Camera wont flash

I'm sorry that the flash on the Camera is not working. If the Forced flash setting is already enabled and the flash is still not working, then the issue may be due to another camera setting. Even if the Forced flash setting is enabled, the flash will still not work in the following circumstances:

- When shooting MPEG movies - When shooting in the Twilight or Handheld Twilight mode - If shooting with the Burst or Multi Burst mode - Shooting with Sweep Panorama - Shooting with the Fireworks or High Sensitivity mode. - If an external flash is connected

Please make sure that the Camera is not in any of the above modes.
If the issue persists, try resetting the Camera and check the operation.

If the Forced flash setting is already enabled and the flash is still not working, then the issue may be due to another camera setting. Even if the Forced flash setting is enabled, the flash will still not work in the following circumstances:

When shooting MPEG movies When shooting in the Twilight or Handheld Twilight mode If shooting with the Burst or Multi Burst mode Shooting with Sweep Panorama Shooting with the Fireworks or High Sensitivity mode. If an external flash is connected. Please make sure that the Camera is not set to any of these modes. You can check the manual to get the information to change the setting..
If the issue persists, please reset the Camera and make sure that battery is fully charged. If the issue persists after performing all the above mentioned troubleshooting steps, service is required.

If you feel that the above Troubleshooting steps, helped you. please rate my answer positively. Thanks for understanding.

In burst mode, the Camera will be taking multiple images. Flash can only spark once to get enough light. If the Flash is enabling in the multi burst mode, it will loose the battery power as well as not give the correct images. Hence, by default regardless of manufacturer, the flash cannot be used in multi burst mode.
I hope you understand my concern. Thanks.

The flash mode can be turned on by pressing the UP ARROW button dontinuously for the desired settings. Set it to Forced Flash to turn on the Flash for all the time.
The flash mode will not work when the REC Mode is set to Burst or Multi Burst. It will not work when the Scene selection modes like Candle Mode and Twilight mode is selected. Flash will not work in MOVIE mode also.

The Burst setting takes a series of photos, and as such the flash is not usuable as it would not charge fast enough.

I suggest you inititialize the camera -

Turn camera on
Press Menu
Scroll all way across to the right to 'Setup'
Scroll down to the 3rd icon
hit righ hand scroll button, then down to Initialize
Across and up to OK
Hit middle key, then up to OK again and middle key

Camera will turn off, then on at date setting screen
Set the date, and camera will be back to factory seting with the burst off, and flash modes available :)

There's not much you can do. You can either shoot in burst mode without flash or shoot single shots, giving the flash a chance to charge between shots.

1. Even if the flash is set to always ON, the flash will still not work in the following circumstances:
* When shooting MPEG movies. * When shooting in the Twilight or Handheld Twilight mode. * If shooting with the Burst or Multi Burst mode. * Shooting with Sweep Panorama. * Shooting with the Fireworks or High Sensitivity mode. * If an external flash is connected.
2. You can also Initialize the Camera. Touch the Home option. Then, select the Main Settings and then, select the Main Setting2 option. Then, select the Initialize option to OK.
3. You can also try to select the Flash Forced option to ON. The Flash Forced option is located under the Flash Settings.

Please note that:

1. You can not use the Flash when the Camera is set to Burst or Multi Burst mode.

2. You can not use the Flash when the ISO or Twilight mode is selected in the Scene Selection.

3. You can not use the Flash when mode dial is set to Movie.

4. Ensure that the battery is fully charged and the flash is turned ON.

Please set the Landscape mode or Snow mode or Beach mode in the Scene Selection and check if the flash is working.

5. Try initializing the Camera and check if it works normally.

NOTE: Initializing the Camera will reset the settings of the Camera to the factory settings including date and time. It will not delete any data saved in the Camera.

6. Please press the Menu button on the Camera. Then, select the SETUP menu and select the SETUP 1 option of the Camera. Then, select the Initialize option to OK.

7. Try to power reset the Camera and check if it helps to resolve the issue. I suggest that you reset the Camera by removing the battery from the Camera and inserting it after 1 minute.

8. If the issue still persists then the Camera requires service.


Good Luck!!!!!!!

I found this solution on another site and it worked for me. Good luck!



hi - thanks - you're right. I called SONY
last week. They told me to reset, as you describe. here's also what I discovered - the flash locks you out in Burst (fast frame) mode. The flash can't recover that fast. Out of Burst mode, you can control the Flash. Isn't it a much better camera with the flash?
Enjoy your W80! Thanks, Jim Connecticut, USA

I had the same problem with my DSC-H9. The flash setting is set off when in BURST record mode. Go into MENU, scroll down to REC Mode, change it back to NORMAL.

Now go shoot someone or something... with your camera of course!!