Thanks for all your replies. Donalds response was both a comfort and a concern for me. At least it would appear that there is nothing wrong with the camera (all non-flash shots were perfect) and you are right about the size of the 24mm-70m lens. It takes a 77mm filter and obviously the flash is hitting the top of the lens barrel. I haven't been able to find any mention of this in the handbook and I am waiting for Canon technical support to get back to me today with their response. I don't expect it will be any different from Donalds but I will keep you posted. Cheers