Digital SLR Reviews Blog

Posts Tagged ‘Aa Batteries’

Nikon SB 600 Speedlight Flash for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

When used in combination with Nikon’s latest digital SLRs, the D70 or D2H, the SB-600 supports Advanced Wireless Lighting as a remote Speedlight that can be positioned as one of multiple remote flashes to significantly extend creative possibilities. To assist in such situations, the Speedlight SB-600 also has a readylight located beside the LCD on the rear panel that can be easily seen from a distance. The SB-600 can also emit an audible alert for further assistance. Easy-to-view LCD with 6 simple-to-understand backlit buttons Guide Number of 30/98 [ISO100,m/ft], 42/138 [ISO200,m/ft] (at 35mm zoom) Auto zoom of 24 to 85mm, extendable to 14mm with built-in wide-flash adapter Advanced Wireless Lighting available with D2H or D70 when used as a remote Auto FP High-Speed Sync (with D2H only); use with fast shutter speeds achieves effective blurring of out-of-focus background elements Flash Color Information – optimized white balance makes use of data from the Speedlight FV lock holds flash value, enabling recomposition prior to shooting Design consistent with those of next-generation D-SLRs, with a triangular design element on the top that complements the D-SLR motif Requires 4 AA Batteries (Alkaline or Rechargeable NiCad or NIMH) for use

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Amazing capabilities and power for the money!
The product description above, and all the other reviews below cover every detail of this flash’s capabilities, so I won’t repeat them.

I just wanted to come on here and add my statment that I simply love, love, love this easy to use yet powerful flash.

I have shot three weddings using this mounted to my camera, two on a D70s and the latest on my new D90. The brides all LOVED the photos.

The later two weddings I used the SB-600 for, I had the Sto-Fen Omnibounce mounted on the flash the whole time. I hardly ever take the Omnibounce off any more, it improves flash photos so much, and it makes fill flashing outdoors a breeze. Bride’s skin tones simply glow with the Omnibounce on the SB-600.

Yeah, I’d have loved to have had the cash to spring for the top-of-the-line, but I am glad I didn’t. The only possible reason I would ever upgrade from this was if I became a full-time pro and wanted the extra power just in case. I’d never use the multiple flash idea, I much prefer Novatron light sets for multi-light situations.

This SB-600 has done everything from snapshots of family around home, fill flash outdoors, to group get-togethers at church, to formal wedding photography with nary a hitch.

Unless you need a gamma-ray burst like the SB-800 and 900s put out, this SB-600 will satisfy you, I promise. (Y’all know I’m just kidding about the bigger flash putting out gamma-rays, right? GR’s will kill ya.)

4 Stars SB-600 Speedlight Flash
Good product; effective lighting of scenes under various difficult situations. It is a bit heavy for my Nikon D60, and I wish some prior recommendations had been published on this. It makes the camera top heavy, and difficult to carry from the shoulder strap without having to hold on to the camera.

1 Star Good Product Bad Business Practice
I just received this product last night. I ordered it using free shipping and received it within 3 workdays which was fantastic. The product is also great as are the images I’ve been able to produce with my D90.

The low score has nothing to do with the product itself but the fact that I received a USED or REFURBISHED product!

I have plenty of experience purchasing products online and electronics themselves and there are visible, obvious signs of use. The plastic wrapping is not quite pristine, the scuff marks, the miscellaneous prints on the glossy plastic parts and worse yet, strange miscellaneous gunk marks.

Nothing was sealed, there was physical folding damage to the manuals and scratches on the hot shoe. Obvious signs of use.

I normally get great service from Amazon directly, this was a severe disappointment. It may have only been used for a short while but with products like these and a set life span, it is unfair to charge me full price for something that is billed as new.

I will be returning it, hopefully for a full refund or NEW replacement.

5 Stars Changes the way I take photos
Having a bright light source off-camera instead of built in really changes the way you take photos. I use my SB-600 wirelessly in tandem with my D80 and it can improve nearly any situation.

I’d say one of the only downsides is the lack of control buttons, most of the options you have to hold down multiple buttons at once to access them.

The SB-600 itself syncs great, is reliable, and nice and bright. It rotates in 180 degrees in one direction and 90 degrees in another (do you need more?)

5 Stars Very happy
After reading the reviews for the sb-900 and how the over heat sensors were too sensitive on them I decided to go with the sb-600 for that reason. I will just have to be carefull not to burn out the flash.

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Canon Speedlite 270EX Flash for Canon Digital SLR Cameras

Canon’s new Speedlite 270EX adds power and flexibility for enhanced flash photography anywhere. Light, compact and small enough to fit in your pocket, Speedlite 270EX features 2-step coverage for 28mm and 50mm focal lengths, plus a highly useful bounce-flash function for amazingly easy, polished results. Powered by 2 AA batteries (not included), Speedlite 270EX is easily set-up and controlled through your camera’s menu system (with select models), communicates color temperature information with your camera for optimal white balance and recharges silently in less than 4 seconds. An indispensable complement to your Canon camera, Speedlite 270EX is a perfect extension of your photographic genius. Optimized recycling time (approx. 0.1 to 3.9 seconds) Quieter charging Easy storage soft case Powered using just 2 AA batteries Type Mode – E-TTL II, E-TTL Compatible Cameras – All Canon EOS cameras; PowerShot G-series cameras and select SX-series cameras Guide Number – 72 ft./22m (at ISO 100); flash head at 28mm zoom setting / 89 ft./27m (at ISO 100); flash head at 50mm zoom setting Recycling Time Normal flash – Approx. 0.1 to 3.9 seconds; Quick flash – 0.1 to 2.6 seconds (AA-size Alkaline Batteries) Flash Range (At ISO 100, with EF 50mm f/1.4) – For normal (28mm) – 2.3-51.5 ft./0.7-15.7m; For tele end (50mm) – 2.3-63.3 ft./0.7-19.3m; For high sync speed (at 1/250 second) – Approx. 2.3-24.9 ft./0.7-7.6m AF Assist Beam – Intermittent flash firing system Power Source – Two AA-size/LR6 Alkaline Batteries Unit Dimensions – 2.5 x 2.6 x 3.0 in./64 x 65 x 76.5mm; Weight – 5.1 oz./145g (without batteries)

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars simple to use
I’m a real novice, but I was easily able to figure out how to use this flash – and they do, of course, include instructions that I skimmed over. This is the only one I’ve ever used, so I’m not able to compare it to any others. I do like that I can change it’s position to bounce off the ceiling, instead of a straight on flash.

4 Stars Perfect for the Powershot G series cameras
I bought the 270EX for my Powershot G10, simply because the thought and usability of putting my 580EX II on a “point and shoot” camera is quite comical. The flash on the Powershot G10 isn’t that bad, but I’ve got a Lensmate with a UV filter and the G10’s onboard flash is effectively cut down and makes shadows because of the barrel of the Lensmate.

The decision came down to the 220EX and the 270EX. The 270EX’s ability to bounce the flash towards the ceiling so I am not blinding my subjects is pretty nice. It also puts distance between the Lensmate, so I can have a “mini-SLR” rig instead of the full 5D Mark II and accessories. And the price difference was negligible.

Like anything, there’s a tradeoff. Smaller flash units means less power, and thus less distance. Instead of the LCD I’m used to on my 580EX II, I’ve got to control everything from the camera’s LCD, which is no real big deal. But since it’s smaller, I’m more likely to carry it than not in a jacket pocket.

If you’ve got a Powershot G series camera, you might want to consider this flash. It’s worked fine for me, and would probably even work if you had one of the Digital Rebel series instead of the 430EX II. But like anything photography related, you get what you pay for BUT the more you spend, the more time it takes to adequately learn it.

5 Stars Nifty little flash
It is what it is… a simple, no-brainer flash. No serious settings to adjust, no serious factors to consider, a straight forward way to add more light into your pictures. If you want, you can make a few manual flash adjustments on the camera itself. Great bang for the buck.

I really like using it on my G10.

4 Stars Good Value For An Add On Flash
I needed to get more flash than was produced by the stock flash on my Canon EOS Rebel. I did not want a large, heavy (4 or more batteries), mounted on the camera.

This unit solved the problem! It only uses 2-AA batteries and makes a big flash for a smaller unit. I’m a realtor and it fills the room for color rich pictures.

I love the bounce feature and find I’m using it whenever I have a white ceiling in a room. I’m not a photo artist but this Speedlite in combination with my 10 to 20 wide angle lense has helped me to produce wonderful listing photos. I love the compliments from the other agents in my office!

1 Star Two Major Glitches
This is a nice little convenient flash to carry when you cannot or do not want to carry a larger flash. It weighs almost exactly half of the 420EX or 430EX and balances very nicely on a 40D camera. I bought the 270ex with the intention to use it for fill flash on my 30D and 40D cameras.

HOWEVER, it is not good for my purposes because…

The flash is touted to cover the view of a 28mm lens on a 1.6x camera. This should allow it to be used with the 17-55mm f/2.8 IS lens at 17 or 18mm (which is equivalent to a 28mm lens on a full-frame camera)… You get a shadow at the bottom of the frame when using that lens at less than about 24mm with an attached lens hood. Sure, bouncing would correct that but, it the unit cannot be adjusted right to left so you cannot bounce it at 24mm or below with the camera in the vertical position. Also, you could remove the hood to alleviate the shadow problem but, I don’t want to be removing and replacing the hood frequently.

The flash cannot be controlled on a camera earlier than the 40D, despite the instruction book saying that the 270ex is compatible with “E-TTL II/E-TTL autoflash EOS cameras” In other words, you cannot reduce the power of the flash or select 1st curtain, 2nd curtain or Hi Speed Sync on a camera like a 30D.

Neither of the above problems was noted in any review of this unit, nor in the instruction manual.

My final grade for this flash would be 3-stars (because it can only tilt and cannot swivel) for 40D cameras and later and 1-star for cameras earlier than the 40D.

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Canon BG E5 Battery Grip for Canon XSi Digital SLR Cameras

The Canon BG-E5 Battery Grip has been launched alongside the Canon EOS 450D. Slotting into the battery bay, it is able to take 6 AA batteries or two of the 450D’s new LP-E5 batteries. It provides a shutter button and control dial along with AE/FE Lock, exposure compensation and AF point selection buttons in a vertical orientation. The Canon BG-E5 offers creative flexibility by providing a stable grip for vertical as well as horizontal positions.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Great!
Canon BG-E5 battery grip:

The ability to use 2 rechargeable battery packs is nice, and it even came with a tray to use regular AA batteries! The grip really gives the camera a more substantial feel and a more “pro” look.

5 Stars Canon BG-E5 Battery Grip
The batttery grip works as designed. I’m very satisfied with the product. The batteries last for a significant amount of time. The added weight and grith make the camera easier to hold. The grip has controls that make it more functional for taking photos. I would recommend this prolduct to people who want to improve the time between changing batteries or adding stability while holding their camera.

5 Stars Nice additional to your D-SLR
I got this battery grip for my Canon Rebel XSi as I read from reviews that it helped get a better grip on their cameras and make the batteries last longer because you can put 2 at once. I received the item in good condition. The Canon box was wrap with bubble pack inside the shipping box. The shipment was quick, in fact it was a few days earlier. It look good on my camera, make it look like a pro from afar. I would recommend to have this in one’s camera if they have the extra bucks. Although, it’s additional weight on your hands or neck, for me it’s a minor issue. I would definitely buy again at Amazon.

5 Stars Get a grip
I chose the canon instead of the knock offs…my preference, does what it suppost to do and gives a real pro look to a great camera. Great controls.

5 Stars I have a new hold on things now.
This is a wonderful addition to my Rebel. It makes everything so perfect. Now the camera feels right in my large hands. Thanks for getting it to me in a timely fashion. I will keep you in mind for future purchases. Thanks again.

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Nikon SB 400 AF Speedlight Flash for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

The SB-400 gives photographers the opportunity to enjoy brighter and more natural lighting for images taken using a flash. It is designed to suit entry-level digital SLR users while also suitable for more experienced users. Those who have a camera within the D2 series will also benefit from the convenient portable flash unit. The SB-400 offers a guide number of 30 (ISO 200, m), and effortless bounce flash function and is controlled in i-TTL and the D40’s M (manual) mode. Flash shooting distance range from 2 and up to 66 feet Electronic construction – Automatic Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) and series circuitry Guide number – (at 18mm zoom-head position, 20 degrees C/68 degrees F) 30m per 98.4 feet Angle of coverage – Light distribution covers an 18mm lens when mounted on a Nikon DX format digital SLR camera (27mm lens when mounted on an F6 35mm SLR) Flash shooting distance range – 2 to 66 feet (Varies depending on the ISO sensitivity, zoom-head position, and lens aperture in use) Flash mode – i-TTL, M (manual with the D40 only) Flash exposure control set on the camera – Slow-sync, red-eye reduction, red-eye reduction in slow sync, rear-curtain sync flash, FV lock flash, manual flash (with Nikon Creative Lighting System digital and 35mm SLR cameras) Bounce capability – Flash head tilts up to 90 degrees with click-stops at 0, 60, 75, 90 degrees Power Source – Two AA batteries (1.5V or lower) Flashes/Recycling time at full output – Alkaline-manganese (1.5V) 140/3.9 sec, Lithium (1.5V) 250/4.2 sec, Oxyride (1.5V) 150/3.1 sec, Ni-MH rechargeable (1.5V, 2600 mAh) 210/2.5 sec Lights up when the SB-400 is recharged and ready to fire. Blinks to indicate insufficient light, insufficient battery power and incompatibility of camera with SB-400 Flash duration – Approximately 1/1300th second at full output Mounting foot lever lock – Provides secure attachment to the camera accessory

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars Flash
I dont think it is much stronger than the original flash on my camera but I am sure it helps. I still have some low light problems. It makes it easier to do rapid shots though.

5 Stars Excellent For Its Size
I’ve always avoided using a flash on my digital cameras because the built-in flashes were so tiny that they were virtually useless and the shoe-mounted flashes were heavy and bulky to pack around. I was always uncomfortable mounting them on my camera’s hot shoe because I felt as if they put a lot of strain on the shoe. I recently bought a Nikon D90 and wanted to take indoor photos of my grandkids. I looked around and found the Nikon SB-400. I was hesitant to buy it because it was spendy and I didn’t know if I’d use it enough. I’m glad that I did and am finding that I now use a flash quite frequently.

This unit is small and streamlined and it doesn’t feel as if it’s going to rip the hot shoe off the camera. It has an amazing amount of power for such a small unit and battery life is excellent. It’s extremely easy to use with the D90 – take it out of its pouch, mount it, and turn it on. The D90’s TTL metering system does the rest. If you want to modify the output of the flash just use the D90’s built-in flash exposure compensation adjustment.

I also purchased the Flip-it! 400 bounce card produced by Demb Flash Products. This small and compact bounce card is designed to work well with the SB-400. It mounts and can be removed easily with an elastic strap that has a Velcro tab. It looks very small but it works great.

3 Stars Limited flash capabilities.
I own the SB-400 and SB-600 and used them frequently for my D80 for 3 years now. Both have performed very well and have not failed. Using rechargeable AA batteries saves me a lot of money. The CONS that I do not like about the SB400 are:

- It displays a shadow when using a longer lens. I purchased a Tonika 12-24mm lens with my D80 and I have to tilt the flash upwards in order to eliminate the shadow that it creates from the barrel when using a direct flash. Using the SB600 or better eliminates this issue.

- When using indoors such as your living room, it may not provide the best illumination. It can only cover smaller space or closer range and you will have to adjust your camera settings to get a better lighting.

Buy this flash if money and weight are an issue. It works well if you are using a prime lens such as the Nikon 20mm, 24mm, 28mm, 35mm, or 50mm; My recommendation is to get the SB600 instead for better range and illumination. Get the SB800 or 900 for better flash photography or if you intend to use multiple flashes as a remote flash commander when taking creative photography indoors. You will be much happier if you get any of the full flash from Nikon.

5 Stars Perfect flash for Nikon DSLR
Even though this is a smaller flash, the pictures taken with it are great. I have the Nikon SB600, a larger flash. For most situation the result from this flash and the SB600 is the same. This flash is lighter and more portable so I will be using this more often then the SB600. This flash is so light that I leave the flash on the camera. So I get great pictures more often with this smaller unit than the bigger SB600. I learned that a flash that you can use more often is more important than the size/power of the flash. The best thing about this flash is the bounce feature. You can use flip the flash head 60 to 90 degree. This give you a nice picture with natural light instead of the bright flash. This feature is going to make your picture much nicer than without an external flash. You can never get this kind of picture with the built in flash.

5 Stars Just what I needed for my camera system!
Before I got this flash I hesitated to take pictures at night, especially on social occasions. Now I have all the flash power I need with my little camera (Nikon p5100) and night pictures come out sharp and well exposed. Now I can also use my wide angle lens for night pictures, as this flash does not cast a shadow like the built in flash does. What’s more this flash is light and a perfect complement to the p5100.

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Canon BG E2N Battery Grip for Canon 20D 30D 40D and 50D Digital SLR Cameras

Sealing material to resist water and dust / Adds a vertical shutter release / Compatible with up to 2 511A Lithium-ion battery packs or 6 AA batteries

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars Nice Battery Grip
The BG-E2N is a nice battery grip. Honestly though, I think the other second hand grips are just as nice now. My Canon BG-E2N does not fit completely snug up against my 50D, and the Shutter button is not as accurate as the 50D shutter. Still a nice grip though. The weather guard is makes it worth it. Plus I like how it has a compartment for the original battery door so you don’t lose it.

5 Stars Gripped my 40d!
You cant go wrong with the battery grip!

Allows ease of use to shoot vertically, and increases battery life by far!

Anyone with the 20d, 30d, 40d, and 50d needs to have this product. Better grip over all.

I have the canon hand strap for mines and i can carry my camera in one hand all day with a f/2.8 16-35mm II L attached to it, without ever pulling out the neck strap and using it!

5 Stars Useful, well-thought out product but consider the weight it adds
Canon’s Battery grip is a useful, well-thought out product. As an example of how well thought-out it is, when you remove the battery compartment cover, there is a small slot in the grip to put the cover so that you don’t lose it.

The grip allows you to go so long without charging the batteries that sometimes it can be hard to remember to charge them. I have never used up the batteries in a single day. It also helps balance the camera when using a heavy lens such as the 70-200 2.8 IS. It feels good in my hand as well.

The only thing to consider before you buy it is the weight it adds. Combine the 50D, with two batteries, the grip, and the 24-70 2.8 and my wife does not like to help it for more than a few shots. Although, I won’t knock off a star for the weight because that is not a flaw in the product just something you want to consider.

By the way, the first one that I bought the portrait shutter button did not work. When it first arrives, check to ensure that the portrait shutter features work so that you don’t only possibly discover it after the return period.

4 Stars Cannot live without it.
Just bought a new Canon 50d and bought the grip recently. I have had canon grips in the past and they prove to be invaluable. Placing 2 batteries in the grip allow shooting for all day sessions. Battery encourages portrait-style photos. Only downside is that the back focus button is not on the grip when you want to use the custom functions. Highly recommended and adds some heft to the camera..

5 Stars Excellent must have acessory for the 50D.
I could have gone generic but this at ~$150 I couldn’t pass up getting the authentic Canon accessory. Battery life is superb and the grip adds that extra touch to handling the camera. It feels like a real camera and not a toy. I swapped the functions of the ‘*’ and the ‘AF-ON’ buttons so I can use the ‘*’ to focus independently on the grip.

The grip attaches firmly to the camera with no play whatsoever. The battery compartment hides away inside so you don’t lose it.

Must have accessory.

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