using Flash on Auto setting

queenie0456

New member
hello all! I have a question about flash using the auto setting on a D5300. Is there a way to set the flash always go off when shooting in auto? I'm trying to shoot product photos and I am not getting enough light at the front of the product.

thanks in advance!
 

Bikerbrent

Senior Member
Welcome aboard. Enjoy the ride.
We look forward to seeing more posts and samples of your work.

For good product photography, you really need to get out of auto mode. For help with this refer to your manual. If you don't have one you can download it at Nikon | Download center | D5300
 

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
hello all! I have a question about flash using the auto setting on a D5300. Is there a way to set the flash always go off when shooting in auto? I'm trying to shoot product photos and I am not getting enough light at the front of the product.

thanks in advance!
You surrender pretty much all control when using full-auto on your camera, including control over the on-board flash. Full-auto tends to like using flash (a LOT, actually, as I recall) but you don't have any real control over when, or if, it fires; such are the joys of flying on auto-pilot. You could switch to Aperture Priority, however, and engage flash every time from that mode, or you could introduce more light into your scene using a desk-lamp or some other continuous source.
 

RocketCowboy

Senior Member
Howdy and welcome to Nikonites!!!

On the D5300, I know you can completely prevent the camera from using flash in auto mode, but I don't think you can force the use of flash. The suggestions that Horoscope Fish gave you are great work arounds, in particular because with product photography ... you'll probably want to control the aperture anyway to make sure you get the depth of field you want.
 

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
How do I switch to aperture priority? I'm overwhelmed by manuals.
Move the Mode dial to "A" position, as seen here:
Nikon-D5300.jpg
You'll need to engage the flash by pressing the flash button on the side of the camera, near the lens mount. In this mode you select the aperture you want to use and the camera will automatically select the shutter speed. If the flash is "up", it will fire. Every time.
 
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