Spots on image when using built-in Speedlight flash

Spots on image when using built-in Speedlight flash

As is common in many compact digital cameras where the built-in flash is very close to the lens, strange reflections can appear in images under certain conditions.

Particulate matter in the air in front of the lens (between the camera and subject) such as water vapor (as in a cloudy day), smoke, dust or other items can reflect light directly into the lens causing neutral colored white/grey semi-transparent spots to appear in the image.

In extreme examples there may be many of these spots in an image or there may be only one per image. Also, since these spots are completely random they will move or disappear from image to image. For example, if two images are shot consecutively with the same camera settings one image may have spots while the other is clean.

To avoid these spots:

1. When possible, avoid photographing in smoky, dust, or cloudy areas
2. Do not use the camera's flash in locations such as above
3. Use an external Speedlight flash if a flash is needed
4. Review images on the camera and re-shoot if spots are visible

Cleaning the lens will not have an effect on these spots, as the particles that cause this are not on the lens itself.