Olympus 410 digital flash problem

[derekv]

Greetings,

I have owned this for about 3 years already. Recently, the flash sign on the monitor keeps blinking. It goes the same for the orange LED light next to the viewfinder. I have the battery full charged but the problem still persist. I can't take a shot if the surrounding does not have sufficient sun light even though it is already bright enough.

I am not sure what is the problem. It hasn't occur before this. Can someone enlighten me as to what is the problem and what should I do with it? Thank you.

Derek

[Photo-John]

Derek-
I'm not very familiar with that camera. But the flash symbol blinking means that the camera thinks you need more light. Just to clarify - this is happening in all lighting conditions? Does it happen even if the flash is turned on, manually? Do you know how to change the flash settings? Is it possible that you've changed from the auto flash setting to manual? From your description I'm not yet sure that something is actually wrong. See if you can answer my questions. Hopefully it's just a changed setting and the camera is ok.

[derekv]

I wish that would be the case John...just the settings. Unfortunately, it's not. You see...before I create this thread, I have tried switching off the flash manually. The camera works fine but the picture would be blurry if the area is not well lit (no Mega O.I.S. engine :cryin: :cryin: ). If the area is bright as in days you had in summer with the scorching sun above you, then the picture is clear with the flash switch off. Moreover, with that kind of brightness, switching on the flash with that blinking symbol; the camera still works fine.

Now...imagine you are in a room with the pendaflour lights on. Normally, the camera would emit flashes before a shot is taken (the setting for flash is auto). But in my case, my camera just failed to function. It focuses the subject and then nothing happen. Only the flash sign is blinking. When I try taking the pendaflour lights, it snap! There is certainly something wrong with my flash.

I hate to face the fact that the flash bulb got burnt or something. This is why I would like to seek advice and help from the experts here. Anyway, thank you John for your kind reply.

[Photo-John]

Derek-
So the flash doesn't fire at all? It does sound like it's time to buy a new camera. The truth is, compact digital cameras are somewhat disposable. Most aren't very durable and they cost more to fix than they're worth. So I think it's time for you to consider buying a new camera. I'm sorry about that. But three years is a pretty good run with a point-and-shoot digital camera. I think you did pretty good. And I can gurantee that any camera you buy now will be much better in terms of image quality, shutter-lag, start-up time, etc.