Nikon's SB-600 and SB-800 are flash units.
When shopping for external flash units for a Nikon camera, the SB-600 and SB-800 are two options. Both work with modern Nikon cameras, which many older units won't. They are also backwards compatible. That means you can still use them with old Nikon cameras. Nikon cameras from the 1950s can even use these flashes. So, both are options for those with older gear who are considering buying a new Nikon later.
Shared Characteristics
Quite a few characteristics are shared by the SB-600 and SB-800 flash units. Both should work with any Nikon camera built since the 1950s. Both should both work with any Nikon lens. They resemble one another in terms of physical appearance. Both are covered by Nikon's one-year limited warranty for parts and labor. Both will work via wireless connection with modern Nikon cameras with that capability.
Availability
If you are looking for a brand new flash unit, the SB-600 might have the advantage here. That's because Nikon still makes it (as of late July 2010). The SB-800 has been replaced by the SB-900, so it's no longer manufactured. There are still units available for purchase from various sources, but that's subject to change.
SB-600 Specifications
The SB-600 is approximately 2.7 x 4.9 x 3.5 inches in size. It weighs (without batteries) about 10.6 ounces. With alkaline batteries, you can expect to get about 200 flashes from the unit. Depending on battery type, it takes between 2.5 and 4 seconds to recharge between flashes. It uses four AA batteries, but they can be alkaline, lithium, nickel, NiCd or Ni-MH; however, all four must be the same type.
SB-800 Specifications
The SB-800 is a bit larger than the SB-600 with an approximate size of 2.8 x 5.0 x 3.6 inches and an approximate weight of 12.3 ounces (again, with no batteries). The power output of the SB-800 is higher, so it gives off more light, but uses more electricity. That means you can expect to get only about 130 shots with alkaline batteries, and the recycle time is greater at 4 to 6 seconds.
Other DIfferences
Since the SB-800 has more power, it can light a larger area than the SB-600 can. The SB-800 also has an external battery capability. That means you can use different battery configurations with extra batteries for added shots and shorter recycle times. In addition, the SB-800 has a number of special control function modes, for more expert or professional use. The other big difference is pricing. The SB-600 can be purchased for as little as half the price of the SB-800.
Tags: Nikon cameras, SB-600 SB-800, flash units, That means, with Nikon
