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Tips for getting higher quality images with the
CoolPix 8400 |
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CoolPix 8400 Gallery *
CoolPix 8400 Infrared |
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Two accessories that I feel are
mandatory for getting the best image quality are a tripod, like the
Velbon 343E Maxi and using the
Xtend-a-View LCD magnifying
viewfinder. The Xtend-a-View was originally designed to give better
viewing, especially in sunlight, on the rear LCD screen. It comes with peel off adhesive Velcro that you apply to the
lip of the viewer and around the LCD. Then the viewer can be attached
to the camera when needed. When Nikon introduced the CoolPix 5000, there
was no way to apply the Velcro around the articulated LCD or it
wouldn't close. I then came up with the design I currently use of
wrapping an elastic Velcro tipped strap around the LCD to support the Xtend-a-View. |
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Xtend-a-View Modified for the
CoolPix 8400 |
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CoolPix 8400 with modified Xtend-a-View |
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CoolPix 8400 with modified Xtend-a-View on it's
articulated LCD |
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You can order the Xtend-a-View from Photosolve.com |
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I added adhesive Velcro to the sides of the
Xtend-a-View (left) and sewed small Velcro pieces to the ends of a
4 inch elastic strap (above). The strap can now wrap around the
articulated LCD and hold the Xtend-a-View in place. |
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Extended Battery Life for the CoolPix 8400 |
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| The MB-CP10 CoolPix 8400
battery pack (left) takes 6 AA batteries and makes the camera feel
much more like a SLR. The camera is comfortable to use either with or
without the accessory battery pack.. I picked it up for about $25 on
eBay. |
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Off Camera Flash Techniques |
| These off camera flash techniques also apply to most other CoolPix
cameras that have a hot shoe or sync socket to connect an external
flash. |
| When using off camera flash,
enable External Flash and disable Internal Flash in the Speedlight
Menu. Then I always
set the camera to full manual exposure and the flash units to manual
exposure, using the preview on the LCD to make sure I have the correct
exposure. This technique has never failed me when shooting with my
portable studio lighting equipment. In other words, I use Nikon flash
units the same way I use studio strobes. |
| For off camera flash in a studio
lighting situation, you need to disable the internal flash and use an
adapter like Nikon's AS-15 for traditional strobe connection or
the SC-28 (or older SC-17) cord to connect to a Nikon
flash like the SB-800. If you use traditional strobes make sure the
trigger voltage is not to high for the camera. Wein has an adapter
called the
Safe Sync to protect the internal circuitry from excess
voltage. |
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Nikon SC-17 flash cord
The end with the hot shoe screws onto the top of the Bogen Umbrella
adapter. The other end goes into the camera's hot shoe. |
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Bogen #2905 Swivel Umbrella Adapter |
| I have two complete sets of umbrellas,
light stands and brackets and connecting cords, which I use for a
portable two light flash set up. The only problem is that collecting
this type of equipment is expensive. My SB-24 flash units are 17 years
old and still sell for almost $200 each used and the SB-800 is $300.
The light stands and white umbrellas can vary in price depending on
the quality. The Bogen Umbrella Adapter is around $30 and the SC-28
(or SC-17) cords are around $75. I use two connected together and
Nikon's SU-4 wireless adapter for the second flash in a two light set
up. Before the SU-4 was introduced, I used SC-19 cords to connect the
two flash units. |
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