Help with 420EX

I am having problems with underexposed pictures using the 420EX. Canon told to send it in so it can be looked at. I don't think the problem is with the flash, I think the problem is with me. I am doing something wrong and would appreciate any help I can get.

I included a sample of what my pictures look like directly from the camera.

Promgram Mode - P
Shutter Speed - 1/60
Aperture - 4.0
Focal Length - 28.0 mm (kit lens)
ISO Setting - 100

Thanks,
Art

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Yes that looks terrible underexposed. The 420EX *does* underexpose, but never that much, not at such close range either. Since the 420EX has no manual mode, just make sure it's mounted correctly in the flash hotshoe, i.e fully pushed in and locked in place. And check so that the flash exposure compensation (FEC) is set to zero, so it's not on the minus side. Also try up the value a bit... see if it makes any difference as well. Try the built-in flash too, and see if you get the same poor results.

If any of these suggestions doesn't make any difference, it sounds like Canon should have a look at it.

Which focusing point were you using? The center AF point? If so, that may be your problem. The area over the center AF point is very light and the camera would have tried to turn that inot mid-gray. The solution, if you are using a stock DReb with no hack, is to use FEL to lock your flash exposure on, say, the face of the baby.

Thanks for you help CyberPet and PacAce.

CyberPet, what do you mean when you say to try up the value. I am new to all this stuff. Also, the pictures seem to come out underexposed with the built-in-flash but not this bad.

PacAce, yes I did use the center AF point. I'll use the automatic AF point and see if that works.

I might add that I used the auto white balance. Should I change that to flash when I am using the flash?

Again, thank you for your help.

Art

Art, Sorry to give you a hazy explaination. Under the second menu, the top second option is the Flash exposure compensation (FEC). It's setting should be on zero (little arrow beneath), if not click on it and use the dials to change it. Also if you want to experiment with the FEC, + will make the exposure brighter and - will make it darker.

Oh wait... you have the 300D right? Then you might not have the FEC (if I'm not mistaken). There's a firmware hack to give you that, and some other features as well.

No need to be sorry CyberPet. You have been more than helpful. Yes, I do have the FEC on my camera. I guess the best thing for me to do is play with it. The best thing about Digital Cameras I can practice, practice, practice.

Again, Thank You

If you have FEC on a DRebel you must have a hack installed. Before I installed a hack I would definitely try PacAce's suggestion. I believe the exposure measure point is the focus point used. And if you use the center focus point to focus on the face and then recompose the exposure measurement will be done at the NEW location of the focus point - what PacAce said. Hit the FEL button while the focus point is over the babies face and then recompose and shoot. I think you have 10-15 seconds to do that.

Art, what Dave (Titus213) said is what I was referring to. Using the automaic AF point may not necessarily help. What I was trying to imply with the center Af point is that wherever it is pointed at when you press the shutter button is what the camera is going to expose the flash for. The best way around that if you are focusing and then recomposing the shot is to use FEL after focusing but before recomposing.

Or, if you have FEC, then set the amount required based on where the center AF point is just before you press the shutter button. With the sample image you posted, you would probably have needed anywhere from +2/3 to +1 1/3 stop FEC depending on how brightly you want the subject to be lit by the flash.

Thanks CyberPet, PacAce, and Titus203 for your suggestions. I will play around with what you all have suggested and see what happens.