Panasonic Digital Camera Dmc Lx3 Operating Instructions

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Advanced (Recording pictures)
1 Auto white balance will work within this range.
2 Blue sky
3 Cloudy sky (Rain)
4 Shade
5 TV screen
6 Sunlight
7 White fluorescent light
8 Incandescent light bulb
9 Sunrise and sunset
10 Candlelight
KlKelvin color Temperature
∫ Setting the color temperature
You can set the color temperature manually for taking natural pictures 
in different lighting conditions. The color of light is measured as a 
number in degrees Kelvin. As the color temperature becomes high 
the picture becomes bluish and as  the color temperature becomes 
low the picture becomes reddish.
1 Select [ ] and then press  1.
2 Press  3/4 to select the color temperature and then press [MENU/SET].

You can set a color temperature from [2500K] to [10000K].
For details on  [REC] mode menu settings, refer to P21 .
Type of optical measurement to  measure brightness can be changed.
Applicable modes: 
Note

When [ C] is selected and [AF MODE] is set to [ š], the camera will adjust the exposure to suit 
the person’s face.
C  [METERING MODE]
[C ]: Multiple
This is the method in which the camera measures the most 
suitable exposure by judging the  allocation of brightness on the 
whole screen automatically. Usually, we recommend using this 
method.
[ ]: Center weighted This is the method used to focus on the subject on the center 
of the screen and measure the whole screen evenly.
[ Ù ]: Spot
This is the method to measure the subject in the spot metering 
target  A.
1)
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4)5)6)
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Advanced (Recording pictures)
For details on [REC] mode menu settings, refer to  P21.
This allows the focusing method that suits th e positions and number of the subjects to be 
selected.
Applicable modes: 
Note

The camera is focusing on all the AF areas when multiple AF areas (max. 5 areas) light at the 
same time in [ ]. If you want to determine the fo cus position to take pictures, switch the AF 
mode to [ ƒ], [Ø ] or [ Ù].
If the AF mode is set to [ ], the AF area is not displayed until the picture is brought into focus.Switch the AF mode to [ ƒ] or [ Ø] if it is difficult to focus using [ Ù].The camera may detect the subjects other than a person as the face. In this case, switch the 
AF mode to any modes other than [ š] and then take a picture.
The AF mode cannot be set in [FIREWORKS] in scene mode.It is not possible to set [ š] in the following cases.–In [NIGHT SCENERY], [FOOD], [STARRY SKY] and [AERIAL PHOTO] in scene mode.–In motion picture mode.
∫About [ š]
The following AF area frames are displayed when the camera detects the 
faces.
Yellow:
When the shutter button is pressed halfway, the frame turns green when 
the camera is focused.
White:
Displayed when more than one face is detected. Other faces that are the same distance 
away as faces within the yellow AF areas are also focused.

Under certain picture-taking conditions including the following cases, the facial recognition 
function may fail to work, making it impossible to detect faces. [AF MODE] is switched to [ ].
–When the face is not facing the camera–When the face is at an angle–When the face is extremely bright or dark–When there is little contrast on the faces
  [AF MODE]
[š ]: Face detection The camera automatically detects the person’s face. The 
focus and exposure can then be adjusted to fit that face no 
matter what portion of the picture it is in. (max. 15 areas)
[] : AF Tracking Focus and exposure can be adjusted to a specified subject. 
Focus will keep on following the subject even if it moves. 
 (Dynamic tracking)
[] : Multi-area-focusing The camera focuses on up to 5 focus areas per AF area. This 
is effective when the subject is not in the center of the screen.
[ƒ ]: 1-area-focusing 
(High speed) The camera quickly focuses on the subject in the AF area on 
the center of the screen.
[Ø ]: 1-area-focusing The camera focuses on the subject in the AF area on the 
center of the screen.
[Ù ]: Spot-focusing The camera focuses on a limited narrow area in the screen.
AF
M
M
M
M
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Advanced (Recording pictures)
–When the facial features are hidden behind sunglasses, etc.–When the face appears small on the screen–When there is rapid movement–When the subject is other than a human being–When the camera is shaking–When digital zoom is used
∫About [ ƒ]
You can focus on the subject more quickly than in other AF modes.The picture may stop moving for a moment before being brought into focus when you press the 
shutter button halfway. This is not a malfunction.
∫ Setting up [ ] (AF Tracking)
Note

If it fails to lock, AF area will flash in red, and disappear. Try to lock again.AF Tracking will not operate when the subject is not specified, the subject is lost, or has failed 
to be tracked. The picture will be taken with [Ø] in [AF MODE] in that case. It is not possible to set [ ] in [STARRY SKY], [FIREWORKS], [PIN HOLE] or [FILM GRAIN] in 
scene mode, or in the motion picture mode. 
[ ] does not work in AF tracking.The focus range becomes the same as AF macro mode. [1 cm (0.04 feet) (Wide)/30 cm 
(0.99 feet) (Tele) to  ¶]
Dynamic tracking function may not work in the following cases:–When the subject is too small–When the recording location is too dark or bright–When the subject is moving too fast–When the background has the same or similar color to the subject.–When jitter is occurring–When using the zoom
∫ About AF area selection
You can select the AF area by pressing [FOCUS] when [ ], [ ƒ], [Ø ] or [Ù ] is 
selected.
It is also possible to switch to AF area selection screen by pressing 1  when AF mode is 
selected with  3/4.

You can set from the quick menu.  (P23)
When selecting [ƒ], [Ø ] or [ Ù]
1 Press  3/4/2 /1  to move the AF area.

You can set to arbitrary position of the screen. 
(It cannot be set to edge of the screen)
After moving the AF area, press [DISPLAY] to 
return it to the center.
2 Press [MENU/SET] to set. 1 Bring the subject to the AF tracking 
frame, and press [AF/AE LOCK] to lock 
the subject.

AF area will continuously focus on the 
subjects movement once the subject is 
recognized. (Dynamic tracking)
AF tracking is turned off when [AF/AE 
LOCK] is pressed again.  Before locking Locked
2 Take the picture.
M
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Advanced (Recording pictures)
When selecting [ ]
1 Press 3/4 /2/ 1 to select AF area as 
shown in the figure to the right.
2 Press [MENU/SET] to set.
Note

The spot metering target can also be moved to match the AF area when using [ Ù] in 
[METERING MODE].
Position of the AF area will return to initial state when the camera is set to Intelligent auto 
mode, When the power save mode is activated, or When this unit is turned o ff. 
For details on [REC] mode menu settings, refer to  P21.
The camera will adjust focus automatically depending on the settings.
Applicable modes: 
About [ ] and [ ]
[ ] will adjust the focus automatically when the jitter of the camera gets small. [ ] will 
adjust the focus at all times (continuous AF operation).
The camera will adjust the focus automatically, and the focus adjustment when the shutter 
button is pressed becomes faster. It is ef fective when you do not want to miss the photo 
opportunity.
Note

The battery will be consumed faster than usual.Press the shutter button halfway again when it is difficult to focus on the subject.When [PRE AF] is set to  , it may take time to focus on the subject if you rotate the zoom 
lever from Wide to Tele or suddenly change th e subject from a distant one to a nearby one.
For details on [REC] mode menu settings, refer to  P21.
Take a picture with the focus or exposure locked.
This is a technique for setting the focus and  the exposure in advance when the subject is 
outside the focus area or when the contrast  is too sharp and the appropriate exposure 
cannot be achieved.
 [PRE AF]
[OFF]:
[ ]: Quick AF [ ] is displayed on the screen.
[ ]: Continuous AF [ ] is displayed on the screen.
 [AF/AE LOCK]
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Advanced (Recording pictures)
Applicable modes: 
∫Setting the AF/AE lock
1 Aim the AF area at the subject.
2 Press [AF/AE LOCK] to fix the focus and exposure.
3 Move the camera to compose the picture and then press the shutter button fully.
∫ To cancel the AF/AE lock
The setting is canceled by pressing the [AF/AE LOCK] again.
Note

Exposure is set even if the brightness of the subject changes in [AE].The subject can be focused again by pressing the shutter button halfway even when AE is 
locked.
Program shift can be set even when AE is locked.Lock is canceled when zooming is performed after locking. Perform the locking again.
For details on  [REC] mode menu settings, refer to P21 .
Contrast and exposure will be adjusted automatically when there is a big difference in 
brightness between the background and subject, to bring the image close to how you see.
Applicable modes: 
[OFF]/[LOW]/[STANDARD]/[HIGH]
Note

[LOW], [STANDARD], or [HIGH] represents the maximum range of effect.When it is set to [LOW], [STANDARD] or [HIGH], [ ] is displayed on the screen.When ISO sensitivity is set to [ISO80] or [ISO100], the ISO sensitivity might become higher 
than [ISO80] or [ISO100] when the [I.EXPOSURE] is set.
Compensation effect may not be achieved depending on the conditions.[ ] in the screen turns to yellow when [I.EXPOSURE] is in effect.
For details on  [REC] mode menu settings, refer to P21 .
Using this function, you can ac hieve the kind of effect that is obtained when an image is 
exposed two or three times.
Applicable modes:  [AF]:
Only the focus is locked.

[ ] is displayed when the focus is adjusted.
[AE]:Only the exposure is locked.
[ ], aperture value, and shutter speed is displayed when the exposure 
is adjusted.
[AF/AE]:Both focus and exposure are locked.
[ ], aperture value, and shutter speed are displayed when the focus and 
exposure are adjusted.
[I.EXPOSURE] (Intelligent exposure adjustment)
[MULTI. EXPO.]
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Advanced (Recording pictures)
1 Select [START] and then press [MENU/SET].
2 Decide on the composition, and take the first picture.

After taking the picture, press the shutter button halfway down to 
take the next picture.
Press  3/4  to select the item and then press [MENU/SET] for one 
of the following operations.
3 Decide on the composition, and take the second picture.

After taking the picture, the first and second pictures taken will be 
superimposed over each other and displayed.
After taking the picture, press the shutter button halfway down to 
take the next picture.
Press  3/4  to select the item and then press [MENU/SET] for one 
of the following operations.
4 Decide on the composition, and take the third picture.
After taking the picture, the images of the first, second and third 
pictures taken will be superimposed over one another and 
displayed.
Press  3 to select [RETAKE] and then press [MENU/SET] to return 
to the third picture.
5 Press  4 to select [EXIT] and then 
press [MENU/SET].

You can also press the shutter button halfway to finish.The images up to the third picture taken are recorded, and the multiple exposure 
picture-taking session will be completed.
∫ About automatic gain control setting
Select [AUTO GAIN] on the screen shown in step 1 and set it.
[NEXT]: Advance to the next picture.
[RETAKE]: Return to the first picture.
[EXIT]: Record the image of the first picture, and finish the multiple 
exposure picture-taking session.
[NEXT]: Advance to the next picture.
[RETAKE]: Return to the second picture.
[EXIT]: Record images up to the second picture taken, and finish the  multiple exposure picture-taking session.
[ON ]: The brightness level is adjusted acco rding to the number of pictures taken 
and the pictures are super imposed over each other.
[OFF ]: Compensate the exposure to match the subject so that all the superimposed  exposure effects will be just right.
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Advanced (Recording pictures)
Note
The recording information displayed for pictures taken with multiple exposures is the recording 
information for the last picture taken.
If [MENU/SET] is pressed while taking pictures, the photographed images are recorded, and 
the multiple exposure picture-taking session will be completed.
Image is not recorded until completion.Some functions have restrictions. You will not be able to use the following functions:–Burst mode/[AUTO BRACKET]/[MULTI ASPECT]/Extended optical zoom/[I.EXPOSURE]/
Digital zoom/[AUDIO REC.]
[PICTURE SIZE] is fixed when [START] is selected.The zoom position and white balance are fixed when the first picture is taken.
For details on  [REC] mode menu settings, refer to P21 .
This can enlarge subjects even more than the optical  zoom or extended optical zoom.
Applicable modes: 
[OFF]/[ON]
Note

Refer to  P38 for details.If camera shake (jitter) is a problem during zooming, it is recommended that [STABILIZER] be 
set to [AUTO] or [MODE 1].
For details on  [REC] mode menu settings, refer to P21 .
Using one of these modes, jitter during picture taking is detected, and the camera 
automatically compensates the jitter, enabling jitter-free images to be taken.
Applicable modes: 
Note

The stabilizer function may not be effective in the following cases.–When there is a lot of jitter.–When the zoom magnification is high.–In digital zoom range.–When taking pictures while following a moving subject.–When the shutter speed becomes slower to take pictures indoors or in dark places.Be careful of camera jitter when you press the shutter button.The setting is fixed to [MODE2] with [SELF PORTRAIT] in scene mode and to [OFF] in 
[STARRY SKY] in scene mode.
In motion picture mode, [AUTO] or [MODE2] cannot be set.
)  [DIGITAL ZOOM]
 [STABILIZER]
[OFF]
[AUTO]: The optimum jitter compensation is selected depending on the condition.
[MODE1] : Jitter is always compensated during [REC] mode.
[MODE2] : The jitter is compensated for when the shutter button is pressed.
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Advanced (Recording pictures)
For details on [REC] mode menu settings, refer to  P21.
You can take a picture brightly in dark places by setting [MIN. SHTR SPEED] slower. Also, 
you can set it faster to r educe the blur of the subject.
Applicable modes: 
[1/250], [1/125], [1/60], [1/30], [1/15], [1/8], [1/4], [1/2], [1]
Note

This should usually be set to [1/8 ] to take pictures. (When you select a minimum shutter speed 
other than [1/8 ], [ ] appears on the screen.)
Setting [MIN. SHTR SPEED]  to slower speed might increase the chance of jitter, so we 
recommend using a tripod and the self-timer for taking pictures.
Setting [MIN. SHTR SPEED]  to faster speed might make the picture darker, so we recommend 
recording the picture in well-lit area. If corre ct exposure cannot be achieved, [ ] will flash in 
red when the shutter button is pressed halfway.
For details on  [REC] mode menu settings, refer to  P21.
Audio can be recorded simultaneously with the image. You can record the conversation 
during the shooting or the situation as a memo.
Applicable modes: 

If you press [MENU/SET] during audio recording, the audio recording is canceled.
Note
Audio is recorded from the built-in microphone on the camera.Audio recorded with this unit may not playback on other equipment.
For details on  [REC] mode menu settings, refer to  P21.
Illuminating the subject makes it easier for the camera to focus when recording in low light 
conditions that make focusing difficult.
Applicable modes: 
  [MIN. SHTR SPEED]
Minimum shutter speed setting1/250– 1 –
Brightness DarkerBrighter
Jitter LessMore
B [AUDIO REC.]
[OFF]: Audio will not be recorded.
[ON]:  [B] is displayed on the screen.
Audio will be recorded as s oon as the image is recorded.
(It will stop in 5 seconds)
F  [AF ASSIST LAMP]
[OFF] : The AF assist lamp does not turn on.
[ON] : When taking pictures in dark places, the AF assist lamp lights while the shutter 
button is pressed halfway. (Larger  AF areas are now displayed.)
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Advanced (Recording pictures)
For details on [REC] mode menu settings, refer to P21 .
[2ND] (2nd synchro) activates the flash just  before the shutter closes when taking pictures 
of moving objects such as cars using a slow shutter speed.
Applicable modes: 
Note

Set it to [1ST] normally.[2ND] is displayed in the flash icon on the LCD monitor if you set [FLASH SYNCHRO] to [2ND].When a fast shutter speed is set, the effect of [FLASH SYNCHRO] may deteriorate.[FLASH SYNCHRO] can be used with an external flash.
When using the external viewfinder (optional ), you can switch the screen to a suitable 
display.
Applicable modes: 
Note

Display on the LCD monitor is switched by pressing [DISPLAY] for a few times. Refer to  P44 for 
switching display on the LCD monitor.
The screen is normally off. However elements such as the focus icon  (P33) and the flash 
charging icon are lit. 
See  P123  for details about how to install the external viewfinder.
Note
The effective range of the AF assist lamp is 1.5 m (4.92 feet).When you do not want to use the AF assist lamp  A (e.g. when taking 
pictures of animals in dark places), set the [AF ASSIST LAMP] to [OFF]. In 
this case, it will become more difficult to focus on the subject.
[FLASH SYNCHRO]
[1ST]: The normal method when taking pictures with the 
flash.
[2ND]: The light source appears behind the subject and 
picture becomes dynamic.
[EXT. VIEWFINDER]
[OFF]:
[ON]:LCD monitor is off
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Advanced (Recording pictures)
Set to [OFF] when not using the external viewfinder.The default setting for AF mode is [Ø].
For details on [REC] mode menu settings, refer to  P21.
You can widen the field of view when taking pict ures of landscapes or the like by using a 
wide conversion lens (optional).
Applicable modes: 
Note

When [ ] is set, the camera is permanently fixed in the Wide-angle position. The image 
quality will be set to optimal for the wide conversion lens.
Refer to  P119 for details about attaching the lens.Ensure that [CONVERSION] is set to [OFF] when not using a conversion lens.Read the operating instructions of the conversion lens for details.
For details on  [REC] mode menu settings, refer to  P21.
To set the year, month, day and time.
It functions in exactly the same way as [CLOCK SET] in the [SETUP] menu.

Refer to P19  for details.
[CONVERSION]
[OFF]:
[]: When the wide conversion lens is fitted.
U [CLOCK SET]
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