20d- adjusting exposure with flash

[Pho]

I imagine this is something simple

If I use Program mode I can focus on something and use the dial on top of the camera to adjust the shutter/aperture to whatever I want, this works fine. But if I open the (onboard) flash I find that the settings get locked and I can't adjust them, I'm sure that this used to work fine, am I just missing something?

As an example, without the flash I get a suggested exposure of 1/13 at f3.5 - but I'm free to adjust them to suit my needs. Opening the flash it goes to 1/60 at f4 but I can't adjust either value.

Thanks .

 

[SDK^]

Flash assumes you are hand holding the camera and therefore doesn't allow the shutter speed to go below 1/60.

 

[Pho]

Ah, but if that is the case why does it lock me changing the aperture to something larger (and then using a faster shutter)?

 

[SDK^]

Forget using Flash in 'P' Mode - it's basically Auto with White Balance and ISO control i.e. ueless
Switch to Manual Mode and you're sorted - remember, Flash for foregound and exposure for background. Setting of 1/125 and F8 always works

 

[Pho]

I very rarely use P but it was the easiest way to explain my problem . I find that when in Manual the exposure meter in the viewfinder doesn't get altered when you use the flash either, which I thought it would have.

I'll take not of those figures though, thanks .

 

[SDK^]

I find that when in Manual the exposure meter in the viewfinder doesn't get altered when you use the flash either, which I thought it would have.

Change the shutter & aperture settings and the exposure meter will change

Remember
Flash = Foreground
Exposure = Background

 

[Pho]

I mean say you have it set at 0ev, when you open the flash I'd have thought it would change to say +1ev because using the flash could cause it to overexpose slightly with the current settings.

I'm basing these tests off a wall about 4ft from me, rather than a big open area.

Maybe I should just invest in a portable lighting set-up and be happy .