Why does my digital camera flash several times before taking the picture?

Question

It is a Sony Super Steady Shot 6.0 mega pixels with 12x zoom. When I go to take someones picture I focus in and the light to the flash comes on, like it is getting ready, but then when I push the button it flashes several times before actually snapping the picture. Am I doing something wrong? I see other people with their digital cameras snap a picture and it doesn't go through all that.

Answer 1

That's the Red Eye prevention feature.  The light flashes a few times before the picture is taken.  This causes the subjects pupils to close down real small and thus prevents Red Eye.   That problem where people's eyes are all red is caused by the camera's light reflecting off the back side of their eyes.  That always happens with small cameras where the flash is physically located close to the lens.  On larger cameras or ones with better designs, the flash is as far away from the lens as possible.  This prevents Red Eye also.

Answer 2

thats the red eye reducer, you can usually turn that feature off

<3

Answer 3

try to look for the setting, there are several choices on how many flashes you are about to use. ;p strike a pose and smile. ;p

gotcha!

Answer 4

you have red-eye reduction on

Answer 5

it does that to focus  

Answer 6

could it be on the timer?

Answer 7

Because you have the red eye function on...turn the flash mode to auto or something else

Answer 8

Your camera flash is currently set to use the red eye reduction flash mode.  It sends a series of quick flashes to cause pupils to constrict and reduce the chances of a bad photo.  Check your flash mode and you will be able to set it to a normal mode if that is what you prefer.

good luck!

Answer 9

Well my camera flashes twice. I guess its the type of camera

Answer 10

You are seeing these multiple flashes because you have redeye reduction feature turned on in your camera.

To know more about red-eye effect and to decide whether to keep this feature turned on or off, please refer:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red-eye_eff...

Answer 11

it,s doing that to reduce  red eye, you can turn it off...go under menu...it,s easy to find