What is this?

[RobinChen]

Ok I read through the whole 30D camera manual and I still having a difficult time trying to find out what the contracting bars are when I look through the viewfinder WITH the flash engaged. It sort of starts FULL when I press my shutter half way and then it goes all the way down to nothing.
ex.

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Is it maybe how strong the flash is going to be? or the flash charging? I'm lost.. :er:

 

[Garbz]

exposure level indicator?

 

[RobinChen]

haha i guess i found out.. its the red eye reduction lamp.