Panasonic Digital Camera Dmc S3 Owners Manual For Advances Features

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For details about the setting procedure in the [Setup] menu. (→26)Using the [Setup] menu (Continued)
For details about the setting procedure in the [Setup] menu. (→26)
ItemSettings, Notes
 [Language]
Change display 
language. Set the language displayed on the screen.
 [Demo Mode]
View demonstration of 
functions. [Stabilizer Demo.]
Indicates the extent of jitter detected by the camera 
(Estimate)
Extent of jitter
Extent of jitter after stabilization
 • When the demo screen is displayed, press [MENU/SET] 
to switch the Optical Image Stabilizer between on and 
off.
 • To cancel → Press [
 / ].
[Auto Demo]: View introductory Slide Show
[ON]/[OFF]
 • To cancel → Press [
 / ].
 • When a card is not inserted, Automatic Demo Mode will  start if there is no operation for about 2 minutes with the 
power on, connected to the AC adaptor (optional) and 
DC coupler (optional).
 • [Auto Demo] cannot be displayed on external devices  such as TVs.
Item Settings, Notes
[Rotate Disp.]
Automatically rotate 
portrait still pictures. /  /[OFF]
 • [Rotate Disp.] cannot be used with motion pictures.
 • Still pictures taken with the lens surface facing up or  down, or still pictures taken on other cameras may not 
rotate.
 • Pictures cannot be rotated during Multi Playback.
 • Will only be displayed rotated on computer if in Exif- compatible ( →22) environment (OS, software).
[Version Disp.]
Check the version of the 
camera firmware. Current version is displayed.
 [Format]
Use when [Built-In 
Memory Error] or 
[Memory Card Error] 
appears, or when 
formatting the built-in 
memory or card. 
When a card/built-in 
memory is formatted, 
the data cannot be 
restored. Check the 
content of the card/
built-in memory 
carefully before 
formatting.  • This requires a sufficiently charged battery, or an AC 
adaptor (optional) and DC coupler (optional). When 
formatting the built-in memory, remove the cards.
(Only inserted card will be formatted if present; built-in 
memory will be formatted if no card is inserted.)
 • Always format cards with this camera.
 
• All protected pictures and other picture data will be 
deleted.
 • Do not turn off power or perform other operations during  formatting.
 • Formatting the built-in memory may take several  minutes.
 • Consult the dealer or your nearest Service Center if  format cannot be successfully completed. 
						

							32   VQT3E45VQT3E45   33
 
Taking pictures with your own settings 
[Normal Picture] Mode
Recording Mode: 
 
Aligning the focus
 
●If a warning is displayed about jitter, use [Stabilizer], a 
tripod, or [Selftimer]. 
 
●If aperture value or shutter speed is displayed in red, 
correct exposure has not been achieved. Use flash or 
change [Sensitivity] settings.
Aperture value  Shutter speed  Jitter alert 
display
Using the [Rec] menu to change settings and set up your own recording en\
vironment.
Useful when subject is not in the center of picture.
First adjust focus according to subject
Align the AF area 
with the subject
Hold down  halfway
Focus display
( When focus is aligned: illuminatedWhen focus is not aligned: flashing)
AF area
( When focus is aligned: green When focus is not aligned: red)
Return to desired composition
Press fully
AF area
 
●Subjects/environments which may 
make focusing difficult:
 •
Fast-moving or extremely bright 
objects, or objects with no color 
contrast.
 • Taking pictures through glass or near objects emitting light. In the 
dark, or with significant jitter.
 •
When too close to object or when 
taking pictures of both distant and 
close objects together in the same 
picture.
 
■Focus range
Distance between the lens 
and the subject
5 cm
(0.17 feet) 1 m
(3.28 feet)
Zoom ratio1 x (Max. W)
Gradually changes
4 x (Max. T)
 
●The focus display flashes and beep sounds when focus is not 
aligned.
Use the focus range displayed in red as a reference.
Even if the focus display is lit, the camera may be unable to bring 
the subject into focus if it is out of range.
 
●AF area is displayed larger in dark conditions or when using Digital 
Zoom.Focus range
Shutter buttonDisplay the screen for Recording 
Mode selection
Select [Normal Picture] Mode 
Take a picture
Press halfway 
(press lightly to  focus) Press fully 
(press the button all  the way to record)
 
■ Recording Mode list
[Intelligent Auto] Mode Take pictures with automatic settings. ( →18)
[Normal Picture] ModeTake pictures with your own settings.−
[Scene Mode]Take pictures according to scene. ( →39)
[Motion Picture] ModeTake motion pictures. (→21) 
						

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Taking pictures with your own settings 
[Normal Picture] Mode
Recording Mode: 
 
Aligning the focus
 
●If a warning is displayed about jitter, use [Stabilizer], a 
tripod, or [Selftimer]. 
 
●If aperture value or shutter speed is displayed in red, 
correct exposure has not been achieved. Use flash or 
change [Sensitivity] settings.
Aperture value  Shutter speed  Jitter alert 
display
Using the [Rec] menu to change settings and set up your own recording en\
vironment.
Useful when subject is not in the center of picture.
First adjust focus according to subject
Align the AF area 
with the subject
Hold down  halfway
Focus display
( When focus is aligned: illuminatedWhen focus is not aligned: flashing)
AF area
( When focus is aligned: green When focus is not aligned: red)
Return to desired composition
Press fully
AF area
 
●Subjects/environments which may 
make focusing difficult:
 •
Fast-moving or extremely bright 
objects, or objects with no color 
contrast.
 • Taking pictures through glass or near objects emitting light. In the 
dark, or with significant jitter.
 •
When too close to object or when 
taking pictures of both distant and 
close objects together in the same 
picture.
 
■Focus range
Distance between the lens 
and the subject
5 cm
(0.17 feet) 1 m
(3.28 feet)
Zoom ratio1 x (Max. W)
Gradually changes
4 x (Max. T)
 
●The focus display flashes and beep sounds when focus is not 
aligned.
Use the focus range displayed in red as a reference.
Even if the focus display is lit, the camera may be unable to bring 
the subject into focus if it is out of range.
 
●AF area is displayed larger in dark conditions or when using Digital 
Zoom.Focus range
Shutter buttonDisplay the screen for Recording 
Mode selection
Select [Normal Picture] Mode 
Take a picture
Press halfway 
(press lightly to  focus) Press fully 
(press the button all  the way to record)
 
■ Recording Mode list
[Intelligent Auto] Mode Take pictures with automatic settings. ( →18)
[Normal Picture] ModeTake pictures with your own settings.−
[Scene Mode]Take pictures according to scene. ( →39)
[Motion Picture] ModeTake motion pictures. (→21) 
						

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Changing recording information display
 
T
aking pictures with the self-timer
Recording Mode:      
You can switch between various information shown on the LCD monitor, such as guide 
lines and recording information. 
 
■Guide lines
 • Reference for composition (e.g. balance) when recording.
 
●For motion picture or Slide Show playback, the operational guidance info\
rmation is 
either displayed or not displayed on the LCD monitor.
 
●In Recording Mode
Recording information No display Guide lines
 
●In Playback Mode
Picture information Picture information +  Recording information No display
We recommend using a tripod. This is also effective for correcting jitter when pressing the 
shutter button, by setting the self-timer to 2 seconds.
 
●Focus will be automatically adjusted immediately before recording if shu\
tter button is 
pressed fully.
 
●After self-timer lamp stops flashing, it may then be lit for AF Assist Lamp. 
●In [Self Portrait] Scene Mode, [10sec.] is unavailable.
Display [Selftimer]
Select time duration
(Can also be selected with  ◄.)
Take a picture
Press the shutter button fully to make the self-
timer indicator flash and start recording after 
the preset time.
 • To cancel while in operation 
→ Press [MENU/SET]
Press to change display
Self-timer indicator 
						

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Changing recording information display
 
T
aking pictures with the self-timer
Recording Mode:      
You can switch between various information shown on the LCD monitor, such as guide 
lines and recording information. 
 
■Guide lines
 • Reference for composition (e.g. balance) when recording.
 
●For motion picture or Slide Show playback, the operational guidance info\
rmation is 
either displayed or not displayed on the LCD monitor.
 
●In Recording Mode
Recording information No display Guide lines
 
●In Playback Mode
Picture information Picture information +  Recording information No display
We recommend using a tripod. This is also effective for correcting jitter when pressing the 
shutter button, by setting the self-timer to 2 seconds.
 
●Focus will be automatically adjusted immediately before recording if shu\
tter button is 
pressed fully.
 
●After self-timer lamp stops flashing, it may then be lit for AF Assist Lamp. 
●In [Self Portrait] Scene Mode, [10sec.] is unavailable.
Display [Selftimer]
Select time duration
(Can also be selected with  ◄.)
Take a picture
Press the shutter button fully to make the self-
timer indicator flash and start recording after 
the preset time.
 • To cancel while in operation 
→ Press [MENU/SET]
Press to change display
Self-timer indicator 
						

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Taking pictures with flash
Recording Mode:      
Display [Flash]
Select the desired type
(Can also be selected with 
►.)
Type, operations Uses[Auto]
 • Automatically judges whether or not to flash Normal use
[Auto/Red-Eye]∗1, ∗2 • Automatically judges whether or not to flash (reduce 
red-eye) Taking pictures of subjects in 
dark places
[Forced Flash On]
 • Always flash Taking pictures with backlight 
or under bright lighting (e.g. 
fluorescent)
[Forced On/Red-Eye]∗1, ∗2 • Always flash (reduce red-eye)[Slow Sync./Red-Eye]∗1, ∗2 • Automatically judges whether or not to flash (reduce red-
eye; slow shutter speed to take brighter pictures) Taking pictures of subjects 
against a nightscape (tripod 
recommended)
[Forced Flash Off]
 • Never flash Places where flash use is 
prohibited
∗1  
The flash is activated twice. Be sure to stop moving before the second f\
lash. Note that 
the interval of flashes varies depending on the subject brightness.
∗
2   When [Red-Eye Removal] is activated in the Recording menu, the  icon is displayed, 
red-eye is automatically detected, and the still picture data is correct\
ed. (Only when [AF 
Mode] is set to 
 (Face Detection).) (DMC-S3 only)
 
●Shutter speeds are as follows:
 •, , ,  : 1/60 - 1/1600th
 •,  : 1/8 ∗3 - 1/1600th
∗3  Max. 1/4 sec. when [  ] in [Sensitivity] is set; max. 1 sec. when [Stabilizer] is 
set to [OFF] or when blur is insignificant. Also varies according to [Intelligent Auto] 
Mode, [Scene Mode] scene, etc.
 
●The effect of Red-Eye Reduction varies depending on the subject and is affected by 
factors such as distance to the subject, whether the subject is looking \
at the camera 
during preliminary flash, and so on. In some cases, the effect of Red-Eye Reduction 
may be negligible.
 
■ Available types in each mode 
(○: Available,  –: Not available, ○: Default setting)
[Scene Mode]
○○∗4○○○○
–○ –○○ –○○ –○○○ –––– ○–––○–○○○○ –○ –○○○○–––––––– ○–––––––––– ○–○ ––––○○○○○○○○○○○○○
∗
4  Set to , ,  or  according to the subject and brightness. • The flash cannot be used in Motion Picture Mode and in these Scene Modes\
: , , , , .
 • Scene Mode flash settings are restored to default when Scene Mode is cha\
nged.
 
■ The available flash range when [Sensitivity] setting is 
W side (Max.) Approx. 40 cm (1.32 feet) - 3.3 m (10.8 feet)
T side (Max.) Approx. 1.0 m (3.28 feet) - 1.6 m (5.24 feet)
 
●Do not touch or look at the flash ( →7) from close distances (i.e. a few cm).
Do not use the flash at close distances to other subjects (heat/light m\
ay damage 
subject).
 
●Flash settings may be changed when changing Recording Mode. 
●When [  ] is set in [Sensitivity], the ISO Sensitivity is automatically set in \
a range 
up to 1600.
 
●No pictures may be taken if these marks (e.g. ) are flashing (flash is charging). 
●Insufficient light may prevent appropriate exposure or white balance. 
●Flash effect may not be fully achieved with high shutter speeds. 
●Flash charging may take time if battery is low, or if using flash repeatedly. 
						

							36   VQT3E45VQT3E45   37
 
Taking pictures with flash
Recording Mode:      
Display [Flash]
Select the desired type
(Can also be selected with 
►.)
Type, operations Uses[Auto]
 • Automatically judges whether or not to flash Normal use
[Auto/Red-Eye]∗1, ∗2 • Automatically judges whether or not to flash (reduce 
red-eye) Taking pictures of subjects in 
dark places
[Forced Flash On]
 • Always flash Taking pictures with backlight 
or under bright lighting (e.g. 
fluorescent)
[Forced On/Red-Eye]∗1, ∗2 • Always flash (reduce red-eye)[Slow Sync./Red-Eye]∗1, ∗2 • Automatically judges whether or not to flash (reduce red-
eye; slow shutter speed to take brighter pictures) Taking pictures of subjects 
against a nightscape (tripod 
recommended)
[Forced Flash Off]
 • Never flash Places where flash use is 
prohibited
∗1  
The flash is activated twice. Be sure to stop moving before the second f\
lash. Note that 
the interval of flashes varies depending on the subject brightness.
∗
2   When [Red-Eye Removal] is activated in the Recording menu, the  icon is displayed, 
red-eye is automatically detected, and the still picture data is correct\
ed. (Only when [AF 
Mode] is set to 
 (Face Detection).) (DMC-S3 only)
 
●Shutter speeds are as follows:
 •, , ,  : 1/60 - 1/1600th
 •,  : 1/8 ∗3 - 1/1600th
∗3  Max. 1/4 sec. when [  ] in [Sensitivity] is set; max. 1 sec. when [Stabilizer] is 
set to [OFF] or when blur is insignificant. Also varies according to [Intelligent Auto] 
Mode, [Scene Mode] scene, etc.
 
●The effect of Red-Eye Reduction varies depending on the subject and is affected by 
factors such as distance to the subject, whether the subject is looking \
at the camera 
during preliminary flash, and so on. In some cases, the effect of Red-Eye Reduction 
may be negligible.
 
■ Available types in each mode 
(○: Available,  –: Not available, ○: Default setting)
[Scene Mode]
○○∗4○○○○
–○ –○○ –○○ –○○○ –––– ○–––○–○○○○ –○ –○○○○–––––––– ○–––––––––– ○–○ ––––○○○○○○○○○○○○○
∗
4  Set to , ,  or  according to the subject and brightness. • The flash cannot be used in Motion Picture Mode and in these Scene Modes\
: , , , , .
 • Scene Mode flash settings are restored to default when Scene Mode is cha\
nged.
 
■ The available flash range when [Sensitivity] setting is 
W side (Max.) Approx. 40 cm (1.32 feet) - 3.3 m (10.8 feet)
T side (Max.) Approx. 1.0 m (3.28 feet) - 1.6 m (5.24 feet)
 
●Do not touch or look at the flash ( →7) from close distances (i.e. a few cm).
Do not use the flash at close distances to other subjects (heat/light m\
ay damage 
subject).
 
●Flash settings may be changed when changing Recording Mode. 
●When [  ] is set in [Sensitivity], the ISO Sensitivity is automatically set in \
a range 
up to 1600.
 
●No pictures may be taken if these marks (e.g. ) are flashing (flash is charging). 
●Insufficient light may prevent appropriate exposure or white balance. 
●Flash effect may not be fully achieved with high shutter speeds. 
●Flash charging may take time if battery is low, or if using flash repeatedly. 
						

							38   VQT3E45VQT3E45   39
 
Taking pictures with Exposure Compensation
Recording Mode:     
 
Taking pictures according to the scene 
[Scene Mode]
Recording Mode: 
Corrects exposure to obtain optimum exposure (for example, if there is \
difference 
between brightness of object and background). Depending on the brightne\
ss, this may be 
impossible in some cases.
Under-exposedOptimum exposure Over-exposed
Plus directionMinus direction
 
●After exposure adjustment, the adjustment value (  for example) is displayed. 
●The Exposure Compensation value you set is retained even after the camer\
a is turned 
off.
Display [Exposure]
Select a valueNo compensation
Using [Scene Mode] enables you to take pictures with optimum settings (\
exposure, 
coloring, etc.) for given scenes. 
Display the screen for Recording 
Mode selection
Select [Scene Mode]
Select and set the scene
 
●Scene menu
 
●Selecting a Scene Mode inappropriate for the actual scene may affect the coloring of 
your picture.
 
●The following [Rec] menu settings will be automatically adjusted and pre\
vents manual 
selection (available settings vary according to scene setting):
[Sensitivity], [Color Mode]
 
●[White Balance] can only be set in the following scenes.
[Portrait], [Soft Skin], [Self Portrait], [Panorama Assist], [Sports], [Baby], [High Sens.]
(Setting is restored to [AWB] when scene is changed.)
 
●The types of flash available ( →37) vary according to the scene. The Scene Mode flash 
setting is reset to the default setting when the Scene Mode is changed. 
						

							38   VQT3E45VQT3E45   39
 
Taking pictures with Exposure Compensation
Recording Mode:     
 
Taking pictures according to the scene 
[Scene Mode]
Recording Mode: 
Corrects exposure to obtain optimum exposure (for example, if there is \
difference 
between brightness of object and background). Depending on the brightne\
ss, this may be 
impossible in some cases.
Under-exposedOptimum exposure Over-exposed
Plus directionMinus direction
 
●After exposure adjustment, the adjustment value (  for example) is displayed. 
●The Exposure Compensation value you set is retained even after the camer\
a is turned 
off.
Display [Exposure]
Select a valueNo compensation
Using [Scene Mode] enables you to take pictures with optimum settings (\
exposure, 
coloring, etc.) for given scenes. 
Display the screen for Recording 
Mode selection
Select [Scene Mode]
Select and set the scene
 
●Scene menu
 
●Selecting a Scene Mode inappropriate for the actual scene may affect the coloring of 
your picture.
 
●The following [Rec] menu settings will be automatically adjusted and pre\
vents manual 
selection (available settings vary according to scene setting):
[Sensitivity], [Color Mode]
 
●[White Balance] can only be set in the following scenes.
[Portrait], [Soft Skin], [Self Portrait], [Panorama Assist], [Sports], [Baby], [High Sens.]
(Setting is restored to [AWB] when scene is changed.)
 
●The types of flash available ( →37) vary according to the scene. The Scene Mode flash 
setting is reset to the default setting when the Scene Mode is changed. 
						

							40   VQT3E45VQT3E45   41
How to select a scene. (→39)
Using flash in Scene Modes. (→37)Taking pictures according to the scene 
[Scene Mode] (Continued)
Recording Mode: 
SceneUses, Tips Notes
[Portrait]
Improves the skin tone of subjects for a 
healthier appearance in bright daylight 
conditions.
Tips • Stand as close as possible to subject.
 • Zoom: As telescopic as possible (T side) −
 
[Soft Skin]
Smooths skin colors in bright, outdoor 
daylight conditions (portraits from chest 
upwards).
Tips • Stand as close as possible to subject.
 • Zoom: As telescopic as possible (T side)  • Clarity of effect may vary 
depending on brightness.
 • If a part of the background etc.  is a color close to skin color, this 
part is also smoothed.
 
[Self 
Portrait]
Take pictures of yourself.
Tips  • Press shutter button halfway → self-timer  indicator illuminates  → press shutter button 
fully → review
(if self-timer indicator flashes, focus is not 
correctly aligned)
 • Avoid zoom (harder to focus).
 • 2-second self-timer recommended. −
 [Scenery]
Takes clear pictures of wide, distant subjects.
−
SceneUses, Tips Notes
[Panorama 
Assist]
Use the supplied software to join multiple 
pictures into a single panorama picture.
   Use ▲▼  to select the recording direction, and 
press [MENU/SET] to set.
Special panorama guidelines will be displayed.
   Take the picture.
  Select [Next], and press [MENU/SET] to set.
 • Alternatively, press the shutter button.
 • You can take pictures again by selecting [Retake].
  Change the composition and take the picture 
so that a part of the picture overlaps with the 
previous picture.
 • To take more pictures, 
select [Next] and 
repeat steps 
 and .
Section of picture that was taken last time
   After you finish taking pictures, select [Exit], 
and press [MENU/SET] to set.
Tips  • Keep your recording location.
 • Use a tripod.  • The focus, zoom, Exposure 
Compensation, White Balance, 
shutter speed, and ISO 
Sensitivity are all fixed at the 
setting for the first picture.
 • When the camera is set to  [Stabilizer] and there is very little 
jitter, or if [Stabilizer] is set to 
[OFF], shutter speed may slow 
down up to 8 seconds.
 • Shutter may remain closed for up  to 8 seconds after taking picture.
 • Panorama picture stitching  cannot be performed by this 
camera. Use the software 
on the supplied CD-ROM 
“PHOTOfunSTUDIO” to make 
the pictures you record into a 
panorama still picture with your 
computer.
 
[Sports]
Takes pictures of scenes with fast movement, 
e.g. sports.
Tips • Stand at least 5 m (16.4 feet) away.  • When the camera is set to 
[Stabilizer] and there is very little 
jitter, or if [Stabilizer] is set to 
[OFF], shutter speed may slow 
down up to 1 second.