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Robco (robco) 4 pts

December 25, 2006 8:42 PM

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canon xti gets the busy sign after flash is used is this normal

I have a canon xti and when I shoot in low light and use the flash it says it is busy with a lightning bolt. If I use my 430 ex or my 580 ex speedlight this doesn't happen. I also own a 300d and a 20d, niether of these do this. Help

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Ben Keough (DeadWolfBones) 10631 pts

December 26, 2006 2:34 PM

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Hi Robco,

You're not the only one who's had this issue. At least one other XTi user has posted here about problems with the flash recycle time on the camera. I can't find many other complaints about it elsewhere on the net, though. It sounds to me like the internal flash is just a bit of a power hog compared to your hot shoe flashes, and that after a few shots it's used up the on-hand charge and has to re-cycle the flash power. Maybe someone with more experience than myself will come along and help you out here, but from what I've read it doesn't seem like a defect--more of a function of the design of the camera.

Good luck!

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Beagle03 29 pts

January 6, 2007 11:30 PM

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I had this problem as well and returned the camera as a result. After about 20 shots using flash the camera locks up in "busy" signals and you can only take about 1 picture every 10 or so seconds. It needs around an hour to recycle and take another 20 shots. It's ridiculous. We lost so many shots waiting for the busy signal to go away. I tested this over and over and it was always the same. I contacted Canon and they confirmed this is "normal" and the camera is functioning properly. I read somewhere else on the web someone exchanged theirs for a different one figuring it must be broken. The new one behaved the same. For me this rendered the camera useless since I am usually taking pictures of my 5 month old and take picture after picture to try to capture a smile or a laugh. I very sadly brought it back and hope that Canon fixes this issue - the XT doesn't have this problem so I'm still using it.

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Robco (robco) 4 pts

January 7, 2007 12:25 AM

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I have a 6 month old and this is our main problem with the camera. I thought i was upgrading. I have emailed canon and they say I'm the only one with this problem, want me to send it in. I happen to know they will just send it back and say nothing is wrong. I am thinking of looking to nikon, pentax, minolta, or maybe even sony. Only thing is I have so much canon gear already.

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Beagle03 29 pts

January 7, 2007 10:41 AM

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Well they are either lying or there is no centralized place where they compile complaints because they've heard from me and at least one other internet poster I ran into while researching this issue. I did a web search for "Canon Xti busy flash" and found more complaints as well. I wouldn't bother sending it in because it is how the camera was designed. I would either return in for the XT or start over with the Nikon D80. It's just not worth it if you end up losing the pictures you bought an expensive camera to take. For me it doesn't matter how clear and beautiful the pictures are when you miss the ones you want. I thought I was upgrading too - I'm so disappointed because I really wanted this camera. Maybe sell your gear on ebay?

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Paul Hulbert (PaulatGG) 23 pts

February 2, 2007 11:56 PM

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It takes a huge amount of electricity to charge up a flash, so when the battery is trying to do that AND write to disk AND keep all the other electrical gizmos going in the camera - the power has to be shared around, thus the long wait. It does not happen when you use your 430 and 580 speedlights because they have their own supply of electricity from the batteries in their bodies.

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Robco (robco) 4 pts

February 3, 2007 9:30 AM

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All you have said is true, but the point I'm making is that the other cameras do not do it. You have opened my eyes to the fact that the battery in the xti is much smaller than in the 300d. I just bought her a canon 220ex flash for $130. She is fine with it, it is small and fairly light weight. This has solved the problem it will flash as quick as you can snap. I still think this is a glitch in the product, and it is a great product.

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LL SD 6 pts

December 5, 2007 12:51 AM

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I completely agree with the other posts about the unaccepatble flash recycle time. I was an original owner of a Digital Rebel, and after 4 years of heavy use with my kids, wanted to upgrade. The abyssmal flash response on the XTI makes the other camera upgrades useless to me. I sincerly thought this was a defect, so returned the first XTI for a new one. Only after the same thing happened with the second one did I look on the web to discover what a universal problem it is. The technical response (this is how it needs to work; this is how it is designed) doesn't work for me. The prior versions DID NOT HAVE THIS PROBLEM

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Vilisner 3 pts

December 6, 2007 7:58 AM

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I own one of these XTi's, and canon is certainly lieing, since I know someone else who has the same problem. I am not so sure the problem is rechargin either, since if you close the internal flash. You can immediately use it again!

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Paul75 1 pts

December 24, 2007 7:01 AM

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Bingo!I have been bashing my head up against a wall with Canon for months now! and been spoken to like an absolute 2 year old. Im like you Robco, have a bit of Canon gear and find it to easy to stay with Canon. However not after reading this, this will be my last Canon!!! I have a newborn and a 2 year old and it is not always practicle to take them outside just to use a camera I paid over $1000 for? I think the Olympus will be my next purchase any thoughts.......

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Sven Petersen 1 pts

February 6, 2008 7:24 PM

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I just got off the phone with Canon tech support. Like the other calls they wouldn't even admit to a problem. The tech offered a answered before even hearing my problem. He stated that the camera was trying to write to memory. I infomred him that the problem went away with the addition of my flash. I also infomed him that the problem didn't occur when there was enough ambient light so the onboard flash did not open. After all this he stated thats the way the camera works and that if I didn't like it I could just use my XT instead. I had to suggest to him that it was the flash recharge. He even seemed offended when I suggested that there was a problem with the entire line. He told me I could wait for the next generation and that's when I hung up on him.

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Sven Petersen 1 pts

February 7, 2008 2:15 AM

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Here is an offical respone from Canon. I had emailed them after my phone call. This may not make anyone feel better though.

Dear Sven Petersen:

Thank you for contacting Canon product support. We value you as a Canon
customer and appreciate the opportunity to assist you with your EOS
Digital Rebel XTi.

What you experience is normal. The flash can take some time to recycle.
Page 54 of the manual provides a warning about using the flash for
approximately 20 shots in short intervals. We recommend that you use a
flash on the hot shoe if you need to use a flash extensively.

We hope this information is helpful to you. Please let us know if we
can be of any further assistance with your EOS Digital Rebel XTi.

Thank you for choosing Canon.

Sincerely,

Erik
Technical Support Representative

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Frank 1 pts

February 10, 2008 5:50 PM

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Wow, I take comfort in knowing that I'm not alone in losing my mind with this error. Add me to the growing list of dissatisfied Canon customers.

Thanks for the postings. Is Canon paying attention?

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Amo* 1 pts

February 19, 2008 11:41 AM

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Glad I found this post. It would seem all my reaserch into the Canon XTI was lacking. I got my camera fresh out of the box and what do you know...Err99. Constantly!! Oh, and the Busy lightning bolt thing. So now this means I can only take pictures in well lit areas. This does little to help my taking pictures of our 3 month old. Yes, I have a 35 mm canon and thought that my lenses would be compatable. I cleaned the gold connectors as indicated in another thread and still Err99. What is even more fun is that I get Err99 after the lightning bolt. I got the XTI due to the larger screen. Does a megga huge battery help with this at all??

I have approxomatly 13 days to take the camera back to Best Buy. I think I will buy a flash and see if that does anything for me. I am so disappointed in Canon.

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LL SD 6 pts

February 19, 2008 4:26 PM

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I continue to agree that this is a very serious problem (especially if you purchased to the camera to photograph children, as I did) and I am dismayed and frustrated at the hostile response from Canon.

I almost returned mine (for the second time) but decided not to, because there IS A FIX. Simply push the flash back down and it is ready to go again (you can keep doing this many times). Kind of a pain, but it works, and indicates to me (a non-tech person) that the camera is physically able to continue to take flash photos so it must be a programming glitch on Canon's part. With enough complaints (and/or returned cameras to deal with), maybe Canon will give us a software patch!!

Anyway, try the "push-down" approach, and let me know how it worked for you.

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Former XTi Owner 0 pts

April 14, 2008 4:08 AM

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I bought a Rebel XTi and have the same problem, BUSY BUSY BUSY. It is annoying enough to me that I bought a Nikon D80 and am selling the XTi. Sad really because in every other respect the XTi is fantastic.

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Depressed 0 pts

May 3, 2008 11:34 PM

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I have the same issue, now the stupid thing wont even turn on.

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Amo* 1 pts

May 4, 2008 10:51 PM

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I have had no problems since I returned the camera for a new one. I also got a stand alone flash to attach to the camera. No problems whatsoever since I got a new one. Just keep returning the camera (If you can) and use it in store to verify it works. Cannon told me to return it. The more returns, perhaps they will see the problem for what it is: A serious camera flaw.

LLSD: If I have to push down the flash, that to me is a faulty camera.

Return if possible.

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my camera now!! OOodles of perfect pix of my baby.

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Robjess 0 pts

May 13, 2008 8:34 AM

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Well I have the same problem.. In a sense Im pleased that Im not alone.. but also very disappointed to find that its a common issue. Why dont Canon simply issue a fix through the firmware? Im tempted to trade mine in for a Nikon - but I have a heap of canon accessories and it wouldnt be cost effective for me to do that..

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Zanabelle 0 pts

May 21, 2008 12:03 AM

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All of this has been SOOO helpful! I just did a quick google on "Canon 400D busy" because I couldn't find anything in the manual that would help me and I found this posting. I just did a quick test myself. I continually took shots using the flash and it was working fine, until I got up to the 20th shot. Then the busy signal started. I shut down the flash and was able to take another shot, but I had to keep shutting the flash down for every shot after that. This sucks!

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Fleegleman 0 pts

May 23, 2008 8:28 PM

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"We recommend that you use a flash on the hot shoe if you need to use a flash extensively."

Pretty simple, really. Onboard flash typically takes a terrible shot anyway, doesn´t it?

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Alisa 0 pts

September 8, 2008 9:22 PM

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Thank everyone so much for posting this information! I've had mine since Oct 2007.. it's now Sept 2008 and for the life of me I could NOT find a fix for this problem. I love my camera.. and I'm trying to make a go at photography and haven't bought an external flash yet.. but the way the onboard flash does I'm going to have to get one.. SOON. I have a 9 month old which is why I even bought a new camera. I'm going to try an external flash.. I hope this works!! :) Any suggestions on which one to use?

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JB 1 pts

September 27, 2008 2:12 PM

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The full automatic settings on the camera set it up for a very fast ISO rate (100) for indeed really bright color pictures, but with a little time into the camera, setting changes, etc., everything can be fixed. Canon's automatic settings are not setup for low lighting. Simple changes in the F-Stop, etc., can fix the need to (in many instances) even need the flash for low lit conditions. The typical photography concepts apply, and we use ours to capture low lit, well lit and very poorly lit situations very nicely. The camera is also durable. Moral of the story is to play with the settings, we use ours at ISO 400 most of the time, ensuring that it doesn't try to use the flash when the situation is well lit (and doesn't overexpose the shot).

We have some of our product photography with the camera at http://www.rossirovetti.com , and we find that it's a great tool for all lighting scenarios.

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Alex 0 pts

November 12, 2008 9:20 PM

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The user manual says that this "busy" is to protect the flash. I think it can be fix with a new firmware, if Canon wants...

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Sad 0 pts

December 20, 2008 5:04 PM

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I can't believe it's taken me over a year to find out that other people have the same issues as me. I originally thought it was the CF card, so I tried a faster one - no fix. I've tweaked the settings (I'm an enthusiast, not a pro) to no avail. My father in-law has an original DSLR Rebel, and his still works better than mine. Now it's too late to return it ('cuz I would), so I have to spend more money on a flash??!?!? Thanks Canon, next time it'll be a Sony for me...

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Everardo 1 pts

January 4, 2009 11:15 PM

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So I'm having the same issue with the XSI - BUT is this a problem will all Canon's EOS or just the Rebel series? Can any owners of the 30D, 40D or 50D tell me if they're having the same problem?
Thanks,

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Jamie 0 pts

January 24, 2009 7:08 PM

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Well, it took me almost two years to figure this out. I too have the busy signal when trying to take pics of my 14mo old and missed a lot of great shots because of this. So it looks like the best solution is to buy an external flash (which I wanted to anyway). Does anyone have any suggestions on what to buy and where to buy from? I'm looking for a good deal. Thanks

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Everardo 1 pts

January 24, 2009 7:22 PM

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I ended up buying the 430 EX II http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Speedlite-II-Digital-Cameras/dp/B001CCAISE/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1232842828&sr=8-1 from Amazon and that helped the problem I was having. I also found out there are two busy signals (one with and one w/o a lighting bolt) the one with the bolt is related to the flash, the other is due to a slow memory card and/or writing pictures to memory. Hope that helps :)

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Frank 0 pts

January 26, 2009 10:18 PM

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Yep. My Canon XTI gets the same "busy" bug when trying to use the flash. If you close the pop up flash housing it will take another shot and then do it over and over and over. I look like an idiot when using the flash compared to others around me with cheap cameras that will flash over and over with no issue. I upgraded from the Canon G5 or at least I thought I was... Funny that the G5 uses the same compact flash card and has no issue. I think it is just a design flaw that Canon won't admit because they know they should recall the entire XTI line. Our next camera will NOT be a Canon. They are losing a long time customer as I had the G2 and G5 before this. I am really glad I didn't also buy any lenses yet. I know their external flash will hide their flaw, but why throw good money after bad I say...So sad about Canon's lack of concern for their customers...

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Stephanie 0 pts

April 1, 2009 3:55 PM

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Add me to the growing list of dissatisfied canon 400d customers. Most of my photography is in low light at parties. I look like a fool standing there for long periods waiting for the camera to take a photo. This problem is so serious that I will have to replace my camera and I guarantee it won't be with a canon

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diane 0 pts

April 11, 2009 1:26 PM

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My first DSLR camera. I was just attempting to shoot my kids in the kitchen painting easter eggs. WE kept getting the lightning bolt busy sign. ughh! i came to to a websearch and low and behold! should i even return it to amazon for a new one? it looks like it may not matter. and now spending MORE money to buy an external flash is the answer? im frustrated.

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Everardo 1 pts

April 11, 2009 7:56 PM

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Hi Diane, remember there are two busy signals (one with and one w/o a lighting bolt) the one with the bolt is related to the flash and happens when taking a lot of quick pictures with the flash, it just needs a little time to recharge/rest the flash. The other is due to a slow memory card and/or writing pictures to memory, this can be helped by choosing a different image size, using faster memory cards, etc. Hope that helps :)

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TL97330 0 pts

April 24, 2009 2:06 PM

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Here I thought it was a user error, I even went out and bought a extra book on the xti to read to see what I was doing wrong...This issue is absolutely horrid if I had known about this "standard function" before I would of bought the Nikon for the $100 more, what a waste of money! I had better luck with my 2 sony's before this...I did research before purchasing too, what a joke! Come on Canon you are supposed to be the cream of the crop, again I laugh. I am glad I am not crazy..

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nomorecanons 0 pts

April 27, 2009 4:57 PM

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Ugh! I agree with the Busy errors. My husband bought me this camera last Christmas after I had been eyeing it for a year. I also bought it to take pics of my kids - now 2 1/2 and 1 month. I did my research and bought the DSLR specifically because of the rapid shutter response that I was not getting with my point and shoot. With kids, that is very important. I also had lens I kept from the Rebel 2000 film camera. The Busy thing always bothered me, but I wasn't sure if it was something I hadn't adjusted myself. After using my friend's Nikon D40 this weekend to take pictures for her at her baby shower, I realized how disappointed I was with my Canon. Would not be able to sell to recoup the original cost at this point, but my next camera will not be a Canon. Canon needs to recognize this problem and either recall it or give a patch.

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Michelle N. 0 pts

April 27, 2009 5:53 PM

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I'm having the same problem and Canon just told me it was my memory card but I could send it in for testing to be sure (shipping with UPS at my expense). A little Google searching later and some practice shots and now I realize the real problem is the flash. So, it sounds like sending it in makes no sense and I doubt I can return it at this point. Is the only solution to buy an external flash? (I don't want to push the flash back down after each shot). Today I missed my kid doing an obstacle course in gymnastics and am very frustrated. Is this problem on ALL Canon SLR cameras? Also, today coincidentally I got a firmware update: Firmware Version 1.1.0 incorporates the following improvement.

1. Supports the AF assist beam features of the new flash, Speedlite 270 EX, which is scheduled to be released in April 2009.

I'm not a pro and have no idea if this update will help the problem or do nothing. Thanks in advance!

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Jason 0 pts

June 29, 2009 4:34 PM

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Battery Grip. One of my buddies who also has the xti never has problems with his flash when he uses his battery grip. Does anyone have a grip on their xti and does it help with the recycle time for the flash?

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Linda 0 pts

July 4, 2009 8:27 AM

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I just discovered this site, so glad i did. I was pulling my hair out!! This is in answer to Jason about the battery grip. I have the battery grip and still get the busy, busy, busy. I'm off to go get a flash. I am so disappointed, i wish i had really hammered out the pictures when i first bought this, because i would have returned it.

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Janet 0 pts

July 24, 2009 5:12 PM

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Does anyone know if the newer xsi or t1i has a similar problem? My xti just died under extended warranty so I get a new one. I'm SO hoping the new ones are better.....

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Josh 0 pts

July 30, 2009 4:26 AM

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I own the T1i....and it has the same problem. I actually found this, looking for a solution... I own a speedlite flash, but don't want to use it all the time... The recycle time on the built-in flash is unacceptable. I bought the camera when it first came out ($899 from Newegg) and love the look and feel, speed of picture processing, etc... The only real problem that I have with this camera is the flash recovery time...

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Roy 0 pts

August 2, 2009 12:26 PM

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You're talking about a feature meant to protect your flash from overheating. If you don't see this issue on other cameras chances are the flash is not as strong or you run the risk of overheating and permanently damaging the flash. As far as i know, the 350D / Rebel XT does not have this feature.

Similarly most external flash units does not have this kind of protection. If you run it too hard, it will overheat and may be damaged.

The built-in flash on any DSLR is a convenience feature intended for very light use. If you need to do long burst with flash, you should consider an external unit. Actually, if you intend to use a flash at all, on a regular basis, you should consider an external flash. A typical professional DSLR doesn't even have a built-in flash, for good reason.

Btw, you may be able to increase the burstability of your built-in flash by disabling red-eye reduction. Obviously reducing the strength of the flash by manual control or opening up the aperture would have a smiliar effect. This should also decrease the general recycle time.

There are also ways to avoid using a flash at all. I for one hardly use flashes outside the studio. An EF 50mm F/1.8 and ISO400 should get you a long way.

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marina 0 pts

August 8, 2009 4:11 PM

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ok i own 400D, and i have the same problem with flash busy. So i finally decided to get a new camera to replace this one, I bought Canon 500D. And guess what? SAME THING. Very very annoying. I called Canon, and the said that "there is something going on there we're not sure what yet" and asked me to send the camera to them for further testing. I'm just gonna return it. But from what i heard you can fix that problem with an external flash, which doesn't come cheap.

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Bobby 0 pts

September 8, 2009 3:17 AM

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I have a 400XTI and have recently noticed this problem. I use the battery grip and have tried to figure out the problem both w/ the internal flash and my 430EX external with new and/or freshly recharged batteries. With either flash the first 100 or so shots are fine but after that it slows down as others have said. After installing fresh batteries the first dozen or so shots are fine but then it gets intolerably slow to refresh again. I've never noticed this before, even during longer photo shoots using the same settings (P Mode, 400 ISO), in the same room, under the same lighting conditions.

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A	is outstanding and exceptional, rated in the top 10% of digital cameras.
B	means they are good, with some standout features.
C	means they are mediocre, and probably more trouble than they are worth.
D & F	mean they are absolutely awful or old. Avoid at all costs.

canon xti gets the busy sign after flash is used is this normal

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