The PowerShot A720 IS appears to have a similar flash as my SD1100 IS. Clearly, you're limited in what you can do compared to an SLR, but I have found a few tricks that give some measure of flexibility.
* The biggest problem is light fall off at close range, because the point source of the light is so small. You can hold a piece of kleenex over the flash and it serves as a diffuser.
* You can also cover part of the flash with your finger (at an angle hovering above it). It casts a reddish hue, but can act as a bounce and simulate off camera flash.
* If you actually place your finger directly on the flash, you can alter the power output, which allows more outside light to bleed into the exposure. This can balance out the exposure at the cost of adding colour problems.
Of course, if you have access to scotch tape, aluminum foil and wax paper, you can get really freaky and creative with it, but then you're spending a lot more time playing with light than a simple shot of produce likely requires. When I need to get that nuts, I generally just get out my SLR. :)
no subject
* The biggest problem is light fall off at close range, because the point source of the light is so small. You can hold a piece of kleenex over the flash and it serves as a diffuser.
* You can also cover part of the flash with your finger (at an angle hovering above it). It casts a reddish hue, but can act as a bounce and simulate off camera flash.
* If you actually place your finger directly on the flash, you can alter the power output, which allows more outside light to bleed into the exposure. This can balance out the exposure at the cost of adding colour problems.
Of course, if you have access to scotch tape, aluminum foil and wax paper, you can get really freaky and creative with it, but then you're spending a lot more time playing with light than a simple shot of produce likely requires. When I need to get that nuts, I generally just get out my SLR. :)