29Using the FlashBasic Photography and Playback: Auto Modej The B (Off) IndicatorNote the following when lighting is poor and the flash is off (B). Turn vibration reduction(c 107) off when using a tripod.• Place the camera on a flat, level surface or use a tripod (recommended).• The W is displayed when the camera automatically increases sensitivity to minimize blurcaused by slow shutter speed. Pictures taken when W is displayed may be slightly mottled.j Note on Using the FlashWhen using the flash at a wide-angle zoom position, reflections from dust particles in the airmay appear as bright spots in pictures. To reduce these reflections, set the flash to B (Off) orzoom in on the subject.k The AF-assist IlluminatorIf lighting is poor, the AF-assist illuminator may light to assist the focus operation when theshutter-release button is pressed halfway. The illuminator has a range of about 1.9 m (6 ft. 2in.) at the maximum wide-angle position and 1.1 m (3 ft. 6 in.) at the maximum telescopicposition. The AF-assist illuminator can be set to [Off] manually (c 108), although in this casethe camera may not focus when lighting is poor.k The Flash LampThe flash lamp indicates flash status when the shut-ter-release button is pressed halfway.• On: Flash will fire when picture is taken.• Blinks: Flash charging. Wait a few seconds andtry again.• Off: Flash will not fire when picture is taken.k Red-Eye ReductionThe COOLPIX S500 is equipped with an advanced red-eye reduction system. Pre-flashes arefired several times at low intensity before the main flash to reduce “red-eye.” If the cameradetects “red-eye” after a picture is taken, Nikon’s own In-Camera Red-Eye Fix processes theimage as it is recorded. Therefore, there is a slight delay before the shutter-release buttonoperates normally to take another picture.• Not recommended for when shutter-release timing is essential.• Red-eye reduction may not always produce the desired results.• In some rare cases, other portions of pictures may be affected.Use flash modes other than auto with red-eye reduction in above cases.
