Turn the Flash Off?

[GypsyRose31299]

I was reading an article on DPS a little bit ago about photographing fireworks and intend to give it a try this weekend. One of the tips listed was to turn the flash off, as it is ineffective at that distance anyway and also said something about just tricking the camera into thinking it needs a shorter shutter speed. So, I looked in my book to see how to turn the flash off and all it says it to put it in "No Flash" mode....however, it doesn't appear that I can use the bulb setting (another suggestion from the article) while I'm in a preset mode. So, does anyone know how to shut the flash off when in manual mode?

I have the Digital Rebel XTi.

Thanks in advance for your help.

[IABoomer]

If it's anything like the Nikon cameras, as long as you don't push the flash button to pop up the built-in flash, the camera won't use it. In full-auto mode, however, pressing the shutter button to meter the scene will pop the flash up if the camera thinks it needs it.

[GypsyRose31299]

Thank you so much for you reply. I figured I'd go ahead and give it a try even without finding the answer but I prefer to be as prepared as possible. I've been wanting a remote switch for some time now and have decided the time has come...the closest (decent) camera shop is in Bozeman but fortunately I'll be heading that that general direction this weekend anyway which seems to further justify my decision to get the remote. Not that it takes a whole lot to justify photography related purchases.

Again, thanks for the reply and I hope it does work the way you explained.

[IABoomer]

The quick easy thing would be to pull out the camera, put it in manual mode, set the shutter speed to bulb and fire off a test shot just to make sure the flash doesn't pop up or interfere. That way, you know before going out if you need to search the manual for more info.

[Woody]

There are lots of posts and tutorials on shooting fireworks on DPS.

Here's one of them:
Shooting Fireworks

Good luck.

John W

[Vagebond]

The flash doesn't pop up automatically in Av, Tv, M or P mode on a Canon Rebel. If you want to flash in those modes you have to press the little lightning button to the right of the lens viewed from the front to pop it up.