When a flash unit that supports unified flash control (an SB-5000, SB-500, SB‑400, or SB-300) is mounted on the camera, the flash control mode, flash level, and other flash settings can be adjusted using the [Flash control] > [Flash control mode] item in the photo shooting menu. The flash control modes available vary with the flash used. The contents of the [Flash control mode] display vary with the options selected.

  • Settings for units other than the SB-5000, SB-500, SB-400, and SB-300 can only be adjusted via the controls on the flash unit.

  • Settings for the SB-5000 can also be adjusted using the controls on the flash unit.

Option

Description

[TTL]

  • Flash output is adjusted automatically in response to lighting conditions.

  • Output can be adjusted using [Flash compensation (TTL)]. In the cases of the SB-500, SB-400, and SB-300, flash compensation can be adjusted by holding the W (M) button and rotating the sub-command dial.

[Auto external flash]

  • Light from the flash is reflected from the subject to an auto external flash sensor and flash output adjusted automatically.

  • Output can be adjusted using [Auto external flash compensation].

  • Auto external flash supports “auto aperture” (qA) and “non-TTL auto” (A) modes. See the flash unit manual for details.

[Distance-priority manual]

  • Choose the distance to the subject; flash output will be adjusted automatically.

  • The distance to the subject is selected using [Distance-priority options] > [Distance], while flash output can be adjusted using [Flash compensation].

[Manual]

  • Choose the flash level manually.

  • Flash output is selected using [Manual output amount].

[Repeating flash]

  • The flash fires repeatedly while the shutter is open, producing a multiple-exposure effect.

  • Use [Repeating flash] > [Output] to adjust flash output and [Times] to choose the number of times the unit fires. [Frequency] controls how often the unit fires per second, measured in Hz.

  • The maximum number of times the flash will fire varies with [Output] and [Frequency]. See the flash unit manual for details.

Unified Flash Control

Unified flash control allows the camera and flash unit to share settings. Changes to flash settings made with either the camera or flash unit are reflected on both devices, as are changes made using optional Camera Control Pro 2 software. The flash unit must support unified flash control.