topic Re: Eos Rebel T4i + 430EX flash = washed out pictures in EOS DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras

Eos Rebel T4i + 430EX flash = washed out pictures

WakkoWarner — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 04:25:56 GMT

I do eBay listings for someone. When I am out of town, someone else needs to take pictures. So, we purchased a Rebel T4i at a pawn shop (barely had 1,000 shutter activations on it). It needed a flash, as the conditions in the warehouse are not always optimal for taking pictures.

So, we acquired a 430EX flash. The problem is that no matter what position the flash is in, the pictures are always washed out. We have a cheap Bower SFD35C flash that we were using with it (cost about $30). It does an okay job, but doesn't light up the items enough (they are kind of dark, but never washed out like with the 430EX).

The camera that I personally use for taking the pictures is a Sony Alpha A65 with an HVL-F58AM flash. I keep the flash angled one click backwards and the pictures always turn out fine. Since I do not have experience with the Canon cameras, can anyone guide me as to setting up the camera and the flash to work together?? I am actually beginning to wonder if the flash is defective (it was purchased used), since once I take a picture, I can no longer adjust any settings on the flash until I turn it off and on again.

If anyone has any ideas or pointers, your input will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Re: Eos Rebel T4i + 430EX flash = washed out pictures

ScottyP — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 10:31:50 GMT

Are you shooting in ETTL flash mode or manual flash mode?

Re: Eos Rebel T4i + 430EX flash = washed out pictures

jrhoffman75 — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 11:20:40 GMT

Does the on-camera flash work properly?

That flash behavior doesn't sound right. That doesn't happen with mine.

Re: Eos Rebel T4i + 430EX flash = washed out pictures

Waddizzle — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 12:47:41 GMT

Don't forget to check the usual suspects like flash and exposure compensation.

Re: Eos Rebel T4i + 430EX flash = washed out pictures

kvbarkley — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 13:19:23 GMT

Also, this sounds like you are shooting small things, are you using a soft box or anything? You might be too close.

Re: Eos Rebel T4i + 430EX flash = washed out pictures

diverhank — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 13:34:40 GMT

Find an area that has a white ceiling (not too high). Set the camera in full auto (green square) but point the flash straight up in the air to bounce the light off the ceiling. If you don't have a ceiling, try bouncing the flash off a white wall. Your flash right now is too close to the subject, washing it out.

Re: Eos Rebel T4i + 430EX flash = washed out pictures

WakkoWarner — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 15:01:25 GMT

I am shooting in ETTL mode.

Re: Eos Rebel T4i + 430EX flash = washed out pictures

WakkoWarner — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 15:05:17 GMT

I can get the flash to open when I am not in A+ mode and it appears to work okay.

Re: Eos Rebel T4i + 430EX flash = washed out pictures

jrhoffman75 — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 15:05:45 GMT

Is your shooting distance within the range shown on the flash LCD?

Re: Eos Rebel T4i + 430EX flash = washed out pictures

WakkoWarner — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 15:06:44 GMT

The items are too big for a soft box. I shoot from the same distances with my Alpha A65 and the pictures are never washed out. I suspect that some settings in the camera are wrong or the flash is defective.

Re: Eos Rebel T4i + 430EX flash = washed out pictures

WakkoWarner — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 15:07:29 GMT

We've tried the flash in multiple positions, boucing it off of the walls and the ceiling - same results.

Re: Eos Rebel T4i + 430EX flash = washed out pictures

kvbarkley — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 15:07:58 GMT

Use P mode and turn down the flash exposure compensation.

Re: Eos Rebel T4i + 430EX flash = washed out pictures

jrhoffman75 — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 15:10:25 GMT

To get camera back to normal:

Re: Eos Rebel T4i + 430EX flash = washed out pictures

WakkoWarner — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 15:23:44 GMT

I tried it at my house (not the same as the warehouse, obviously), and the pictures are better. I have the exposure compensation set to -1, shooting in P mode. I am attaching some sample pictures so you can see how they look (one of them is horrible, but I had no other lighting turned on in the room.

Re: Eos Rebel T4i + 430EX flash = washed out pictures

WakkoWarner — Fri, 29 Jul 2016 22:29:29 GMT

None of those things show up on the flash ever. I am beginning to think the flash is not working properly or it is not syncing with the camera.

Re: Eos Rebel T4i + 430EX flash = washed out pictures

WakkoWarner — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 03:41:59 GMT

Would getting a flash diffuser help at all?? I really need to get this camera figured out. Let me know. Thanks.

Re: Eos Rebel T4i + 430EX flash = washed out pictures

kvbarkley — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 14:26:37 GMT

Since you never showed us any images from the "warehouse" it is hard to say. A diffuser or soft box certainly would not hurt.

Re: Eos Rebel T4i + 430EX flash = washed out pictures

diverhank — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 19:51:34 GMT

@WakkoWarner wrote:
Would getting a flash diffuser help at all?? I really need to get this camera figured out. Let me know. Thanks.

The pictures taken in your home indicated to me there is nothing wrong with your flash and camera. What is it that you are looking for, specifically? What do you think the pics should look like? There are some reflection and the color balance is off but the pictures are not washed out as you claimed.

Bottom line is what can I help you with?

Re: Eos Rebel T4i + 430EX flash = washed out pictures

jrhoffman75 — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 20:18:17 GMT

I agree with diverhank. The photos posted look fine from an exposure standpoint; certainly not overexposed. Looks like you have -1 Exposure Compensation dialed in.

Re: Eos Rebel T4i + 430EX flash = washed out pictures

WakkoWarner — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 23:37:49 GMT

I asked the warehouse guys to take pictures of a few different items today, but they didn't listen. So, I only have a couple of pictures of the same item. Unfortunately, these pictures aren't nearly as bad as the ones in the past. I will have them take some more tomorrow, so that we can see a few different items.