Flash Photography Problems

I am new to Digital Photography and so here goes. I started using an inexpensive Bower SFD728 Canon compatible flash and after successfully taking several still shots with my Canon rebel 400d XTi, on the P mode, the images began coming out white,(could see outline of image faintly) although the flash triggers. The built-in flash works fine. Took over 300 shots perfectly before problem arose. Then, by accident, I pressed the FE Lock (*) and the shot came out fine. However, this has to be activated for each shot. I am puzzled, to say the least. Not sure what the problem is. Help please.

a photo sample along with setting used would be useful

The photo is barely detectable. I am using the P mode and when photo is taken the f-stop is 5.6 & speed of 1/60. My dilemma is as stated, the photos previously taken at this setting (P mode) were all fine. Now, I have to press the FE Lock (*) and then shoot to be able to achieve the quality I was able to before.

When I read "coming out white", that makes me think you're heavily over-exposed and simply blowing out nearly the whole image.

Have you checked your flash compensation? not sure if the XTi supports it but if it does check the menu to see where it's set at. Make sure it's seated correctly in the hot shoe, when my ttl flash isn't it will default to full power.

Does that flash have ETTL?

I just looked on line. Yes it does. What the shutter speed when you half press the shutter release?

maverick75 wrote in post #15987491
Have you checked your flash compensation? not sure if the XTi supports it but if it does check the menu to see where it's set at. Make sure it's seated correctly in the hot shoe, when my ttl flash isn't it will default to full power.

I don't see any FEC adjustments on the flash itself. It still would not help in this as you said it appears it is shooting at full power.

braganza wrote in post #15986610
I am new to Digital Photography and so here goes. I started using an inexpensive Bower SFD728 Canon compatible flash and after successfully taking several still shots with my Canon rebel 400d XTi, on the P mode, the images began coming out white,(could see outline of image faintly) although the flash triggers. The built-in flash works fine. Took over 300 shots perfectly before problem arose. Then, by accident, I pressed the FE Lock (*) and the shot came out fine. However, this has to be activated for each shot. I am puzzled, to say the least. Not sure what the problem is. Help please.

One more thing. Are you seeing a pre flash when you are in ETTL? If you look through the viewfinder while shooting you should see a flash. That is the pre flash. The reason you don't see the actual flash is because the mirror has flipped up during that part of the cycle which is the exposure.

digital paradise wrote in post #15987520
I don't see any FEC adjustments on the flash itself. It still would not help in this as you said it appears it is shooting at full power.

The flash doesn't have any on the body but it does support it through the camera.

OK thanks. Figured it might. Can't see an ETTL unit without it.

braganza wrote in post #15987415
The photo is barely detectable. I am using the P mode and when photo is taken the f-stop is 5.6 & speed of 1/60.

That is only two settings, what about the rest - specifically ISO. You really need to post the image (white or not) with EXIF data intact so that we can see all the settings and can help you.

When you look through the view finder before taking the shot what does the exposure meter show? Where is the little arrow. Smack in the middle for "correct exposure" or is it way off to the right of the scale?

It could be that you have mistakenly knocked your ISO way up. I just tested my 5DIII by setting the ISO to 12800 and then going to P mode and shooting using your above settings 1/60 and f/5.6 and the image is massively over exposed and white.

Thanks Dan Marchant.
The ISO when I look through viewfinder is set at 400. The exposure meter is smack in the middle of the scale. As mentioned, I am new to digital photography and the terms used. Not sure how to post the image with EXIF data. Would appreciate guidance here.

digital paradise,
I am seeing what I believe to be a pre flash which is red in colour while shooting. I am also seeing the actual flash when I shoot. If I am not to be seeing this, it seems you are on to something! Remember, the built in flash works perfectly as well as the external flash when I press the FE Lock (*)

Happened to me in Av mode. I was trying to use the pop-up flash as a fill light to take the shadows out in bright daylight. The camera synched at 1/250 and overexposed the photo to smithereens... Normal exposure was around 1/1250...

On P it will also set your shutter speed between 1/60-1/250 and take all comers...

My advise, don't do it...