My pictures are dark, the flash doesn't light up the entire subject. Any idea what I'm doing wrong? Thanks
1477870
The camera is a basic point and shoot at a reasonable price.Take a lot of "practice" photos with different settings,I mean a lot.The flash is limited in terms of distance.I purchased the camera for its convenience and carry it with me all the time because of its size.I'm always ready for that photo moment.If you want more from a camera you will have to spend more.To repeat,take a lot of photos,learn its limitations,deleting is easy.
1477871
This is my second Lumix and I only used it for a short while and gave it to my granddaughter. I think I had the same thing happen and fixed the flash part by playing around on the menu settings. When I got my first Panasonic about 3 years ago it was highly rated for taking fast in low lighting. I drop my small cameras alot and that took it's toll. That's why I won't pay over $150 for a camera and besides they change technology so fast. But I was disappointed in this camera because the focus is off in some of the shots. So I read new reviews and bought a Canon Power Shot ELPH340 HS this time. I am happier with the Canon but did pay more. Lee
1477872
The first thing to do is read your manual. I haven't had this problem. I use some flash at night and some fill in flash in the day, depending on the subject matter. I use the auto mode a lot....but you may want to experiment with going in and changing you settings, and possibly your ISO settings. Again, I can only suggest studying your manual.
1477873
This is my second Lumix and I only used it for a short while and gave it to my granddaughter. I think I had the same thing happen and fixed the flash part by playing around on the menu settings. When I got my first Panasonic about 3 years ago it was highly rated for taking fast in low lighting. I drop my small cameras alot and that took it's toll. That's why I won't pay over $150 for a camera and besides they change technology so fast. But I was disappointed in this camera because the focus is off in some of the shots. So I read new reviews and bought a Canon Power Shot ELPH340 HS this time. I am happier with the Canon but did pay more. Lee This is my second Lumix and I only used it for a short while and gave it to my granddaughter. I think I had the same thing happen and fixed the flash part by playing around on the menu settings. When I got my first Panasonic about 3 years ago it was highly rated for taking fast in low lighting. I drop my small cameras alot and that took it's toll. That's why I won't pay over $150 for a camera and besides they change technology so fast. But I was disappointed in this camera because the focus is off in some of the shots. So I read new reviews and bought a Canon Power Shot ELPH340 HS this... » Read More This is my second Lumix and I only used it for a short while and gave it to my granddaughter. I think I had the same thing happen and fixed the flash part by playing around on the menu settings. When I got my first Panasonic about 3 years ago it was highly rated for taking fast in low lighting. I drop my small cameras alot and that took it's toll. That's why I won't pay over $150 for a camera and besides they change technology so fast. But I was disappointed in this camera because the focus is off in some of the shots. So I read new reviews and bought a Canon Power Shot ELPH340 HS this time. I am happier with the Canon but did pay more. Lee « Show Less
515660
I had the same problem. I too am frustrated trying to learn this camera - in the past all I had was a very basic digital camera. My issue was having the burst feature on. If you hit menu, and next to picture burst if it does not day "off" the flast will not work.
2101796
I have been getting that too but doesn't happen all the time so i thought it might just be me. Only happens when its very dark and the flash is very bright. I thought it might be the skin being applied too close to the lens but was too lazy to check.
653989
I took some sample pics in the house at night with just lights on. They looked OK without the flash. I find with indoor pics I usually don't like the flash because it seems to wash out the photo.
1221190
I read of others having this problem and there is a flash button. However, it only seems to give the option of using the flash in lighting that may not read on auto flash.
1253288
Most probably yes, you are not using the camera correctly, I advice you to read the manual again. I have this camera for 6 months now, and it works perfectly! Good luck with that. Also take into account the light, because it might be that you are using the flash when you don't need it =)
136305
I have been trying to do that same thing. Some scenes get messed up by the auto-exposure. A couple steps down in the settings you can change how bright or dark the picture is but that pesky auto-exposure is still active. Let's hope if they ever put up another firmware update that they include that functionality like when they added the timer function.
2205031
I'm not having any color casting problem at all. I would think using a grey card would correct it, or set balance to the flash setting if its not already. I have been just shooting auto white balance. What I find most helpful is U-tube tutorials: it's how I learned everything about my camera, speed light, strobes and softboxes!
811540
I think you need at least 2 lights and 3 would be better. A fill light for the front, Back light behind the subjects and a light to highlight. One light may work in conjunction with a flash but I haven't tried that. Whatever you use, test it in light like you will encounter at the shoot.
793191
Thanks - I tried that and it helped a lot. I kept the ISO at 100, but moved to better light to try some photos and the shutter priority mode helped. Actually, the "use tripod" sign still flashed, but the photos were sharp (sharp enough for my purposes.) I also figured out a few more things that helped with trial and error.
216037
Hey Mark, Try setting the camera to the "P" on the dial (stands for Program AE). Once you do, click the Q. MENU button on the bottom right of camera. Select the ISO setting and change it to 200 or 400. I'm having the same issues as you with this camera and its poor low light performance. To get better shots indoors, it helps to crank up the ISO to a higher setting. The downside is that the picture may come in a bit grainy. The higher the ISO, the more grain, but at least you'll have a brighter and clearer picture. At ISO 200 and 400, you shouldn't have too much grain for it to ruin the picture. Let me know if it works!
1283624
Hello, Maybe try turning flash off, if you haven't already. There is also a macro mode built in this camera to account for close up shots. Hope this helps. :)
209367
I set the flash on manual mode. Is that what you are asking, if not please clarify question.
1114875
Try popping up the flash with the release on the side of the camera. I had the same problem with my pictures and in order for the flash to work it needs to be popped up. Hope this helps.
1289745
In program mode if you turn the flash off it stays off! In auto normal mode if it is dark & you go to take a picture & the flash doesn't pop up, there is a malfunction!
1114871
Thank you. I have the problem of horribly overexposed photos with the flash. On Christmas day about half of the photos were washed out with the flash, in Auto mode. When we turned off the flash, some photos were ok, but others were blurry. I tried other rooms with different lighting, with and without flash, and again the problem of washed out subjects. Any suggestions? thank you.
1563183
There is a flash on the cameras. Make sure you tell your guests to use it because the pictures will come out dark and grainy if they don't.