Canon S2 IS Auto modes... worried with the flash....

[Tyson]

Hello,

Wish you a very happy new year to all of you.

Basically, I got the cam (Canon S2 IS) recently...mosyl, I use AUTO option to shoot pics.. I have shot some pics in side my house with the FLASH Auto... so It used flast with AUTO mode and I closed the flast and made one last picture... all the pictures with the FLASH on in AUTO mode are NOT good. the last picture with flash OFF is good... I was confused.

The same thing had happened when I shot pics inside my car... it used flash... and they are not good :(

Hence I would like to hear any comments on the usage of the modes... Im really sad as Im not able to use the right modes and could not get the right pics... Any ideas on this ?

Any good place to know much about the auto modes,SCNs with examples / pictures... anyways, it takes time to learn P,M,Tv,Av... so atleast Im trying to know about the Auto modes.

Thanks,
-Tyson

[TampaJim]

Start here and also read the Canon S2 Sticky.

http://web.canon.jp/Imaging/pss2is/101-e.html

Enjoy your new camera!

[JTL]

Hello,

Wish you a very happy new year to all of you.

Basically, I got the cam (Canon S2 IS) recently...mosyl, I use AUTO option to shoot pics.. I have shot some pics in side my house with the FLASH Auto... so It used flast with AUTO mode and I closed the flast and made one last picture... all the pictures with the FLASH on in AUTO mode are NOT good. the last picture with flash OFF is good... I was confused.

The same thing had happened when I shot pics inside my car... it used flash... and they are not good :(

Hence I would like to hear any comments on the usage of the modes... Im really sad as Im not able to use the right modes and could not get the right pics... Any ideas on this ?

Any good place to know much about the auto modes,SCNs with examples / pictures... anyways, it takes time to learn P,M,Tv,Av... so atleast Im trying to know about the Auto modes.

Thanks,
-TysonWhen you say the flash pictures don't look "good"...what do you mean? Are they washed out? Too dark? Too harsh? Regardless, my suggestion is to get to know "P" mode quickly. P is great for curoius and advanced beginners because you get the benefits of auto exposure, but have just enough manual control to enhance your shots. And, most imortantly for your specific question/scenario, you get control of the flash output. So, go to P, press the FUNC button and set the ISO to 50 (100 at most), for now set the white balance to AWB, also set the Custom Effect/Contrast setting as per the Tip List thread. The second icon up from the bottom controls the flash output. Try experimenting with different output levels. Soon you will learn the appropriate outputs for getting natural looking results based on the available light and the size of the room/space.

Unfortunately, there are no shortcuts. Auto mode is not magic mode. There is no way on earth that a programmer could create algorithms to compansate for every possible shooting situation...especially in a $500 camera that uses consumer electronics parts. And, you've probably read it before...it's certainly no secret...the S2 has a steep learning curve...maybe too steep...but the payoff for patience is great. Good luck. Let's hear how you do! :)