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Need for SB-800?

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fuigo

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Hello all,

I know that D70 is quite new and not many of us have "extensive" experience with it yet.

I will be shooting at a indoor party this weekend, just for fun. I am curious about your thoughts on built-in flash vs. SB-800.

I know that SB-800 is awesome, but do I really need it?

Thanks,
fuigo

--
web: http://homepage.mac.com/fuigo
 
Well, I personally don't think you can compare the 2. One does everything and anythig while the other is pretty much useless. Don't get me wrong, I love the built-in too but it just can't compared with the SB800.
fuigo said:
Hello all,

I know that D70 is quite new and not many of us have "extensive"
experience with it yet.

I will be shooting at a indoor party this weekend, just for fun. I
am curious about your thoughts on built-in flash vs. SB-800.

I know that SB-800 is awesome, but do I really need it?

Thanks,
fuigo

--
web: http://homepage.mac.com/fuigo
Click to expand...
 
There is also an SB600 which is very close to the SB800 but cheaper.

If you want to get nice flash photographs you need one. If you want party-snaps I don't think you need one. If you get into daylight flash or fill-flash it is essential and frankly is one of the reasons I have one.
fuigo said:
Hello all,

I know that D70 is quite new and not many of us have "extensive"
experience with it yet.

I will be shooting at a indoor party this weekend, just for fun. I
am curious about your thoughts on built-in flash vs. SB-800.

I know that SB-800 is awesome, but do I really need it?

Thanks,
fuigo

--
web: http://homepage.mac.com/fuigo
Click to expand...
 
Fully agree. While you will get perfectly acceptable shots at the party with the built-in flash, the SB800 will make 'em a great deal better. Plus you'll look like a real professional. Very attractive to the ladies :-)
Bounce off the ceiling for the best results if the ceiling's not too high.
PoloKeith said:
fuigo said:
Hello all,

I know that D70 is quite new and not many of us have "extensive"
experience with it yet.

I will be shooting at a indoor party this weekend, just for fun. I
am curious about your thoughts on built-in flash vs. SB-800.

I know that SB-800 is awesome, but do I really need it?

Thanks,
fuigo

--
web: http://homepage.mac.com/fuigo
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
--
Nick Monk
D70, CP 5700
http://public.fotki.com/NickTheSinger/
 
i use a D70 w/ SB-800. i just shot my (now 8yr old) daughter's sleepover party this weekend. imo, the only reason to use the built-in flash is if its dark and you forgot SB-800 somewhere! NO comparison. the SB-800 can actually render your pics such that the light is full, bright and even. the built-in flash seems ok, but after seeing what the SB can do (and i'm a newbie with it), you quickly realize all the built-in is good for is getting a pic vs. not getting one. they're dim, grey, unevenly lit.

i'm guessing if you could somehow shoot the party with it, and shoot the party without it to compare and decide, when you saw the results, you would buy. i'm guessing the SB-600 would also be acceptable, but alas, not available.

the external flashes aren't cheap, but they're worth every penny. not only that, if you need to get a larger area, the built-in just can't illuminate where the SB can easily light up a room. with rechargeable NiCAD's and the fifth battery recycle times are also so fast, i'm amazed. seems as fast as i can snap as long as i'm on single exposure mode anyway.

i also used it on my N60 recently to shoot a wedding (i've had the SB800 since dec) and the difference there was even greater. as good as it is on the D70, on my film camera, its night and day. nearly every pic came out a winner expect for the blinkers ;)

i will be picking up a 2nd flash so that i can use the D70 for synced remote sidelit flashing, am wondering if the SB-600 will suffice, will try it at a local dealer when available.

so, personally, i prefer to shoot without a flash whenever possible, nevertheless, i don't leave home without it.
muskiemouth said:
fuigo said:
Hello all,

I know that D70 is quite new and not many of us have "extensive"
experience with it yet.

I will be shooting at a indoor party this weekend, just for fun. I
am curious about your thoughts on built-in flash vs. SB-800.

I know that SB-800 is awesome, but do I really need it?

Thanks,
fuigo

--
web: http://homepage.mac.com/fuigo
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
fuigo said:
Hello all,

I know that D70 is quite new and not many of us have "extensive"
experience with it yet.

I will be shooting at a indoor party this weekend, just for fun. I
am curious about your thoughts on built-in flash vs. SB-800.

I know that SB-800 is awesome, but do I really need it?

Thanks,
fuigo

--
web: http://homepage.mac.com/fuigo
Click to expand...
LOL .. did you "need" the d70??...I bought one and it is phenomenal...it communicates with the D70 and D2h in ways that the other "just as good" flashes dont...worth every penny...
--
MATTinNE_FL
 
i purchased the sb-800 much to the detriment of my wallet. Im quite new at this. there are many different modes. which is the mode most often it should be kept on?
thanx in advance.... ;) windoze
gho said:
fuigo said:
Hello all,

I know that D70 is quite new and not many of us have "extensive"
experience with it yet.

I will be shooting at a indoor party this weekend, just for fun. I
am curious about your thoughts on built-in flash vs. SB-800.

I know that SB-800 is awesome, but do I really need it?

Thanks,
fuigo

--
web: http://homepage.mac.com/fuigo
Click to expand...
--
Gregory

http://www.imagestation.com/members/ximina
You need to create an account, but its free!
Click to expand...
--

Windoze can be written at [email protected] or see my 'stuff' at http://www.windoze.smugmug.com
 
Matt in FL said:
fuigo said:
Hello all,

I know that D70 is quite new and not many of us have "extensive"
experience with it yet.

I will be shooting at a indoor party this weekend, just for fun. I
am curious about your thoughts on built-in flash vs. SB-800.

I know that SB-800 is awesome, but do I really need it?

Thanks,
fuigo

--
web: http://homepage.mac.com/fuigo
Click to expand...
LOL .. did you "need" the d70??...I bought one and it is
phenomenal...it communicates with the D70 and D2h in ways that the
other "just as good" flashes dont...worth every penny...
--
MATTinNE_FL
Click to expand...
--

Windoze can be written at [email protected] or see my 'stuff' at http://www.windoze.smugmug.com
 
windoze said:
gho said:
fuigo said:
Hello all,

I know that D70 is quite new and not many of us have "extensive"
experience with it yet.

I will be shooting at a indoor party this weekend, just for fun. I
am curious about your thoughts on built-in flash vs. SB-800.

I know that SB-800 is awesome, but do I really need it?

Thanks,
fuigo

--
web: http://homepage.mac.com/fuigo
Click to expand...
--
Gregory

http://www.imagestation.com/members/ximina
You need to create an account, but its free!
Click to expand...
--
Windoze can be written at [email protected] or see my 'stuff' at
http://www.windoze.smugmug.com
Click to expand...
Welcom to the "dark"side....admired many of your sony 828 picts. but so much controversy, I held out for the D70....Really glad now... I use the sb800 most in ttl bal. "the flash automatically exposes to balance the subject and the background", ttl "the flash correctly exposes the subject without regard for the background"...if you dont have the flash yet, get a manual on line if you can or go to a dealer and thumb through it...it is as extensive as the camera manual...World class documentation to go with this world class flash.
--
MATTinNE_FL
 
Matt in FL said:
windoze said:
gho said:
fuigo said:
Hello all,

I know that D70 is quite new and not many of us have "extensive"
experience with it yet.

I will be shooting at a indoor party this weekend, just for fun. I
am curious about your thoughts on built-in flash vs. SB-800.

I know that SB-800 is awesome, but do I really need it?

Thanks,
fuigo

--
web: http://homepage.mac.com/fuigo
Click to expand...
--
Gregory

http://www.imagestation.com/members/ximina
You need to create an account, but its free!
Click to expand...
--
Windoze can be written at [email protected] or see my 'stuff' at
http://www.windoze.smugmug.com
Click to expand...
Welcom to the "dark"side....admired many of your sony 828 picts.
but so much controversy, I held out for the D70....Really glad
now... I use the sb800 most in ttl bal. "the flash automatically
exposes to balance the subject and the background", ttl "the flash
correctly exposes the subject without regard for the
background"...if you dont have the flash yet, get a manual on line
if you can or go to a dealer and thumb through it...it is as
extensive as the camera manual...World class documentation to go
with this world class flash.
--
MATTinNE_FL
Click to expand...
--

Windoze can be written at [email protected] or see my 'stuff' at http://www.windoze.smugmug.com
 
Need? Well, no. You can go with the internal and some higher ISO, i'd recommend a 2nd battery.

But you get better results using an external flash, more power, indirect, AF Assist with better range, can use a bounce and what i love most: Wireless.

I needed some (to be honest, a lot of) learning when I made my first flash-pics with my first SLR some years ago, how much flash is needed (EV+ - on Flash itself), when to use indirect and when not, when to use a bounce, and which filter to use on flash.

I love my VR - Lens in addition, you can get a lof of nice pics with very nice light without anyone noticing anything, on some parties flash is an absolut no no.

Very important would be to get a correct WB if you shoot Jpg. Especially when using fill-flash.

There's also a cheaper possibility which can give perfect pictures as well:

Buy a used SB20 (max 40€) , SB24 (max 100 to 140€) and use A-mode or M (older ones don't support iTTL not even older TTL or DTTL on the D70). With a little watching you can get as perfect results as with the SB-800.

Chris
 
Depends...

Probably mostly TTL mode. Gives the best all around results.

Use BL TTL mode (balanced fill - go figure why they say BL?) when outdoors to help reduce harsh shadows.

The A (auto) mode is for using the flash without TTL and manul modes are for when you feel like calculating guide numbers and distances.

Also be sure to make use of that cool diffusion dome they provide you with - it really softens the light and makes flash pictures look better.

Use the yellow filter when shooting with incandescent lighting in the pic. Set the camera to incandesent WB and your lamp light will be white instead of yellow.

Same with the blue filter - use it under flouresent lighting with WB set to Flourescent.

If you want to use the flash off-camera, consider getting the SC-17 TTL cable (the SC-29 is the same but with an IR AF emitter which is not really necessary).

Hope this helps some.

--
Gregory

http://www.imagestation.com/members/ximina
You need to create an account, but its free!
 
I agree. I used the SB24 with a D100 in automatic and once you get used to it and get a feel for the correct compensation etc, you can get excellant shots. The stofen flash diffuers also work good with the SB24. The big advantage of the SB800 is fiddling time, you have to set and tweak stuff on the SB24 and the camera when using automatic mode. DTTL and iTTL will get you a decent shot with no fiddling when you don't have the time to fiddle.
McConnor said:
Need? Well, no. You can go with the internal and some higher ISO,
i'd recommend a 2nd battery.
But you get better results using an external flash, more power,
indirect, AF Assist with better range, can use a bounce and what i
love most: Wireless.

I needed some (to be honest, a lot of) learning when I made my
first flash-pics with my first SLR some years ago, how much flash
is needed (EV+ - on Flash itself), when to use indirect and when
not, when to use a bounce, and which filter to use on flash.

I love my VR - Lens in addition, you can get a lof of nice pics
with very nice light without anyone noticing anything, on some
parties flash is an absolut no no.

Very important would be to get a correct WB if you shoot Jpg.
Especially when using fill-flash.

There's also a cheaper possibility which can give perfect pictures
as well:
Buy a used SB20 (max 40€) , SB24 (max 100 to 140€) and use A-mode
or M (older ones don't support iTTL not even older TTL or DTTL on
the D70). With a little watching you can get as perfect results as
with the SB-800.

Chris
Click to expand...
 
Matt F said:
Even better would be comparisons shot with on-camera flash and SB-800.
Click to expand...
Here you go, not a direct comparison, but it should give you a bit of an idea...

pop-up flash (on a D100):
http://www.pbase.com/image/22851586

SB800 (on a D100) - notice how nicely it throttles down in such tight quarters. Bounced off the ceiling of the minivan, directly out of camera:
http://www.pbase.com/image/23905099

SB800 filling an entire room (on a SLR/n):
http://www.pbase.com/image/26422430

Hope this helps some
--
Gregory

http://www.imagestation.com/members/ximina
You need to create an account, but its free!
 
fuigo said:
Hello all,

I know that D70 is quite new and not many of us have "extensive"
experience with it yet.

I will be shooting at a indoor party this weekend, just for fun. I
am curious about your thoughts on built-in flash vs. SB-800.

I know that SB-800 is awesome, but do I really need it?

Thanks,
fuigo

--
web: http://homepage.mac.com/fuigo
Click to expand...
What I did at a party just for fun was to buy an old Brownie Hawkeye with flash on the Internet for ten bucks. I sourced bulbs and film quite cheaply. It was a massive hit at the party (60s theme). Everyone wanted their picture taken and they looked fine scanned in and messed about with. It was a real 'ice breaker'.

However back to your question... I have the SB-800 and it's pretty super-duper. It's a lot of money to spend for taking pictures of an indoor party "just for fun" though. The built-in Speedlight gives good results for party snapshots.

Enjoy your party!
 
fuigo said:
I will be shooting at a indoor party this weekend, just for fun. I
am curious about your thoughts on built-in flash vs. SB-800.

I know that SB-800 is awesome, but do I really need it?
Click to expand...
Another possible approach would be to buy the 50mm 1.8 D lens for under $100, and crank up your ISO, and try to shoot with available light. Be aware the your depth of field will be very shallow though if you open it up wide.

Also, if you do end up using built-in flash, try playing with the slow synchro mode. You can get some more pleasant (though less sharp) results.

-- Matt
Gallery - http://www.imageevent.com/pmattf
 
Thanks for all the responses and the comparison. The differences are dramatic.

The "just for fun" party is actually an egagement party. I want to take pictures there "just for fun", but good enough that my sister, the bride, might choose a few from my batch of pictures. I am leaning toward getting one.

fuigo
Burbclaver said:
What I did at a party just for fun was to buy an old Brownie
Hawkeye with flash on the Internet for ten bucks. I sourced bulbs
and film quite cheaply. It was a massive hit at the party (60s
theme). Everyone wanted their picture taken and they looked fine
scanned in and messed about with. It was a real 'ice breaker'.

However back to your question... I have the SB-800 and it's pretty
super-duper. It's a lot of money to spend for taking pictures of an
indoor party "just for fun" though. The built-in Speedlight gives
good results for party snapshots.

Enjoy your party!
Click to expand...
--
web: http://homepage.mac.com/fuigo
 
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