350D - build in flash problem

[Notoco]

Hello all

As u can see this is my first post here. And I would like to say HELLO to all in this forum.

I’m happy user of new EOS 350 D (so far I used range of Nikon and Minoltas)

However I have small problem with it – BUILD in Flash.

When I use “portrait program” build in flash go on – and almost all picture look – let’s say crap.

Background is good, dark detail look fine but all faces and white objects are over expose (terrible white)

I did pictures in mid light outside and inside with low light and In the middle of the nice day with full day light ….

With distance of 3m, 5m and 10m from object …. Result was 90% of picture look terrible.

Is there any setting to tune build in flash or change seetings or else? Ane one else face similar problem?

Or maybe some advice on this subject?

PS

Will try to post some example soon J

[mkh]

In the basic zones (except for flash off) the flash will popup and fire anytime it thinks it is needed. The only real way around this is to use one of the creative zones. I don't believe the flash does compensation but I don't have the 350D so I can't be sure.

[Bill Ng]

As was already mentioned, get out of "portrait" mode and put it in one of the creative zones where you get to chose what happens. In the creative zones, the flash doesn't pop up automatically, you have to press a button if you want to use it.

In the creative zones, you get to chose RAW as another option for your file formats, you get to chose your ISO, and you can select your shutter, aperature, or both manually. This is the way to go.

Bill in Brooklyn

[bengy]

to mkh: 350D has flash compensation.

to Notoco: I have also this camera and build in flash works good (very good thanks to E-TTL II). I haven´t blowed up any photo. PLS check if you haven´t accidentally flas compensation to +:
Press INFO button. Currently active parameters appears on screen, the line before the last one is FLASH COMPENSTATION (such icon with flash and +/-. If it is not 0, reset it to 0 (refer to instruction manual Chapter: Flash exposure compensation), or if you haven´t set exposure compensation (you can see this also in LCD). It can be set by pressing Av +/- and turning main dial.

[Notoco]

Thx for quick response
If I understand correctly from manual, flash compensation will work only if I set creative zone.
But my wife will use only basic zone with programs like "portrait" close up etc ....(I need my picture too :))
Can be this also change (set)?
When you use programs, camera should work most of the time at his optimum performance.
Maybe my build-in flash is faulty? Anyone try to use programs here and have similar problem?

[bauerman]

Your built in flash is working properly from what I can read - you are just going to have to play with the settings to get the results that you want. Good flash photos with the built in flash do not come easy in my opinion - you have to work at it and tweak it a little bit to get the best results. Flash Exposure Compensation is one of the best features of your camera - use it and you will see the results that you are looking for.

[tim]

Built in flash is a starter flash, get an external flash and a diffuser if you want really good results. You're also going to have to learn how to use the camera in the "creative zone" to get the best from your camera.

[Dante King]

how about posting a pic and some exif so we can see what the problem is exactly.

[bauerman]

I would agree with Tim as well - the results you are going to see from say a 420EX Speedlite are going to be night and day different than the results that you are seeing from your built in flash. The only thing that my built in flash really gets used for is AF assist in low light - thats about it.