Nikon D80 flash - ideas?

[breamster]

Hi All,

Hopefully a quick question. Recently purchased (used) Nikon D80 activates flash when i don't expect it - i.e. in good light?

Any ideas?

Camera was purchased second hand but appears in very good condition (~700 actuations). News to SLRs so not ventured away from Auto that much yet (but I will!)

Cheers.

[Simpo Two]

Try 'P' for Program. It will still work out shutter speed and aperture for you, but you have more control over the other bits.

[breamster]

Hi,

I've tried the P mode as I've been experimenting - determined not to rely on auto for ever. Sorry but I'm not sure if it happens in P mode as well - I'll check.

Didn't know if I should be concerned that the flash activates quite so readily? Should it flash outside on an overcast day for example?

Photo quality is excellent to my inexperienced eyes incidentally.

I didn't know if this might be a "feature" of the D80?

[Simpo Two]

On Auto the flash will pop up if the camera thinks there's not enough light to get a decent exposure without it. What's your ISO (senisitivity) setting? Increasing it, eg from 100 to 400, might stop the flash popping up. But really, it's happening because you're letting the camera have control when the person in control should be you - becaue that's why you bought a DSLR and not a compact



NB Now would be a good time to read the manual if you haven't done so already.

[breamster]

Hi,

Thanks - I won't be too concerned then as it is not causing a problem as such. Just a little surprised at the sensitivity.

Buying a DSLR has been a real eye opener - just really shows how much better quality than my old Canon Powershot S5. I've read the manual and a variety of online sources - I'm definitely improving. Trying to focus on the basics of composition really at the moment before I start tinkering with the settings and getting distracted.

Cheers.

[VxDuncan]

Quite normal to pop in a bit of flash outside - even on a sunny day. That's all the camera is doing, trying to add a bit of lift to your images. If it pops the flash up and you don't want it can you just close it down again? As suggested, increasing the ISO may help. When you start getting away from the full auto then that's when the fun (and the real learning!) begins...