User manual PANASONIC DMC-FZ50

Operating Instructions Digital Camera Model No. DMC-FZ50 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@panasonic.com For Canadian assistance, please call: 1-800-561-5505 or visit us at www.panasonic.ca PP VQT0X92 Before Use Before Use Dear Customer, We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for purchasing this Panasonic Digital Camera. Please read these Operating Instructions carefully and keep them handy for future reference. Information for Your Safety WARNING TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD AND ANNOYING INTERFERENCE, USE ONLY THE RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES AND DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. 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. · 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. RBRC TM Li-ion A lithium ion/polymer 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 VQT0X92 Before Use FCC Note: (U.S. only) 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. Trade Name: Panasonic Model No.: DMC-FZ50 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. This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003 3 VQT0X92 Before Use -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. Care of the camera · Do not strongly shake or bump the camera. The camera may stop operating normally, pictures may not be recorded or the lens may be damaged. · Sand or dust may cause the camera to malfunction. Make sure that sand or dust does not get into the lens or the terminals when using the camera on a beach etc. · Make sure that water does not get into the camera when using it on a rainy day or on a beach. · If water or seawater splashes on the camera, use a dry cloth to wipe the camera body carefully. About the LCD monitor/Viewfinder · Do not press the LCD monitor with excessive force. Uneven colors may appear on the LCD monitor and it may malfunction. · Condensation may form on the LCD monitor in places with large temperature differences. Wipe the condensation with a soft, dry cloth. · If the camera is cold when you turn it on, the picture on the LCD monitor/Viewfinder will be slightly darker than usual at first. However, the picture will return to normal brightness when the internal temperature of the camera increases. · When rotating the LCD monitor, be careful not to use excessive force. This may result in damage. · You may not be able to open, close or rotate the LCD monitor smoothly when using a tripod. In these cases, detach the camera from the tripod and then open, close or rotate the LCD monitor. · When not using the LCD monitor or when using the Viewfinder, it is recommended that you close the LCD monitor with the screen facing inwards to prevent dirt and scratches. · If the camera is going to be stored for a prolonged period, it is recommended that the LCD monitor be stored inside the camera. Extremely high precision technology is employed to produce the LCD monitor/ Viewfinder screen. However there may be some dark or bright spots (red, blue or green) on the screen. This is not a malfunction. The LCD monitor/ Viewfinder screen has more than 99.99% effective pixels with a mere 0.01% of the pixels inactive or always lit. The spots will not be recorded on pictures on a card. 4 VQT0X92 Before Use About the Lens · Do not press the lens with excessive force. · Do not leave the camera with the lens facing the sun as it may cause the camera to malfunction. Also, be careful when you leave the camera outside or near a window. · When there is dirt (water, oil, and fingerprints, etc.) on the surface of the lens, the picture may be affected. Lightly wipe the surface of the lens with a soft, dry cloth before and after taking pictures. About Condensation (When the lens or the Viewfinder is fogged up) · Condensation occurs when the ambient temperature or humidity changes as described below. Be careful of condensation since it causes lens stains, fungus and camera malfunction. ­ When the camera is taken from the cold outdoors to the warm indoors. ­ When the camera is taken from outside to inside an air-conditioned car. ­ When cool wind from an air conditioner etc. blows directly on the camera. ­ In humid places · To prevent condensation, put the camera in a plastic bag until the temperature of the camera is close to the ambient temperature. 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. When not using the camera for a long period of time · Store the battery in a cool and dry place with a relatively stable temperature. [Recommended temperature: 15 C to 25 C (59 F to 77 F), Recommended humidity: 40% to 60%] · Always remove the battery and the card from the camera. · If the battery is left inserted in the camera it will discharge even if the camera is turned off. If the battery continues to be left in the camera, it will discharge excessively and may become unusable even if charged. · When storing the battery for a long period of time, we recommend charging it once a year. Remove the battery from the camera and store it again after it has completely discharged. · We recommend storing the camera with a desiccant (silica gel) when you keep it in a closet or a cabinet. · If you have not used the camera for a long period of time, check all the parts before taking pictures. 5 VQT0X92 Before Use About The Mode Dial Adjust part to the desired mode. The mode dial can be rotated 360 . Rotate it slowly and surely to adjust to each mode. : Playback mode (P40) This mode allows you to play back recorded pictures. About indications in these operating instructions M S P SCN : Program AE mode (P32) The exposure is automatically adjusted by the camera. : Aperture-priority AE mode (P57) The shutter speed is automatically determined by the aperture value you set. : Shutter-priority AE mode (P57) The aperture value is automatically determined by the shutter speed you set. : Manual exposure mode (P58) The exposure is adjusted by the aperture value and the shutter speed which are manually adjusted. :Custom mode (P63) This mode allows you to save the preferred menu settings. : Motion picture mode (P76) This mode allows you to record motion pictures. : Scene mode (P64) This mode allows you to take pictures depending on the recording scenes. : Auto mode (P36) This mode is recommended for beginners. 6 VQT0X92 OM CUST A Modes indicated here allow you to use the functions or settings described on this page. Set the mode dial to any of the modes to use the functions or settings. Custom mode Convenient or helpful information for use of the camera is described. About illustrations in these operating instructions Please note that the appearance of the product, the illustration or the menu screen are a little different from those in actual use. About illustrations of the cursor button In these operating instructions, the operations on the cursor button are described as illustrated as shown below. Cursor button e.g.: When you press the button MENU SET REV Before Use About the front dial and rear dial Instructions for using these dials in the operating instructions are given with illustrations that match the screen icons. · Rotate the front dial and rear dial slowly but surely. About the LCD monitor At the time when this camera is purchased, the LCD monitor is stowed in the camera body. Move the LCD monitor in the directions shown in the figure below. : Front dial : Rear dial : LCD Monitor open knobs Open the LCD monitor opening knob with your finger Rotate the monitor 180 toward the left · The monitor rotates only 90 toward the right. Return the monitor to its original position · For details on how to rotate the LCD monitor, refer to P24. 7 VQT0X92 Before Use Information for Your Safety....................... 2 About The Mode Dial ................................ 6 Preparation Standard Accessories............................. 10 Names of the Components ..................... 10 Quick Guide ............................................ 12 Screen Display........................................ 13 Charging the Battery with the Charger ...... 16 About the Battery (charging/number of recordable pictures) ............................ 16 Inserting/Removing the Battery .............. 18 Inserting/Removing the Card .................. 19 About the Card........................................ 20 Attaching the Lens Cap/Strap................. 21 Attaching the Lens Hood ........................ 22 LCD Monitor............................................ 24 Setting Date/Time (Clock Set) ................ 26 About the Setup Menu ............................ 27 Basic Taking Pictures ....................................... 32 Taking Pictures in Auto Mode................. 36 Taking Pictures with the Zoom ............... 37 · Using the Optical Zoom .................... 37 · Using the Extended Optical Zoom (EZ) ............................ 37 · Using the Digital Zoom Further extending the zoom ............. 38 Checking the Recorded Picture (Review) .............................................. 39 Playing Back Pictures ............................. 40 Deleting Pictures..................................... 41 Optical Image Stabilizer .......................... 54 Taking Pictures using Burst Mode .......... 55 Taking Close-up Pictures........................ 56 Aperture-priority AE ................................ 57 Shutter-priority AE .................................. 57 Manual exposure .................................... 58 Aperture Value and Shutter Speed......... 59 Taking Pictures with Manual Focus ........ 60 Registering Personal Menu Settings (Registering custom settings).............. 62 Taking pictures in Custom mode ............ 63 Scene Mode............................................ 64 ­ [PORTRAIT] .................................. 65 ­ [SOFT SKIN] ................................. 65 ­ [SCENERY] ................................... 65 ­ [SPORTS]...................................... 65 ­ [NIGHT PORTRAIT] ...................... 66 ­ [NIGHT SCENERY]....................... 66 ­ [PANNING] .................................... 66 ­ [FOOD] .......................................... 67 ­ [PARTY] ........................................ 67 ­ [CANDLE LIGHT] .......................... 68 ­ [FIREWORKS]............................... 68 ­ [STARRY SKY].............................. 68 ­ [BABY1]/[BABY2] .......................... 69 ­ [SNOW] ......................................... 70 ­ [HIGH SENS.]................................ 70 Recording which day of the vacation you take the picture............................. 71 Displaying the time at the travel destination (World Time) ........... 73 · Location candidates for World Time settings.......................... 75 Motion Picture Mode............................... 76 Displaying Multiple Screens (Multi Playback)................................... 78 Displaying pictures by recording date (Calendar playback) ............................ 79 Using the Playback Zoom....................... 80 Playing Back Motion Pictures/ Pictures with Audio.............................. 81 Advanced About the LCD Monitor/Viewfinder ......... 43 · Changing the information displayed ..... 43 Taking Pictures using the Built-in Flash ........................................ 47 Taking Pictures with the Self-timer ......... 51 Compensating the Exposure .................. 52 Taking Pictures using Auto Bracket........ 53 Menu Settings Using the [REC] Mode Menu .................. 82 · [W.BALANCE] Adjusting the hue for a more natural picture................................... 83 8 VQT0X92 · [WB ADJUST.] Finely adjusting the white balance ................................... 85 · [SENSITIVITY] Setting the light sensitivity ................ 85 · [ASPECT RATIO] Setting the aspect ratio of pictures ... 87 · [PICT.SIZE]/[QUALITY] Setting a picture size and quality that matches your use of the pictures ..... 87 · [AUDIO REC.] Recording still pictures with audio ...... 89 · [METERING MODE] Deciding the method to measure brightness ......................................... 89 · [AF MODE] Setting the focus method.................. 90 · [CONT.AF] Continuously focusing on a subject ...................................... 91 · [AF ASSIST LAMP] Focusing in low light conditions becomes easier ................................ 91 · [FOCUS/AE LOCK] Fixing the focus and exposure ......... 92 · [DIREC. EX. COMP.] For rapid exposure compensation ................................... 93 · [COL.EFFECT] Setting color effects for the recorded pictures........................ 94 · [PICT.ADJ.] Adjusting the picture quality for the recorded pictures.............................. 94 · [FLIP ANIM.] Connecting images to create a motion picture file .......................... 95 · [CONVERSION] Using an optional lens ...................... 97 · [EXT.FLASH] Using an optional flash ..................... 99 · [EX.FLASH BURST] Taking pictures in burst mode while firing the flash ........................ 101 · [CLOCK SET] Set the date, time and display ........ 101 Using the [PLAY] mode menu .............. 102 · [SLIDE SHOW] Playing back pictures in order for a fixed duration.......................... 102 · [FAVORITE] Setting your favorite pictures .......... 103 · [ROTATE DISP.]/[ROTATE] To display the picture rotated ......... 104 · [DPOF PRINT] Setting the picture to print and the number of prints........................ 105 · [PROTECT] Preventing accidental erasure of pictures ........................................... 107 · [AUDIO DUB.] Adding audio after taking pictures ..... 108 · [RESIZE] Making the picture smaller.............. 108 · [TRIMMING] Enlarging a picture and trimming it ....................................... 109 · [ASPECT CONV.] Changing the aspect ratio of a 16:9 picture............................................. 110 · [FORMAT] Initializing the card.......................... 111 Connecting to other equipment Connecting to a PC............................... 112 Printing the Pictures..............................115 Playing Back Pictures on a TV Screen ................................. 118 Others Using the MC Protector/ND Filter .........119 Using the Remote Shutter .................... 120 Cautions for Use ................................... 121 Message Display ..................................122 Troubleshooting ....................................124 Number of recordable pictures and available recording time .................... 129 Specifications........................................132 Digital Camera Accessory System........ 135 Digital Camera Accessory Order Form (For USA Customers)........................ 136 Request for Service Notice (For USA Only)..................................137 Limited Warranty (For USA Only) .........138 Customer Services Directory (For USA Only)..................................140 Index .....................................................141 Spanish Quick Use Guide/ Guía rápida en español .....................143 9 VQT0X92 Preparation Preparation Standard Accessories Check that all the accessories are included before using the camera. 1 SD Memory Card (32 MB) (Indicated as "Card" in the text) 2 Battery Pack (Indicated as "Battery" in the text) 3 Battery Charger (Indicated as "Charger" in the text) USB Connection Cable AV Cable CD-ROM Shoulder Strap Lens Cap Lens Hood · For information about optional accessories, refer to the "Digital Camera Accessory System". (P135) 1 RP-SD032B 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 CGR-S006A DE-993B 4 K1HA08CD0007 Names of the Components 1 2 3 4 5 K1HA08CD0008 6 7 VFC4213 8 VYK1P30 1 Lens (P5) 2 Front dial (P39, 40, 57, 78, 80 ) 3 Self-timer Indicator (P51) AF Assist Lamp (P91) 4 Flash (P47) 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 9 VYQ3505 12 10 VQT0X92 13 14 15 16 17 Preparation 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Diopter Adjustment Dial (P44) Viewfinder (P13, 43) [DISPLAY] Button (P43) [EVF/LCD] Button (P43) [FOCUS/AE LOCK] Button (P35, 92) Speaker (P81) Rear dial (P33, 40, 57, 58) LCD Monitor (P13, 24, 43) [FUNCTION] Button (P83) Delete Button (P41) Cursor Buttons /Self-timer Button (P51) /[REV] Button (P39) /Flash Setting Button (P47) /Exposure Compensation (P52)/Auto Bracket (P53)/Flash Output Adjustment (P49)/Backlight Compensation in auto mode (P36) Button 16 [MENU/SET] Button (P27) 17 Card Door (P19) 29 30 31 32 33 34 29 [FOCUS] Button (P61,68, 90) 30 Focus Switch (P56, 60) (AF/AF MACRO/MF) 31 Flash Open Lever (P47) 32 [REMOTE] Socket (P120) 33 [AV OUT/DIGITAL] Socket (P112, 115, 118) 34 [DC IN] Socket (P112, 115) · Always use a genuine Panasonic AC adaptor (DMW-AC7; optional). 35 18 19 20 P SCN 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Zoom ring (P37) Focus ring (P60) Shutter Button (P32) Strap Eyelet (P21) Microphone (P76, 89) Hot Shoe (P99) Mode Dial (P6) Camera ON/OFF Switch (P26) Power Indicator (P32) Single or Burst Mode Button (P55) Optical Image Stabilizer Button (P54) CUSTOM A 36 35 36 37 38 37 Lens hood positioning groove (P22) Battery Door Open/Close Lever (P18) Battery Door (P18) Tripod Receptacle · When you use a tripod, make sure the tripod is stable with the camera attached to it. CL OSE OPE N M S 38 11 VQT0X92 Preparation Quick Guide This is an overview of how to record and playback pictures with the camera. For each step, be sure to refer to the pages indicated in brackets. 3 Turn the camera on to take pictures. · Set the clock. (P26) P OM CUST SCN 1 M S A 2 1 Charge the battery. (P16) OFF ON · The battery is not charged when the camera is shipped. Charge the battery before use. Set the mode dial to [ ]. Press the shutter button to take pictures. (P32) 4 Play back the pictures. CUSTOM SCN M 2 Insert the battery and the card. (P18, 19) 1 A S P 2 Set the mode dial to [ ]. Select the picture you want to view. (P40) 12 VQT0X92 Preparation Screen Display A 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 PROGRAM SHIFT In recording Out-of-frame display 1 Recording mode (P32) 6 3 12 3 45 2 Flash mode (P47) 3 Focus (P32) 7 8 9 10 11 12 4 Picture size (P87) 5 Quality (P87) In Motion picture mode (P76) / / / / : Jitter alert (P35) 6 Battery indication (P16) / F2.8 1/25 5s 16 15 24 2526 41 40 39 38 37 36 35 ISO100 MF 14 13 27 28 29 30 31 7 Number of recordable pictures/ Available recording time In Motion picture mode (P76) e.g.: R1h20m30s 8 Card access indication (P20) 9 Recording state 10 Histogram (P46) 34 33 3 32 BACKLIGHT 11 Travel date (P71) 12 Elapsed recording time (P76) 13 Program shift (P33) B 22 21 20 7 8 2 9 14 Shutter speed (P32) : Intelligent ISO (P85) 15 Aperture value (P32) 16 Program shift (P33) 17 Exposure compensation (P52) Direct exposure compensation (P93) : Backlight compensation (P36) 1 15 14 6,17 24 18 Metering mode (P89) 19 : Power LCD (P45) 39 ISO 20 Spot AF area (P90) 26, 35 25 21 AF area (P32) 22 Spot metering target (P89) 23 Optical image stabilizer (P54) 100 39 38 13 VQT0X92 Preparation 24 White balance (P83) White balance fine adjustment (P85) 25 ISO sensitivity (P85) 26 Burst (P55) : Audio recording (P76, 89) 27 Flip animation (P95) 28 Color effect mode (P94) 29 Custom setting (P62) 30 Continuous AF (P91) 31 Zoom (P37)/Extended optical zoom (P37)/Digital zoom (P38) 32 Operation for backlight compensation (P36) 33 Current date and time · This is displayed for about 5 seconds when the camera is turned on, after setting the clock and after switching from playback mode to recording mode. 34 Age (P69) · This is displayed for about 5 seconds when the camera is turned on in baby mode, after setting the clock or birthday, and after switching from other modes to baby mode. 35 Auto bracket (P53) 36 Number of days that have passed since the travel date (P71) · This is displayed for about 5 seconds if the camera is turned on when the travel date is set, after setting the clock, departure date or travel date, after changing the world time setting and after switching from playback mode to another mode. 37 Conversion lens (P97) 38 Self-timer mode (P51) 39 AF assist lamp (P91) / / : FOCUS/AE LOCK (P92) 40 Flash output adjustment (P49) 41 MF (P60) C 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 1 2 1 34 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 100 _ 0001 PLAY AUDIO 1/19 ISO100 P F2.8 1/25 10:00 DEC. 1.2006 AUTO In playback 1 Playback mode (P40) 2 Number of DPOF prints (P105) 3 Protected picture (P107) 4 Picture with audio/Motion pictures (P81) 5 Picture size (P87) 6 Quality (P87) In Motion picture mode (P81) / / / / 7 Battery indication (P16) 8 Folder/File number (P113) 9 Picture number/Total pictures 10 Cable disconnection warning icon (P117) · This is displayed when printing using a printer supporting PictBridge. (Depending on the printer, the icon may not be displayed.) Motion picture recording time (P81): 1h20m30s 11 Histogram (P46) 12 Recording information 13 Favorites settings (P103)/Elapsed playback time (P81): 1h20m30s 14 Recorded date and time 15 Age (P69) 16 Power LCD (P45) / 14 VQT0X92 Preparation 17 Number of days that have passed since the travel date (P71) 18 Audio playback (P81) PLAY MOTION : In motion picture mode PICTURE (P81) 19 Flip animation (P95) 20 Favorites (P103) 15 VQT0X92 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. · After charging is completed, be sure to disconnect the charger 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. · Use the dedicated charger and battery. · Charge the battery with the charger indoors. · Do not disassemble or modify the charger. 2 Connect the charger to the electrical outlet. About the Battery (charging/number of recordable pictures) Battery indication The remaining battery power appears on the screen. · Charging starts when the [CHARGE] indicator lights green. · If the [CHARGE] indicator blinks, refer to P17. 3 Detach the battery after charging is complete. · The battery indication turns red and blinks. Recharge the battery or replace it with fully charged battery. [It does not appear when you use the camera along with the AC adaptor (DMW-AC7; optional).] The battery life The number of recordable pictures (By CIPA standard in program AE mode) · Charging is complete when the [CHARGE] indicator turns off (after about 120 minutes). Number of Approx. 360 pictures recordable pictures (Approx. 180 min) Recording conditions by CIPA standard · Temperature: 23 °C (73.4 °F)/ Humidity: 50% when LCD monitor is on. · Using the supplied SD Memory Card (32 MB). 16 VQT0X92 Preparation · Using the supplied battery. · 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. · Turn the camera off every 10 recordings. · CIPA is an abbreviation of [Camera & Imaging Products Association]. The number of recordable pictures decreases when the power LCD function is used. 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 by 90.] The number of recordable pictures when using the Viewfinder (Recording conditions comply with CIPA standard.) Number of Approx. 360 pictures recordable pictures (Approx. 180 min) When the [CHARGE] indicator flashes · The battery is over discharged (discharged excessively). In a while, the lamp will light and normal charging will start. · When the battery temperature is excessively high or low, the charging time will be longer than normal. · 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 C to 35 C (50 F to 95 F). (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). Playback time when using the LCD monitor Playback time Approx. 300 min The number of recordable pictures and playback time will vary depending on the operating conditions and storing condition of the battery. 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. 17 VQT0X92 Preparation Inserting/Removing the Battery · Check that the camera is turned off. · Close the flash. 3 Close the battery door. Slide the release lever in the direction of the arrow. 1 Slide the release lever in the direction of arrow and open the battery door . CLO SE OPEN CLO SE OPEN · Always use genuine Panasonic batteries (CGR-S006A). 2 Insert: Insert the charged battery until it clicks. Remove: Slide the lock battery. to remove the · Remove the battery after use. · When a fully charged battery has been inserted for more than 24 hours, the clock setting is 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 length of time. In this case, set the clock again. (P26) · Do not remove the card or the battery while the card is being accessed. The data may be damaged. (P20) · 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. 18 VQT0X92 Preparation Inserting/Removing the Card · Check that the camera is turned off. · Prepare an SD Memory Card (supplied), an SDHC Memory Card (optional) or a MultiMediaCard (optional). · Close the flash. 3 Close the card door. Slide the card door to the end and then close it firmly. 1 Slide the card door to open it. · If the card door cannot be completely closed, remove the card and insert it again. 2 Insert: Insert the card fully until it clicks and it is locked. Remove: Push the card until it clicks, then pull the card out upright. · The card and the data may be damaged if it is inserted or removed while the camera is on. · We recommend using Panasonic's SD Memory Card/SDHC Memory Card. · Check the direction of the card. · Do not touch the connection terminals on the back side of the card. · The card may be damaged if it is not fully inserted. 19 VQT0X92 Preparation About the Card Access to the card The card access indication lights red when pictures are being recorded onto the card. 3 When the card access indication lights, pictures are being read or deleted or the card is being formatted. Do not: · turn the camera off. · remove the battery or the card. · shake or impact the camera. The card and the data may be damaged or the camera may not operate normally. SD Memory Card (supplied), SDHC Memory Card (optional) and MultiMediaCard (optional) · The SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card and MultiMediaCard are small, lightweight, removable external cards. · 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 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.) SD Memory Card · Refer to P129 for information about the number of recordable pictures and the available recording time for each Card. · This camera 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. · 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. · This camera is compatible with both an SD Memory Card and an SDHC Memory Card. 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. (If you use an SDHC Memory Card in other equipment, always read the operating instructions for the other equipment.) · This unit does not support recording motion pictures on MultiMediaCards. We recommend using High Speed SD Memory Cards/SDHC Memory Cards when recording motion pictures. (P76) About handling a card Transfer important pictures/motion pictures from your card to your PC periodically (P112). The data on the card may be damaged or lost due to electromagnetic waves, static electricity, the camera breaking down or a defective card. · Do not format the card on your PC or other equipment. Format it on the camera only to ensure proper operation. (P111) · The reading/writing speed of a MultiMediaCard is slower than an SD Memory Card or SDHC Memory Card. When a MultiMediaCard is used, the performance of certain features may be slightly slower than advertised. · Keep the Memory Card out of reach of children to prevent swallowing. 32 Please confirm the latest information on the following website. http://panasonic.co.jp/pavc/global/cs (This Site is English only.) 20 VQT0X92 Preparation Attaching the Lens Cap/Strap Lens Cap (supplied) Strap (supplied) 1 Pass the strap through the hole at the strap eyelet. 1 Attach the lens cap. 2 Pass the strap through the stopper and fasten the strap. · 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. : Pull the strap 2 cm or more. · 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. 21 VQT0X92 Preparation 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. Temporarily storing the lens hood 1 Place the camera upside down, remove the lens hood and turn it around, aligning the white mark on the lens hood with lens hood positioning groove on the unit, and insert it straight in until it clicks. 1 Place the camera upside down, align the white mark on the lens hood with lens hood positioning groove on the unit and insert it straight in until it clicks. · Make sure the lens hood is properly attached. · If you lightly turn the lens hood to the left and right of the lens hood positioning groove, it becomes easier to insert. 2 Attach the lens cap. · Make sure the lens hood is properly attached. When removing the lens hood and Press lock release button remove the lens hood · Ensure that the lens cap is firmly attached. · When temporarily storing the lens hood, ensure that it is firmly attached and that it is not reflected in the picture. · When temporarily storing the lens hood, you can detach the lens cap and take pictures. However you cannot use the zoom ring, focus ring, [FOCUS] button or focus switch. 22 VQT0X92 Preparation When removing the lens hood Press lock release button and remove the lens hood · If you press the lock release button too strongly, it may be difficult to detach the lens cap. · Make sure that the mark on the lens hood is correctly aligned with the lens hood positioning groove. The lens hood is not correctly attached if they are not aligned. · 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 P119. · You cannot attach the conversion lenses or the close-up lens when the lens hood is attached. · If any accessories are lost, customers in the USA should contact Panasonic's parts department on 1 800 833-9626 and customers in Canada should contact 1 800 561-5505 for further information about obtaining replacement parts. 23 VQT0X92 Preparation LCD Monitor Adjusting the LCD monitor makes it possible to take pictures from various angles. Taking pictures at a normal angle. · You can switch between the LCD monitor and the Viewfinder. Taking pictures at a low angle Take hold of the LCD monitor open knob with your fingers, and pull the knob toward you and rotate the monitor 180 . · You can use the LCD monitor only. LCD monitor rotation direction Taking pictures at a high angle Open the LCD monitor with one of the LCD monitor open knobs. · You can use the LCD monitor only. : 180 : Maximum 180 · This is convenient when taking pictures of flowers etc. that are in a low position. : LCD Monitor open knobs · This is convenient when there is someone in front of you and you cannot get close to the subject. 24 VQT0X92 Preparation Taking pictures with the camera held vertically Take hold of the LCD monitor opening knob with your fingers, and pull the monitor all the way toward you (by rotating it 180 ), and rotate it to an angle where it is easy to see. (It can be rotated up to a maximum of 270 .) Taking pictures at a normal angle. Taking pictures at a high angle · If the LCD monitor turns on when it is closed with the screen facing inwards, the camera automatically switches to the Viewfinder. · If the LCD monitor is opened when the Viewfinder is turned on, the camera automatically switches to the LCD monitor. · Only rotate the LCD monitor after opening it wide enough, and be careful not to use excessive force as it may be damaged. · When holding the edge of the LCD monitor, there may be some distortion, however this is not a malfunction. Moreover, this has no effect on the taken pictures or playback. · When not using the LCD monitor it is recommended that you close it with the screen facing inwards to prevent dirt and scratches. Taking pictures at a low angle · You may not be able to open, close or rotate the LCD monitor smoothly when using a tripod. In these cases, detach the camera from the tripod and then open, close or rotate the LCD monitor. About the Viewfinder The Viewfinder is convenient when you want to take pictures of a moving subject or outdoors. · Refer to page 44 for information about diopter adjustment. · When using the Viewfinder, close the LCD monitor. · When the LCD monitor is open, the Viewfinder cannot be used. 25 VQT0X92 Preparation Setting Date/Time (Clock Set) Initial setting The clock is not set so the following screen appears when you turn the camera on. OFF ON · Refer to [WORLD TIME] (P73) for information about setting the local time at the travel destination area. 3 Press [MENU/SET] several times to close the menu. · Turn the camera off after finishing setting the clock. Then turn it on and check that the clock setting is correct. Changing the clock setting 1 Press [MENU/SET]. 2 Press to select [CLOCK SET] (P101 ) 3 Press and then perform steps 2 and 3 to set the clock. REC 5/5 PLEASE SET THE CLOCK CLOCK SET MENU CLOCK SET SELECT EXIT MENU : [MENU/SET] button : Cursor buttons · You can also set the clock in the [SETUP] menu. (P27) 1 Press [MENU/SET]. 2 Press date and time. : : CLOCK SET 00 : 00 JAN . 11 . 2006 M/D/Y CANCEL to select the SELECT SET EXIT MENU : Time at the home area : Time at the travel destination (P73) · / : Select the desired item. · / : Set the display order for the date and time. · Press [ ] to cancel the clock setting without storing the date and time. · When a fully charged battery has been inserted for more than 24 hours, the clock setting is stored (in the camera) for at least 3 months even if the battery is removed. · You can set the year from 2000 to 2099. The 24-hour system is used. · If the date is not set in the camera it will not be printed correctly when you use a photo printing service, even if the store provides a date printing option for your photographs. (P106) 26 VQT0X92 Preparation About the Setup Menu · Set items as required. (Refer to P28 to 31 for each menu item.) · Menu items differ depending on the mode selected with the mode dial (P6). The following example shows how to set [AUTO REVIEW] when program AE mode [ ] is selected. · Select [RESET] to return the settings to the initial settings at the time of purchase. (P30) · Press at to switch to the next menu screen. 4 Press , press to select the setting and then press [MENU/SET]. SETUP 2/5 TRAVEL DATE AUTO REVIEW PLAY ON LCD POWER SAVE MF ASSIST OFF OFF 1SEC. OFF 1SEC. 3SEC. 2MIN. ZOOM MF1 1 Press [MENU/SET] and then press . REC W.BALANCE WB ADJUST. SENSITIVITY ASPECT RATIO PICT.SIZE SELECT EXIT AUTO 1/5 SELECT SET MENU AUTO MENU SET MENU SET 5 Press [MENU/SET] to close the menu. · You can also press the shutter button halfway to close the menu. About the menu screen items · There are 5 menu screens (1/5, 2/5, 3/5, 4/5 and 5/5). · You can switch menu screens from any menu item by rotating the front dial. SETUP 1/5 10 MENU 2 Press to select the [SETUP] menu icon [ ] and then press . SETUP CLOCK SET WORLD TIME CUST.SET MEM. MONITOR GUIDE LINE SELECT EXIT MENU 1/5 n0 CLOCK SET WORLD TIME SETUP CUST.SET MEM. TRAVEL DATE n0 MONITOR AUTO REVIEW SETUP 2/ 5 3 Press to select the menu item. SETUP CLOCK SET WORLD TIME CUST.SET MEM. MONITOR GUIDE LINE SELECT EXIT MENU OFF 1SEC. 3/5 1/5 GUIDE LINE PLAY ONOFFBEEP OFF LCD MENU EXIT AF 2MIN. SELECT POWER SAVE BEEP SETUP MF1 MF ASSIST SHUTTER 4/5 LEVEL SELECT EXIT VOLUME SELECT MENU RESET 3 USB MODE SETUP 5/5 n0 NO.RESET HIGHLIGHT OFF SCENE MENU MENU EXIT NTSC VIDEO OUT LANGUAGE TV ASPECT SELECT EXIT MENU AUTO ENG SELECT 2/5 EXIT MENU SETUP TRAVEL DATE AUTO REVIEW PLAY ON LCD POWER SAVE MF ASSIST OFF 1SEC. OFF 5MIN. MF1 SELECT