Kodak Z981 Users Guide

Taking pictures/videos
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 15
Using the Drive button
Using the self-timer
Use the self-timer when you want to be included in a picture, or to ensure a steady 
Shutter button press. Place the camera on a tripod or flat surface.
1In any picture-taking mode, press the Drive button until the desired self-timer icon 
is displayed on the LCD.
10 seconds—A picture is taken after a 10-second delay (so you have time 
to get into the scene).
2 seconds—A picture is taken after a 2-second delay...

16www.kodak.com/go/support Taking pictures/videos
Taking burst pictures
1In most Still modes, press the Drive button until the desired burst icon is displayed 
on the LCD.
2Press the Shutter button halfway to focus and set exposure, then press and 
hold it completely down to take the pictures.
The camera stops taking pictures when you release the Shutter button, when the 
pictures are taken, or when there is no more storage space.
NOTE:  During quickview, you can delete all pictures in the burst series....

Taking pictures/videos
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Using the Focus button
IMPORTANT: Focus mode availability varies by picture-taking mode.
1Press the Focus button until the desired focus icon is displayed on the LCD.
2Press the Shutter button halfway to focus and set exposure, then completely 
down to take the picture.
ModeIconFor
Normal AFNo icon Normal picture taking.
Infinity AFDistant scenery or for taking pictures through a window.
Macro AFSubjects that are 3.9–39.4 in. (10–100 cm) from the lens....

18www.kodak.com/go/support Taking pictures/videos
Taking panoramic pictures
Use panorama to “stitch” up to 3 pictures into a panoramic scene.
NOTE:  Individual picture sizes are approximately 3 MP (but may vary depending on scene content). 
Individual pictures are not saved, even if panorama capture is cancelled before stitching occurs. 
(Exposure Compensation, White Balance, Exposure Metering, AF Zone, AF Control, Color Mode, and 
Sharpness are set with the first picture. The flash is set to Off.) You...

Taking pictures/videos
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P, A, S, and M modes
Use these modes when you want more control over your camera and pictures.
NOTE:  Settings you change in P, A, S, or M modes apply only to pictures taken in those modes. The settings, 
including Flash, are maintained for P, A, S, and M modes—even when you change modes or turn off 
the camera. Use Reset Camera (page 45) to reset P, A, S, or M modes to their default settings. 
ModeWhen to usePress Jog dial to control
Program m o d e  o...

20www.kodak.com/go/support Taking pictures/videos
Changing P, A, S, or M mode settings
PASM modes control the aperture (f-number, also known as f-stop), shutter speed, 
exposure compensation, flash compensation, and ISO. Use the Menu  button to 
control all other settings.
1Turn the Mode dial to P, A, S, or M.
2Turn the Jog dial   to choose a setting, then press it to edit the setting. 
Turn the Jog dial   to change a setting, then press it to save it.
ISO—adjust the camera’s sensitivity to light. Higher...

Taking pictures/videos
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Using exposure compensation to adjust brightness
In P, A, S, and Panorama modes, you can adjust exposure compensation before you 
take a picture to make your pictures darker or lighter. Only the first picture in 
Panorama mode can be adjusted—that adjustment is applied to the remaining 
pictures. (For more about the Jog dial and Exposure Compensation, see page 20.)
1Turn the Jog dial   to choose Exposure Compensation, then press it to edit the 
setting....

22www.kodak.com/go/support Taking pictures/videos
Using the histogram to view picture brightness
Use the histogram to evaluate the distribution of light before or after you take a 
picture. Optimal exposure is achieved when the peak is in the middle of the 
histogram. The flash may affect a picture’s light and shadow.
In P, A, S, M modes, press the Menu  button, then   to choose Histogram. 
In Review, press Menu  button, then   to choose Properties.
Understanding the picture-taking icons
Know when your...

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3Sharing and tagging pictures
Sharing pictures through social networks
It’s never been easier to share pictures on your favorite social networking sites.
IMPORTANT: 
To use the camera’s social networking features, you need to download 
KODAK Software. (See page 46.)
1Press the Review  button, then   to find a picture.
2Press the Share button.
If it’s your first time, a Help screen appears.
3Press   to choose a social networking site, then press OK.
A check mark appears. Repeat...

24www.kodak.com/go/support Sharing and tagging pictures
Choose which social networking sites to display on your camera
You can show/hide social networking sites on your camera so that only your favorite 
sites appear.
1In Review, press the Menu   button.
2Press   to choose the Setup tab, then   to choose Share Button Settings, 
then press OK.
3Press   to choose a social networking site, then press   to choose Show or 
Hide. Repeat this step until you have chosen Show/Hide for each social network.
4When...