Canon 400D Flash question

Dwayne Dibley · 05-03-2007, 10:18 AM

Hello guys,

(beware Newb / Amateur alert

),

I bought my first DSLR recently (Canon 400D), and am not sure if there is a problem with it, more than likely it's my lack of skills though.

The auto flash seems to be way too bright, in indoor scenes it over exposes to the extent that the image is only barely discernable... I, being an amateur, thought maybe the flash wasn't appropriate for such shots. However, I had a go with my father in-laws Nikon D40 last night, close up head shot of him in auto mode, with flash, and the result was perfect (to my eyes).

Am I doing something wrong? Could there be a problem with the Flash on the Canon

? Apologies for being such a thicko!

Would be grateful for any advice. Thanks in advance.

Soundgeek · 05-03-2007, 10:32 AM

What mode do you have the camera set on, is it fully automatic? (the green box icon)

Dwayne Dibley · 05-03-2007, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soundgeek

What mode do you have the camera set on, is it fully automatic? (the green box icon)

(Thanks for replying)

No. On fully auto, the flash doesn't seem to pop up. On portrait it does (I think!). Unfortunately, am at work and don't have camera with me, will check tonight....

Soundgeek · 05-03-2007, 11:05 AM

Hmm your problem sounds strange. Both portrait and fully auto modes will only pop the flash up if the camera decides there is not enough light available. The flash should not overexpose in these modes (well at least nowhere near to the extent you are suggesting) and functions such as flash exposure compensation cannot be adjusted. You are not perhaps trying to shoot images containing lots of black objects in them? (this can throw the camera's metering off, causing it to over expose)

Dwayne Dibley · 05-03-2007, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soundgeek

You are not perhaps trying to shoot images containing lots of black objects in them? (this can throw the camera's metering off, causing it to over expose)

no, just your "common or garden" snaps of the kids.

I think I'm gonna pop into LCE (where I bought it from) at lunch time and see if I can duplicate the problem(?) with their demo. Will post here when I get back.

Thanks.

Dwayne Dibley · 06-03-2007, 1:15 PM

Popped in to London Camera Exchange with my camera... they took a few snaps and came to the conclusion that there is a problem with the flash...

so, I've been trying to take pictures with a broken/ damaged piece of kit and beating myself up for not getting decent shots of the kids. I feel a right twonk! 2 months of snapping the kids and telling them to stand completely still...... anyway I digress! .... long and short is they will replace the whole camera, lens kit caboodle, so a good result

Still feel a bit of a muppet tho

Thanks again Soundgeek for trying to help.

Soundgeek · 06-03-2007, 11:04 PM

Glad you have that sorted out!

Hope you enjoy the replacement kit. Feel free to ask any questions you have about it. I have the 350d myself which I have found to be great and there are many other 350/400d users on these forums who I am sure would be willing to help out with any questions you might have.

Happy Snapping