Expert: John Oliverio - 6/16/2004

Question
John, when ever I take a spur of the moment picture of my dog, if a flash is needed his eyes glow like Cujo. I've tried no flash, but it usually comes out to dark. Right now i've got a hp 320, really bare bones. I'll probably upgrade soon, and would like to know what to look for. Should I go for one with a high ISO, or what. I know about indirect light, but you really can't get a candid shot that way. Redeye reduction doesn't help beacuse his eyes don't show up red. On my present camera there are no adjustments, so i'm stuk with what the camera thinks is best for the light. Any suggestions would be helpful. Mike

Answer
Mike,

This is a common problem and there isn't much you can do about it.  A higher ISO will help a little (not much, though), but you get a lower picture quality with higher ISOs.  It doesn't matter that the eyes glow yellow instead of red.  The red-eye reduction will still work (or not) the same as it would on people.  The key word here is "reduction".  It doesn't get rid of red-eye.  Just lessens it a little.  Has nothing to do with the color.  

The problem is with these little cameras we all use.  The closer the flash is to the lens, the worse the red-eye is.  That is why pro photographers put their flashes up on big brackest at weddings.  Not much room for a flash if you want a pocket size camera.


The best thing to do is either have more light in the room so the subjects pupils close more, or learn to use a photo editing program to take the red-eye (or yellow) out yourself.

If you still want a good camera suggestion:  Check out the new Nikons.  The 4200 and 5200.  

John