Basic techniques for better images

Flash

On using the flash

 

 

 

The eyes of the subject may come out red, or fuzzy white circular spots may appear when using the flash. These phenomena can be reduced by taking the following steps.

The “Red-eye phenomenon”

This is caused by the reflection of flash light off the blood vessels of the retina of the subject’s eyes because the pupils of the subject’s eyes are wide open in a dark place.

CameraEye

Retina

How can the “Red-eye phenomenon” be reduced?

•Set [Red Eye Reduction] to [On] (page 52).

•Select (High Sensitivity)* mode in Scene Selection (page 44). (The flash is turned off automatically.)

•When the eyes of the subject turn out red, correct the image with [Retouch] on the viewing menu (page 57) or with the supplied software “Picture Motion Browser”.

The “White circular spots”

This is caused by particles (dust, pollen, etc.) in the air, which when they are close to the lens, can be accentuated by the camera’s flash.

Camera

Subject

Particles (dust, pollen, etc.) in the air

How can the “White circular spots” be reduced?

•Light the room and shoot the subject without a flash.

•Select (High Sensitivity)* mode in Scene Selection. (The flash is turned off automatically.)

*Even though you selected (High Sensitivity) mode in Scene Selection, the shutter speed might be slower under low-light conditions, or in a dark place. In that case, use a tripod or hold your shooting arm firmly at your side after pressing the shutter button.

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