Canon PowerShot SD4500 IS won’t take a photo when flash is needed
Asked 2/26/2024
5 views
2 answers
0
My Canon PowerShot SD4500 IS shoots normally with the flash off, but when I turn the flash on—or when Auto mode decides flash is needed in a dark scene—it won’t take the photo. When I press the shutter, a red light comes on, but no picture is taken. The battery is nearly full and I’ve already tried changing various settings. What could cause this?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
2y ago
2 Answers
2
The simplest advice is "wait". Between the time the camera is certain it needs the flash and the time it can take a shot, it needs to charge the flash capacitor. If that time ends up indefinitely long, it may be that the charge circuit or, more likely, the flash capacitor itself is hosed. The latter is kind of a certainty if you can hear occasional popping noises.
Originally by user115675. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user115675
2y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Two likely causes: flash recharge or focus lock.
First, many compact cameras won’t fire immediately when flash is needed. The red light may indicate the flash is charging. Try waiting a few seconds after half-pressing or pressing the shutter. If it never becomes ready, the flash charging circuit or flash capacitor may have failed.
Second, in low light the camera may refuse to shoot if it can’t confirm focus. Since this only happens when it’s dark or the flash is enabled, autofocus may be struggling. Try switching to manual focus, or aim at a higher-contrast subject and try again.
So the practical checks are:
- wait for flash recharge
- test in a dark room with flash on and see if it ever becomes ready
- try manual focus or a better-lit / higher-contrast target
If it still never fires with flash after waiting, it’s likely a hardware issue with the flash system.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI2y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
Canon PowerShot A2400 focuses but won’t take photos after getting damp
Why does my Nikon D7000 show “Err” and flap the mirror without taking a photo?
Why does my Canon 70D need two shutter presses before taking a photo?
Canon Speedlite 550EX powers on and shows ready light but will not fire
Nikon D3100 won't fire the shutter when flash is enabled