Flash vs No Flash

[cykage]

I noticed not using the flash could make a picture much blurrier than a picture with flash. I'm just curious why the flash would make that much of a difference for quality (instead of just making it darker)

Here's an example
http://img21.exs.cx/img21/4185/flash9.jpg
http://img21.exs.cx/img21/2521/noflash.jpg

I have a D-560 Zoom if that matters.

[Daddywags]

Probably what's happening is that the shutter speed is automatically adjusted to a faster speed with flash. With no flash the shutter speed slows down to compensate for the lack of light, therefore leaving it open longer. So while you are holding the camera during a longer exposure you are promoting camera shake, thus blurry pictures. The LED may tell you information you need to know like shutter speed, apture, flash on/off, etc.