle diffuser and reflective dome card (included), as well as optional Nikon color filters, further expand the creative possibilities of the photographer.

Control in difficult shooting conditions: advanced wireless control via radio signal

The SB-5000, designed for demanding shooting situations, fully supports new feature radio controls in the Nikon Creative Lighting System. You can now set up one or more flashes using the SB-5000 and the WR-R10 Wireless Remote Controller. The SB-5000's ability to work effectively in difficult lighting conditions with remote control allows you to create complex systems consisting of a large number of flash units and successfully control them. When combined with the WR-R10 Wireless Remote Controller, groups of SB-5000 flash units (up to six groups) can be controlled. In addition, optical control is fully supported, which means previous Speedlights can be used with multiple flash units.

Professional Speedlight that doesn't overheat even after multiple flashes

The SB-5000 can handle the toughest jobs, whether you're shooting action-packed racing or high-profile social events. The SB-5000 is equipped with Nikon's new Speedlight Flash Cooling System to prevent overheating when shooting quickly. This is the world's first* built-in temperature control system for compact attachable flash units. Fast and reliable, it delivers 120 trips at 5-second intervals or 84 trips at 3-second intervals without overheating. With the flash at full power, you can take more than 100 shots in a row. The system suppresses heat generation in the flash head, preventing it from overheating: the thermal protection of the device has never been so reliable.

* As of September 1, 2015, the SB-5000 is equipped with the world's first built-in cooling system for compact attachable flash units.

At the heart of the SB-5000 is Nikon's i-TTL (intelligent TTL) flash control system, which allows Nikon Speedlights to transmit important exposure information to CLS-compatible digital SLR cameras. The SB-5000 can be controlled by radio signals with Advanced Wireless Lighting or traditionally by optical signals within line of sight. Operational enhancements include unified flash control, which expands system control. You can now control or change the settings of the SB-5000 in the camera menus or on a computer with Camera Control Pro 2 software installed while the unit is attached to the camera body.

Compact body, simple controls

The design of the SB-5000 has been redesigned for user convenience. This model is lighter than the previous ones, and its controls are intuitive and simple. You'll notice the difference as soon as you attach the SB-5000 to your camera or pack it in your bag: the flash's compact body weighs only 420g. The ergonomic control panel features a large, easy-to-read information display. The rotary multi selector and the i button provide quick access to the most frequently used or personalized functions. For example, pressing the "i" button instantly displays key flash options (when shooting with a single flash) or Advanced Wireless Lighting options as a list. As with the previous model, the SB-5000's flash head can be lowered 7° or raised up to 90° and rotated 180° left or right.

Versatile, easy-to-use Speedlight is compatible with Nikon FX and DX format SLRs and the Nikon Creative Lighting System. It is incredibly easy to use and supports a number of advanced features that make it easier to control the quality and direction of light. Three flash patterns give you full control over flash coverage, while an easy-to-access A:B mode lets you control multiple flashes remotely. This compact flash is the ideal and handy tool for shooting creative pictures and get more balanced images in challenging lighting conditions.

Universal Speedlight I-TTL (Intelligent TTL) compatible with FX and DX format SLRs, as well as the Nikon Creative Lighting System.

Multi-step motorized zoom: covers a wide viewing angle of 24-120mm.

Visual control: The large, easy-to-read LCD screen and conveniently located controls make it easy to adjust settings.

Guide number: 25 (EVEN)/28 (STD)/30 (CW) (FX format, ISO 100, m, at 35mm focal length). Maximum guide number: 38 (STD, FX format, ISO 100, m, at 120mm focal length).

The following flash lighting patterns are available: center-weighted, flat and standard; they can be selected according to specific shooting conditions.

High Speed Reload: approx. 2.5 seconds when using NiMH or alkaline batteries and approx. 3.5 seconds when using lithium batteries.

A:B mode for simplified wireless control: provides control over the light ratio between Groups A and B Speedlights.

Upgradable firmware using the storage medium in the attached camera.

Automatic thermal protection system: High heat warning when the flash is fired intensively with a recycle delay (if necessary).

Automatic filter detection: The Speedlight automatically adjusts the attached camera's color temperature settings according to the color of the filter being used.

AF-assist illuminator: covers a focal length of 24-135mm*. Compatible with Multi-CAM3500 AF sensors.

Those. characteristics

Approx. 360 g (Speedlight only) Approx. 450 g (with four 1.5 V AA alkaline batteries)

Accessories included

Speedlight Stand AS-22, Nikon Diffusion Dome SW-14H, Incandescent Filter SZ-3TN, Fluorescent Filter SZ-3FL, Soft Case SS-700

The Nikon Speedlight SB-700 was released in September 2010. The SB-600 that replaced it was not intuitive enough to use and had a more limited range. The flash is aimed at both hobbyists and professionals and costs $330, about $120 less than the SB-900. Photographers who are busy shooting full-time, the latter option is better, but the rest may be limited to using the Nikon Speedlight SB-700. Owner reviews praise the model for its compact size, improved interface and unpretentiousness.

Distinctive features

The Nikon Speedlight SB-700 offers more functionality than the SB-600 and closes the gap with mid-range and high-end devices. Some additional features of the model are as follows:

automatic detection of the use of FX or DX cameras;
the presence of a diffuser and plastic light filters;
can serve as a master flash for other Nikon devices that support CLS;
has a built-in temperature sensor that guarantees the safety of the lamp;
additional buttons for changing flash mode, beam setting, remote or master mode, and zoom setting;
improved moisture and dust protection.

The flash can be controlled remotely via the Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS), if available digital camera that supports CLS, or when using the Nikon SU-800. If there are multiple devices, the SB-700 can act as a master to start others.

Buying a Nikon SB-700 means that after connecting it to the camera, the user gets the full range of TTL technology features. The camera knows when the flash is present and provides the best interaction. If a zoom lens is used, the flash also changes its settings when zooming. There is also a built-in wide adapter that extends the SB-700's range to 12mm.

The Nikon Speedlight SB-700 can use 4 AA alkaline, lithium, or nickel-metal hydride batteries, but zinc-carbon batteries are not recommended.

Full flash functionality is provided by CLS-compatible cameras - all SLR cameras Nikon except D1 and D100 series. Coolpix E8400, E8800, P5000, P5100, P6000 and P7000 are supported on a limited basis. The flash can be installed on incompatible models, but most of its functions will remain unavailable.

The Nikon SB-700 comes with accessories that are also included with the SB-900. These include a soft case, stand, diffuser dome, user manual and two plastic filters for incandescent and daylight. As is typical with Nikon, the flash head has a built-in reflector card and panels that can be used either together or separately.

Updates

The SB-700 resembles the SB-900 more than the SB-600. This is good for photographers because the SB-900 is one of the best and simplest flashes that Nikon has released. The controls on the back are more ergonomic and make it easy to change settings. The SB-700 has more buttons and a rotary dial, which is a huge improvement since the SB-600 required you to navigate through a menu and hold down multiple keys at the same time to change a single parameter.

Governing bodies

In total, the flash has 9 buttons and switches. They are grouped around the display in an order that differs from other Nikon models. The control dial turns the flash on and off, as well as switching it to remote and main modes. There is a switch to set to manual or TTL mode. Near the switch is the SEL button, which, together with the control wheel, allows you to adjust, for example, such a parameter as exposure compensation. In the SB-600, this required only pressing "+" or "-".

The center is dominated by a disc with an OK button in the center, used for various purposes, including menu navigation. On the left under the screen is the ZOOM key. In this case, the zoom can be increased and decreased, depending on the direction of rotation of the disk.

The Menu button is on the bottom left. Allows you to enter the menu and set the slave mode, adjust the beeps, screen, etc. According to the owners, the navigation in the menu has accelerated, it has become more logical and much easier. The FLASH key is required to test the operation of the flash. This is the only highlighted button. As with other flashes from the manufacturer, red light means ready and green light is reloading. On the left is the mode switch - users appreciated this design positively, because this is one of the most frequently changed parameters. The last control placed on the right is the slider for selecting the beam coverage area. Standard, center and uniform options are available.

Screen

In this model, the display has undergone changes - it has become a matrix instead of a segmented one earlier. Its clarity and contrast have increased, they are even greater than those of the SB-900. True, the screen is not that big, but it contains everything you need, with the exception of some minor details that are present in a more expensive flash.

Performance

The working distance of the Nikon SB-700 at ISO 100 is 28 m. This is less than 30 m for the SB-600. The total recharge time is about 2.5 s for NiMH and alkaline batteries, 3.5 s for lithium. When it rises to 10 s, the batteries need to be replaced or recharged. The SB-700 on D3s provides the ability to shoot 9 photos at 9 fps, skipping the 10th frame and then firing again at the 11th. Every shot is well-seasoned, and 9 flashes in a row at 0.25s recycle isn't too bad. Battery life is estimated at 160 shots for alkaline batteries, 260 shots for 2600 mAh NiMH and 330 shots for lithium batteries.

The Nikon Speedlight SB-700 works just like a Nikon flash should. As long as you have a good set of batteries, it will never let you down. The only difference from the SB-900 is its power is slightly less. But it's much cheaper. Price is the main reason why users prefer this model. According to them, the presence of the main and fill light, provided that it is properly installed, makes portraits more beautiful compared to a single source.

According to photographers, many hours of flash does not cause any problems with recharging or overheating of the flash. For maximum performance, they recommend using Energizer Ultimate lithium batteries. In their opinion, this allows you to shorten the recharge cycle and get more flashes.

Work outside the studio

Photographers who have used the SB-600 at weddings can confidently say that the Nikon SB-700 has the power and recycle time to capture these events. It also takes up less space than the SB-900, making it easier to carry multiple flashes. Also, since the maximum output of the SB-700 is lower, the flash heats up less. The device recharges quite quickly, but if its temperature reaches the limit, after a while it will turn itself off.

The only reason to buy the SB-900 is for full-time shooting and the need for the most reliable Nikon unit. A more powerful model should also be considered if the SB-700's recharge cycle seems slow and the battery life seems to be insufficient because the SB-900 can be connected to the SD-9. The SB-700 does not have the ability to connect to an external power source.

Portrait photography

Photographers who use the Nikon SB-700 to shoot portraits say that the flash gives them everything they need: reliability, fast recycling, power, ease of use. It is enough to install it on racks and arrange a couple of white umbrellas for softer lighting. If you need a sharp light, you can limit yourself to just one flash.

Conclusion

So Nikon users have two real options, the SB-700 and SB-900. According to many, of these, the first is more preferable. The Nikon SB-700 flash has almost all the features of the SB-900, but it's smaller. Those who photograph weddings or shoot sports should consider purchasing a more powerful and faster model paired with the Nikon SD-9.

14.01.2011 44924 Tests and reviews 0

Nikon has released the new SB-700, a versatile and easy-to-use Speedlight compatible with Nikon's FX and DX format SLRs, as well as the Nikon Creative Lighting System. This incredibly handy flash comes with a wide range of functions that make it easy to adjust the amount and direction of light. Three lighting patterns give you complete control over your lighting, while A:B mode support lets you organize wireless control several flashes. Its compact size makes it easy to keep this flash close at hand when you need to shoot art or balance exposure when shooting in difficult conditions.

This flash is perfect for various kinds shooting - from portrait and studio to reportage and night - and is distinguished by the traditionally high quality of performance inherent in all Nikon flashes. The flash has intuitive controls and an easy-to-use operating system, while maintaining many of the features of the professional SB-900. It uses Nikon's highly accurate i-TTL exposure metering system and multi-stop auto zoom that senses the current focal length of the lens and optimizes momentum for angles of view ranging from 24mm to 120mm. The flash supports three lighting patterns for different shooting conditions.

True versatility

The SB-700 is compatible with FX and DX format cameras; thanks to its wireless control support, it will appeal to a wide range of buyers, including experienced photographers who want to unleash the full potential of a creative lighting system. This flash can act as a master flash, controlling up to two groups of flashes and adjusting their light output. The SB-700 can also be used as a remote flash in a group.

The swivel head and built-in diffuser allow you to illuminate your subject with reflected light from the ceiling or walls. The SB-700 comes with Nikon's practical diffuser dome to help even out light and soften shadows from direct light. The flash mount is equipped with a lock to secure it to the camera and prevent it from being accidentally removed. Optionally, you can purchase a waterproof mount for shooting outdoors.

Key Features:
An LCD screen with a new, improved interface and a convenient layout of controls make it easy and quick to set up the flash.
Flash output is sufficient for most conditions that may be encountered in everyday shooting: the maximum guide number is 38 (for FX camera with standard lighting pattern, ISO 100 and 120mm).

Multi-stage power zoom: The flash automatically detects the current focal length of the attached lens and corrects light for focal lengths from 24mm to 120mm.
A simple system for selecting one of three lighting patterns enhances the convenience of shooting in various conditions. The center-weighted template, which provides maximum light output and guide number, is great for accentuating the lighting of the subject against the background. The uniform pattern is best for shooting single or multiple shots indoors or on a flat surface, while the standard pattern has a slightly higher center illumination and is suitable for all other shooting conditions.
Fast recharge: only 2.5s with NiMH and alkaline batteries and about 3.5s with lithium batteries.
Support for Quick Wireless Lighting allows you to adjust flash output in groups A and B. In addition, this flash can be used as a group flash in the Nikon Creative Lighting System.
The SB-700 automatically measures head temperature and, if necessary, slows down recharging to prevent overheating.
Flash firmware can be easily updated using digital reflex cameras Nikon.
The SB-700 is sold complete with two hard plastic filters: one for incandescent and one for fluorescent lights. These filters are stronger, more heat resistant and more comfortable than traditional film filters. The SB-700 automatically detects the type of filter installed and adjusts the color temperature settings of the connected camera. An optional SJ-4 color filter kit is available.

Nikon SB-700 Flash Specifications:

Standard electronic circuit with automatic insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT)
Guide number(with zoom head at 35mm for FX format, standard lighting pattern and 20°C) - 28 (ISO 100, m), 39 (ISO 200, m)
Effective flash shooting distance (in i-TTL mode) 0.6 - 20 m (depending on camera angle, lighting pattern, ISO speed, zoom head position and aperture)

Lighting Pattern

The flash supports three lighting patterns: standard, even, and center-weighted. Illumination angle automatically corrects for camera angle in both FX and DX formats

Available flash mode

I-TTL
. Manual flash
. Distance-priority manual flash

Other functionsAnd

Test shooting, pre-flashes, AF-assist illuminator for multi-point AF, and modeling light
Nikon Creative Lighting System

The flash supports multiple flash modes when connected to a compatible camera: i-TTL, Advanced Wireless Lighting, FV lock, Flash color information communication, Auto FP high-speed sync, and AF-assist for multi-point AF

Shooting with multiple flashes

Advanced Wireless Control
. SU-4 Wireless Multiple Flash Shooting (Remote Mode)
Camera sync modes: Slow sync, Slow sync with red-eye reduction, Front-curtain sync, Rear-curtain sync, Slow rear-curtain sync Shooting modes: Auto FP high-speed sync, FV lock, Red-eye reduction

Reflected light illumination

Flash head tilts down up to 7° and up up to 90° with detents of -7°, 0°, 45°, 60°, 75°, 90°
. Flash head rotates horizontally 180° left and right with fixed positions of 0°, 30°, 60°, 75°, 90°, 120°, 150°, 180°

Power on/offI

Rotate the power switch to turn the SB-700 on or off (when shooting with multiple flashes, the wireless switch) Standby mode can also be set
Power source Four AA batteries of the same brand of any of the following types:
. Alkaline AA 1.5 V batteries
. Lithium batteries AA 1.5 V
. Rechargeable 1.2V NiMH batteries For minimum number of flashes and battery recycling time

Flash-ready indicator

SB-700 fully charged: Lights up. Flash output insufficient for desired exposure (in i-TTL mode and distance-priority manual mode): blinking
Flash-ready indicator (in remote mode) SB-700 fully charged: flashes. Flash output insufficient for proper exposure (in i-TTL mode and AUTO mode when photographing with SU-4 wireless multiple flash units): blinks
Pulse duration (approximate) 1/1042 s at M1/1 power (full) 1/1136 s at M1/2 power 1/2857 s at M1/4 power 1/5714 s at M1/8 power 1/10000 s at M1/8 power M1/16 1/18182 s at M1/32 power 1/25000 s at M1/64 power 1/40000 s at M1/128 power

Fastening lock

Allows the SB-700 to be securely mounted in the camera shoe with a locking pin to prevent unintentional removal of the flash

Flash compensation-3.0 to +3.0 EV in 1/3 EV steps in i-TTL mode

Own settings 11 parameters

Other features Overheating protection, firmware upgradeable
Dimensions (W x H x D) Approx. 71 x 126 x 104.5mm
Weight Approx. 360 g (Speedlight only) Approx. 450 g (with four 1.5 V AA alkaline batteries)

Accessories included

Speedlight Tripod AS-22, Nikon Diffusion Dome SW-14H, Incandescent Filter SZ-3TN, Fluorescent Filter SZ-3FL, Soft Case SS-700

Nikon SB-700 vs SB-600

The SB-700 (on sale November 2010) will be Nikon's new mid-range flash. It will replace the 2004 SB-600 (which in turn replaced the 2001 SB-50DX). The new flash has the same i-TTL technology but does not support previous generations of TTL.
Both flashes are powerful as on-camera flashes. They provide everything necessary functions, as well as "advanced" ones - light modeling and high-speed synchronization (FP sync), but are significantly inferior in hardware - no external power supply, no PC sync connector, and insufficient zoom range.
Still, the SB-700 is far from Nikon's flagship SB-900, but it has new features compared to the SB-600.

Main advantages over SB-600:
. sensor sizing for higher guide number in DX cameras;
. "Master" mode in AWL wireless i-TTL system (SB-600 worked only as a slave);
. improved ergonomics;
. optical mode SU-4;
. the battery compartment is better designed - the SB-600 has a weird pole order and my eneloops sometimes got stuck in it

Other advantages of SB-700:
. full 360 degree flash head rotation;
. 2 light-correcting filters included;
. supports three lighting patterns for different shooting conditions: center-weighted, uniform and standard;
. extended zoom range (120mm vs. 85mm);
. 12mm view with wide-angle screen;
. 8 step power controller - now with 1/128 (versus 1/64);
. built-in reflector;
. optional moisture protection;
. improved protection against overheating, etc.

The main advantages of SB-600 over SB-700:
. more powerful with guide number GN 30 (only 28 in SB-700);
. cheaper - perhaps temporarily: SB-600 retail price - $220; SB-700 advertised price - $330;
. smaller and lighter (SB-600: 68 x 123.5 x 90mm & 300g; SB-700: 71 x 126 x 104.5mm & 360g);
. supports D-TTL system;
. new AS-22 stand looks cheaper than AS-21 SB-900 (SB-600 comes with AS-19, which is much more convenient)

SB-700 vs. SB-900

As said above - the SB-700 is a smaller SB-900 flash packed with good features. It's really surprising what a short list of benefits the SB-900 has. Still, the lack of external power and a PC sync port makes the SB-700 less practical for professional shooting.

The main advantages of SB-900 over SB-700:
. more powerful (guiding number GN 34 versus 28);
. PC synch connector (useful when shooting with multiple flashes);
. Larger zoom range 17-200mm (12mm with subpanel);
. External power
. multi flash mode
. Auto exposure mode

The main advantages of SB-700 over SB-900:
. Smaller and lighter (SB-900 is very bulky);
. Cheaper (SB-900 costs about $440);
. Efficient color filter solutions
. Overheating protection is more thoughtful - it lengthens the recycle time instead of blocking the flash.

Overall, the SB-700 is a concrete step up from the SB-600. What's impressive is the improved ergonomics - anyone who has ever switched between "AWL" and "hot shoe" modes on the SB-600 will know what I'm talking about. I was especially pleased with the determination of the sensor size, however, a big minus is the reduction in the guide number.
With a guide number of 28, the flash will be on par with the Yongnuo YN-460 (although actual power is expected to be around 29-30 as seen with the SB-400, SB-600 and SB-900). The power reduction was expected after a similar move with the SB-900 (with a guide number of 34 versus 38 in the previous SB-800).