New Nikon SB-50DX(TM) Speedlight: Creative Lighting Made Easy
MELVILLE, N.Y., Feb. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Nikon, the leader in 35mm and
digital SLR photography, today introduced the SB-50DX(TM) Speedlight, an
innovative high-performance, compact and lightweight speedlight that offers
photographers enhanced creative flash performance that's easy! The SB-50DX
Speedlight is designed to expand the creative picture-taking capabilities for
users of Nikon 35mm SLR and professional digital SLR cameras using new design
ideas that simplify otherwise complex processes. A new addition to Nikon's
Total Imaging System of world-class SLR cameras, Nikkor optics, Speedlights
and System Accessories, the SB-50DX works compatibly with all Nikon SLR models
that feature TTL flash control, including the new Nikon FM3A(TM) SLR and
D1X(TM) and D1H(TM) professional digital SLR models.
"The idea for this speedlight developed as Nikon listened to photographers
speaking about their interest to achieve creative flash lighting," said
Richard LoPinto, vice president for SLR Camera Systems, Nikon Inc. "Pros have
always understood the benefits of creative lighting...it shows in their
photography. The challenge for Nikon was to design a speedlight that would
offer creative lighting opportunities to amateur photographers, but making it
easier for them as well," he continued. "We are especially excited about the
speedlight's design to work in concert with the built-in speedlight on the
Nikon N80(TM) and N65(TM) 35mm SLR models. The new combination of SB-50DX and
a built-in speedlight dramatically expands the photographer's creative
lighting opportunities."
When the SB-50DX Speedlight is used with a Nikon N80 and N65 35mm SLR, it
provides a variety of new features that complement the camera's built-in
speedlight. It can serve as a bounce flash, an extra-wide flash using its
adaptor for 14mm wide-angle coverage, TTL (Through-the-Lens) wireless slave
flash, as an infrared remote commander to trigger off camera wireless TTL or
manually controlled speedlights, and for close up shooting, as well.
Mounted on a Nikon N80 or N65, the SB-50DX can fire either independently,
or together with the camera's built-in speedlight. Fired together increases
total light power and the flash range! Additionally, the speedlight has a
diffuser that can be positioned in front of the built-in speedlight, softening
the output from the built-in speedlight while the SB-50DX can be fired for
bounce lighting.
This combination offers results that will be very pleasing, especially for
portraits. The new speedlight features 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash
capability for Nikon SLR cameras with compatible performance, including
Nikon's D1, D1X and D1H models.
The SB-50DX permits close-up shooting up to 11.8 inches. The flash head
tilts up 90-degrees for bounce flash effects or down to minus 18-degrees for
on-camera close up shooting. When using fresh batteries, the minimum
recycling time is approximately 3.5 seconds in full power manual mode.
Additionally, the SB-50DX features an AF-Assist Illuminator, which
automatically fires an LED beam toward the subject to augment dim light or
even for making pictures under total dark conditions using compatible Nikon AF
cameras. Additional features include a Ready-light to indicate charge level;
Flash compensation from +/-3 EV in 1/3 EV Steps (film) and 1/6 EV steps
(digital); Flash button for test firing; Wide-flash adaptor for 14mm lenses;
Diffuser for double-flash operation and a Light sensor for remote operation.
The SB-50DX also includes a Lock lever to prevent the speedlight from
accidentally slipping off the camera's flash shoe; LCD panel illuminator to
automatically turn off the flash when not in use and an Infrared Filter SW-91R
to offer the user an infrared remote commander.
Weighing just 8.3 ounces, without batteries, the SB-50DX joins Nikon's
lineup of dedicated electronic speedlights that are designed to satisfy all
levels of photographers and perform perfectly with the advanced capabilities
of Nikon cameras.
The Nikon SB-50DX Speedlight is scheduled for delivery during Spring 2001.
Pricing will be announced shortly before delivery is ready. The speedlight is
supplied with the Soft Case SS-30 and Infrared Filter SW-9IR.
About Nikon
Nikon Inc., the world leader in precision optics, 35mm and digital imaging
technology, is recognized for setting new standards in product design and
performance in consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Inc.
distributes the Nikon Total Imaging System of consumer and professional 35mm
film and digital SLR cameras, Nikkor optics, Speedlights and System
Accessories; Advanced Photo System cameras; 35mm compact cameras; Coolpix(R)
compact digital cameras; Coolscan(R) digital film scanners; Nikonos(R)
underwater photographic systems; and Nikon sports and recreational optics.
The company plays an active role in supporting aspiring and advanced
photographers through a variety of organizations, educational programs, events
and workshops. For product information, contact Nikon at (800) NIKON-US or
visit http://www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the web's
most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities.
Nikon SB-50DX Speedlight Specifications
Electronic construction
Automatic Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) and series circuitry.
Guide Number (ISO 100, ft. at ISO 100 )
Zoom-head 14mm 24mm 28mm 35mm 50mm
position
Guide number 39 59 65 72 85
Angle of coverage
Variable in four steps, plus one-step with wide-flash adaptor.
Zoom-head position Angle of Vertical Horizontal
coverage
14mm (with
wide-flash adaptor) 14mm 85 degrees 98 degrees
24mm 24mm 60 degrees 78 degrees
28mm 28mm 53 degrees 70 degrees
35mm 35mm 45 degrees 60 degrees
50mm 50mm 34 degrees 46 degrees
Flash duration
Approximately 1/1800 sec. at manual full output; for TTL automatic
exposure control flash duration varies with exposure requirements.
Bounce capacity
Flash head tilts up to 90 degrees or down to -18 degrees with click stops
at 90 degrees, 75 degrees, 50 degrees, 0 degrees and -18 degrees.
Power switch
ON/OFF button is provided; pressing the ON/OFF button for approx. 0.3 sec.
turns the SB-50DX on or off.
* When the SB-50DX is not used for approx. 40 sec., the standby function
activates and the SB-50DX automatically turns off to conserve battery
power.
Flash exposure control/type of TTL auto flash
Pressing the MODE button changes flash mode/type of TTL auto flash
F5, F100, N90s, TTL auto 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced
N80, N70 flash Fill-Flash with TTL Multi-Sensor
N65, F4s, N8008(s) Matrix Balanced/Center-Weighted/
Spot Fill-Flash
F5, F100, N90s, Standard TTL Flash
N80, N70
D1, D1X, D1H D-TTL 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash
auto flash with TTL Multi-Sensor for Digital SLR
D1, D1X, D1H Center-Weighted/Spot Fill-Flash
for Digital SLR
D1, D1X, D1H Standard TTL Flash for Digital SLR
F5, F100, N90s, Manual flash
N80, N65, D1,
D1X, D1H
Power source
* Two CR123A or DL123A-type 3V lithium batteries.
* Recycling time and number of flashes (Manual flash mode)
* Minimum recycling time: approx. 3.5 sec. with fresh batteries.
* Number of flashes and recycling time: 260 times or more with 3.5 to
30 sec. recycling time (With AF-Assist Illuminator activated, Power Zoom
function activated, LCD panel illuminator not activated).
AF-Assist Illuminator
Automatically fires LED beam toward subject when performing autofocus in
dim light or in the dark with Nikon AF cameras.
Ready-light
* Lights up when SB-50DX is charged and ready to fire.
* Blinks when flash fires at its maximum output, indicating light may have
been insufficient (in TTL auto flash mode).
FLASH button
* Pressing FLASH button performs test firing.
* Pressing the button turns the SB-50DX on again after the unit has been
automatically turned off by the standby function.
Wide-flash adapter
Allows the SB-50DX to be used with 14mm lenses.
Diffuser
Attach diffuser to the camera's built-in Speedlight for double-flash
(bounce) operation.
Sound monitor
* The SB-50DX emits a single beep when it is charged and ready to fire in
TTL wireless multiple flash operation.
* The SB-50DX emits three beeps after it has fired at maximum output or
improperly fired in TTL wireless multiple flash operation in the Auto
Slave Flash mode.
Light sensor
Senses light received from the master Speedlight in wireless multiple
flash photography.
Slave Flash mode Effective range
Auto Slave Flash Approx. 23 ft.
Manual Slave Flash Approx. 130 ft.
Infrared Filter SW-9IR
Enables you to use the SB-50DX as an infrared remote commander.
Lock lever
Prevents the SB-50DX from accidentally slipping off the camera.
LCD panel illuminator
Turned on and off every time the SLAVE button is pressed; automatically
turns off after approx. 16 sec. when the SB-50DX is not in use.
Backside indications
Light-condensing paint is applied to characters and symbols.
Dimensions (W x H x D)
2.5 x 4.2 x 4.1 in.
Weight (without batteries)
Approx. 8.46 oz.
All specifications apply when fresh batteries are used at normal
temperature (20 degrees C). Specifications and designs are subject to change
without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer.
SOURCE Nikon Inc.
