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Question

Why does my flash go off even when it's not needed?

Jun 29, 2011 9:59AM PDT

I have a canon rebel XT EOS digital camera. I love it and have taken many great pictures with it. Recently all my pictures are overexposed and my flash goes off even when it's not needed. This happens in basic and creative zones. If I take a picture in bright sunlight it will still pop up and flash. I never took a photo course, I've just read the booklet and fooled around myself to find things out. I may have inadvertantly changed a setting without knowing it. I do get a clear picture with low light but it is still a little overexposed. If I push the flash back down then take the picture than the shutter stays open for much too long. Any ideas are greatly appreciated.
Thanks, lisa-b

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Reset Camera
Jun 29, 2011 1:52PM PDT

Rebel XT (350D)

You have had several years to inadvertently set something that could be causing a problem.

Instead of trying to guess what is causing the problem, you should restore the camera to Factory Settings.

Dig out your Instruction Manual and go to page 35.
Restore the camera's default settings.

Then try the camera and see if things have improved.

If not, go to page 147 and Reset All Custom Settings.

Cross your fingers and try the camera again.

..

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Thanks
Jun 30, 2011 11:21AM PDT

I did both restoring options and crossed my fingers, but I'm having the same result. The only thing that I can figure at this moment where I can still get great pictures with true to life color is if I set my camera on "M" and use the flash only when needed. Other than that everything is still overexposed. Thanks so much for your help. I suppose my next step is to see if I can get in touch with customer service with Canon and go from there.
Thanks again, lisa-b