Flash with Coolpix 4500

[pete woodall]

I've recently got a Coolpix 4500, with the intention of using it for
digiscoping when I get all the kit.

In the meantime I have been using it to photograph plants and
find that when the pop-up flash operates, the subject is often "blasted"
ie overexposed. This particularly occurs with fern fronds (shiny) and pale flowers in dim forest situations.

I'm still learning all the variations and options on the CP4500 and wonder
what I'm doing wrong and what I can do to compensate - perhaps
exposure compensation??

[With my trusted Cannon EOS500, I get good results every time!]

Thanks for any suggestions

Pete

[Ruby]

Hi Pete,

I have a Fuji digital camera and it has a flash brightness adjustment - useful when operating up close and for macro.

I'm not familiar with the CP4500 but I would have thought it quite likely to have something similar....


Rgds... Ruby

[ivewalmer]

I think Nikon do a Coolight attachment specifically to avoid this problem when photographing close up - no idea if it's any good though? Anyone else?

Ivan

[Tom Moodie]

Don't know about photographing plants but when digiscoping I have flash switched off.
Tom

[Dave Smith]

I also have this problem with my CP4500. Exposure compensation helps but I find it easier to be further away and use the zoom.
Dave

[tufty]

Hi Pete,
you can adjust the strength of the speedlight on the CP4500, by pressing MENU while in 'Shooting Mode' scroll down to page three of the options and you'll see one called 'Speedlight Opt. Move the little joystick to the selection and press to the right. You will then have three further options.
1. Pop Up
2. Variable Power
3. Speedlight Cntrl

You need to select number 2 (Variable Power) again push the joystick to the right and you will be able to select which strength of flash you require ranging from the weakest -2.0 up to +2.0 in 0.3 increments.

[pete woodall]

Tufty/Paul

Many thanks, mate. That's just the sort of thing that
I wanted but I hadn't delved deep enough into the
manual (or the camera).

There 's just so much to it!

Cheers

Pete