Notes on Optional Speedlights

Refer to the Speedlight manual for detailed instructions. If the Speedlight supports the Creative Lighting System, refer to the section on CLS-compatible digital SLR cameras. The D80 is not included in the “digital SLR” category in the SB-80DX, SB-28DX, and SB-50DX manuals.

If an optional Speedlight is attached with the camera in a Digital Vari-Program mode, the fl ash will fi re whenever a photograph is taken. The following fl ash modes are available:

P, , , , , , and modes: Fill fl ash and red-eye reduction. Fill fl ash is automatically selected if the fl ash mode is set to off or auto when an optional Speedlight is attached. Auto with red-eye reduction becomes red-eye reduction.

mode: Auto slow sync becomes slow sync, auto slow sync with red-eye reduction becomes slow sync with red-eye reduction, and off becomes slow sync.

If AUTO is selected for ISO sensitivity in Digital Vari-Program modes or On is selected for Custom Setting 7 (ISO Auto) in P, S, A, or M mode, ISO sensitivity will be adjusted for optimal fl ash output when an optional SB-800 or SB-600 Speedlight is attached. This may result in foreground subjects being underexposed in photographs taken with the fl ash at slow shutter speeds, in daylight, or against a bright background. Choose a fl ash mode other than slow sync or choose a larger aperture.

If Auto FP High Speed Sync is used, the shutter will synchronize with an external fl ash at speeds of ½00 s or slower.

i-TTL fl ash control can be used at ISO sensitivities between 100 and 1600. Higher values may not produce the desired results at some ranges or apertures. If the fl ash-ready indicator blinks for about three seconds after a photograph is taken, the fl ash has fi red at full power and the photograph may be underexposed.

The optional SB-800 and SB-600 Speedlights and SU-800 wireless Speedlight commander provide active AF assist illumination for the following focus areas:

24–34 mm AF lens

 

35–105 mm AF lens

 

 

 

The SB-800 and SB-600 also provide red-eye reduction. With other Speedlights, the camera AF assist illuminator is used for AF-assist illumination and red-eye reduction.

In the following modes, the maximum aperture (minimum f/-number) selectable by the camera is limited according to ISO sensitivity ( 43):

 

 

 

 

Maximum aperture at ISO sensitivity of

 

 

 

Mode

100

125

160

200

250

320

400

500

640

800

1000

1250

1600

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

P, , , , , ,

4

4.2

4.5

4.8

5

5.3

5.6

6

6.3

6.7

7.1

7.6

8

 

5.6

6

6.3

6.7

7.1

7.6

8

8.5

9

9.5

10

11

11

For each one-step increase in sensitivity (e.g., from 200 to 400), aperture is stopped down by half an f/- stop. If the maximum aperture of the lens is smaller than given above, the maximum value for aperture will be the maximum aperture of the lens.

When an SC-series 17, 28, or 29 sync cable is used for off-camera fl ash photography, correct exposure may not be achieved in i-TTL mode. We recommend that you choose spot metering to select standard i-TTL fl ash control. Take a test shot and view the results in the monitor.

In i-TTL mode, use the fl ash panel or bounce adapter provided with the Speedlight. Do not use other panels such as diffusion panels, as this may produce incorrect exposure. Auto power zoom is available only with SB-800 and SB-600 Speedlights.

Technical Notes / Optional Accessories 121