I own Nikon D40, Do i Really Need an extra Flash, besides the standard? Whats the best one out there for D40?

Question

What are the advantages of having a flash???

The standard seems to work alright, why do people get those bulky "speedlights"???

Answer 1

I think Standard means built in flash you want to say.

If u find built in flash "sufficient" and alright there is no need to search one.

Speedlights are not bulky but most compact if you understand what it can do.

Try taking photo of your neighbour's home after sunset and very soon u will find your built in flash not alright.

simply high power flash gives more light.

Answer 2

People get them for flexibility. Some are wireless, so you can have back lighting, etc. They are more powerful than the built-in flash as well, and you can bounce them off the ceiling. They really help remove shadows, and they are basically an upgraded version of the built-in flash. The best part is being able to bounce them off the ceiling though, it gives much more natural light, without the dark background that a flash can cause.

I recommend the SB-400, it's pretty small and portable, and its under $150... The step up from that is the SB-600, it is also a great flash, and it can go wireless with the D40, i believe. The SB-600 also gives you more control than the SB-400. Please see links to reviews on both, below. There is also an SB-800, but I do not believe you would need that one.

Answer 3

No, The Flash It Comes With Is Just Fine,

However, If You Want To Take Pictures

From Afar, You Should Get A Flash Unit.

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-SB-800-Speed...

That's The Nikon SB-800 FLASH UNIT

It's One Of The Most Expensive Out There.

Usually, Speedlights are Used By Professionals

In Studios, And By The paparazzi To Illuminate

Subjects That Are Quite Far Away. Alot Just

Use Them To Look Professional

Answer 4

HI Pomi D.  :)  Great question!!  I bet many people would like the answer to that question.   The flash that comes with your camera is called a Pop-UP flash.   To some serious photographers they are the worst type of light source that could be used for taking pictures.  Why?  Because the light is bright/hot,  unable to be controlled,  can only light situations relatively close to the camera, and too close to the actual lens which causes that awful Red Eye you see in so many pictures of people or pets.    Having one of the nice...  but yes I know, bulky speedlights,  allows for the quality of the light to suit the situation for which you are shooting... maybe you don't need as much light or maybe you want the light source coming from a different direction...  here you can adjust the  head to get the image lit the way you want it.   It is just a tad like professional lighting (a portable version).   This way you can use your camera for very nice portraits or at night... etc.

For most hobby photographers,  the Pop-up is just right, user friendly and easy to carry round to be prepared for low light shots but you would not find a serious photographer with out an external flash.  Hope that helps to answer your Question.

Answer 5

it depends on how you are using the camera.  If your shots are coming out now with sufficient lighting dont worry until your needs change