The built-in flash can be used not only when natural lighting is inadequate but to fill in shadows and backlit subjects or to add a catch light to the subject’s eyes.

See Also

For information on using optional flash units, see “Optional Flash Units” (0 Optional Flash Units).

Auto Pop-up Modes

In i, k, p, n, o, s, w, f, d, e, and ' modes, the built-in flash automatically pops up and fires as required.

  1. Choose a flash mode.

    Keeping the M (Y) button pressed, rotate the main command dial until the desired flash mode is displayed.

    M (Y) button

    Main command dial

    Live View

    In live view, the selected option is displayed in the monitor.

  2. Take pictures.

    The flash will pop up as required when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway and fire when a photograph is taken. If the flash does not pop up automatically, do not attempt to raise it by hand. Failure to observe this precaution could damage the flash.

Flash Modes

The following flash modes are available:

Manual Pop-up Modes

In P, S, A, M, and 0 modes, the flash must be raised manually. The flash will not fire if it is not raised.

  1. Raise the flash.

    Press the M (Y) button to raise the flash. Note that if the flash is off or an optional external flash unit is attached, the built-in flash will not pop up; proceed to Step 2.

    M (Y) button

  2. Choose a flash mode (P, S, A, and M modes only).

    Keeping the M (Y) button pressed, rotate the main command dial until the desired flash mode is displayed.

    M (Y) button

    Main command dial

  3. Take pictures.

    If an option other than j is selected, the flash will fire whenever a picture is taken.

Flash Modes

The following flash modes are available:

Lowering the Built-in Flash

To save power when the flash is not in use, press it gently downward until the latch clicks into place.

The Built-in Flash

Remove lens hoods to prevent shadows. The flash has a minimum range of approximately 0.6 m (2 ft) and can not be used in the macro range of zoom lenses with a macro function. Use lenses with focal lengths of 16 mm to 300 mm; peripheral illumination may drop if the flash is used with lenses with focal lengths under 16 mm. i-TTL flash control is available at ISO sensitivities between 100 and 12800; at values over 12800, the desired results may not be achieved at some ranges or aperture values.

If the flash fires in continuous release modes (0 Choosing a Release Mode), only one picture will be taken each time the shutter-release button is pressed.

The shutter release may be briefly disabled to protect the flash after it has been used for several consecutive shots. The flash can be used again after a short pause.

Shutter Speeds Available with the Built-in Flash

The following shutter speeds are available with the built-in flash.

Mode Shutter speed
i, p, n, s, w, 0, f, d, e, ', P *, A * 1/250–1/60 s
k 1/250–1/30 s
o 1/250–1 s
S * 1/250–30 s
M * 1/250–30 s, A, %

Speeds as fast as 1/8000 s are available with optional flash units that support auto FP high-speed sync when 1/320 s (Auto FP) or 1/250 s (Auto FP) is selected for Custom Setting e1 (Flash sync speed, 0 Flash Sync Speed). When 1/320 s (Auto FP) is selected, shutter speeds as fast as 1/320 s are available with the built-in flash.