Need advice on G10 E-TTL in Creative modes

[johnz]

Hi,

Just got my first G-series, and i have a question about the E-TTL on AV, TV, M modes.

I don't get how is it supposed to work, it seems like the flash is always on manual mode when i am on of the above shooting modes.
When i go to the Built in flash settings the flash output can only be minimun, medium or max. How can i choose E-TTL?
When i use the green box mode the flash exposure is ok, but in other modes the E-TTL doesn't seem to be working. The same thing happened when i used a 430 EX flash with this G10.

Any advice how to get it to work like ETTL is supposed to? The manual flash just doesn't work for me..

EDIT:
Ok, tested this a little more. The camera gives me E-TTL + FEC functions when i am in Av / Tv modes, but only full manual flash ( with only 3 steps adjustment ) when i am in M mode.

How sad is this? Makes the M mode useless in normal indoor photography IMO, because who really uses manual flash with ON CAMERA flashe anymore? It's a pain to adjust and it's never correct without a few test shots.
Certainly one can argue that why should i be using M mode when shooting indoors, but i am just used to using M from DSLR world, and it's really quite easy when camera has a working E-TTL flash for giving a little fill and freezing the motion.

[Digitalartist]

I suggest you read the manual. I bought the G10 as a backup to my 1DsM2 and for only 2 other reasons. The RAW capability and the Manual mode. Setting the dial on M, and hitting the metering mode button will let you cycle between adjustments for aperture and shutter speed and you can see in realtime Live View, the effect this has on your image. This lets you make extremely accurate minute adjustments to your exposure to get exactly the light that you want.

[johnz]

I suggest you read the manual. I bought the G10 as a backup to my 1DsM2 and for only 2 other reasons. The RAW capability and the Manual mode. Setting the dial on M, and hitting the metering mode button will let you cycle between adjustments for aperture and shutter speed and you can see in realtime Live View, the effect this has on your image. This lets you make extremely accurate minute adjustments to your exposure to get exactly the light that you want.

I suggest you read again what i asked.

I wasn't talking about Aperture or Shutter speed or metering modes. I was asking about E-TTL in Manual mode? Any answer on that?

[rpolitsr]

I have a Pro1. It is similar to other G-series cameras up to the G6 in many things. I’m not sure with the G9 or G10, but with a Canon external flash it works great.

Here is what my User Guide says about external flash operation:



In M mode or when [Flash Adjust] is set to [Manual], the flash will
fire with manual adjustments. . .
-
When [Flash Adjust] is set to [Manual], the flash output can be
adjusted. When [Flash Adjust] is set to [Auto] the flash exposure
compensation can be adjusted. . .
-
In M mode or when [Flash Adjust] is set to [Manual], the output of
an externally mounted flash can be adjusted in the flash output
adjustment screen ( p. 108 ). When a Speedlite 550EX, a Macro
Ring Lite MR-14EX or a Macro Twin Lite MT-24EX is mounted on
the camera, you can adjust the flash output from either the flash or
the camera. (The flash setting overrides the camera setting when
both are set.). . .
-



I guess the G10 will have a similar behavior.
I will check the G10 manual as soon as I can, but it will not be too soon, sorry.

[johnz]

I have a Pro1. It is similar to other G-series cameras up to the G6 in many things. I’m not sure with the G9 or G10, but with a Canon external flash it works great.

Here is what my User Guide says about external flash operation:



I guess the G10 will have a similar behavior.
I will check the G10 manual as soon as I can, but it will not be too soon, sorry.

The G10 seems to work with E-TTL ( internal or external flash ) nicely when in TV, AV modes, but when i switch to M the "Auto" setting dissappers from the flash control menu.
I don't understand why canon would make it work like this, makes no sense to me taking flash metering away from Manual mode.

[GordonSBuck]

I was asking about E-TTL in Manual mode?

There is no E-TTL in Manual mode for the Canon Powershot G10 -- or any of the Powershot G series. Manual exposure mode means all manual -- including the flash and whether the flash is the little built-in flash or the fanciest Canon external flash. The Powershot G series E-TTL flash is different from Canon DSLR cameras when in manual exposure mode.

[johnz]

There is no E-TTL in Manual mode for the Canon Powershot G10 -- or any of the Powershot G series. Manual exposure mode means all manual -- including the flash and whether the flash is the little built-in flash or the fanciest Canon external flash. The Powershot G series E-TTL flash is different from Canon DSLR cameras when in manual exposure mode.

Thanks for your answer! I just found that hard to believe.. i don't get it why would they cripple the camera like that.

Well, i guess i just have to get used to shooting in TV, AV modes for indoor shots now instead of M. Thanks!