Canon SL1 - Why is auto ISO at 1,600 with flash?

007peter wrote:

The beauty of DSLR, as well as the FUN of it, is to able to twist it, and override its default AUTO setting. For example, Canon always default to 1/60s with buildin flash on. While this is good at freezing subject's motion, it also BLACKEN the background. I prefer to shoot @1/30s, so I can exposed the backdrop as well.

This is done automatically in Tv or Av modes (but not in P)  so do not need to mess with ISO etc.

So whenever AUTOx, or AUTOy annoys you, you should just override it. If Auto ISO choose 1600, turn it down to 800. I noticed when it comes to FLASH setting, I often disagree with Canon's default setting. Keep in mind that AUTO MODE is turned toward beginner who doesn't know any better. Sadly, it isn't tuned toward the Enthusiast. I suppose I can't fault canon for this, as enthusiast will likely override its setting and shoot in manual anyways.

My experience has been that Canon eTTL works really, really well. And when it does not, easiest thing to do is to adjust Flash Exposure Compensation -1 or -2 which is accessible via Quick Menu in 700d.

I aslo own a Nikon DSLR. I find Nikon's Auto-ISO superior. I can set my mini-shutter to (1/8, 1/15, 1/30s, 1/60, 1/100, etc...) This way, camera won't switch to high/nosier high iso unless the shutter-speed drop below my minimum-shutter-requirement. This keep the ISO low for most shots.

More or less with Canon except that the minimum threshold (at least for entry level 700D) is picked by the camera to be a useful default (1/focal length or so). It only starts bumping up the ISO above 400 (with flash) when the shutter speed would drop below that 'shake speed'.

Ofcourse, with IS, you can frequently get away with a lot lower shutter speed in which case manual mode works well.