I need help!

[drdude05]

I have a Nikon CoolPix E8700 and am trying to learn how to use it to take better shots of my tank. I find it very difficult to take well lit pictures of the tank. Most of the time the camera causes the flash to activate and the result is either pics that are washed out or too dark (if I don't use the flash). I also notice that at times I can get good lighting, if I zoom in the picture ends up dark.
Also, forget about taking pics with just the actinics on, the flash always engages and ruins the coloration or the picture is so dark you can't see it.

I'm rather dumb when it comes to cameras, I think I remeber something like you have to slow the shutter speed down to allow more light into the camera to keep the pic from becomming dark? But I'm not sure how to adjust this on my digital.

[dobejazz]

I'm not familar with the coolpix on my A630 digital elph I just turn off the flash and hit the macro button (the flower icon)
on my sony Mavica I was able to adjust the shutter speed to allow more light but I needed a tripod cause it took to long for the picture to take
Hopefully someone that knows what they are talking about shows up soon

[Loverotties]

Turn the flash off and speed the shutter up,put it on a tripod and use the timer so their is no shaking of the camara at all!

[ScruffyRubicon]

Do you have a White Balance setting? That will help you out a lot. Take a look at your manual.