Flash modes

To change the flash mode, simply press the flash mode button (1) until the appropriate mode is indicat- ed.

Autoflash - the flash fires automatically in low-light and backlit conditions.

Red-eye reduction - multiple flashes are used before the main flash burst to reduce red-eye; an effect caused by light reflected from the retina. Use in low- light conditions when taking photographs of people or animals. The pre-flashes contract the pupils of the subject’s eyes.

Fill-flash - the flash fires with each exposure regardless of the amount of ambient light. Fill-flash can be used to reduce harsh shadows caused by strong direct light or sunshine.

Slow sync. - flash and ambient light exposures are balanced; red-eye reduction is used. Use slow sync. when in dark locations to reveal background details. Ask your subject not to move after the flash burst; the shutter may still be open for the background expo- sure. Because exposures can be long, the use of a tripod is recommended.

Flash cancel - the flash cannot fire.

26BASIC RECORDING

1

Autoflash

Autoflash with red-eye reduction

Fill-flash

Fill-flash. with red-eye reduction

Slow sync. with red-eye reduction

Flash cancel

Fill-flash

Flash range - auto-recording mode

The camera controls the flash output automatically. For well-exposed images, the subject must be within the flash range. Distance is given from the CCD plane. Because of the optical system, the flash range is not the same at the lens’ wide-angle position as it is at the telephoto position.

Wide-angle position

0.57 - 4.7m (1.87 - 15.4 ft)

Telephoto position

1.57 - 4.7m (5.15 - 15.4 ft)

Approximate location of CCD plane

 

If the flash output was sufficient to illuminate the subject, the OK indicator briefly replaces the flash- mode indicator after the exposure. The access lamp turns red and blinks slowly while the flash is charging; if battery power is low, the monitor turns off during this period.

Camera Notes

If using continuous AF or the sports action subject program with flash, the monitor image reflects the exposure required for the flash when the shutter-release button is pressed partway down. This may cause the monitor image to appear dark in low-light situations.

Camera-shake warning

If the shutter speed falls below the point where the camera can be safely hand held, the camera-shake warning appears on the LCD monitor. Camera shake is slight blurring caused by subtle hand motion and is more pronounced at the telephoto position of the lens than at the wide-angle. Although the warning appears, the shutter can still be released. If the warning appears, place the camera on a tripod, use the built-in flash, or zoom the lens towards the wide- angle position until the warning disappears.

Camera-shake warning

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