Nikon SB-500

Overview & Positioning

The SB-500 was designed as a premium compact flash for enthusiast photographers. It sits between the entry-level SB-300 and the high-end SB-700/SB-5000. Its key differentiator is that it was the first Nikon speedlight to include a built-in LED video light, making it a hybrid tool for both photographers and videographers.

Key Features & Improvements over SB-400

1. Dedicated LED Video Light: This is the SB-500's flagship feature. A ring of LEDs on the front can be turned on to provide continuous light for video recording or for using Live View in dark environments. It has two brightness levels.

2. Much More Power: With a Guide Number of 30.5 (m, ISO 100, 35mm position), it's significantly more powerful than the SB-400 (GN 21). This makes it more effective for fill-flash outdoors and in larger rooms.

3. Wireless Off-Camera Capability: Unlike the SB-400, the SB-500 can be used off-camera. It supports Nikon's optical wireless Advanced Wireless Lighting (AWL) system. This means it can be triggered remotely by another Nikon commander flash (like an SB-5000, SB-700) or by a compatible Nikon camera's built-in commander mode (found in models like the D7500, D780, D500, Z6, Z7, etc.).

4. Automatic FX/DX Crop Detection: It automatically detects whether your camera is an FX (full-frame) or DX (APS-C) model and adjusts its zoom coverage accordingly.

5. Multi-Function Bounce Head: The head tilts up to 90° and also rotates 180° to the left and 90° to the right. This allows for bounce flash off walls and ceilings from any camera orientation, a huge advantage over the SB-400 which only tilted up.

6. Reflector Card: A built-in pull-out white bounce card helps to create a catchlight in the subject's eyes and add a nice fill light to the face when bouncing.

7. Improved Interface: Features a brighter, clearer LCD panel and a simpler control wheel compared to the more complex interfaces of professional flashes.

Technical Specifications

• Guide Number (GN): 30.5 (m, ISO 100, 35mm position, FX format) / 20 (m, ISO 100, 24mm position, DX format)

• Zoom Coverage: Automatically zooms from 24mm to 85mm (FX). Can be manually set to 85mm or 120mm (with panel adapter).

• Power Source: Two AA batteries (alkaline, NiMH recommended for faster recycling).

• Recycling Time: Approx. 2.3 seconds with NiMH batteries (faster than SB-400).

• Wireless Modes: Can function as a remote unit in Nikon's optical AWL system. It cannot act as a commander to control other flashes.

Who Is It For? (Ideal User)

1. Hybrid Shooters (Photo + Video): The built-in LED light is the main draw for anyone who shoots short video clips and needs a quick burst of continuous light.

2. Enthusiast Photographers: DSLR or mirrorless Z users (with FTZ adapter) who have outgrown their pop-up flash and want both bounce and wireless off-camera capabilities without the steep learning curve of a pro flash.

3. Travel Photographers: Those who want a capable, relatively compact flash that can do more than just basic bounce.