If at all possible, how do you adjust the settings on a digital camera so you don't have to use the flash?

Question

I have a Cannon digital camera.

Answer 1

Three functions relate to allowing non-flash photography: the aperture (lower number allows more light in), shutter speed (slower allows more light in), and ISO (higher makes the CCD more sensitive.

The problem is, most people cannot take a photo, handheld, in focus, below 1/30 sec. If your shutter speed is below that, you'll need a tripod to avoid camera-shake fuzziness.

Problem with high ISO is that it introduces noise into the photo. There are programs that enable you to fix it: Photoshop if you're good enough with it, or Noise Ninja, or Neat Image, or Digital Gem all allow you to work with eliminating noise.

The amount of light that can pass is ultimately determined by how big the maximum aperture is. Compact digital cameras have tiny apertures, so they aren't so good at letting light in. Prosumer models are better. DSLRs are best. If you do a lot of low-light photography, you might consider upgrading the camera.

Answer 2

Cannon digital cameras have the option to turn the flash function off by clicking on the "ray key", there is circular button somewhere in the top next to the programs with a "ray sign", by pushing once you will get it on, by pushing it twice you will turn it off...
Otherwise and if it is full digital...
In the Image Zone (automatic settings) it defaults to the automatic setting so that you can quickly switch to a mode (auto, slow shutter, etc.) and not have to worry about the settings. I don't think there's anyway around that.

The manual lists a heirarchy of which settings are retained when you switch modes while the camera is on, but doesn't say anything about powering on the camera in a specific mode. Again, I think it just defaults to whatever gets you a quick picture.

So, as far as I know, you'll have to stick with turning on the camera and pressing the flash button to turn it off.

Answer 3

To do low light photography without flash:
* put the camera in aperture-priority mode, and use the lowest aperture number your lens allows (image quality will suffer slightly when you use the lens wide open - the picture will get a bit soft.)
* crank the ISO up. With Canon dSLR cameras ISO 1600 is generally still usable. With point & shoots, ISO 200 is generally the limit for usability. (again, image quality will suffer a bit - you'll see some noise, first in the shadow areas, and as you push the ISO setting higer across the whole picture)
* turn the flash off
* if you have a dSLR and you feel like spending money on it, you can get a fast lens, like a 50mm f/1.8, or even a 50mm f/1.4 (the 50mm f/1.4 is at least 4x more light sensitive than ANY zoom)

Answer 4

I don't have a Cannon camera but this shouldn't be too difficult. Just push the ASA speed to 800 - 1000. This will allow you to take indoor pictures at normal room light.

The downside is that you probably won't like the results. At that film speed the pictures will look grainy and you'll find that normal room ambient light usually contains a lot of yellow. Your best indoor pictures will always be taken with a flash.

Answer 5

Like they always say - if all else fails - RTM (Read the manual).

If you have a half decent camera, such digitals come with manual and auto. It has a flash disabling capability. I will bet you bottom dollar yours does. So RTM - It's in there.

You did not say what model #. So, it is a stab in the dark trying to answer your question. This is the best I can come up with.

Answer 6

Send me a Photo of the front and back

I may Help.

I like Cannons

Answer 7

you should have a setting on it to turn the flash either on/off or automatically work on it's own, so whether you are inside or out the camera will switch the flash on/off on it's own.

Answer 8

You are asking way too much for a point and shoot camera. They have tiny image sensors which perform poorly in low light situations.