Almost any modern camera, with the exception of the professional segment models, is equipped with a built-in flash. This part of photographic equipment has become very technological and complex, and therefore inexperienced users may have problems using it.
The flash in modern cameras, whether built-in or plug-in, is a device consisting of a flash xenon lamp and a control microcircuit. When the camera gives a signal to the flash, its lamp flashes with a pre-calculated power and length of the light pulse.
If you are using a compact camera and the built-in flash does not fire, check if the correct shooting mode is selected. If you are shooting in modes, for example, "Night Scene", "Children", "Animals", "Landscape", then there is a high probability that the use of the flash is prohibited. Turn on automatic mode, most often indicated by the letter "A", and take a test shot. It should be noted that the flash will not be activated if you are shooting in bright light, the camera can easily cope without it.
Many models have a forced flash off function, even if it is provided with the default settings in any shooting mode. Find the lightning bolt button on your camera. With it, you can forcibly turn off or turn on the flash. If there is no such button, enter the camera menu and check the settings.
When using an external flash, make sure it belongs to a system compatible with your camera. Whenever possible, use flashes and cameras from the same manufacturer to ensure accurate performance and advanced functionality.
Before connecting the flash to the camera, turn it on and use the "Test" button, if provided by the design. This gives you immediate information about whether the lamp has burned out.
If the external flash works without a camera, but does not function properly after connecting, check the settings for its operation in the camera menu, as well as in the settings on the flash body itself. It is advisable to transfer the settings to the same metering and synchronization mode. The most common and uncompromising is "TTL" and its variants.
Long-term shooting and frequent use of the flash at very high power wastes a lot of energy. Over time, the charging cycle of the flash before next use will become slower and may take a few seconds. The flash will not fire until it is fully charged. You can make sure that it is ready for shooting by a special light indicator.
The flash can also have physical problems. Do not disassemble the camera or flash by yourself - it is a complex device with many small and fragile parts that can be easily damaged. Use the services of a photo service.
