FZ100 flash problems Has anyone had the same problem that I had with the FZ100? Using the flash produced DARKER photos than when I didn't use the flash. Any thoughts??? THANKS, Jeffroar
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Jeffroar, have you had any luck in determining a solution? I just got my FZ100 last week and have been struggling with the same issue. Without the flash I'm amazed at how well it captures true color/light, but when I open the flash to "brighten up" my shot the resulting image is much darker. Any thought (Les or others) on if an external flash would help here by extending the range?Thanks - Rich
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Thanks very much for the info., Les. I actually returned my camera when even Panasonic tech support couldn't fix the problem, but I later learned it was not a defective camera. I'll be buying it again in the near future as I think it's a great camera, and I'll be saving your message in an attempt to figure it all out. Also, too bad there's no flash button on the camera and that you have to go to the menu to fiddle with it. That's weird! (and too bad it doesn't pop up automatically, like my Sony) THANKS AGAIN! Jeffroar
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TechWriter,I've noticed several posts on various forums that give me the impression that a user is "de-activating" the flash, even though they are in the IA flash mode. Have you noticed a button or mode that could have been used unintentionally. FZ controls are often "layered" and a new user wouldn't recognize that. One user was going to return the camera because the flash stopped working, and then remembered they had activated a mode or setting for testing and it had de-activated the flash. It took her several days to discover it. I can't remember what she did, but it didn't seem related to flash at all. A "burst" setting perhaps? I would have never guessed it had anything to do with the flash. TechWriter,I've noticed several posts on various forums that give me the impression that a user is "de-activating" the flash, even though they are in the IA flash mode. Have you noticed a button or mode that could have been used unintentionally. FZ controls are often "layered" and a new user wouldn't recognize that. One user was going to return the camera because the flash stopped working, and then remembered they had activated a mode or setting for testing and it had de-activated the flash. It took her several days to discover it. I can't... » Read More TechWriter,I've noticed several posts on various forums that give me the impression that a user is "de-activating" the flash, even though they are in the IA flash mode. Have you noticed a button or mode that could have been used unintentionally. FZ controls are often "layered" and a new user wouldn't recognize that. One user was going to return the camera because the flash stopped working, and then remembered they had activated a mode or setting for testing and it had de-activated the flash. It took her several days to discover it. I can't remember what she did, but it didn't seem related to flash at all. A "burst" setting perhaps? I would have never guessed it had anything to do with the flash. « Show Less
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Thanks for the reply. I understand it may be us, not the camera, although I've never had this problem with any other camera. May have to play with the white balance to correct the problem, at least that's what Panasonic told me. Two camera stores couldn't figure it out. Shouldn't be so complicated!
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I corrected the problem on my camera. To do this, I went to MENU, selected SETUP (third menu on left), then went to page 2. Under LCD MODE, press the right MENU Toggle button. It is probably set to OFF. Set it on the next item down which is a sqare with an A and a star in it. That sets the LCD to the Auto light mode. That took care of my problem. Now when I take a flash it doesn't get dark. In looking at the photos on my computer, the photos looked ok. They weren't dark. It is just a LCD problem. That took care of it for me. Try that one time.
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The more I read about it online, the more it sounds like it's the iA 'algorithm' that is slightly flawed. Many blogs/websites all sight setting adjustments as the easy fix. Not so cool for someone like me that was hoping to rely on the iA for my day-to-day pics, but I guess it's a learning opportunity! Good luck yourself, I will say that other than this one issue I love every aspect of the camera. Will play with settings tonight to see if I can crack it.. ~Rich
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I'm really surprised at how well the camera does at low lighted events. I usually take both flash pics and no flash pics but find many times the pics taken with available light are better than with the flash. Hope that helps.
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Hello.I tested the flash on my two cameras (Canon 50D and Fujifilm S9100) without any problem. and how that Flash is completely manual only uses the central terminal of the camera to shoot, I do not have problems to use with it.Greetings.
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Apologies. I just looked at your question again. The flash doesn't fire when you take the picture? Do you have a Canon, Nikon or something else? I'm not sure, but it might make a difference. Otherwise, you should go into your menu and see if you have external flash set to on.
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I haven't had that issue. You can adjust the flash mode and that should solve the issue.
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The revised firmware version does work, according to New Harbor. The first firmware version, of which I am a recipient, does not. New Harbor contacted me directly and immediately when they discovered the problem and offered to swap out my flash for one that works with the T3 series. Should you receive one that doesn't work, I believe that New Harbor will work diligently to rectify it. However, I'm also satisfied that they'll have the issue fixed on any flash you order from them.Hope this helps,Robert~
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Yes I am having issues with it. When you take the picture part of the image comes out dark because part of the flash and camera is covered by the case. I bought another case hoping it was defeated but I'm having the same issue and the one they send me has a large slashed on the side where the logo is located
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I have experienced the same thing but my camera is a few years old. Initially I had an awful time with its flash not working. Just as the warranty would expire, the flash stopped functioning. Nikon fixed it once and replaced the entire camera the second time. But now with this shutter problem, I am fed up. I do not trust the camera, and Nikon by extension. I have a 35 year old Nikkormat which is in my attic, which never gave me any problems. Bummer. I am in the market for another camera, not a Nikon.
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I was also on the fence between these cameras. Tried both out at the local camera shop. I will probably be doing a fair amount of video too, and the Nikon P500 had the worst image stabilization I have ever seen. The FZ100 was rock solid in comparison. I also recently found out that the FZ100 can have filters and telephoto extensions added to the lens. I'm going to wait a few weeks to see if it gets upgraded, but if not the FZ100 seems the way to go. The Nikon felt cheap in comparison.
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Can you describe the conditions and the camera settings in which you usually see this? Are you shooting long bursts? In low light? What memory card are you using? Have you tried a different one? Have you reformated the memory card in the camera recently? Are you shooting jpeg, RAW or both?
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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.
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Ya It does that, Camera doesn't detect this flash properly, It's uses setting as if your using the camera without flash, I use it only in manual mode or slave, If you use it in shutter control mode, I will try to increase the iso and Open the apature, So Just use manual mode only.
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I had a similar problem trying to use it with a PANASONIC FZ200 (not sure what camera you have). Some reviewers claim it worked okay with their FZ200 but never worked correctly for me. I had to remove batteries to stop the LED flashing. I tried thre different units and gave up.
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how did you do this? I read the booklet that comes with the camera, & can't seem to find what page to look in to change the flash intensity. Please tell me where to look to do this. thanks. missjudyb@msn.com I will look for your reply. missjudyb@msn.com
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thanks for answering! a friend has an older lumix of the same series [FZ7?]. i really like it [performs well] except the body is plastic and feels cheap. how about the FZ50 in this regard? anyone know if the lumix and the leica are different or similar in this regard?
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I have a NX100, and it doesn't include flash. However, I've used three different types of flash units on it, Bower, TTL and Autos, and everything works really well. In low light situations, you can go down to as low as 1/5 shutter speed with ambient light, and it still looks great. The flash unit itself is very affordable.
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WOW, seems like you did everything but actually use the cameras...The Panny FZ-50 can't touch the s100fs in image quality, noise, AF speed in low light, shutter lag, etc...I've owned the FZ-30/50 and there is no comparison...The s100fs is a far superior camera if you're actually worried about pictures..Now if your main concern is which is lighter or how much of your old stuff will function with it, then that's another matter...