Nikon SB-5000 - Radio Frequency controlled flash but only for the new cameras?

Stephen

I'm a bit behind the camera news curve, and Nikon recently announced a flash that can be triggered via radio frequency.  However, the firmware to manage the flashes appears to be built into the recently announced D5 and D500.  I hope I can use a SB-5000 as a wireless commander or that Nikon releases a wireless trigger attachment.  I have an old D700 that is still working.

bobh665

Very disappointing compared to the Canon system. Looks like it only works with the D5 & D500. Even with those cameras you need the WR-10 adapter for wireless radio off camera flash. 

Trev

Reading between the lines, those cameras mentioned, the D5/D500, are only for a certain elements available.

1] "When used with a compatible Nikon DSLR** with the optional WR-A10 (Wireless Remote Adapter) when attached to D5 and WR-R10 Wireless Remote Controller (transceiver), you can control up to 6 groups (A/B/C/D/E/F)"

Normally it's always only been 3 Groups and 4 Channels for the vast majority of flashes.

The use of the word 'when' indicates that feature is only available for D5/D500

and

2] "Like a DSLR camera, the SB-5000 AF Speedlight has an “Info” button for quick access to your favorite settings. For more fluid operation when using radio control, you can adjust settings right from a compatible camera's*** menu."

It goes on to say at bottom about controlling speedlights from the Master Speedlight up to 3 Groups, etc. PLUS:

"In addition to the new radio control with compatible cameras, you can use the SB-5000 AF Speedlight on-camera as a Master Flash to control other remote Speedlights (up to 3 Groups: A/B/C and 4 channels), or use it off-camera wirelessly as a remote flash controlled by either your camera's built-in flash (compatible cameras), another Speedlight or the SU-800 Wireless Speedlight Commander. You can even mix optical wireless control (Groups A/B/C) with radio control (Groups D/E/F)."

Mentioning the 'in-built' flash indicates they are totally workable on any Nikon hotshoe, but with a D5 and D500 you get more control up to the 6 groups, etc.

When I first read it too I was like WTF is with this, but having re-read it several times I think those are only 'extra' features available on those camera models.

Mentioning the 'in-built' flash control with them certainly indicates they are 'normal' flashes with a couple of extras for certain very latest cameras.

The absolutely biggest thing I see in these new flashes is the heat issue. Wow! 100+ FULL Power Flashes without it overheating, damn that's a real bonus for starters, then it's smaller, lighter. The only thing I cannot seem to find is the power, is it same or juuust that slightly bit more powerful, hope so.

MY SOURCE

Trev

Stephen

Hi Trev,

Thanks for your interpretation.  However, your interpretation still leaves room for doubt.  I even watched an official Nikon Canada video about the SB-5000, and they never talk about if RF wireless is possible on older cameras. 

I think I'll have to wait until some people get these flashes and see if they can access the RF option on older cameras. 

bobh665

According to the Canadian video it is smaller and slightly more powerful than the SB-910. No mention of backward compatibility. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BULCpZSiM4o

Trev

Stephen,

Isn't the Flash itself doing the linking with another?

And the camera merely supplying TTL algorithms, I would have thought so.

Remember you can get wireless on Canon 600EX RT flash to trigger another 600 without even being connected to a camera, and it says in the blurb you can talk to other flashes on Nikon.

Bob: Thanks for link, will watch it.

EDIT:  Bugger, you may be right:

FROM HERE: "The radio system is only compatible with the new D5 and D5000 cameras at the moment, and it requires that you buy a WR-R10 transmitter in order to to control things remotely."

If that's the case, that's a total rip-off, forcing people to buy the new models to have that convenience, and in that case, I won't be buying any of course.
I mean my SB900's are only used on camera mainly for receptions, and maybe an extra kicker to supplement my off camera flash/s anyway.

I don't *really* have a need for RT for those.
Trev

Neil vN

"The SB-5000 is more powerful and smaller than the SB-910" ... according to the guy in that video clip. 

Guide Number of the SB-910 

111.5' at ISO 100 and 35mm

Guide Number of the SB-5000 

113.0' at ISO 100 and 35mm

GN = aperture * distance. 

So let's say we need f/11 worth of juice from each speedlight.

Then you'd place the 

SB-910 at 10.13 feet from your subject, 

SB-5000 at 10.27 feet. 

A difference of 0.14 feet. 

In other words, you gain a whopping 1.68 inches!!! 

In other words, I am just going to slap anyone mentioning the increase in power as an advantage.

Mr_Logic

A good point, well made! Nikon has certainly announced some good advances though, even if flash power isn't one of them

Stephen

Hi Trev,
In most cases, I can get by with Nikon's infrared option, but there a few edge cases where I can't have my commander and remote be in "line of sight" which is why I use PocketWizards.  I was hoping the SB-5000 would be like the Canon's RF flash unit, so I could drop the PocketWizards.  As good as the PocketWizards are, I prefer reducing "clutter" and go with an integrated solution.

Trev

Totally agree Stephen, less clutter, less fuss, less worry.