Why do cameras flash more than once?

Question: Why do cameras flash more than once!?

watch the video to see what I mean!.
http://www!.youtube!.com/watch!?v=Kbhntc5r-!.!.!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

Cameras flash multiple times for two reasons depending on your lighting and what you are taking a photo of!.

The first is if you are photographing people or animals- if you have your camera set for red-eye reduction, your camera will flash twice!. Once to close the subject's iris and stop the reflection, and then again for the photograph!.

The second is if you are in a very dark or dim area, your camera may flash multiple times to let it 'see' the subjects and what it should be focusing on!. If the camera is set for autofocus!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

also, sometimes the camera uses the first flash to take a reading and adjust the intensity/duration!. Obviously depending on the light, the flash needs to compensate for all, or only part of the light available!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

The first seceral flashs are intended to reduce red eye by forcing the subject's iris to close down!. If you want the specifics go look up red eye reduction on wikipedia!. Its really interesting reading if you're seriously interested in photography details!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

The flashes leading up to the big flash at the end help reduce the instances of red eyes in the picture!.Www@QuestionHome@Com