Flash modes

The flash mode can be selected via the [Flash mode] item in the i menu or in the photo shooting menu. The options available vary with the shooting mode.

Option		Description	Available in
I	[Fill flash] (front-curtain sync)	This mode is recommended in most situations. In modes P and A, shutter speed will automatically be set to values between 1/200 s (or 1/4000 s with auto FP high-speed sync) and 1/60 s.	P, S, A, M, 0
J	[Red-eye reduction]	Use for portraits. The flash will fire or the camera red-eye reduction lamp will light before the photograph is taken, reducing “red-eye”. The desired results may not be achieved if the subject or camera moves before the shutter is released (this setting is not recommended with moving subjects or in other situations requiring a quick shutter response).	P, S, A, M
L	[Slow sync] (slow sync)	As for “fill flash”, except that shutter speed slows automatically to capture background lighting at night or under low light. Note that photos may be prone to blurring due to camera shake at slow shutter speeds. Use of a tripod is recommended.	P, A
K	[Slow sync + red-eye] (red-eye reduction with slow sync)	Use to include background lighting in portraits. Red-eye reduction is combined with slow shutter speeds to capture background lighting at night or under low light. Note that photos may be prone to blurring due to camera shake at slow shutter speeds. Use of a tripod is recommended.	P, A
M	[Rear-curtain sync]	The flash fires just before the shutter closes, creating the effect of a stream of light behind moving light sources. Selecting P or A after choosing this option sets the flash mode to slow sync. Note that photos may be prone to blurring due to camera shake at slow shutter speeds. Use of a tripod is recommended.	P, S, A, M
X	[Auto]	The flash fires automatically as required when lighting is poor or the subject is backlit.	b, k, p, n, s, f
s	[Auto + red-eye reduction]	As for “red-eye reduction”, except that the flash fires only as required.	b, k, p, n, s, f
t	[Auto slow sync]	As for “slow sync”, except that the flash fires only as required.	o
u	[Auto slow sync + red-eye]	As for “slow-sync + red-eye”, except that the flash fires only as required.	o
s	[Flash off]	The flash does not fire.	b, P, S, A, M, k, p, n, o, s, f

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.

Cautions: Built-in flash

Remove lens hoods to prevent shadows.
If the built-in flash is used with [Continuous L], [Continuous H], or [Continuous H (extended)] selected for 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

Shutter speed can be set as follows when the built-in-flash unit is used:

Shooting mode	Shutter speed
b, p, n, s, f, 0	Set automatically by camera (1/200 s–1/60 s)
k	Set automatically by camera (1/200 s–1/30 s)
o	Set automatically by camera (1/200 s–2 s)
P, A	Set automatically by camera (1/200 s¹–1/60 s)²
S	1/200 s¹–30 s
M	1/200 s¹–30 s, Bulb, Time

When [1/250 s (Auto FP)] is selected for Custom Setting e1 [Flash sync speed] and the built-in flash is used, flash sync speed is set to 1/250 s.
Shutter speed may be set as slow as 30 s if slow sync, rear-curtain sync, or slow sync with red-eye reduction is selected for flash mode.

Aperture, sensitivity, and flash range

Flash range varies with sensitivity (ISO equivalency) and aperture.

Aperture at ISO equivalent of										Approximate range
100	200	400	800	1600	3200	6400	12800	25600	51200	Approximate range
1.4	2	2.8	4	5.6	8	11	16	22	32	0.7 m–5.0 m (2 ft 4 in.–16 ft 5 in.)
2	2.8	4	5.6	8	11	16	22	32	―	0.6 m–3.5 m (2 ft–11 ft 6 in.)
2.8	4	5.6	8	11	16	22	32	―	―	0.6 m–2.5 m (2 ft–8 ft 3 in.)
4	5.6	8	11	16	22	32	―	―	―	0.6 m–1.8 m (2 ft–5 ft 11 in.)
5.6	8	11	16	22	32	―	―	―	―	0.6 m–1.3 m (2 ft–4 ft 3 in.)
8	11	16	22	32	―	―	―	―	―	0.6 m–0.9 m (2 ft–3 ft)

The flash has a minimum range of about 0.6 m (2 ft).

Flash mode in b and SCN modes when using optional flash units

When the shooting mode is b and SCN, the available flash modes differ between the built-in flash and optional flash units. The following flash modes are available when using optional flash units.

b and SCN (except for o, 0): [Fill flash], [Red-eye reduction]
o: [Slow sync], [Slow sync + red-eye]
0: [Fill flash]