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Using the Flash

Basic Photography and Playback: Auto Mode
BShooting When the Flash is Disabled (W) or Lighting is Poor
•Use of a tripod is recommended to stabilize the camera during shooting and avoid the effects of
camera shake. Set Vibration reduction (A126) to Off in setup menu (A117) when using a
tripod to stabilize the camera during shooting.
•The E indicator is displayed when the camera automatically increases sensitivity. Pictures taken
when E is displayed may be slightly mottled.
BNotes on the Flash
•When using the flash, reflections from dust particles in the air may appear as bright spots in
pictures. To reduce these reflections, set the flash to W (off).
•There may be functions with which the flash cannot be enabled. See “Camera Settings that
Cannot Be Applied Simultaneously” (A110) for more information.
CThe Flash Lamp
The flash lamp indicates flash status when the shutter-
release button is pressed halfway.
•On: Flash will fire when picture is taken.
•Blinks: Flash charging. Wait a few seconds and try again.
•Off: Flash will not fire when picture is taken.
If the battery is low, the monitor display will turn off, and
remain off, until the flash is fully charged.
CThe Flash Mode Setting
The default flash mode setting varies with shooting mode.
•A (auto): U (auto)
•Scene: varies with the selected scene mode (A37–42)
•F (smart portrait): fixed at W (off) when On is selected for Blink proof; U (auto) when Off is
selected for Blink proof (A51)
•s (subject tracking): U (auto)
The flash mode setting applied in A (auto) mode is stored in the camera’s memory even after the
camera is turned off, and reapplied the next time A (auto) mode is selected.
CRed-eye Reduction
This camera uses advanced red-eye reduction (“In-Camera Red-Eye Fix”). The flash fires several times
at low intensity (pre-flash) before the main flash, reducing “red eye.” The camera then analyzes the
picture; if red-eye is detected, the affected area will be processed to further reduce red-eye before
the picture is saved. Please note the followings.
•There is a slight lag between the shutter-release button being pressed and the picture being shot
because of the pre-flash. This mode is not recommended when a quick shutter response is
required.
•The time before the next picture can be taken increases slightly.
•Advanced red-eye reduction may not produce the desired results in all situations.
•In extremely rare instances, areas not subject to red-eye may be affected by advanced red-eye
reduction processing; in these cases, choose another mode and try again.