Basic Photo
gra
ph
y:
Using the Flash
32
How it works
Setting
When to use it
For more information on:
Safe flash use
Focus mode
Multi-shot settings
Best-shot selection
Lens converter settings
Exposure options
Flash exposure level
Using an external flash
When lighting is poor and the flash is set to “Off” ( ) or “Slow Sync”
(
), shutter speed slows and photos may be blurred. If possible, use a
tripod when lighting is poor. At speeds of below
1
/
4
s, the shutter speed
indicator in the LCD monitor turns yellow. Noise may appear in photo-
graphs taken at speeds slower than this value.
The built-in flash will automatically be set to “Off ” ( ) when:
• you use autofocus with a setting of “Infinity” ( )
• you choose a multi-shot setting of
Continuous
,
Multi-shot 16,
VGA
Sequence
, or
Ultra HS
(an external flash can still be used with these
settings)
• you choose a multi-shot setting of
Movie
• you use best-shot selection (BSS)
• you use lens converter (LENS) settings
• the
AE Lock
option in the EXPOSURE OPTIONS sub-menu is on
When using the flash, be sure the flash window is unobstructed.
Pre-flash lamp fires
before main flash
to minimize “red-
eye” caused by
flash reflecting
from retina
Auto with
red-eye
reduction
Use for portraits (works
best when subjects are
well within range of flash
and are looking directly at
camera)
Flash fires when-
ever photo is
taken
Anytime
Flash (fill
flash)
Use to “fill-in” (illuminate)
back-lit subjects
A short pause is required between exposures for the flash system to charge.
While the flash is charging, the red flash lamp next to the viewfinder will
blink when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway. Try again after
briefly removing your finger from the shutter-release button.
Auto flash com-
bined with low
shutter speed
Slow
synchro-
nized
Use to capture both
subject and background at
night or under low light
conditions