Using the Flash

jThe B (Off) Indicator

Note the following when lighting is poor and the flash is off (B). Turn vibration reduction (c 107) off when using a tripod.

•Place the camera on a flat, level surface or use a tripod (recommended).

•The W is displayed when the camera automatically increases sensitivity to minimize blur caused by slow shutter speed. Pictures taken when W is displayed may be slightly mottled.

jNote on Using the Flash

When using the flash at a wide-angle zoom position, reflections from dust particles in the air may appear as bright spots in pictures. To reduce these reflections, set the flash to B (Off) or zoom in on the subject.

kThe AF-assist Illuminator

If lighting is poor, the AF-assist illuminator may light to assist the focus operation when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway. The illuminator has a range of about 1.9 m (6 ft. 2 in.) at the maximum wide-angle position and 1.1 m (3 ft. 6 in.) at the maximum telescopic position. The AF-assist illuminator can be set to [Off] manually (c 108), although in this case the camera may not focus when lighting is poor.

kThe 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.

kRed-Eye Reduction

The COOLPIX S500 is equipped with an advanced red-eye reduction system. Pre-flashes are fired several times at low intensity before the main flash to reduce “red-eye.” If the camera detects “red-eye” after a picture is taken, Nikon’s own In-Camera Red-Eye Fix processes the image as it is recorded. Therefore, there is a slight delay before the shutter-release button operates normally to take another picture.

•Not recommended for when shutter-release timing is essential.

•Red-eye reduction may not always produce the desired results.

•In some rare cases, other portions of pictures may be affected.

Use flash modes other than auto with red-eye reduction in above cases.

Mode Auto Playback: and Photography Basic

29