Compact Camera Pre-flash

Q: I notice when I take a picture using the flash it always fires at least twice. Is there a way to turn off this first flash?

A: No. When you take a picture using the flash, it will always fire at least twice (three times if Red-eye Reduction is selected). The light reflected back from the pre-flash is read by the camera and used to regulate the output for the main flash burst. This pre-flash is necessary for the flash to accurately expose the subject.