S40: delay taking subsequent pix when using the flash in Man

[plato]

Hi everyone,

I've had my S40 since February and have had not problems with it so far. In fact, I've been very happy with it.

However today I just noticed something odd about it. It takes about 10 seconds in-between one shot and the next when I take pictures using the flash using the manual (M) setting.

Taking pictures using the flash in all the other modes is a lot faster (I tried it with all the settings kept the same, ie same subject, lighting conditions, aperture, shutter speed and film speed). Oh, and I thought maybe it was my battery, but I switched to my newly charged spare and the same thing happened.

This really has me puzzled cos' I've never noticed it before (though maybe it's cos I seldom use flash in manual mode) and I can't think of a logical explanation for it.

Has anyone had a similar experience, or is it time to get my camera checked?

[andyda]

Hi,
I have checked the manual: In "M" mode the flash has the maximum intensity (means: need also the maximum power). All other modes will automatical adjusted (means: the power consumption is not so high). I think this is the explanation. Regards from Germany Andreas

[plato]

Thanks! Guess I should have checked the manual more carefully before I panicked huh?

Well, that's good news that my camera is working as it was designed, though I really would like the option to adjust the flash intensity in M mode. My shots usually end up overexposed in M mode, which is why I seldom use that mode with the flash on.

[Ozzie]

With my S30 I seem to have a flash delay in any mode. I can take two or three shots but nothing will happen for that forth shot. How many consecutive flash shots should I expect?

[plato]

I tried it too and I also get 3-5 shots depending on the flash intensity.

I think the delay is caused by the camera's memory (not the compact flash memory) being filled up and it needs to take the time to process the previous shots before it can take anymore. I'm not sure how much memory the camera has in the buffer but I think about 3-5 continuous shots is reasonable.

The other factor that could result in the delay could be related to the flash need time to recharge (I think to get more shots in you may need to set the flash to a lower intensity). This delay should increase as the battery gets weaker.