Flash Exposure Compensation

Good morning. Good afternoon and good evening. Did you know that many a point and shoot camera allows you, the user, to adjust how much power the flash gives off? That’s right. You’ve got the power in your hands. When you learn to control that power you will be a force to be reckoned with. Do you know what I’m sayin’! Can I get a “silver halide?”

Now, normally I’d show you what the back of the camera looks like so you can see the settings however mine is currently waiting to be repaired. I’ll try to walk you through the steps based on my memory. Ha! Ha! Memory. OK now follow along.

These steps pertain to the Canon PowerShot SX100 IS. Check your manual for step-by-step instructions and to see if your camera can do this, it is called Flash Exposure Compensation.

1. Turn the dial on the top to P (Program) or M (Manual). Program is most like Auto but with more options.

2. Press the Function button on the back.

3. Scroll down until the flash icon
is lit up and on your LCD screen is what looks like integers. The bar will be in the center underneath the 0.

When you use the dial and move the green bar left, you’re telling the camera to put out less light. That is why it reads -2 and -1. If you move the bar to the right, where it says +1 and +2 the flash will give off more light. Each point is 1/3 stop. -1 means one stop less light or underexposed.

I will tell you that I’ve found that my photos are coming out better by shooting with the flash at -1. Too often, features were being blown out.

Here are some examples taken in Yak and Yeti at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Flash set at -2
The photo is dark and underexposed due to a lack of sufficient lighting.

Flash set at -1
One stop makes a difference. You can see the statue better now.

Flash set at 0
This is considered the normal or proper exposure.

Flash set at +1
The flash gave off a stronger amount of light and is washing out highlights.

Flash set at +2
This picture is overexposed by 2 stops and most of the detail is blown out.

Now you give it a try at home and see the chages for yourself.

I ain’t too proud to beg. My goal is to raise $1,000.00 for Children’s Hospital of Orange County (California). I’ll be participating in a walkathon at Disneyland in just 18 days. CHOC is special in that they don’t turn away any kid who needs medical care, regardless of the family’s ability to pay. Surgery may be required the very day the child is brought to the hospital. If you would like to make a donation please visit my sponsorship page. Any amount is greatly appreciated. To learn more about CHOC and the children, follow this link. Thank you.