Can someone explain biggest difference between these flashes?

[Lodovico]

Just starting to learn more about lighting, so I'm looking for an explanation in beginners terms, if possible. What are the main differences between the Nikon SB-400 and the SB-700. I've read both descriptions, but I guess I'm just not grasping the huge difference that justifies the price. I'm sure it's significant, but I don't get it. Thanks!

 

[Derrel]

Honestly, I would look into the Ken Rockwell reviews of both those flashes. He explains the differences using plain English, and a bit of whimsy and fun.

 

[runnah]

The sb700 has a rotating head and the sb400 doesn't.
The SB700 has AF, the SB400 doesn't.
The sb700 can be remotely triggered using the IR sensor.

The sb400 is a bigger version of the pop-up flash. The sb700 is a very good flash with lots of features of the more expensive models.

 

[Lodovico]

Thanks guys. I also found another good comparison article online.

 

[Braineack]

The sb400 is a bigger version of the pop-up flash that can be rotated to bounce

FTFY.

 

[runnah]

The sb400 is a bigger version of the pop-up flash that can be rotated to bounce

FTFY.

Doesn't rotate, just tilts.

 

[Braineack]

semantics.

but rotate suggests something moves on a axis, which the sb400 does: It can rotate the flash head 90° to vertical.

You can tilt a camera until your pop-up flash points vertical, problem is: so does the lens...

 

[runnah]

semantics. the flash can be SWUNG 90° to vertical.

Tell that to a helicopter pilot!

 

[Braineack]

If I told a helicopter pilot to tilt the blades 20° down we'd start flying forwards.

If I told the helicopter pilot to rotate the blades 20° he'd have a hard time, or tell me they already are rotating or we wouldn't be flying. although, not be versed in helicopters, I believe you rotate the angle of the blades for some sort of pitch/jaw control.

I mean, look up the defintions of tilt and rotate. im sure you'll find that tilt says you lean something, and rotate gets moved along an axis.

 

[runnah]

Rotate/pan and tilt are very specific.

 

[Braineack]

whatever.


what do you call it when I tilt the flash and then tilt the flash?

 

[runnah]

whatever.

I win!

As a consolation prize you get a tilting sb400.

 

[Braineack]

that was a scoffing, not giving a **** anymore, reply.

 

[Lodovico]

Now, now guys. No reason to argue. Not trying to fan the flames, but this in-dept comparison of the 2 flashes definitely supports runnah's description. No rotation.

Nikon Flash Comparison

 

[KmH]

Can someone explain biggest difference between these flashes?

$181.96

For the price of the SB-400 you can get 2 of these more powerful and more versatile - Vivitar 285HV Flash for SLR Cameras (Black)

For the price of the SB-700 you can get 4 of them.

Somewhat less cost than the 285HV would be the Yongnuo Professional Flash Speedlight Flashlight Yongnuo YN 560 III for Canon Nikon