User manual PANASONIC LUMIX DMC-FZ18

Operating Instructions Digital Camera Model No. DMC-FZ18 Before connecting, operating or adjusting this product, please read the instructions completely. For USA assistance, please call: 1-800-272-7033 or send e-mail to : digitalstillcam@us.panasonic.com For Canadian assistance, please call: 1-800-99-LUMIX (1-800-995-8649) or send e-mail to: lumixconcierge@ca.panasonic.com P PC VQT1F83 Before Use Before Use Dear Customer, Thank you for choosing Panasonic! You have purchased one of the most sophisticated and reliable products on the market today. Used properly, we're sure it will bring you and your family years of enjoyment. Please take time to fill in the information on the below. The serial number is on the tag located on the underside of your Camera. Be sure to retain this manual as your convenient Camera information source. Information for Your Safety WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK OR PRODUCT DAMAGE, · DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS TO RAIN, MOISTURE, DRIPPING OR SPLASHING AND THAT NO OBJECTS FILLED WITH LIQUIDS, SUCH AS VASES, SHALL BE PLACED ON THE APPARATUS. · USE ONLY THE RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES. · DO NOT REMOVE THE COVER (OR BACK); THERE ARE NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL. Carefully observe copyright laws. Recording of pre-recorded tapes or discs or other published or broadcast material for purposes other than your own private use may infringe copyright laws. Even for the purpose of private use, recording of certain material may be restricted. Model No. Serial No. RBRC TM Li-ion A lithium ion battery that is recyclable powers the product you have purchased. Please call 1-800-8-BATTERY for information on how to recycle this battery. 2 VQT1F83 Before Use · Please note that the actual controls and components, menu items, etc. of your Digital Camera may look somewhat different from those shown in the illustrations in these Operating Instructions. · SDHC Logo is a trademark. · Leica is a registered trademark of Leica Microsystems IR GmbH. · Elmarit is a registered trademark of Leica Camera AG. · Other names, company names, and product names printed in these instructions are trademarks or registered trademarks of the companies concerned. THE SOCKET OUTLET SHALL BE INSTALLED NEAR THE EQUIPMENT AND SHALL BE EASILY ACCESSIBLE. CAUTION Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Dispose of used batteries according to the manufacturer's instructions. Warning Risk of fire, explosion and burns. Do not disassemble, heat above 60 xC (140 oF) or incinerate. Product Identification Marking is located on the bottom of units. THE FOLLOWING APPLIES ONLY IN CANADA. This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. THE FOLLOWING APPLIES ONLY IN THE U.S.A. FCC Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: · Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. · Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. · Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. · Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. FCC Caution: To assure continued compliance, follow the attached installation instructions and use only shielded interface cables with ferrite core when connecting to computer or peripheral devices. Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate this equipment. 3 VQT1F83 Before Use Declaration of Conformity Trade Name: Panasonic Model No.: DMC-FZ18 Responsible party: Panasonic Corporation of North America One Panasonic Way, Secaucus, NJ 07094 Support Contact: Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company 1-800-272-7033 This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. -If you see this symbolInformation on Disposal in other Countries outside the European Union This symbol is only valid in the European Union. If you wish to discard this product, please contact your local authorities or dealer and ask for the correct method of disposal. About the battery pack CAUTION Battery pack (Lithium ion battery pack) · Use the specified unit to recharge the battery pack. · Do not use the battery pack with equipment other than the specified unit. · Do not get dirt, sand, liquids, or other foreign matter on the terminals. · Do not touch the plug terminals (i and j) with metal objects. · Do not disassemble, remodel, heat or throw into fire. If any electrolyte should come into contact with your hands or clothes, wash it off thoroughly with water. If any electrolyte should come into contact with your eyes, never rub the eyes. Rinse eyes thoroughly with water, and then consult a doctor. 4 VQT1F83 Before Use About the battery charger CAUTION! DO NOT INSTALL OR PLACE THIS UNIT IN A BOOKCASE, BUILT-IN CABINET OR IN ANOTHER CONFINED SPACE. ENSURE THE UNIT IS WELL VENTILATED. TO PREVENT RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK OR FIRE HAZARD DUE TO OVERHEATING, ENSURE THAT CURTAINS AND ANY OTHER MATERIALS DO NOT OBSTRUCT THE VENTILATION VENTS. Battery charger This battery charger operates on AC between 110 V and 240 V. But · In the U.S.A. and Canada, the battery charger must be connected to a 120 V AC power supply only. · When connecting to an AC supply outside of the U.S.A. or Canada, use a plug adaptor to suit the AC outlet configuration. Care of the camera · Do not strongly shake or bump the camera by dropping it etc. This unit may malfunction, recording pictures may no longer be possible or the lens or the LCD monitor may be damaged. · Retract the lens before carrying the camera or playing back pictures. · Be particularly careful in the following places as they may cause this unit to malfunction. ­ Places with a lot of sand or dust. ­ Places where water can come into contact with this unit such as when using it on a rainy day or on a beach. · Do not touch the lens or the sockets with dirty hands. Also, be careful not to allow liquids to get into the space around the lens, buttons etc. · If water or seawater splashes on the camera, use a dry cloth to wipe the camera body carefully. About Condensation (When the lens or the Viewfinder is fogged up) · Condensation occurs when the ambient temperature or humidity changes. Be careful of condensation since it causes lens stains, fungus and camera malfunction. · If condensation occurs, turn the camera off and leave it for about 2 hours. The fog will disappear naturally when the temperature of the camera becomes close to the ambient temperature. Read together with the "Cautions for Use". (P120) About cards that can be used in this unit You can use an SD Memory Card, an SDHC Memory Card and a MultiMediaCard. · When the term card is used in these operating instructions this refers to the following types of Memory Cards. ­ SD Memory Card (8 MB to 2 GB) ­ SDHC Memory Card (4 GB) ­ MultiMediaCard (still pictures only) More specific information about memory cards that can be used with this unit. · You can only use an SDHC Memory Card if using cards with 4 GB or more capacity. · A 4 GB Memory Card without an SDHC logo is not based on the SD Standard and will not work in this product. OK 4 4 Please confirm the latest information on the following website. http://panasonic.co.jp/pavc/global/cs (This Site is English only.) 5 VQT1F83 Contents Before Use Information for Your Safety....................... 2 Advanced (Recording pictures) About the LCD Monitor/Viewfinder ......... 36 · Changing the information displayed .......................................... 36 · Brightening the LCD Monitor ............ 39 Taking Pictures using the Built-in Flash ....................................................... 40 Taking Pictures with the Self-timer ......... 44 Compensating the Exposure .................. 45 Taking Pictures using Auto Bracket........ 46 Taking Pictures using Burst Mode .......... 47 Taking Close-up Pictures........................ 48 Aperture-priority AE ................................ 50 Shutter-priority AE .................................. 50 Manual exposure .................................... 51 Aperture Value and Shutter Speed......... 52 Taking Pictures with Manual Focus ........ 52 Registering Personal Menu Settings (Registering custom settings) ................. 55 Taking pictures in Custom mode ............ 56 Taking expressive portraits and landscape pictures (Advanced scene mode)...................................................... 57 · [PORTRAIT]...................................... 57 · [SCENERY] ...................................... 58 · [SPORTS] ......................................... 58 · [NIGHT PORTRAIT] ......................... 58 Taking pictures that match the scene being recorded (Scene mode) ................ 59 · [FOOD] ............................................ 60 · [PARTY]............................................ 60 · [CANDLE LIGHT].............................. 60 · [SUNSET] ......................................... 61 · [HIGH SENS.] ................................... 61 · [BABY1]/[BABY2].............................. 61 · [PET]................................................. 62 · [PANNING] ....................................... 62 · [STARRY SKY] ................................. 63 · [FIREWORKS] .................................. 64 · [BEACH] ........................................... 65 · [SNOW]............................................. 65 · [AERIAL PHOTO] ............................. 65 Motion Picture Mode............................... 65 Preparation Standard Accessories............................... 8 Names of the Components ....................... 8 Attaching the Lens Cap/Strap................. 10 Attaching the Lens Hood ........................ 11 Quick Guide ............................................ 12 Charging the Battery with the Charger ... 13 About the Battery (charging/number of recordable pictures) ................................ 13 Inserting and Removing the Card (optional)/the Battery .............................. 15 About the Built-in Memory/the Card (optional)................................................. 16 Setting Date/Time (Clock Set) ................ 17 · Changing the clock setting ............... 17 About the Mode Dial ............................... 18 Setting the Menu..................................... 19 About the Setup Menu ............................ 20 LCD Monitor/Viewfinder Display/ Switching the LCD Monitor/Viewfinder Display .................................................... 23 Basic Taking Pictures ....................................... 25 Taking pictures using the automatic function (Intelligent Auto Mode) .............. 28 Taking Pictures with the Zoom ............... 30 · Using the Optical Zoom .................... 30 · Using the Extended Optical Zoom (EZ) .................................................. 31 · Using the Digital Zoom Further extending the zoom ............. 31 Checking the Recorded Picture (Review).................................................. 32 Playing back/Deleting Pictures ............... 33 6 VQT1F83 Recording which Day of the Vacation You Take the Picture .............................. 67 Displaying the Time at the Travel Destination (World Time) ........................ 69 Using the [REC] Mode Menu .................. 71 · [W.BALANCE]................................... 72 · [WB ADJUST.] .................................. 73 · [INTELLIGENT ISO] ......................... 74 · [SENSITIVITY].................................. 75 · [ASPECT RATIO] ............................. 75 · [PICT.SIZE]/[QUALITY] .................... 76 · [AUDIO REC.]................................... 77 · [METERING MODE] ......................... 78 · [AF MODE] ....................................... 78 · [STABILIZER] ................................... 81 · [CONT.AF] ........................................ 82 · [AF ASSIST LAMP]........................... 82 · [AF/AE LOCK]................................... 83 · [COL.EFFECT] ................................. 83 · [PICT.ADJ.]....................................... 84 · [FLIP ANIM.] ..................................... 84 · [CONVERSION]................................ 86 · [ASPECT CONV.] ........................... 108 · [COPY]............................................ 109 · [FORMAT]....................................... 110 Connecting to other equipment Connecting to a PC............................... 111 Printing the Pictures.............................. 113 Playing Back Pictures on a TV Screen .................................................. 117 Others Using the MC Protector/ND Filter ......... 118 Screen Display...................................... 118 Cautions for Use ................................... 120 Message Display .................................. 123 Troubleshooting .................................... 125 Number of Recordable Pictures and Available Recording Time ..................... 130 Specifications........................................ 134 Digital Camera Accessory System........ 137 Digital Camera Accessory Order Form (For USA Customers) ........................... 138 Request for Service Notice (For USA Only) ..................................... 139 Limited Warranty (For USA Only) ......... 140 Customer Services Directory (For USA Only) ..................................... 142 Précautions à prendre (pour le Canada) ................................... 143 Index ..................................................... 145 Advanced (Playback) Displaying Multiple Screens (Multi Playback) ................................................ 88 Displaying Pictures by Recording Date (Calendar Playback) ............................... 89 Using the Playback Zoom ....................... 90 Playing Back Motion Pictures/Pictures with Audio ............................................... 91 Creating still pictures from a motion picture ..................................................... 92 Using the [PLAY] mode menu ................ 93 · [SLIDE SHOW] ................................. 94 · [CATEGORY].................................... 95 · [ROTATE DISP.]/[ROTATE] ............. 97 · [FAVORITE]...................................... 98 · [TITLE EDIT]..................................... 99 · [TEXT STAMP] ............................... 101 · [DPOF PRINT] ................................ 103 · [PROTECT]..................................... 104 · [AUDIO DUB.] ................................ 105 · [RESIZE]......................................... 106 · [TRIMMING].................................... 107 7 VQT1F83 Preparation Preparation Standard Accessories Check that all the accessories are included before using the camera. 6 7 8 9 1 2 Shoulder Strap Lens Cap/Lens Cap String Lens Hood A: Silver B: Black Hood Adaptor CGR-S006A DE-A43B 3 4 · SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card and MultiMediaCard are indicated as card in the text. · The card is optional. You can record or play back pictures on the built-in memory when you are not using a card. · For information about optional accessories, refer to the "Digital Camera Accessory System". (P137) K1HA08CD0013 K1HA08CD0014 5 6 Names of the Components 1 2 34 VFC4269 7 VYK2E94 8 9 1 2 3 A: VYQ4123 B: VYQ4122 1 2 3 4 5 VYQ4124 4 Lens (P121) Flash (P40) Self-timer indicator (P44) AF assist lamp (P82) Microphone (P66, 78, 105) Battery Pack (Indicated as battery in the text) Battery Charger (Indicated as charger in the text) USB Connection Cable AV Cable CD-ROM · Software 8 VQT1F83 Preparation 56 7 8 9 10 11 In these operating instructions, operations using the cursor button are described with illustrations below. e.g.: When you press the 4 button 12 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 13 14 15 16 16 [MENU/SET] button (P17) Flash open button (P40) Diopter adjustment dial (P37) Viewfinder (P36, 118) Speaker (P91) [EVF/LCD] button (P36) [AF/AE LOCK] button (P83) Joystick (P27, 33, 50, 51) In these operating instructions, the operations using the joystick are described as illustrated below shown. e.g.: When you tilt the joystick right 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 17 Zoom lever (P30) 18 Shutter button (P25, 65) 19 AF macro/Focus switch button (P48, 54) 20 Mode dial (P18) 21 Camera ON/OFF switch (P17) 22 Power lamp (P25) 23 [AF/MF] button (P52) e.g.: When you press the center of the joystick 24 12 LCD monitor (P36, 118) 13 [DISPLAY/LCD MODE] button (P36, 39) 14 Delete button (P33)/ Single or burst mode button (P47) 15 Cursor buttons 2/Self-timer button (P44) 4/[REV] button (P32) 1/Flash setting button (P40) 3/Exposure compensation (P45)/ Auto bracket (P46)/Flash output adjustment (P43)/ Backlight compensation in intelligent auto mode (P29) button 25 26 27 28 24 Strap eyelet 25 [DIGITAL/AV OUT] socket (P111, 113, 117) 9 VQT1F83 Preparation 26 [DC IN] socket (P111, 113) · Always use a genuine Panasonic AC adaptor (DMW-AC7PP; optional). · This camera cannot charge the battery even though the AC adaptor (DMW-AC7PP; optional) is connected to it. 27 Terminal door 28 Lens barrel (P118) 3 Attach the lens cap. 29 30 29 Card/Battery door (P15) 30 Tripod receptacle · When you use a tripod, make sure the tripod is stable when the camera is attached to it. · When you turn the camera off, carry the camera or play back the pictures, attach the lens cap to protect the surface of the lens. · Detach the lens cap before turning on the camera in the recording mode. · Be careful not to lose the lens cap. Strap (supplied) 1 Pass the strap through the hole at the strap eyelet. Attaching the Lens Cap/Strap Lens Cap (supplied) 1 Pass the string through the hole on the lens cap. 2 Pass the strap through the stopper and fasten the strap. 2 Pass the same string through the hole on the camera. A: Pull the strap 2 cm or more. 10 VQT1F83 Preparation · Attach the strap to the other side of the camera being careful not to twist it. · Check that the strap is firmly attached to the camera. · Attach the strap so that the "LUMIX" LOGO is on the outside. · We recommend attaching the strap when using the camera to prevent it from dropping. · Make sure the screw is loose and then attach the lens hood. Attaching the Lens Hood In bright sunlight or backlight, the lens hood will minimize lens flare and ghosting. The lens hood cuts off excess lighting and improves the picture quality. · Check that the camera is turned off. · Close the flash. 3 Tighten the screw. 1 Securely attach the hood adaptor (supplied) so that it is all the way into the lens barrel. · Do not tighten the screw too much. Removing the hood adaptor · Do not tighten the hood adaptor too much. 2 Place the camera upside down, align the mark on the lens hood with the mark A on the camera and then insert the lens hood. · Grasp the base of the hood adaptor to remove it. 11 VQT1F83 Preparation · You cannot attach the lens hood the opposite way. · When taking pictures with flash with the lens hood attached, the lower portion of the photo may turn dark (vignetting effect) and the control of the flash may be disabled because the photo flash may be obscured by the lens hood. We recommend detaching the lens hood. · When using the AF assist lamp in the dark, detach the lens hood. · For details on how to attach the MC protector and the ND filter, refer to P118. · You cannot attach the tele conversion lens and the close-up lens when the hood adaptor is attached. · For information about [CONVERSION], refer to P86. · If any accessories are lost, customers in the USA should contact Panasonic's parts department at 1 800 833-9626 and customers in Canada should contact 1 800 99-LUMIX (1-800-995-8649) for further information about obtaining replacement parts. 2 Insert the battery and the card. (P15) · When you do not use the card, you can record or play back pictures on the built-in memory. (P16) Refer to P16 when you use a card. 3 Turn the camera on to take pictures. · Set the clock. (P17) CUSTOM OFF ON Quick Guide This is an overview of how to record and play back pictures with the camera. For each step, be sure to refer to the pages indicated in brackets. 1 Set the mode dial to [ ]. 2 Press the shutter button to take pictures. (P25) 4 Play back the pictures. CUS TOM 1 Charge the battery. (P13) · The battery is not charged when the camera is shipped. Charge the battery before use. 1 Set the mode dial to [ ]. 2 Select the picture you want to view. (P33) 12 VQT1F83 Preparation Charging the Battery with the Charger The battery is not charged when the camera is shipped. Charge the battery before use. 1 Insert the battery terminals and attach the battery to the charger. 2 Connect the charger to the electrical outlet. · After charging is completed, be sure to disconnect the power supply device from the electrical outlet. · The battery becomes warm after using it and during and after charging. The camera also becomes warm during use. This is not a malfunction. · The battery will be exhausted if left for a long period of time after being charged. Recharge the battery when it is exhausted. · The battery can be charged even if it is not fully discharged. · Use the dedicated charger and battery. · Charge the battery with the charger indoors. · Do not disassemble or modify the charger. · Do not leave any metal items (such as clips) near the contact areas of the power plug. Otherwise, a fire and/or electric shocks may be caused by short-circuiting or the resulting heat generated. About the Battery · Charging starts when the [CHARGE] indicator A lights green. · Charging is complete when the [CHARGE] indicator A turns off (after about 120 minutes). · When the [CHARGE] indicator flashes, read P14. (charging/number of recordable pictures) The battery life The number of recordable pictures (By CIPA standard in program AE mode [ ]) Number of recordable pictures Approx. 400 pictures (Approx. 200 min) 3 Detach the battery after charging is completed. Recording conditions by CIPA standard · Temperature: 23 °C (73.4 °F)/ Humidity: 50% when LCD monitor is on.¢ · Using a Panasonic SD Memory Card (16 MB). · Using the supplied battery. 13 VQT1F83 Preparation · Starting recording 30 seconds after the camera is turned on. (When the optical image stabilizer function is set to [MODE1].) · Recording once every 30 seconds with full flash every second recording. · Rotating the zoom lever from Tele to Wide or vice versa in every recording. · Turning the camera off every 10 recordings and leaving it until the temperature of the battery decreases. ¢ The number of recordable pictures decreases in Auto power LCD mode, Power LCD mode and High angle mode (P39). · CIPA is an abbreviation of [Camera & Imaging Products Association]. The number of recordable pictures varies depending on the recording interval time. If the recording interval time becomes longer, the number of recordable pictures decreases. [e.g. When recording once every 2 minutes, the number of recordable pictures decreases to about 100.] The number of recordable pictures when using the Viewfinder (Recording conditions comply with CIPA standard.) Number of recordable pictures Approx. 400 pictures (Approx. 200 min) Charging Charging time Approx. 120 min Charging time and number of recordable pictures with the optional battery pack (CGR-S006A) are the same as above. · The [CHARGE] indicator lights when charging starts. When the [CHARGE] indicator flashes · The battery is over discharged (discharged excessively). In a while, [CHARGE] indicator will light up and normal charging will start. · The battery temperature is excessively high or low. The charging time will be longer than normal. Also, charging may not be completed. · The terminals of the charger or the battery are dirty. In this case, wipe them with a dry cloth. · When the operating time of the camera becomes extremely short even after properly charging the battery, the life of the battery may have expired. Buy a new battery. Charging conditions · Charge the battery in a temperature between 10 oC to 35 oC (50 oF to 95 oF). (The battery temperature should also be the same.) · The performance of the battery may temporarily deteriorate and the operating time may become shorter in low temperature conditions (e.g. skiing/ snowboarding). · The battery may swell and its operating time may become shorter as the number of times it is charged increases. For long term battery use, we recommend you do not frequently charge the battery before it is exhausted. Playback time when using the LCD monitor Playback time Approx. 420 min The number of recordable pictures and playback time will vary depending on the operating conditions and storing condition of the battery. 14 VQT1F83 Preparation Inserting and Removing the Card (optional)/the Battery · Check that this unit is turned off. · Close the flash. · Prepare a card. (optional) · You can record or play back pictures on the built-in memory when you are not using a card. · Do not touch the connection terminals of the card. · The card may be damaged if it is not fully inserted. 3 1: Close the card/battery door. 2: Slide the card/battery door to the end and then close it firmly. 1 Slide the card/battery door to open it. · Always use genuine Panasonic batteries (CGR-S006A). · If you use other batteries, we cannot guarantee the quality of this product. · If the card/battery door cannot be completely closed, remove the card, check its direction and then insert it again. 2 Battery: Insert it fully being careful about the direction you insert it. Pull the lever A in the direction of the arrow to remove the battery. Card: Push it fully until it clicks being careful about the direction you insert it. To remove the card, push the card until it clicks, then pull the card out upright. · Remove the battery after use. · Do not remove the battery with the camera turned on since the settings on the camera may not be stored properly. · The supplied battery is designed only for the camera. Do not use it with any other equipment. · Do not insert or remove the battery or the card while this unit is turned on. The data on the built-in memory or the card may be damaged. Be particularly careful while the built-in memory or the card is being accessed. (P24) · We recommend using a Panasonic card. 15 VQT1F83 Preparation About the Built-in Memory/the Card (optional) The built-in memory can be used as a temporary storage device when the card being used becomes full. You can copy the recorded pictures to a card. (P109) Built-in Memory [ ] You can record or play back pictures with the built-in memory. (The built-in memory cannot be used when a card is inserted.) · The built-in memory capacity is about 27 MB. · Picture size is fixed to QVGA (320k240 pixels) when recording motion pictures to the built-in memory. Card [ ] When a card is inserted, you can record or play back pictures on a card. Card (optional) · The SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card and MultiMediaCard are small, lightweight, removable external cards. Read P5 for information about cards that can be used in this unit. · The SDHC Memory Card is a memory card standard decided by the SD Association in 2006 for high capacity memory cards more than 2 GB. · The reading/writing speed of an SD Memory Card and an SDHC Memory Card is fast. Both types of card are equipped with a Write-Protect switch A that prevents writing and formatting the card. (If the switch is slid to the [LOCK] side, it is not possible to write or delete data on the card and format it. When the switch is slid to the other side, these functions become available.) 2 · This unit (SDHC compatible equipment) is compatible with SD Memory Cards based on SD Memory Card Specifications and formatted in FAT12 system and FAT16 system. It is also compatible with SDHC Memory Cards based on SD Memory Card Specifications and formatted in FAT32 system. · You can use an SDHC Memory Card in equipment that is compatible with SDHC Memory Cards however you cannot use an SDHC Memory Card in equipment that is only compatible with SD Memory Cards. (Always read the operating instructions for the equipment being used. If you also order a photo studio to print pictures, ask the photo studio before printing.) (P5) · Refer to P130 for information about the number of recordable pictures and the available recording time for each Card. · We recommend using High Speed SD Memory Cards/SDHC Memory Cards when recording motion pictures. · The data on the built-in memory or the card may be damaged or lost due to electromagnetic waves, static electricity or breakdown of the camera or the card. We recommend storing important data on a PC etc. · Do not format the card on your PC or other equipment. Format it on the camera only to ensure proper operation. (P110) · Keep the Memory Card out of reach of children to prevent swallowing. 16 VQT1F83 Preparation Setting Date/Time (Clock Set) 3 Press [MENU/SET] to set. · Turn the camera off after setting the clock. Then set the mode dial to a recording mode to turn the camera on and check whether or not the clock setting is correct. Initial setting The clock is not set so the following screen appears when you turn the camera on. OFF ON Changing the clock setting 1 Press [MENU/SET]. 2 Press 3/4 to select [CLOCK SET]. 3 Press 1 and then perform steps 2 and 3 to set the clock. 4 Press [MENU/SET] to close the menu. · You can also set the clock in the [SETUP] menu. (P20) · When a fully charged battery has been inserted for more than 24 hours, charging of the built-in battery for the clock is completed so the clock setting will be stored (in the camera) for at least 3 months even if the battery is removed. (If you insert a battery that is not sufficiently charged, the length of time that the clock setting is stored may become less.) However the clock setting is canceled after this time. In this case, set the clock again. · You can set the year from 2000 to 2099. The 24-hour system is used. · If the clock is not set, the correct date cannot be printed when you stamp the date on the pictures with [TEXT STAMP] (P101) or order a photo studio to print the pictures. · If the clock is set, the correct date can be printed even if the date is not displayed on the screen of the camera. A [MENU/SET] button B Cursor buttons C Mode dial 1 Press [MENU/SET]. 2 Press 3/4/2/1 to select the date and time. : : A Time at the home area B Time at the travel destination (P69) · 2/1: Select the desired item. · 3/4: Set the display order for the date and time. · : Cancel without setting the clock. 17 VQT1F83 Preparation About the Mode Dial If you turn on this unit and then rotate the mode dial, you can not only switch between recording and playback but also switch to a scene mode that matches your recording purpose. Switching the mode by rotating the mode dial Align a desired mode with part A. Rotate the mode dial slowly and surely to adjust to each mode. (The mode dial rotates 360 o) CUSTOM Playback mode (P33) This mode allows you to play back recorded pictures. Advanced Aperture-priority AE mode (P50) The shutter speed is automatically determined by the aperture value you set. Shutter-priority AE mode (P50) The aperture value is automatically determined by the shutter speed you set. Manual exposure mode (P51) The exposure is adjusted by the aperture value and the shutter speed which are manually adjusted. Custom mode (P56) Use this mode to take pictures with previously registered settings. Motion picture mode (P65) This mode allows you to record motion pictures. Print mode (P113) Use this to print pictures. Scene mode (P59) · The above screen B appears on the LCD monitor/Viewfinder if the mode dial is rotated. (P23) The mode currently selected appears on the LCD monitor/Viewfinder when the camera is turned on. Basic Program AE mode (P25) The exposure is automatically adjusted by the camera. Intelligent auto mode (P28) Use this mode to have the camera automatically handle all settings for taking pictures. This allows you to take pictures that match the scene being recorded. Advanced scene mode Portrait mode (P57) Use this mode to take pictures of people. Scenery mode (P58) Use this mode to take pictures of scenery. Sports mode (P58) Use this mode to take pictures of sporting events, etc. 18 VQT1F83 Preparation Night portrait mode (P58) Use this mode to take pictures of night scenes and people with night time scenery. [SCENE MODE] menu (P59) This is displayed when the mode dial is set to [ ]. [SETUP] menu (P20) This is displayed when the mode dial is set to [ ]/[ ]/[ ]/[ ]/[ ]/[ ]/ [ ]/[ ]/[ ]/[ ]/[ ]/[ ]/[ ]. [CUSTOM] mode menu (P56) This is displayed when the mode dial is set to [ ]. Setting menu items · The following example shows how to set [PICT.SIZE] when program AE mode [ ] is selected. Setting the Menu Displaying the menu screens Press [MENU/SET]. e.g.: The first page of the total 4 pages is displayed. B A C 1 Press 3/4 to select the menu item. A Menu icons B Current page C Menu items and settings · Rotate the zoom lever while selecting the menu item to switch to the next/previous page easily. · The menu icons and the menu items that are displayed differ depending on the position of the mode dial. About the menu icons : The [CUSTOM] mode is displayed. [REC] mode menu (P71) This is displayed when the mode dial is set to [ ]/[ ]/[ ]/[ ]/[ ]/[ ]/ [ ]/[ ]/[ ]/[ ]/[ ]/[ ]. [PLAY] mode menu (P93) This is displayed when the mode dial is set to [ ]. Advanced scene mode menu (P57) This is displayed when the mode dial is set to [ ]/[ ]/[ ]/[ ]. · Press 4 at A to switch to the next screen. or A 2 Press 1. or 19 VQT1F83 Preparation 3 Press 3/4 to select the setting. 3 Press 1. or or 4 Press [MENU/SET] to set. MENU · Select a menu item next and set it. SET About the Setup Menu · Set items as required. · Select [RESET] to return the settings to the initial settings at the time of purchase. (P22) · [CLOCK SET], [AUTO REVIEW] and [POWER SAVE] are important items. Check their settings before using them. [CLOCK SET] (P17) (Changing the date and time.) Press [ SET ] to display the [SETUP] menu and select the item to set. (P19) Change date and time. MENU or Closing the menu screen Press [MENU/SET]. · When the mode dial is set to [ ]/ [ ]/[ ]/[ ]/[ ]/[ ]/[ ]/ [ ]/[ ]/[ ]/[ ]/[ ], you can also close the menu screen by pressing the shutter button halfway or press the center of the joystick to finish. Switching to the [SETUP] menu 1 Press 2 on a menu screen. [AUTO REVIEW] (Displaying the recorded picture.) Press [ SET ] to display the [SETUP] menu and select the item to set. (P19) Set the length of time that the picture is displayed after taking it. MENU [OFF] or [1SEC.] [3SEC.] [ZOOM]: The picture is displayed for 1 second and then enlarged 4k and displayed for 1 more second. · The auto review function is not activated in motion picture mode [ ]. · The auto review function is activated regardless of its setting when using the auto bracket (P46) and burst (P47) modes, as well as when recording still 2 Press 4 to select the [SETUP] menu icon. or 20 VQT1F83 Preparation pictures with audio (P77). (The pictures are not enlarged.) · When the quality is set to [RAW] or [RAWiJPEG], the auto review function works until the end of recording onto the card. (The picture is not enlarged.) · The auto review setting is disabled when using auto bracket or burst mode, in motion picture mode [ ], when [AUDIO REC.] is set to [ON] or when the quality is set to [RAW] or [RAWiJPEG]. · In intelligent auto mode [ ], the auto review function is fixed to [1SEC.]. [POWER SAVE] (Turning off this unit automatically.) Press [ SET ] to display the [SETUP] menu and select the item to set. (P19) Power save mode is activated (the camera is automatically turned off to save the battery life) if the camera has not been used for the time selected on the setting. [1MIN.], [2MIN.], [5MIN.], [10MIN.], [OFF] · Press the shutter button halfway or turn this unit off and on to cancel power save mode. · In intelligent auto mode [ ], power save mode is fixed to [5MIN.]. · Power save mode is not activated in the following cases. ­ When using the AC adaptor (DMW-AC7PP; optional) ­ When connecting to a PC or a printer ­ When recording or playing back motion pictures ­ During a slide show MENU [CUST. SET MEM.] Press [ SET ] to display the [SETUP] menu and select the item to set. (P19) The current camera settings are registered in [ ], [ ] or [ ]. (P55) [ ], [ ], [ ] MENU [MONITOR/VIEWFINDER] Press [ SET ] to display the [SETUP] menu and select the item to set. (P19) You can adjust the brightness of the monitor or the Viewfinder in 7 steps. MENU [GUIDE LINE] Press [ SET ] to display the [SETUP] menu and select the item to set. (P19) Set the pattern of the guide lines displayed when taking pictures. You can also set whether or not to have the recording information and histogram displayed when the guide lines are displayed. (P36, 38) MENU [REC. INFO.]: [HISTOGRAM]: [ON]/[OFF] [ON]/[OFF] [PATTERN]: [ ]/[ ] · In intelligent auto mode [ ], the guide lines and histogram are not displayed. [TRAVEL DATE] (P67) Press [ SET ] to display the [SETUP] menu and select the item to set. (P19) Set the departure date and the return date of the vacation. [SET], [OFF] MENU [WORLD TIME] (P69) Press [ SET ] to display the [SETUP] menu and select the item to set. (P19) Set the time in your home area and travel destination. MENU [ [ ]: ]: Travel destination area Your home area [PLAY ON LCD] (P37) Press [ SET ] to display the [SETUP] menu and select the item to set. (P19) If you selected the Viewfinder in a recording mode, the display will automatically switch to the LCD monitor when reviewing or playing back the pictures. [ON], [OFF] MENU 21 VQT1F83 Preparation [ZOOM RESUME] Press [ SET ] to display the [SETUP] menu and select the item to set. (P19) The zoom position is stored when this unit is turned off. When this unit is turned on again, the zoom automatically returns to the position it was at when this unit was turned off. (P30) [ON], [OFF] MENU [SHUTTER] Press [ SET ] to display the [SETUP] menu and select the item to set. (P19) This allows you to set the shutter sound. MENU [ [ [ ]: ]: ]: MENU No shutter sound Soft shutter sound Loud shutter sound [MF ASSIST] (P52) (Recording mode only) Press [ SET ] to display the [SETUP] menu and select the item to set. (P19) In manual focus, the assistance screen appears on the center of the screen to facilitate focusing on the subject. MENU [VOLUME] Press [ SET ] to display the [SETUP] menu and select the item to set. (P19) The volume of speakers can be adjusted in 7 steps from level 6 to 0. · When you connect the camera to a TV, the volume of the TV speakers does not change. [NO.RESET] Press [ SET ] to display the [SETUP] menu and select the item to set. (P19) Reset the file number of the next recording to 0001. · The folder number is updated and the file number starts from 0001. (P112) · A folder number between 100 and 999 can be assigned. When the folder number reaches 999, the number cannot be reset. We recommend formatting the card after saving the data on a PC or elsewhere. · To reset the folder number to 100, format (P110) the built-in memory or the card first and then use this function to reset the file number. A reset screen for the folder number will then appear. Select [YES] to reset the folder number. MENU [MF1]: The center of the screen is enlarged. You can adjust the focus while determining the composition of the whole of the screen. The center of the screen is enlarged over the whole screen. This is convenient for adjusting the focus in wide angle shots for which changes in focus are difficult to grasp. The screen is not enlarged. MENU [MF2]: [OFF]: [BEEP] Press [ SET ] to display the [SETUP] menu and select the item to set. (P19) This allows you to set the beep. [ [ [ ]: ]: ]: MENU No operation sound Soft operation sound Loud operation sound [AF BEEP] Press [ SET ] to display the [SETUP] menu and select the item to set. (P19) This allows you to set the AF beep. [ [ [ ]: ]: ]: No AF beep Soft AF beep Loud AF beep [RESET] Press [ SET ] to display the [SETUP] menu and select the item to set. (P19) The [REC], [CUST. SET MEM.] or [SETUP] menu settings are reset to the initial settings. · [FAVORITE] (P98) is fixed to [OFF] and [ROTATE DISP.] (P97) is fixed to [ON]. · If the [SETUP] menu settings are reset, the following settings are also reset. MENU 22 VQT1F83 Preparation ­ The birthday and name settings for [BABY1]/[BABY2] (P61) and [PET] (P62) in scene mode. ­ The number of days that have passed since the departure date in [TRAVEL DATE]. (P67) ­ The [WORLD TIME] (P69) setting. ­ [ZOOM RESUME] (P30) · The folder number and the clock setting are not changed. [VIDEO OUT] (Playback mode only) Press [ SET ] to display the [SETUP] menu and select the item to set. (P19) Set to match the color television system in each country. MENU [AUTO]: The advanced scene mode or [SCENE MODE] menu screen appears. The recording screen in the currently selected advanced scene mode or scene mode appears. [OFF]: [DIAL DISPLAY] Press [ SET ] to display the [SETUP] menu and select the item to set. (P19) Set whether or not to show the mode dial display when the mode dial is rotated. [ON], [OFF] MENU [NTSC]: [PAL]: Video output is set to NTSC system. Video output is set to PAL system. [TV ASPECT] (Playback mode only) (P117) Press [ SET ] to display the [SETUP] menu and select the item to set. (P19) Set to match the type of TV. MENU [LANGUAGE] Press [ SET ] to display the [SETUP] menu and select the item to set. (P19) Set the language displayed on the screen. [ENGLISH], [DEUTSCH], [FRANÇAIS], ] [ESPAÑOL], [ITALIANO], [ ]¢, [ ¢ Not displayed on DMC-FZ18P · If you set a different language by mistake, select [ ] from the menu icons to set the desired language. MENU [ [ ]: ]: When connecting to a 16:9 screen TV. When connecting to a 4:3 screen TV. [m/ft] (P52) Press [ SET ] to display the [SETUP] menu and select the item to set. (P19) Change the unit displayed for the focus distance in manual focus. MENU LCD Monitor/ Viewfinder Display/ Switching the LCD Monitor/Viewfinder Display Screen display in program AE mode [ ] (at the time of purchase) [m]: [ft]: The distance is displayed in metres. The distance is displayed in feet. MENU 12 17 16 15 34 5 6 7 6 8 9 10 [SCENE MENU] (P57, 60) Press [ SET ] to display the [SETUP] menu and select the item to set. (P19) Set the screen that will appear when the mode dial is set to [ ]/[ ]/[ ]/[ ]/ [ ]. F2.8 1/30 14 13 12 11 1 Recording mode 23 VQT1F83 Preparation 2 3 Flash mode (P40) AF area (P25) · The AF area displayed is bigger than usual when taking pictures in dark places. Focus (P25) Picture size (P76) Quality (P76) : Jitter alert (P27) Battery indication · The access time for the built-in memory may be longer than the access time for a card. 11 AF area selection (P80) 12 Joystick operation (P27, 33, 50, 51) 13 Shutter speed (P25) 14 Aperture value (P25) · If the exposure is not adequate, the aperture value and the shutter speed turn red. (They do not turn red when the flash is activated.) 15 Exposure compensation (P45) 16 Metering mode (P78) 17 Optical Image Stabilizer (P81) · Refer to P118 for information about other screen displays. Switching the screen display You can change the screen display by pressing [DISPLAY]. This allows you to display information while taking pictures such as the picture size or the number of recordable pictures or take pictures without displaying any information. Refer to P36 for details. 4 5 6 7 · The indication turns red and blinks if the remaining battery power is exhausted. Recharge the battery or replace it with a fully charged battery. · It does not appear when you use the camera with the AC adaptor (DMW-AC7PP; optional) connected. 8 9 Number of recordable pictures (P130) Recording state 10 Built-in memory/Card · The access indication lights red when pictures are being recorded on the built-in memory (or the card). ­ When using the built-in memory ­ When using the card · Do not do the following when the access indication lamps lights. The card or the data on the card may be damaged and this unit may no longer operate normally. ­ Turn this unit off. ­ Remove the battery or the card (when using a card). ­ Shake or bump this unit. ­ Disconnect the AC adaptor (DMW-AC7PP; optional). (when using the AC adaptor) · Do not do the above when pictures are being read or deleted or the built-in memory (or the card) is being formatted (P110). 24 VQT1F83 Basic Basic Taking Pictures The camera automatically sets the shutter speed and the aperture value according to the brightness of the subject. CUSTOM OFF ON · The focus indication 2 lights green and the AF area 1 turns from white to green. (3: Aperture value, 4: Shutter speed) · The subject is not focused in the following cases. ­ The focus indication blinks (green). ­ The AF area turns white to red or there is no AF area. ­ The focus sound beeps 4 times. · If the subject is not in focus, an estimate of the focus range will appear in red at the bottom of the screen. · If the distance is beyond the focus range, the picture may not be properly focused even if the focus indication lights. · The power lamp 3 lights when you turn this unit on 2. (1: Shutter button) 4 Press the halfway pressed shutter button fully to take a picture. 1 Hold this unit gently with both hands, keep your arms still at your side and stand with your feet slightly apart. A B A AF assist lamp B When holding the camera vertically 2 Aim the AF area at the point you want to focus on. 3 Press the shutter button halfway to focus. · When you press the shutter button, the LCD monitor may become bright or dark for a moment however the recorded picture will not be affected. · Be careful not to move the camera when you press the shutter button. · Do not cover the microphone or the AF assist lamp with your fingers or other objects. · Do not touch the front of the lens. · When taking pictures, make sure your footing is stable and there is no danger of colliding with another person, a ball etc. Exposure (P45) · The exposure is automatically adjusted to the appropriate exposure on this unit (AE=Auto Exposure). However, depending on the recording conditions such as when there is backlight, the recorded picture will be dark. F2.8 1/30 25 VQT1F83 Basic In this case, compensate the exposure. This allows you to take bright pictures. Focusing (P26, 48, 54) · The picture is automatically focused on this unit (AF=Auto Focus). However, the picture may not be properly focused in the following cases. The focus range is 30 cm (0.98 feet) to ¶ (Wide), 2 m (6.56 feet) to ¶ (Tele). ­ When there are both near and distant subjects in a scene. ­ When there is dirt or dust on glass between the lens and the subject. ­ When there are illuminated or glittering objects around the subject. ­ When taking a picture in dark places. ­ When the subject is moving fast. ­ When the scene has low contrast. ­ When recording a very bright subject. ­ When taking close-up pictures of a subject. ­ When jitter occurs. Try using prefocus, the AF/AE lock technique or [AF MACRO]. For information on the face detection function, read P78. Color (P72, 73) · The color of the subject will differ if the color of the light surrounding it differs such as when the light comes from sunlight or halogen lighting. However, this unit automatically adjusts the hue to one close to real life. (auto white balance) Set the white balance if you want to change the hue you get with auto white balance. Adjust the white balance finely for additional white balance adjustment. When you want to take a picture of a subject outside the AF area (AF/AE Lock) When recording a picture of people with a composition like the following picture, you will not be able to focus the camera on the subject because the people are outside the AF area. 6 In this case, 1 Aim the AF area at the subject. 2 Press the shutter button halfway to fix the focus and the exposure. · The focus indication lights when the subject is focused. 3 Press and hold the shutter button halfway while moving the camera as you compose the picture. 4 Press the shutter button fully. · You can repeatedly retry AF/AE lock before pressing the shutter button fully. F2.8 1/30 F2.8 1/30 We recommend that you use the face detection function when taking pictures of people. (P78) Direction detection function Pictures recorded with the camera held vertically are played back vertically (rotated). (Only when [ROTATE DISP.] (P97) is set to [ON]) · Pictures may not be displayed vertically if they were taken with the camera aimed up or down. · Pictures cannot be displayed vertically when recording motion pictures or creating flip animations. 26 VQT1F83 Basic Preventing jitter (camera shake) · Be careful of jittering when pressing the shutter button. · If jitter could occur because of slow shutter speed, the jitter alert A appears. F2.8 1/60 F2.8 1/10 6 · When the jitter alert appears, we recommend using a tripod. If you cannot use a tripod, be careful how you hold the camera. The use of the self-timer prevents jittering caused by pressing the shutter button when you are using a tripod (P44). · Shutter speed will be slower particularly in the following cases. Keep the camera still from the moment the shutter button is pressed until the picture appears on the screen. We recommend using a tripod. ­ Slow sync./Red-eye reduction ­ [NIGHT PORTRAIT] and [NIGHT SCENERY] in [NIGHT PORTRAIT] mode (P58) ­ [PARTY], [CANDLE LIGHT], [STARRY SKY] and [FIREWORKS] in scene mode (P59) ­ When you set to a slow shutter speed Program shift In program AE mode, you can change the preset aperture value and shutter speed without changing the exposure. This is called program shift. You can make the background more blurred by decreasing the aperture value or record a moving subject more dynamically by slowing the shutter speed when taking a picture in program AE mode. · Press the shutter button halfway and then use the joystick to activate program shift while the aperture value and the shutter speed are displayed on the screen (about 10 seconds). F4.0 1/30 · The program shift indication A appears on the screen when program shift is activated. · Program shift is canceled if the camera is turned off or the joystick is moved up and down until the program shift indication disappears. Example of program shift 1 2 2.8 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 (A) 4 5.6 8 11 1 1/2 1/4 1/8 1/15 1/30 1/60 1/125 1/250 1/500 1/1000 1/2000 (B) (A): Aperture value (B): Shutter speed 1 Program shift amount 2 Program shift line chart 3 Program shift limit · If the exposure is not adequate when the shutter button is pressed halfway, the aperture value and shutter speed turns red. 27 VQT1F83 Basic · Program shift is canceled and the camera returns to normal program AE mode if more than 10 seconds pass after program shift is activated. However, the program shift setting is memorized. · Depending on the brightness of the subject, program shift may not be activated. Determined scene : [i-PORTRAIT] : [i-SCENERY] : [i-MACRO] : [i-NIGHT PORTRAIT] : [i-NIGHT SCENERY] · The camera may distinguish different scenes for the same subject depending on the recording conditions. Continuous AF (P82) In order for the camera to adjust the focus as normal without pressing the shutter button halfway, focus adjustment is quicker when the shutter is pressed. Changing the settings Press [MENU/SET] to display the [REC] mode menu or the [SETUP] menu, and then select the item to set. (P19) Items that can be set Menu Item [ASPECT RATIO] (P75) [REC] mode [PICT.SIZE] (P76) menu [STABILIZER] (P81) [COL.EFFECT] (P83) [CLOCK SET] (P17) [WORLD TIME] (P69) [SETUP] menu [TRAVEL DATE] (P67) [BEEP] (P22) [LANGUAGE] (P23) · The available settings for the following items will differ when used with other [REC] modes. ­ [PICT.SIZE] ­ [STABILIZER] ­ [COL.EFFECT] · The settings for [CLOCK SET], [WORLD TIME], [TRAVEL DATE], [BEEP], and [LANGUAGE] in the intelligent auto mode [ ] will also be reflected in other [REC] modes. Taking pictures using the automatic function (Intelligent Auto Mode) The camera will set the most appropriate settings to match the subject and the recording conditions so we recommend this mode for beginners or those who want to leave the settings to the camera and take pictures easily. The following functions work automatically in the intelligent auto mode [ ]. Stabilizer function (P81) Jitter is detected and stabilized. Intelligent ISO sensitivity (P74) The camera will automatically set the appropriate ISO sensitivity and the shutter speed to the movement of the subject and the surrounding brightness. Face detection (P78) The camera can automatically detect a person's face and will adjust the focus and exposure to fit that face no matter what portion of the picture it is in. Scene detection The camera will distinguish the scene that matches the subject and the recording conditions. ([ ] is set if none of the scenes are applicable.) 28 VQT1F83 Basic · The settings for [CLOCK SET], [WORLD TIME], [MONITOR/ VIEWFINDER], [TRAVEL DATE], [ZOOM RESUME], [BEEP], [AF BEEP], [SHUTTER], [NO.RESET], [DIAL DISPLAY], and [LANGUAGE] in the [SETUP] menu (P20) will also be reflected in the intelligent auto mode [ ]. Other settings in intelligent auto mode [ ] In intelligent auto mode [ ], other settings are fixed as follows. For more information about each setting, refer to the page indicated. · [AUTO REVIEW] (P20): [1SEC.] · [POWER SAVE] (P21): [5MIN.] · Self-timer (P44): 10 seconds · [W.BALANCE] (P72): [AWB] · [QUALITY] (P76): [ ] ( (0.3M EZ): set to [ ]) · [AF MODE] (P78): [ ] (Set to [ ] when a face cannot be detected) · [CONT.AF] (P82): [ON] · [AF ASSIST LAMP] (P82): [ON] · [METERING MODE] (P78): [ ] · You cannot use the following functions. ­ [GUIDE LINE] ­ Exposure compensation ­ Flash output adjustment ­ Auto bracket ­ [D.ZOOM] ­ Out-of-frame display · You cannot set the following items. ­ [ZOOM RESUME] ­ [CONVERSION] Focus range in intelligent auto mode [ ] 1 cm (0.03 feet) 2 m (6.56 feet) 1 m (3.28 feet) · The indicated zoom magnification is an approximation. · The zoom magnification values will change when using the extended optical zoom. · Refer to P49 for the tele-macro. The Backlight Compensation Backlight refers to when light comes from the back of a subject. In this case, the subject, such as a person, will become dark so this function compensates the backlight by brightening the whole of the picture. Press 3. · When the backlight compensation function is activated, [ ] (compensating backlight ON indication A) appears. Press 3 again to cancel this function. A 29 VQT1F83 Basic · It is possible to select either AUTO [ ] or Forced OFF [ ] depending upon whether the flash is open or closed. When AUTO [ ] is selected, AUTO [ ], AUTO/Red-eye reduction [ ] or Slow sync./Red-eye reduction [ ] is set depending on the type of subject and brightness. · When AUTO [ ] is selected, [i-NIGHT SCENERY] scene mode is not identified. · When Forced OFF [ ] is selected, [i-NIGHT PORTRAIT] scene mode is not identified. · If a tripod is used, for instance, and the camera has judged that camera shake is minimal when the scene mode has been identified as [i-NIGHT SCENERY], the shutter speed will be set to a maximum of 8 seconds. Take care not to move the camera while taking pictures. To make subjects appear further away use (Wide) Rotate the zoom lever towards Wide. W T Changing the zoom speed You can operate the zoom at 2 speeds depending on the rotation angle of the zoom lever. The zoom speed becomes slower when the rotation angle is small and the zoom speed becomes faster when the rotation angle is large. Taking Pictures with the Zoom Using the Optical Zoom A Fast B Slow C Zoom lever Storing the zoom position (Zoom resume) If [ZOOM RESUME] (P22) in the [SETUP] menu is set to [ON], the zoom position is stored when this unit is turned off. When this unit is turned on again, the zoom position automatically returns to the position it was at when this unit was turned off. · The focus position is not stored. · If you use the zoom function after focusing on the subject, focus on the subject again. · The indicated zoom magnification is an approximation. · The lens barrel extends or retracts according to the zoom position. Take care not to interrupt the motion of the lens barrel while the zoom lever is rotated. You can make people and objects appear closer and landscapes can be recorded in wide angle with the 18k optical zoom. (35 mm film camera equivalent: 28 mm to 504 mm) To make subjects appear closer use (Tele) Rotate the zoom lever towards Tele. W T 30 VQT1F83 Basic · When you rotate the zoom lever, you may hear some sound from the camera or the camera may shake. This is not a malfunction. · When using the zoom function, an estimate of the focus range will appear in conjunction with the zoom display bar. (Example: 0.99 ft. ­ ¶) (3M EZ) (2M EZ) (0.3M EZ) (2.5M EZ) (2M EZ) 28.7k ± Using the Extended Optical Zoom (EZ) This camera has a 18k optical zoom. However, if the picture size is not set to the highest setting for each aspect ratio [ / / ], a maximum of 28.7k optical zoom can be achieved with no picture quality deterioration. Extended optical zoom mechanism When you set the picture size to [ ] (3M EZ) (3 million pixels), the 8M (8.1 million pixels) CCD area is cropped to the center 3M (3 million pixels) area, allowing a picture with a higher zoom effect. Picture size and maximum zoom magnification (±: Available, --: Not available) Aspect ratio (P75) Picture size (P76) Maximum Extended zoom magnioptical fication (Tele) zoom · "EZ" is an abbreviation of "Extended optical Zoom". · If you set a picture size that activates the extended optical zoom, the extended optical zoom icon [ ] is displayed on the screen when you use the zoom function. · The on-screen zoom indication may not change consecutively if you rotate the zoom lever near the Tele position when the extended optical zoom is used. This is not a malfunction. · The indicated zoom magnification is an approximation. · In [HIGH SENS.] in scene mode, the extended optical zoom does not work. Using the Digital Zoom Further extending the zoom (8M) (7M) (6M) (5M EZ) (4.5M EZ) (3.5M EZ) 23k 18k -- A maximum of 72k zoom can be achieved with the 18k optical zoom and the 4k digital zoom when [D.ZOOM] is set to [ON] in the [REC] mode menu. However, if a picture size that can use extended optical zoom is selected, a maximum of 115k zoom can be achieved with the 28.7k extended optical zoom and the 4k digital zoom. Menu operation ± 1 Press [MENU/SET]. · When in advanced scene mode or scene mode, select the [REC] mode menu ( ) and then press 1. 2 Press 3/4 to select [D.ZOOM] and then press 1. 31 VQT1F83 Basic 3 Press 4 to select [ON] and then press [MENU/SET]. MENU SET 4 Press [MENU/SET] to close the menu. · You can also press the shutter button halfway to close the menu. Entering the digital zoom range The on-screen zoom indication may momentarily stop moving when you rotate the zoom lever to the extreme Tele position. You can enter the digital zoom range by continuously rotating the zoom lever to Tele or releasing the zoom lever once and then rotating it to Tele again.