Nikon decides to let loose a few new items.

Strangely enough, one of them is exactly what I was looking for.

While producing on location, my day job, I usually have 2-3 cameras on me.
Compact, Mirrorless, and a DSLR.
Yeah, I know crazy. But each has a purpose.

Anyway, we were wrapping up and I wanted to catch some shots of the crew, and make them more than my iPhone or compact could give me. A little quality. We had been shooting with an Alexa so, had to show up. There were only 2 cameras that had flash built in. And I didn’t have my speedlight.
Still, a large file on the DSLR could yield better results at the end of the day.

Forced to use the built flash on the D800, it was a cropping struggle later to make sure that the flash didn’t get blacked out by lens.

Enter the product I wish i had.
The SB-300 Speedlight

– Today, Nikon Inc.,introduced the compact SB-300 Speedlight, The SB-300 provides a compact and easy-to-use adjustable Speedlight option for photographers who want to explore creative lighting at an affordable price point.

“Nikon’s system accessories are designed to let the user capture their memories in vibrant detail and tell compelling stories through imagery and HD video,” said Bo Kajiwara, Vice President of Marketing, Planning and Customer Experience, Nikon Inc. …. the SB-300 Speedlight introduces the benefits of flash photography to a wide range of users, specifically those who use either Advanced Performance COOLPIX or D-SLR cameras.”

The SB-300: Illuminate Creative Possibilities
The SB-300 Speedlight is small enough to fit comfortably into a shirt pocket yet it is built for the user looking to take flash photography to the next level. Providing more power and coverage than a built-in flash, the versatile and portable SB-300 is a simple and valuable lighting accessory compatible with both Nikon D-SLR and Advanced Performance COOLPIX cameras. This new Speedlight covers a wide-angle 18mm in DX-format and operates via simple on-camera controls, making it easy for beginner photographers to use light to their advantage.

The SB-300 tilts up 120 degrees, allowing for the use of creative bounce flash to soften shadows and diffuse the flash, resulting in more flattering portraits and even exposures. For additional convenience, the firmware is upgradable through supporting D-SLRs, and this Speedlight is powered by two AAA batteries. Additionally, the SB-300 features thermal cut-out protection to prevent overheating when capturing rapid flash images in succession.

Price and Availability

The SB-300 will also be available in late August 2013 for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $149.95**.

Yes, Nikon also introduced a new 18-140 lens and a new Coolpix 620 today.
Quality items if that is what you are looking for.

Me? I’m gonna add the SB-300 to the over the shoulder kit bag.