S45 Pix Flash Pix Problem

[Bigmamma]

Newbie to the world of digital cameras. I am using this camera in auto mode and really don't want to get involved with manual modes. When I am taking indoor pictures with flash and red-eye reduction, in the majority of my pictures the skin tones are washed out and appear too white. The store told me to lower the flash setting but you can't do that in auto mode. Is this a common occurrence? Is this camera too advanced for a newbie who really just wants to be able to point and shoot and have great quality pictures? Thanks.

[delphinus]

Try the following things to lower the flash intensity. Try to take photo no less than 3 meter from your target, better use your zoom function as opposed to moving forward yourself. By zooming the lens it will automatically reduce its aperture so that less light can go through.

Btw are you sure you don'w want to use P mode? It is basically an auto mode which allows you to change some parameters such ISO, flash intensity, etc. IMHO s45's main feature is its manual control.

Don't hesitate to ask if you need help on some manual setting.

Delphin