When I use flash with my canon powershot A640 the photos turn out dark. when i turn off the flash, the photos although not of optimal quality are better. why is this so? Has anyone the same experience? I will appreciate a reply or run through. it was not like this when i first bought the camera (mine is brand new) maybe i just turned a wrong knob??
Tags: A640, Canon, Dark, Flash, Photos, PowerShot, Using, When, with
Categories: Photography Tips
Well, it’s either what Edwin said, or you’re just too far form the subject. P&S cameras like yours have very weak flashes. Their normal working range is about 12-15 feet, not more. Sometimes less. Remember the rule of physics, the intensity of light is reverse proportional to the distance you move from the subject. That means take one step closer, and you’ll increase the flash effect by an order of magnitude, or close. That’s of course if you’re within working distance anyway…
You can try to bump up ISO to certain degree, but don’t get too crazy there either, as a lot of noise will show up quite quickly.
Do keep in mind – flashes usually spoil the photographs. If you can make a shot without (outside, or lots of available light), you should get a much better result. I mean when it works correctly… So I’m not surprised you’re more satisfied with no-flash results in a first place…
LEM.
I’m thinking you have the aperture set wrong or perhaps you’ve accidentally set the EV to -1 or -2.
Time to sit down and READ & STUDY the Owner’s Manual and learn how to really use your camera.
go into camera menu
find the reset button
see if that works
read your manual before you shoot.