A70 limit on flash shutter speed. Sunlight problem

[stduc]

I've just figured out why some shots taken against the sun failed to come out. So I thought I'd share the info as a warning to you all.
The A70 in manual mode will not set exposure less than 1/500 if flash is set to on. Unfortunately it tells you it will, but doesn't! I didn't notice I had set the flash to be on the other day - and I had forgotten. Because of the bright sunlight I didn't notice either the flash symbol, or the flash. I will try to be more careful in future. As the shots were telephoto > 2 metres away the flash was a waste of time and the shots were over exposed.

[cA70]

Ive noticed when i set a very quick shutter, and the flash is on, when i press the button half way, it changes is back for me.

I think its got to do with it being to fast for the flash to take effect mabey.

[stduc]

My main point was that because it was too bright I really couldn't see a thing. I set the camera hunched over with my back to the sun - once I turned round to take the shot I was virtually blind. So the camera setting it back was too late! I was trying to capture David Blaine in his little glass box (as it happens) - Why you may ask - well - I've often regretting NOT taking a picture, but never the reverse.

I guess I'll have another go tomorrow - I managed to get dirt on the lens as well and my cleaning kit is not with me - woa - such is life!

[cA70]

Why do u have to turn around to take the photo?

Is the photo directly into the sun? then why would u have a flash?

Kinda lost at what u were trying to do.

Is that the guy who reckons he can go without food in a glass box?

[stduc]

I had to turn away from the sun - and incidentally the subject to set the camera due to it being so bright. Even then I really couldn't see what I was doing!
I didn't mean to have the flash on - it was simply set on from an earlier session.
You have to shoot into to the sun if its out (and we're having a fantastic October here in London - more like July!) because of the way they've set the barriers.
Yep - it's the guy in the glass box!

[cA70]

Are peopel still thowing food at him? it made the news over here.

From my limited experience, i',m still trying to sort this out, but u have to expose 1 correctly, and its usualy the guy in the box, but the sun is really powerfull, expecialy around sunset ive found and with the wrong exposure puts one huge while line down your pic.

If this form had an attach button i'd show 2 pics of a vid, before enting the sun and during. U can't actualy see the wakeboarder as he goes though it.

[stduc]

He's still getting some grief, but his security guys are more on the ball than they were.
Shooting into the sun is definately non optimal!