Estimating Time Intervals Using a Recycling Camera Flash: User's Sensitivity to Flash Recycle Times

Abstract

To determine user sensitivity to camera flash recycle times, 84 subjects evaluated a range of flash recycle times. Flash recycle time is the minimum time needed to repower a camera battery between two camera flashes. The recycle time was increased from an “acceptable” recycle time to 30 seconds, or until the subject said he or she would replace the battery. It appeared that the rating and acceptability of a flash recycle time was related to the user's current flash recycle time. Subjects typically estimated that their own camera flash recycled in 2–5 seconds even though the actual range of times for the subjects' cameras was 0.5 to 10 seconds. A similar discrepancy occurred when the subjects were asked when they would replace their camera batteries. Possible explanations for estimation discrepancies and reasons for battery replacement are explored.

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