Exposure Problems with built in Flash????

[c.gallant@ns.sympatico.ca]

Hello all,

I'm sure this is going to turn out to be a stupid question but here we go....

There is a custom function to set the Shutter value to 1/200 sec when using the built in flash in the Av mode. However, whenever I do this the image is underexposed.

I assumed that this would increase flash power to give proper exposure at 1/200 sec. However, it doesn't appear to be the case.

The subjects are within 6 feet...so distance shouldn't be the problem.

Can someone shed some light on this.

Also I notice that when I switch to Full Auto Mode.. the sync drops to 1/60 sec and exposure seems fine.

Thanks
Chris

[gerry]

i think you'll have better luck if you attach an external more powerful flash.

[icngacsn]

Chris,

I am disappointed to see that the only suggestion is the bigger flash. Not that it is a bad suggestion (no offense gerry) but I'd like to know how to use the internal flash.

Based on the "Gandini has had enough!" thread from the other day I searched the forum for an answer to this question, and found this thread. I found the answers to my problem myself, but hope this helps you.

Up until this morning (I only got the camera last week) my experimentation with the built in flash on anything in what Canon call the "creative zone" has resulted in underexposure, yet I can get perfect exposures in full auto. The problem with full auto is the 1/60 sec sync speed is too slow (for me anyway). I would love to know if there is a way to change this.

Anyway, I had played with settings extensivley so I went back to as close to new as possible and started again. Next I set metering to center weighted (learned that here). Then I set CF6 to 1 (lock speed on Av to 1/200). This time exposure was correct?! I think a lot of my problems were using other than center weighted metering as well as user error palying with other settings.

What I also learned was not to delete those underexposed shots, for 2 reasons:
1) you can do amazing stuff to an underexposed shot in photoshop (and I think v6 is worth the upgrade)
2) I was able to confirm, by checking the settings that the fault was mine not the cameras - doh :)

[mrbobco]

hi...

i agree with using an external flash...but if you're like most of us you're probably flat broke after buying the D-30 and lens : )

so...try lighting your subject better (i.e. more natural light in the room) and...most importantly...use fel (exposure lock) the button next to the focus selector...

i personally hate the internal flash...because all i seemed to get for the first week or so was over or underexposed (mostly operator error but hey : ) i was additionally sick of every human having evil red eyes...and constantly waiting for the thing to charge...so i opted for an 550 ex...no red eyes, no waiting, less exposure problems...

in a nutshell...use fel...

bob