Nikon SB-24From real comments

Verdict distilled from 11 mentions across 8 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment40%
PROS 40%
CONS 60%

Rank based on 11 mentions across 8 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You shoot film or older Nikon bodies like the F4/F5 and want a flexible, reliable flash
  • You're comfortable using Manual mode and adjusting power via the M button
  • You want fast recycle times for follow-up shots without full-power waits

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You need guaranteed TTL metering on a digital DSLR
  • You're uncertain about hot shoe/voltage compatibility with your digital camera and can't verify it first
  • You want simple, intuitive ISO controls without a learning curve

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choiceBest value
1Budget
Nikon Z5 II
Outstanding ValueStrong Autofocus PerformanceExcellent Image Quality and ColorRising Price Compared to Original Z5Video Compression Artifacts and Rolling ShutterAutofocus Tracking Inconsistencies
Nikon Z5 II
Outstanding Value
Strong Autofocus Performance
Excellent Image Quality and Color
Rising Price Compared to Original Z5
Video Compression Artifacts and Rolling Shutter
Autofocus Tracking Inconsistencies
2Mid
Fujifilm X-T1
Distinctive color rendering / X-Trans II sensorExcellent with vintage and manual-focus lensesTactile dial-based controlsSingle SD card slotDimmer EVF than newer bodiesLower megapixel count limits cropping flexibility
Fujifilm X-T1
Distinctive color rendering / X-Trans II sensor
Excellent with vintage and manual-focus lenses
Tactile dial-based controls
Single SD card slot
Dimmer EVF than newer bodies
Lower megapixel count limits cropping flexibility
3Mid
Nikon Zf
Autofocus performanceFun and emotional shooting experienceImage quality and low-light performanceErgonomics require an added gripHeavier than expectedLimited retro-styled lens lineup
Nikon Zf
Autofocus performance
Fun and emotional shooting experience
Image quality and low-light performance
Ergonomics require an added grip
Heavier than expected
Limited retro-styled lens lineup
4Premium
Sony A7R IV
Exceptional 61MP Resolution
Sony A7R IV
Exceptional 61MP Resolution
5Mid
Nikon Z6 II
Excellent Z-mount lensesImage quality & color scienceImproved autofocus performanceAwkward Auto ISO and menu workflowIncremental upgrade over original Z6No flip-out/articulating screen
Nikon Z6 II
Excellent Z-mount lenses
Image quality & color science
Improved autofocus performance
Awkward Auto ISO and menu workflow
Incremental upgrade over original Z6
No flip-out/articulating screen
6Mid
Panasonic GH5 II
Autofocus improvements for videoBuilt-in live streamingStrong value at discounted pricingAutofocus still lags competitorsUSB power bank compatibility issuesMenu system requires adjustment
Panasonic GH5 II
Autofocus improvements for video
Built-in live streaming
Strong value at discounted pricing
Autofocus still lags competitors
USB power bank compatibility issues
Menu system requires adjustment
7Budget
Fujifilm X-M1
Distinctive color rendering
Fujifilm X-M1
Distinctive color rendering
8Budget
Olympus OM-D E-M10
Compact, travel-friendly systemFun, characterful shooting experienceOutstanding image stabilizationLimited autofocus for actionOlympus pricing and company uncertaintyNo weather sealing
Olympus OM-D E-M10
Compact, travel-friendly system
Fun, characterful shooting experience
Outstanding image stabilization
Limited autofocus for action
Olympus pricing and company uncertainty
No weather sealing
9Premium
Sony A7R V
Versatile tilt/flip screenImproved autofocus and trackingImproved IBIS and low-light performanceSensor readout largely unchangedBattery grip fitment issuesNot ideal for fast-action/wildlife shooters
Sony A7R V
Versatile tilt/flip screen
Improved autofocus and tracking
Improved IBIS and low-light performance
Sensor readout largely unchanged
Battery grip fitment issues
Not ideal for fast-action/wildlife shooters
10Premium
Nikon Z9
Strong, adaptive autofocus for wildlife/sportsRugged build and comfortable ergonomicsExceptional battery lifeAutofocus struggles in specific scenariosLarge size and weightEVF resolution criticized by some
Nikon Z9
Strong, adaptive autofocus for wildlife/sports
Rugged build and comfortable ergonomics
Exceptional battery life
Autofocus struggles in specific scenarios
Large size and weight
EVF resolution criticized by some
You are here
31
Nikon SB-24
Fast recycle timeManual power control via M buttonOverall reliable, well-regarded flashDigital compatibility uncertaintyConfusing ISO adjustmentExposure needs manual compensation
Nikon SB-24
Fast recycle time
Manual power control via M button
Overall reliable, well-regarded flash
Digital compatibility uncertainty
Confusing ISO adjustment
Exposure needs manual compensation

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Performance and flexibility across camera generations stand out. Users describe the SB-24 as an amazing, full-featured flash that remains flexible on anything from old film bodies to newer cameras, specifically praising its use on the F4 and F5. Recycle time is generally fast, with the flash frequently ready instantly for follow-up shots, and full-power discharges taking only a moment on AA batteries. A dedicated M button also allows manual power reduction, a feature one commenter noted was overlooked in a review.

Digital camera compatibility raises real uncertainty for users. Several commenters express concern or confusion about using the SB-24 safely on digital bodies like the D7000, D80, and D7100, worrying about frying camera electronics or needing a converter. One user cites conflicting information online versus a Nikon rep's reassurance, while another confirms TTL metering simply doesn't function on digital bodies, including older models like the D2h and D2x, restricting use to Manual and Auto modes only.

Everyday usability has some rough edges reported by users. Multiple commenters describe the ISO adjustment process as frustrating and unclear, with one stuck at ISO 100 unable to find the right control sequence, and another unable to locate the setting to reach ISO 800. Separately, one user suggests setting the camera a stop down from what the flash indicates to achieve more natural-looking light, implying the flash's exposure guidance isn't always spot-on out of the box.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?