Flash exposure compensation with the SB-400 UPDATE

Update from yesterday’s discussion on the SB-400 flash and exposure compensation with the Nikon D3x. First let me thank all the helpful readers who have emailed with quotes from manuals, etc.

NIkon SB-400 flash

Unfortunately, there does not appear to be any solution on the D3x, though it’s clear that a firmware update could offer a solution: pressing the little flash button on the top of the D3x allows the choice of sync mode with one dial, and there is no reason the other dial could not allow exposure compensation. Is this an oversight, or a deliberate Nikon ploy to sell more expensive and huge/heavy flash units? I’m very disappointed because the SB-400 is perfect in size and weight for carry-around shooting.

A friend came over with his Nikon D300 and it’s a wonderful match—highly recommended on the D300. And while I don’t have a D700, it’s probably a great choice there, also.

The SB-400 not only can be used with the exposure compensation available on the D300, but its raised position means that shadows cast by certain lenses/lens shades are not the problem they are with the built-in flash. So I highly recommend the SB-400 for D300 users.

Get the SB-400 through my Gear page (B&H or Amazon). At about $110, it’s much more reasonable than its supersized siblings.