Insignia NS-DCF200C User manual

On-Camera Flash
for Canon, Nikon, or Sony
NS-DCF200C/NS-DCF200N/NS-DCF200S
USER GUIDE
Before using your new product, please read these instructions to prevent any damage.
Note: Camera flashes are designed for specific camera
makes. For example, you cannot use the Canon flash
(NS-DCF200C) with a Nikon or Sony camera.

2
Insignia On-Camera Flash
Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Important Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Package contents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Flash body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Control panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
LCD panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Installing batteries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Low battery warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Attaching your flash to a camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Attaching your flash to the stand. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Turning your flash on and off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Power management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Selecting a flash mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Using the TTL auto-flash mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Taking a picture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Using flash exposure compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Using high-speed sync . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Using second-curtain sync . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Using the Manual flash mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Flash output range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Using the Optical S1 secondary flash setting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Using the Optical S2 secondary flash setting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Using high-speed sync settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Using the Stroboscopic mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Calculating the shutter speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Using other functions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Using the auto-focus assist beam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Using bounce flash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Creating a catchlight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Setting flash coverage in manual zoom mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Using the wide panel to extend the flash coverage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Customizing function settings (C.Fn). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Understanding protection functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Over-temperature protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Protection error messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Maintaining. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Legal notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
One-year limited warranty - Insignia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of a high-quality Insignia
product. Your NS-DCF200C (for Canon cameras),
NS-DCF200N (for Nikon cameras), or NS-DCF200S (for Sony
cameras) represents the state of the art in advanced
on-camera flash technology and is manufactured for
reliable and trouble-free performance.
Important Safety Instructions
To prevent damage to your flash or injury to you or to
others, read the following safety precautions in their
entirety before using your flash.
1Read and understand all instructions before using.
2Keep these instructions.
3Always keep this product dry. Do not use in rain or in
damp conditions.
4Do not leave or store your flash in places where the
ambient temperatures are over 122°F (50°C), for example,
in an automobile. Otherwise the electronic parts may be
damaged.
5This product contains high-voltage electronic parts.
Touching the high-voltage circuit inside it may result in
electric shock. Do not disassemble. Should repairs
become necessary, this product must be sent to an
authorized maintenance center.
6Stop using this product if it breaks open due to a drop or
strong impact. Otherwise, electric shock may occur if you
touch the electronic parts inside it.
7Do not fire your flash directly into the eyes (especially
those of babies) within short distances. Otherwise, visual
impairment may occur. When taking pictures of babies,
keep your flash at least 3.3 ft. (1 m) away from them.
Using bounce flash to reduce light intensity is also
recommended.
8Do not use your flash in the presence of flammable gases,
chemicals, and other similar materials. In certain
circumstances, these materials may be sensitive to the
strong light emitting from this flash unit and fire or
electromagnetic interference may result.

4
9Overheating occurs if you use your flash continuously
without letting it cool down. We advise that you let your
flash cool for about 10 minutes after 30 continuous
full-power flashes.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Features
•Designedfor:
• Canon cameras with hotshoe (NS-DCF200C)
•OR
• Nikon DSLR cameras with hotshoe (NS-DCF200N)
•OR
• Sony cameras with Multi Interface Shoe mount
(NS-DCF200S)
• Increased brightness and versatility compared to
built-in flash
• Compact design for easy transportation
• High-output design for maximum performance
• Full feature set for maximum flexibility
• TTL compatibility for seamless integration with
camera focus and metering system
• Backlit LCD screen for visibility
Package contents
• Insignia On-Camera Flash
•CarryingCase
•Stand
•UserGuide

5
Flash body
Catchlight
panel
Wide panel
Flash
head
Optical
control
sensor
Focus assist
beam
Mounting
foot
Battery
compartment
Battery compartment
Lock ring
LCD panel

6
Control panel
LCD panel
TTL autoflash
MODE ZOOM SYNC SLAVE
SET
MODE select
button
C.Fn custom
function
button (press
for 2 seconds)
ZOOM select
button High-speed
SYNC button
SLAVE
triggering
button
SET button
Power
button
Select dial
test
button/
flash ready
indicator
High-speed sync
Flash
exposure
compensation
amount
Focus
length
Zoom
display
TTL autoflash
mode

7
Manual flash
Stroboscopic flash
Manual
flash mode
Manualflash
output
Stroboscopic
mode Number of
flashes
Flash
frequency

8
Installing batteries
Note: Using premium batteries, such as non-rechargable
lithium or high-output rechargable batteries, will
noticably reduce flash recycle time and improve battery
life.
1While pressing in on the
battery compartment
cover, slide the cover
down, then lift the cover
to open the
compartment.
2Insert two AA batteries
(not included) into the
battery compartment.
Make sure that the + and
– symbols on the
batteries match the
symbols in the battery
compartment.
3Replace the battery
compartment cover.
Battery
compartment
cover

9
Cautions:
• Batteries should not be exposed to excessive heat, such
as sunshine, heat registers, or fire.
• Battery chemicals can cause a rash. If the batteries leak,
clean the battery compartment with a cloth. If
chemicals touch your skin, wash immediately.
• Make sure that batteries are disposed of correctly. Do
not burn or incinerate.
Notes:
•Donotmixbatteriesof different types.
• Do not mix old and new batteries.
• Remove batteries when the charge is depleted.
• If your flash is not going to be used for an extended
period of time, remove the batteries.
Low battery warning
If the battery power is low,
the icon blinks on the
LCD. You need to replace
the batteries.


10
Attaching your flash to a
camera
1If the camera has a plastic protective cover on the
hotshoe, remove it.
2Rotate the lock ring on your flash’s mounting foot
counter-clockwise as far as it will go to make sure that the
lock ring is completely loosened.
3Slip your flash's
mounting foot into the
camera's hotshoe. Make
sure that the foot is all
the way into the
hotshoe.
4Rotate the lock ring on
the flash’s mounting
foot clockwise until it
locks in place.
5To remove your flash,
rotate the lock ring
counter-clockwise to
loosen your flash, then
slide your flash out of
the hotshoe.

11
Attaching your flash to the
stand
1Rotate the lock ring on your flash’s mounting foot
counter-clockwise as far as it will go to make sure that the
lock ring is completely loosened.
2Slide your flash’s mounting foot into the slot on the stand.
3Rotate the lock ring on your flash’s mounting foot
clockwise until it locks in place.
4Set the stand on a flat, stable surface.
OR
Screw the bottom of the stand into a standard camera
tripod.
Turning your flash on and off
Cautions:
• Turn off your flash if it will not be used for an extended
period of time.
• We recommend that you do not disable the Auto Power
Off function when your flash is used off camera.
1Make sure that the batteries are installed. See Installing
batteries on page 8.
2Press the (power) button for one second to turn on
your flash.
If you set up your flash as the master flash, your flash
turns off after about 90 seconds. To turn on (wake) your
flash, press the camera shutter halfway or press any
button.
If you set up your flash as a slave flash, your flash turns off
after about 60 minutes. To turn on (wake) your flash, press
any button.
3Press the button again to turn off your flash.

12
Power management
When you set up your flash as the master flash, your flash
turns off after about 90 seconds of inactivity. To wake your
flash, press the camera shutter button halfway or press any
flash button. You can turn off the auto power off function.
1Press the ZOOM/C.Fn button for two seconds until the
C.Fn menu is displayed. For the location of the
ZOOM/C.Fn button, see Control panel on page 6.
2Turn the select dial to select ST, then press the SET
button. The setting blinks.
3Turn the select dial to select ON or OFF, then press the
ZOOM/C.Fn button.
Note: When you set up your flash as a slave flash, your
flash turns off after about 60 minutes of inactivity.
Selecting a flash mode
Your flash has three flash modes:
•TTL (auto-flash)—Your flash and camera work
together to calculate the correct exposure for the
subject and background. For more information, see
Using the TTL auto-flash mode on page 13.
•Manual (M) mode—Lets you manually adjust your
flash output from 1/1 full power to 1/128th power in
one-third stop increments. For more information, see
Using the Manual flash mode on page 16.
•Stroboscopic (Multi) mode—Lets you take a rapid
series of flashes to capture multiple images of a
moving subject in a single photograph. For more
information, see Using the Stroboscopic mode on
page 18.

13
To select a flash mode:
•PresstheMODE
button one or more
times. The flash
mode displayed on
the LCD changes
each time you press
the button. You can
select TTL(auto-flash
mode), M(Manual
mode), or Multi
(Stroboscopic mode).
Using the TTL auto-flash mode
In TTL mode, the camera and your flash work together to
calculate the coect exposure for the subject and the
background. In this mode, multiple functions are available,
including:
• Flash exposure compensation (FEC)
• High-speed sync (HSS)
• Second curtain sync
To select TTL mode:
•PresstheMODE
button one or more
times to select TTL.
MODE ZOOM SYNC SLAV
SET
MODE ZOOM SYNC SLAV
SET

14
Taking a picture
1On the camera, press the shutter button halfway to focus.
2On the camera, fully press the shutter button. Your flash
fires a pre-flash that the camera uses to calculate
exposure and flash output the instant before the photo is
taken. Then the camera takes the picture.
If the flash output value is set to the maximum, Hi appears
on the LCD for three seconds. Adjust the camera’s aperture,
shutter, and ISO parameters if underexposure appears.
If the flash output value is set to the minimum, Lo appears
on the LCD for three seconds. Adjust the camera’s aperture,
shutter, and ISO parameters if overexposure appears.
Using flash exposure compensation
The flash exposure compensation (FEC) function lets you
adjust the flash output from -3 to +3 in 1/3 step increments.
FEC is useful in situations where you need to make minor
adjustments based on the environment.
1Press the SET button.
The (FEC) icon and
the flash exposure value
are highlighted on the
LCD.
2Turn the select dial to
select 0.3 (1/3 step), 0.7
(2/3 step), or +0 (no
flash exposure
compensation).
3Press the SET button to
save the setting.
MODE ZOOM SYNC SLAVE
SET
ZOOM SYNC SLAVE
SET
MODE ZOOM SYNC
SET

15
Using high-speed sync
High-speed sync lets your flash automatically synchronize
with the camera shutter speed. This function is convenient
when you want to use aperture priority for fill-flash
portraits.
1Press the SYNC button to turn on high-speed sync. The
icon appears on the LCD.
2On the camera, set the shutter speed to high-speed sync.
For instructions, see the documentation that came with
the camera.
Notes:
• With high-speed sync, the faster the shutter speed, the
shorter the effective flash range.
• You cannot use high-speed sync with the Stroboscopic
flash mode.
• Try to avoid using high-speed sync flash because over
use shortens the flash tube’s lifetime.
Using second-curtain sync
With a slow shutter speed, you can create a light train that
follows the subject. Your flash fires right before the shutter
closes.
• Set the camera to rear mode.
Note: For the Canon flash (NS-DCF200C), you can also
turn on second-curtain sync by pressing the SYNC button
until appears on the LCD.


16
Using the Manual flash mode
In Manual mode, you can manually adjust the flash output
from 1/1 full power to 1/128th power in one-third step
increments. Use a hand-held flash meter to determine the
flash output you need.
1Press the MODE button
one or more times to
select M(Manual mode).
2Turn the select dial to
choose the flash output
amount you want.
Flash output range
The following table shows how the stop changes in terms of
the f/stop when you increase or decrease the flash output.
For example, when you decrease the flash output to 1/2,
1/2-0.3, or 1/2-0.7, then increase the flash output to more
than 1/2, the LCD displays 1/2+0.3, 1/2+0.7, or 1/.
Figures displayed when reducing flash level 
1
1/1-0.3 1/1-0.7
1/2
1/2-0.3 1/2-0.7
1/4
**** ****
1/2+0.7 1/2+0.3 1/4+0.7 1/4+0.3 **** ****
Figures displayed when increasing output level
MODE ZOOM SYNC SLAV
SET

17
Using the Optical S1 secondary flash
setting
The S1 secondary flash with optical sensor mode makes
your flash fire synchronously when the main flash fires. This
produces the same effect as using a radio trigger to create
multiple lighting effects.
• To turn on the S1 mode, press the SLAVE button one
or more times until S1 is displayed on the LCD.
Note: S1 optical triggering is only available in Manual
flash mode.
Using the Optical S2 secondary flash
setting
If the camera has a pre-flash function, the S2 secondary
flash with optical sensor mode makes your flash ignore a
single pre-flash from the main flash. Your flash fires in
response to the second, actual flash, from the main flash.
• To turn on the S2 mode, press the SLAVE button one
or more times until S2 is displayed on the LCD.
Note: S2 optical triggering is only available in Manual
flash mode.
Using high-speed sync settings
High-speed sync lets the flash automatically synchronize
with the camera shutter speed. This function is convenient
when you want to use aperture priority for fill-flash
portraits.
1On your flash, press the SYNC button to select
high-speed mode. The icon is displayed on the LCD.
2On the camera, adjust the shutter speed to to high-sync
mode.
Notes:
• With high-speed sync, the faster the shutter speed, the
shorter the effective flash range.
• You cannot use Stroboscopic mode when using
high-speed sync mode.
• Try to avoid using high-speed sync flash because it
shortens the flash tube’s lifetime.

18
Using the Stroboscopic mode
In the Stroboscopic (Multi) mode, the camera takes a rapid
series of flashes to capture multiple images of a moving
subject in a single photograph.
You can set the firing frequency (number of flashes per
second expressed as Hz), the number of flashes, and the
flash output.
1Press the MODE button
one or more times to
select Multi
(Stroboscopic mode).
2Turn the select dial to
choose the flash output
amount you want.
3Press the SET button to select the flash frequency setting,
then turn the select dial to set the number.
4Press the SET button again to select the number of
flashes setting, then turn the select dial to set the
number.
MODE ZOOM SYNC SLAV
SET
MODE ZOOM SYNC S
SET
E ZOOM SYNC SLAVE
SET

19
Calculating the shutter speed
When you use Stroboscopic mode, the shutter remains
open until the firing stops. Use the following formula to
calculate the shutter speed and set the speed on the
camera.
Number of Flashes / Flash Frequency = Shutter Speed
For example, if the number of flashes is 10 and the firing
frequency is 5Hz, the shutter speed should be at least two
seconds.
Notes:
• The Stroboscopic flash mode is most effective with a
highly reflective subject against a dark background.
• We recommend using a tripod and a remote control.
• A flash output of 1/1 and 1/2 cannot be set for the
Stroboscopic flash mode.
• You can use the Stroboscopic flash mode “bulb.” Bulb
mode is useful for shooting pictures in low light levels
(such as at night) because it keeps the shutter open
longer to let in more light.

20
If the number of flashes is displayed as “––” the firing
continues until the shutter closes or the battery is
exhausted. The number of flashes are limited as follows:
Maximum Stroboscopic flashes:
Flashoutput/Hz123 4 5
1/4 632 2 2
1/8 14 14 6 4 3
1/16 30 30 30 20 10
1/32 60 60 60 50 50
1/64 90 90 90 80 80
1/128 90 90 90 90 90
Flash
output/
Hz
6-7 8-9 10-19 20-50 51-90
1/4 222 2 2
1/8 332 2 2
1/16 8 5 3 3 3
1/32 40 12 5 5 5
1/64 70 60 20 10 10
1/128 90 80 70 30 20