Dsc-H5 issues

[Iricka]

Hi, I just bought my Sony H5, and I am a little dissappointed in the indoor picture quality. They all seem washed out, and there is no way that I can find to lower the flash setting. I would have thought I would be able to adjust this. Can anyone give me advise about the washed out photos?
Thanks,
Rick

PS one other thing I was wondering is whether better rechargeable batteries can be acquired for my H5. The ones that come with it just don't last long enough.

[bpmember]

I can't believe you don't have an answer by now. All I can offer is that you google "cybershot H5 manual" (or "handbook") and read the pdf instructions. It certainly should tell you how to tone down the light. The manual that came with my H3 is not adequate at all, but the online pdf one is very good. Good luck, surely there's a way to fix your problem.

[Iricka]

All of my other Cybershots had three levels. This one gives you no control, which is really stupid considering the other parameters that you can adjust.

[Punwit]

The flash control on the H5 is very good. It gives you 13 setting ranging from -2.0 EV to +2.0 EV and is accessed from the main menu. If you'll press the "Menu" button located on the back of the camera and use the four way controller to scroll through the various option you'll see one entitled "Flash Level" and then you use the up/down on the four way controller to choose what value you want to use. The Flash level setting won't be displayed if you have the flash disabled though. If you have any problems report back here and I'll see if I can't help you further. Sorry that you've waited so long for an answer. The forums here haven't always been active but they seem to be picking up of late.

Darren

[Iricka]

I looked, thinking "How could I have missed that?" But it just isn't there. Are there different versions of the H5?

[Punwit]

Iricka,

Are you sure you have the flash enabled?

[Iricka]

Flash Sync is my only option. Oh and of course Red Eye Reduction.

[Punwit]

Ok, Can you take a shot for me now? If you can then turn the top dial to "M" and don't worry about any other setting. Take an indoor shot and see if the flash fires. If it doesn't then click the top of the four way controller -it has a little lightning bolt symbol and try again. If the flash fires then try accessing the menu button again and scroll through the options, flash level should be there. Let me know how things progress.

Darren

[Iricka]

I forced the flash on, and in Auto, here is my washed out pic. When reviewing the menu, there is still no control over the flash intensity.

[Punwit]

Rick,

Another thought. When you are scrolling through the menu options are you using the left/right part of the controller or the up/down? The options you mentioned are all in the "Setup" part of the menu. I hope this doesn't seem to rudimentary but I'm just trying to figure out why you aren't seeing the option. If what you are seeing shows these options; AF Mode, Digital Zoom, Function Guide, Red Eye Reduction, Af Illuminator, and Auto review then try pushing the left side of the four way controller about 4 times.

Darren

[Punwit]

Aaahaa,


Rick, when using the camera in Auto you won't have access to most of the funtions this camera offers. Try turning the mode dial to "M" and then use the left/right portion of the four way controller to access the flash level settings as well as many other options.

Darren

[Iricka]

There is nothing to the left. Only to the right which leads to the "Setup"

[Iricka]

When I am in Setup, there is an arrow pointing to the left and says MENU, but when you go there, all you can do is go back to the right.

[Punwit]

Rick,


You need to move the mode dial off of Auto. You can use almost any other mode and access many more option but in Auto the camer takes charge and won't let you decide anything. Try any other mode and see if you can't access other parts of the menu.

Darren

[Iricka]

Okay, I found the flash adjustment off of the Auto mode, and am able to move it lower. However, when I go back to Auto, the flash washes out the pic still. I guess I have to shoot in manual only?