Nikon Speedlight SB-5000 announced

[Jan Anne]

Official announcement:
http://www.nikon.com/news/2016/0106_sb_03.htm

A high-output, multi-functional, high-end model that is the first Nikon Speedlight to be equipped with a radio control function


TOKYO - Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the release of the SB-5000, the new high-end Nikon Speedlight.

The SB-5000 is the first Nikon Speedlight to be equipped with a radio-controlled Advanced Wireless Lighting function, and is also equipped with a cooling system that enables more than 100 continuous full-power flashes. When used with the Nikon D5 or D500 digital SLR cameras released at the same time as the SB-5000, the wireless multiple flash photography that professional and advanced amateur photographers often take on is even more flexible.

Primary features

Radio-controlled Advanced Wireless Lighting
The SB-5000 is the first Nikon Speedlight to be equipped with a radio-controlled Advanced Wireless Lighting function. Radio control makes wireless multiple flash photography easier in situations where conventional optical control is difficult, such as when remote flash units are positioned behind objects or at greater distances, or when ambient lighting is very bright (supports a communication range of up to approx. 30 m). A more flexible multi-flash system supports capture of even more creative photographic works with advanced wireless lighting.

*Supported by the D5 and D500 (as of January 6, 2016).
*Wireless Remote Controller WR-R10 and WR Adapter WR-A10 (both available separately) required. WR-R10 firmware must be updated to enable support for radio-controlled Advanced Wireless Lighting (see Nikon's website).
Equipped with a cooling system for significant increase in the number of continuous flashes
The SB-5000 is equipped with a new cooling system that cools the flash head. The cooling system has been significantly improved, keeping the flash panel from overheating and enabling more than 100 continuous flashes. As the cooling system keeps the Speedlight from overheating, professional and advanced amateur photographers can enjoy more comfortable and active flash photography.

Smaller with improved operation
Despite its smaller size, SB-5000 operation has been refined by assigning a number of functions to the rotary multi selector and OK button. Adoption of an  button, which offers quick access to frequently used functions, also contributes to more efficient operation. What's more, when the SB-5000 is used with the D5 or D500, even more agile and flexible flash photography is possible.

Additional Features and Functions

High output flash with a guide number of 34.5 in FX format and 41 in DX format*
*At ISO 100, m/ft, 35mm zoom head position, standard illumination pattern.
Power zoom function with which the SB-5000 automatically adjusts the zoom head position to match lens focal length FX format, Standard illumination pattern: 24-200 mm (14 mm with the built-in wide panel in place) DX format, Standard illumination pattern: 16-200 mm (10 mm with the built-in wide panel in place)
Bounce capability: Flash head tilts down to 7° or up to 90°, and rotates horizontally 180° to the left and right
Automatic switching of zoom head position with detection of the camera's image area setting—FX or DX format—for optimal angle of flash coverage

[MILLIREHM]

Any idea whether SB5000 is still compatible to the conventional CLS system as well?

[PedroS]

From what I have read yes, it has both radio and optical transmition.

[Akira]

The online catalog of Nikon Japan says that SB-5000 is compatible with the Creative Lighting System.  But it doesn't function as "master" of the conventional CLS system.  It works only as master of the new radio-controlled system.

[PedroS]

Not sure Akira, as groups A/B/C are for optical and groups D/E/F for radio, so it can be commander as well.

[Akira]

Not sure Akira, as groups A/B/C are for optical and groups D/E/F for radio, so it can be commander as well.

Pedro, you have to mount WR-R100 as well as non-SB-5000 speedlight on D5 in order to control both optical and radio systems, because SB-5000 doesn't function as master of the optical control.

[MILLIREHM]

Thanks Akira and Pedro for the additional insights :-)

[PedroS]

Pedro, you have to mount WR-R100 as well as non-SB-5000 speedlight on D5 in order to control both optical and radio systems, because SB-5000 doesn't function as master of the optical control.

I think you just need that to radio control the D5000.
I believe if you mount it directly on the camera it could control the others optically, let's wait for more info about that.

Here what's in Nikon site:

Maximum compatibility

Part of the Nikon Creative Lighting System

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). For studio photographers, the SB-5000 AF Speedlight is equipped with Unified Flash Control and can be controlled from a personal computer using the optional Camera Control Pro 2 (Version 2.23 or later) software.

[Akira]

I think you just need that to radio control the D5000.
I believe if you mount it directly on the camera it could control the others optically, let's wait for more info about that.

Pedro, I think I would have to doubt my ability in Japanese.      Appreantly you need to mount a speedlight other than SB-5000 when you use WR-R10 to control SB-5000(s) "at the same time".  SB-5000 may function as master for the optical control mounted on the camera hotshoe when the ratio control is "not" used.

Wolfgang, I'm sorry to have confused you...