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Old 05-28-2009   #1
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Hey everyone! I am LOVING this site, I haven't posted too much but have read tons. Now I need some advice from the wealth of information-holders.

I have a D40x & LOVE it. I may end up one of those 'weirdos' who has both Canon & Nikon gear but as of now I have the D40x, 18-105 & a 70-300. I hope to add the 50mm 1.8 (yes I know it won't autofocus, I'm okay with that) to my 'kit' soon.

For now I am looking for a flash. I know very little about flashes as I usually use natural light but I'm fixing to be taking some newborn photos and I'll probably need something besides the in-camera flash. Ideas? Thoughts? Suggestions? Nothing too terribly pricey as I am starting law school this fall and the pennies are tight!

Thanks in advance.


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Old 05-28-2009   #2
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Default Re: Advice Needed
Cheapest is the Sb400. Its basically a step up above the pop up. But it does have bounce flashing capabilities (you can adjust the flash up to bounce off the ceiling instead of direct). And it runs about $100-$120. For 100 more, you can get the SB600. Its taller and has more functions. I would get this over the 400.

The next step isnt a step, but more of a jump. the SB900 is the flagship flash and is between $400-500 as I recall.
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Old 05-28-2009   #3
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Default Re: Advice Needed
metz af 46 n very cheap and good
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Old 05-28-2009   #4
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Default Re: Advice Needed
I too would recommend the SB-600.

The SB-400 lacks power and versatility.

Regretably your D40x doesn't have a flash Commander mode. However, you can get an inexpensive optical trigger so you can use the SB-600 off camera.
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Old 05-28-2009   #5
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Thanks to everyone. I'll be researching each of these recommendations! You guys are just a wealth of helpful information!
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Old 05-28-2009   #6
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Default Re: Advice Needed
Quote:
Originally Posted by mefisher View Post
...I know very little about flashes as I usually use natural light but I'm fixing to be taking some newborn photos and I'll probably need something besides the in-camera flash. Ideas? Thoughts? Suggestions? Nothing too terribly pricey as I am starting law school this fall and the pennies are tight!
"probably need something besides the in-camera flash."

You may find the onboard flash does exactly what you want it to and you will need to spent $0.00. Pennies don't get much tighter than that.

Go ahead, use the on-board flash as often as you can. Even in natural light, and especially bright sun, fill-flash can be useful.

Take a lot of photos of people's faces, with their permission of course, see if you like the color and exposure, and dial in some Flash Compensation as you want.

Oh, and remember to charger your battery more often, as flash will suck more power.


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