strobing flash in low light

Greetings!

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As a beginner with a Rebel 2000, I have experienced a problem with the auto flash strobing and auto focus unable to lock in when taking photos in low light(i.e. caverns, campfires). The problem occurs when using the auto settings, including the night icon. Of course this does not happen when the camera is set to a manual icon, but then the question is turned to using the correct settings for candid low light shots.

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Any info or ideas are greatly appreciated! Thanks!

I've got to admit that I don't own or use a Rebel 2000, although I do

have an Elan II. My guess would be that these "strobes" are red-eye

reduction flashes. I'm not sure about the auto-focus problem. The

auto-focus needs a subject with contrast to determine if the focus is

correct or not. A window frame is easy to focus on, a clear blue sky

is not.

Are you talking about the actual flash or the focus assist light?

Since you mention a problem focusing, it's probably the latter. Try

setting a specific focus point (eg the center one) and make sure that

box covers an area of high contrast during focusing. Overall it

should achieve focus better that way.

Basically, with the flash up, you're going to get the focus assist

light whenever you're in a relatively dark place. You can't really do

much about this - unless you buy a body with an infrared focus assist

light. I'm not sure if the newer Rebel 2000 body's autofocus sensors

can detect near infrared (IIRC they are CMOS and not typical binning

CCD). However, if they can, it may be trivial to create a

near-infrared flashlight using a maglight or whatever and illuminate

your subject.

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However, you're basically running into the limit of autofocus assist

on the rebel 2000. It may just be time to manual focus, or grab your

point and shoot camera.

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You could also use a 50/1.4 USM lens, if you're stuck using a

relatively slow f/3.5 max aperture lens. No guarantees on this, but

you may have better results.

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-edward