Panasonic Digital Camera Dmc Tz8 Operating Instructions For Advanced Features

							20   VQT2R24VQT2R24   21
Settings display may vary according to items.
Menu items displayed vary according to mode dial setting.  Setting the menu
Menu type
  ■To restore default settings
[RESET] (→26)
Bring up the menu
Each item’s 
background 
colour changes 
when it is 
selected 
Select the [SETUP] menu
 Highlight   Select  and return 
to menu items
Background 
colour 
changes 
Select the item
Page(Zoom lever can 
be used to switch 
to next screen.)
Item
Select the setting
Settings
Selected 
setting
Close the menu
  • When the REC/PLAY switch is set 
to , menu can be closed with a 
half-press of the shutter button. Refer to the following procedures to operate menus such as the [SETUP] menu, [REC] 
menu, [TRAVEL MODE] menu and [PLAYBACK] menu.
(Example)  While in [PROGRAM AE] Mode (→37), change [LCD MODE] on the [SETUP] 
menu. (REC/PLAY switch: set to 
; mode dial: set to )
Shutter 
button
REC/PLAY switch Camera ON/OFF switch
Mode dial
 [REC] menu (REC/PLAY switch: ) [MOTION PICTURE] menu (REC/PLAY switch: ) 
Changing picture preferences (→95 - 109)
  • Displays settings such as White Balance, Sensitivity, Aspect Ratio, and Picture 
Size.
 [TRAVEL MODE] menu (REC/PLAY switch:  )
Categorize your travel pictures (→90 - 94)
  • You can set the GPS settings 
, Travel Date settings and more. 
 [SETUP] menu (REC/PLAY switch:  )
Making the camera more convenient to use (→22 - 29)
  • Displays settings for ease of use such as adjusting the Clock and changing the 
Beep sounds.
 [PLAYBACK MODE] menu (REC/PLAY switch: )
Viewing recorded pictures (→118 - 125)
  • Choose a playback type to see Slide Shows or just your favourite pictures.
  • When [FAVORITE] (→133) is not set, [FAVORITE PLAY] is not displayed.
 [PLAYBACK] menu (REC/PLAY switch: )
Using your pictures (→126 - 137)
  • Displays settings for using the pictures you have taken, including protecting, 
cropping, and handy settings for printing your pictures (DPOF). 
						

							22   VQT2R24VQT2R24   23
  Using the [SETUP] menuFor details about the setting procedure in the [SETUP] menu (→20)
 [CLOCK SET]
Set the date and time. 
(→17, 19)Set time, date, and display format.
[BEEP]
Change or mute the 
beep/shutter sounds.[BEEP LEVEL]
// : Mute/Low/High
[BEEP TONE]
 // : Change beep tone.
[SHUTTER VOL.]
// : Mute/Low/High
[SHUTTER TONE]
// : Change shutter tone.
 
[VOLUME]
Adjust volume of sound 
from speakers (7 levels).0 • • [LEVEL3] • • [LEVEL6]
  • Cannot be used to adjust TV speaker volume when 
connected to TV. (We recommend setting camera 
volume to 0)
 
[CUST.SET MEM.]
Register settings on 
current camera. (→59) [C1] / [C2] / [C3]
Item Settings, notes For details about the setting procedure in the [SETUP] menu (→20)
Make general camera settings such as adjusting the Clock, extending the battery life, and 
changing the Beep sounds.
[CLOCK SET], [ECONOMY] and [AUTO REVIEW] are important for Clock setting 
and battery life. Please check these before use.
 [LCD MODE]
Make LCD monitor easier 
to see.[OFF]: Normal (cancel setting)
 [AUTO POWER LCD]:
The brightness is adjusted automatically depending on 
how bright it is around the camera.
 [POWER  LCD]:
Makes screen brighter than normal (for outdoor use).
  • [AUTO POWER LCD] does not work in the following cases: 
During playback, during menu display, when connected to 
computer/printer.
  • [POWER LCD] returns to ordinary brightness if there is no 
operation for 30 seconds when recording. (Press any button to 
make brighter again).
  • Because the picture shown on the LCD monitor screen 
emphasizes brightness, some subjects may look different than 
their actual appearance, but this will not affect the recorded 
picture. 
  • Block out sunlight (with hand, etc.) if reflection makes screen 
difficult to see.
  • Setting [LCD MODE] will reduce the number of pictures that can 
be recorded and recording time. 
  • When [LCD POWER SAVE] is set, the brightness of the LCD 
monitor follows the setting in [LCD MODE], but the picture quality 
of the LCD monitor stays at a low level.
[DISPLAY SIZE]
Change the display size 
of the menu.[STANDARD]/[LARGE]
 
[GUIDE LINE]
Select recording 
information display and 
types of guidelines. (→46)[REC. INFO.]
[OFF]/[ON]  (Display recording information with guide 
lines.)
[PATTERN]
 /  : Change the patterns of guide lines.
 
[HISTOGRAM]
Check subject brightness 
on graph. (→46)[OFF]/[ON]
Item Settings, notes 
						

							24   VQT2R24VQT2R24   25
For details about the setting procedure in the [SETUP] menu (→20) Using the [SETUP] menu (Continued)
  [REC AREA]
Enables verification of 
the recordable area for 
a motion picture before 
recording.[OFF]/[ON]
  • Recordable area displayed for motion 
pictures should be interpreted as a 
Guideline.
  • When using Extra Optical Zoom, the 
recordable area may not always be 
displayed for certain zoom ratios.
  • This setting cannot be used with Intelligent 
Auto Mode.This section is not 
recorded.
 [ECONOMY]
Turn off the power or 
make the LCD monitor 
go dark while not using 
the camera to minimize 
battery consumption. [SLEEP MODE]
[OFF]/[2 MIN.]/[5 MIN.]/[10 MIN.]: 
Automatically shut off power while not in use.
  • To restore →  Press the shutter button halfway, or turn on 
the power again.
  • Cannot be used in the following cases:
When using AC adaptor (optional) and DC coupler 
(optional), when connected to computer/printer, during 
motion picture recording/playback, during Slide Shows, 
during automatic demo playback 
  • Settings fixed to [5 MIN.] in [INTELLIGENT AUTO] Mode 
or [CLIPBOARD] Mode, or [10 MIN.] while Slide Show is 
paused.
 [LCD POWER SAVE]
[OFF]/[ON]:
The LCD monitor goes dark to minimize power 
consumption.
  • Reduces the picture quality of the LCD monitor display 
during recording to minimize battery consumption 
(except for the Digital Zoom area). Note, however, that 
there is no effect on the recorded picture.
  • When [LCD MODE] is set, the brightness of the LCD 
monitor follows the setting in [LCD MODE], but the 
picture quality of the LCD monitor stays at a low level.
Item Settings, notes For details about the setting procedure in the [SETUP] menu (→20)[AUTO REVIEW]
Automatically display 
still pictures immediately 
after taking them.[OFF]: No auto review
[1 SEC.]/[2 SEC.]:  Automatically display for 1 or 2 
seconds.
[HOLD]:  Auto review screen remains until a button (other 
than the [DISPLAY] button) is pressed
  • Fixed to [2 SEC.] in [INTELLIGENT AUTO] Mode.
  • In [SELF PORTRAIT], [PANORAMA ASSIST], [HI-
SPEED BURST], [FLASH BURST], and [PHOTO 
FRAME] Scene Modes, [AUTO BRACKET], [MULTI 
ASPECT], [BURST] Mode, or still pictures with audio, 
Auto Review performed regardless of setting.
  • Motion pictures cannot be automatically reviewed.
 
  [ZOOM RESUME]
Remember the zoom 
position when turning the 
power off.[OFF]/[ON]
  • Cannot be set when using [SELF PORTRAIT] Scene 
Mode.
 
[NO.RESET]
Reset picture file 
numbers. [YES]/[NO]
  • The folder number is updated and the file number starts 
from 0001. 
  • A folder number between 100 and 999 can be assigned.
Numbers cannot be reset once folder number reaches 
999. In this case, save all necessary pictures to your 
computer, and format the built-in memory/card (→28).
  • To reset folder number to 100:
First, format the built-in memory or card, and reset the 
file numbers using [NO.RESET]. Then, select [YES] on 
the folder number reset screen.
  • File numbers and folder numbers. (→142)
Item Settings, notes
[REC AREA] is not available in the DMC-TZ9/DMC-TZ8. 
						

							26   VQT2R24VQT2R24   27
For details about the setting procedure in the [SETUP] menu (→20) Using the [SETUP] menu (Continued)
 [RESET]
Reset to the default 
settings.[RESET REC. SETTINGS?]
[YES]/[NO]
[RESET SETUP PARAMETERS?]
[YES]/[NO]
  • Information registered in [FACE RECOG.] is reset if 
recording settings are reset.
  • Resetting the setup parameters will also reset the 
following.
Age in years/months and names in [BABY] and [PET] 
Scene Modes, any settings in the [TRAVEL MODE] 
menu (including GPS function) 
, [FAVORITE] in the 
[PLAYBACK] menu (set to [OFF]), [ROTATE DISP.] (set 
to [ON])
  • Folder numbers and Clock settings will not be reset.
  • Camera movement may be audible as the lens function 
is reset. This is not a fault.
 
[USB MODE]
Select communication 
method for when 
connecting camera to a 
computer or printer with 
USB connection cable. [SELECT ON CONNECTION]:
Select [PC] or [PictBridge (PTP)] each time you connect to 
a computer or PictBridge-compatible printer.
 [PictBridge (PTP)]:  Select when connecting to a 
PictBridge-compatible printer.
 [PC]: Select when connecting to a computer.
 
[VIDEO OUT]
Change the video output 
format when connected 
to a TV, etc. (Playback 
Mode only).[NTSC]/[PAL]
If the default setting is changed, AVCHD Lite motion 
pictures may not be played correctly. 
  • Operates when AV cable is connected.
 
[TV ASPECT]
Change the aspect ratio 
when connected to a 
TV, etc. (Playback Mode 
only). / 
  • Operates when AV cable is connected.
Item Settings, notes For details about the setting procedure in the [SETUP] menu (→20) [HDMI MODE]  
Set the output resolution 
when connected to a 
high-definition TV with 
an HDMI mini cable 
(optional). (→148)[AUTO]:  The output resolution is automatically determined 
based on information from the connected TV.
[1080i]:    Outputs 1080 effective scanning lines in interlaced 
format.
[720p]:    Outputs 720 effective scanning lines in 
progressive format.
[576p]∗
1/[480p]∗2:  Outputs 576 (or 480) effective scanning 
lines in progressive format.
Interlaced and Progressive Formats
In ‘i’ = interlaced format (interlaced scanning), half of 
the effective scanning lines are displayed alternately 
every 1/50∗
1 (1/60∗2) second. In ‘p’ = progressive format 
(progressive scanning), high-density video signals are sent 
simultaneously for all effective scanning lines every 1/50∗
1 
(1/60∗2) second.
The HDMI socket of this camera supports [1080i] high 
definition video output.
To enjoy progressive video or high definition video, a TV 
compatible with these formats is required.
∗
1  When the video out is 
set to [PAL]
∗
2  When the video out is 
set to [NTSC]  • Even if [1080i] is set, the motion picture is output at 720p 
during playback.
  • If no video appears on the TV even though [AUTO] is 
set, try switching to [1080i], [720p], or [576p]∗
1 ([480p]∗2) 
to adjust to a video format that can be displayed on your 
TV. (See the manual for your TV.)
  • This is activated when an HDMI mini cable (optional) is 
connected.
  • For further details (→148)
 
[VIERA Link]  
Enable automatic linking 
with other VIERA Link-
compatible devices, and 
operability with a VIERA 
remote control when 
connecting via an HDMI 
mini cable (optional) 
(→149).[OFF]:  Operations must be performed via the camera’s 
own buttons.
[ON]:     Operations may be performed via the remote 
control of the VIERA Link-compatible device. 
(Not all operations will be available.) Operability of 
the camera’s own buttons will be limited.
  • Works when connected via an HDMI mini cable 
(optional).
Item Settings, notes
The [HDMI MODE], [VIERA Link] menu items are not available in the DMC-TZ8. 
						

							28   VQT2R24VQT2R24   29
For details about the setting procedure in the [SETUP] menu (→20) Using the [SETUP] menu (Continued)
Item Settings, notes
[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.[YES]/[NO]
  • This requires a sufficiently charged battery (→11), 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 picture data including protected pictures will be 
deleted. (→135)
  • Do not turn off power or perform other operations during 
formatting.
  • Formatting the built-in memory may take several 
minutes.
  • Consult your nearest Service Centre if format cannot be 
successfully completed.
 
[LANGUAGE]
Change display 
language.Set the language displayed on the screen. For details about the setting procedure in the [SETUP] menu (→20)
  [DEMO MODE]
View demonstration of 
functions.[STABILIZER DEMO.]: (Only during recording)
Extent of jitter is shown on graph (estimate) 
Large ← Small → Large
Extent of jitter 
Extent of jitter after correction 
  • During demo screen display, the Optical Image Stabilizer 
switches ON and OFF every time [MENU/SET] is 
pressed. 
  • Cannot display during Playback Mode.
  • To stop→ Press the [DISPLAY] button.
  • Recording and zoom cannot be performed during demo.
[AUTO DEMO]: View introductory Slide Show
[OFF]/[ON]
  • To close → Press [MENU/SET] 
  • When a card is not inserted, Automatic Demo Mode 
will start if there is no operation for about two minutes 
with the power ON when connected to the AC adaptor 
(optional) and DC coupler (optional).
  • [AUTO DEMO] cannot be displayed on external devices 
such as TVs.
Item Settings, notes 
						

							30   VQT2R24VQT2R24   31
  Basic shooting operationPlease set the Clock before shooting (→17).
Holding the camera
 
Mode dial
For the operating procedures for the DMC-TZ9/DMC-TZ8 (→32)
Shutter button
Motion picture button
  • Motion pictures can be recorded 
immediately by pressing the 
motion picture button.
Turn on the power
Set to  
 :  Still pictures and motion 
pictures can be taken.
 :  The captured still pictures 
and motion pictures can be 
played back.
Set to the desired Recording Mode 
Set to the mode you plan to use 
Aim the camera and shoot
Recording motion pictures
Press the motion picture button
Press the motion picture button to 
start recording
Press the motion picture button 
again to finish recording
  • Motion pictures cannot be recorded in  
([CLIPBOARD] Mode). (→110)
Taking still pictures
Press the shutter button
Gently press the shutter button
Press halfway 
(Adjust the focus)
Press and hold the shutter button 
to take the picture
Press fully
FlashAF Assist  Lamp
  • Stand with your arms close to your body and with 
your legs apart.
  • Do not touch the lens.
  • Do not block the microphone when recording audio. 
(→9)
  • Do not block the flash or the lamp. Do not look at it 
from close range.
  • Make sure that the camera does not move at the 
moment the shutter button is pressed. 
[INTELLIGENT AUTO] 
ModeTake pictures with automatic settings (→34).
[PROGRAM AE] Mode Record pictures with your own settings. (→37) 
[APERTURE-PRIORITY] 
ModeDetermine aperture, then record pictures. 
(→56) 
[SHUTTER-PRIORITY] 
ModeDetermine shutter speed, then record 
pictures. (→57) 
[MANUAL EXPOSURE] 
ModeDetermine aperture and shutter speed, then 
record pictures. (→58) 
[CUSTOM] ModeRecord pictures using pre-registered settings. 
(→59) 
∗∗
[MY SCN MODE]
∗  
Sometimes referred to as  
in this manual.Take pictures in frequently-used Scene 
Modes (→71).
[SCENE MODE]Take pictures according to scene (→61).
[CLIPBOARD] ModeTake pictures as memos (→110). 
						

							32   VQT2R24VQT2R24   33
  Basic shooting operation
Holding the camera
 
Mode dial
For the operating procedures for the DMC-TZ10 (→30)
Please set the Clock before shooting (→19).
Turn on the power
Set to  
 :  Still pictures and motion 
pictures can be taken.
 :  The captured still pictures 
and motion pictures can be 
played back.
Set to the desired Recording Mode 
Set to the mode you plan to use 
Aim the camera and shoot
Shutter button
Recording motion pictures 
( only)
Press the shutter button Gently press the shutter button
Press halfway 
(Adjust the focus)
Press and hold the shutter button 
to begin recording 
Press fully
Press the shutter button again to 
finish recording
Press fully
Taking still pictures
Press the shutter button
Gently press the shutter button
Press halfway 
(Adjust the focus)
Press and hold the shutter button 
to take the picture
Press fully
FlashAF Assist  Lamp
  • Stand with your arms close to your body and with 
your legs apart.
  • Do not touch the lens.
  • Do not block the microphone when recording audio. 
(→10)
  • Do not block the flash or the lamp. Do not look at it 
from close range.
  • Make sure that the camera does not move at the 
moment the shutter button is pressed. 
[INTELLIGENT AUTO] 
ModeTake pictures with automatic settings (→34).
[PROGRAM AE] Mode Record pictures with your own settings. (→37) 
[APERTURE-PRIORITY] 
ModeDetermine aperture, then record pictures. 
(→56) 
[SHUTTER-PRIORITY] 
ModeDetermine shutter speed, then record 
pictures. (→57) 
[MANUAL EXPOSURE] 
ModeDetermine aperture and shutter speed, then 
record pictures. (→58) 
[CUSTOM] ModeRecord pictures using pre-registered settings. 
(→59) 
[MY SCENE MODE]Take pictures in frequently-used Scene 
Modes (→71).
[SCENE MODE]Take pictures according to scene (→61).
[MOTION PICTURE] ModeTake motion pictures (→76).
[CLIPBOARD] ModeTake pictures as memos (→110).
The illustration shows the DMC-TZ8. 
						

							34   VQT2R24VQT2R24   35
  Taking pictures with automatic settings
[INTELLIGENT AUTO] Mode
Recording Mode: 
  ■To use flash 
Select either  (Auto) or  (Forced Flash Off).
  • When  is used, ,  (Auto/Red-Eye Reduction),  (Slow Sync./Red-Eye Reduction) and  (Slow 
Sync.) are selected automatically according to the subject 
type and brightness. For details (→47).
  •
 and  indicate that digital red-eye correction is 
activated.
  • The shutter speed is slower in 
 and .
  ●Focus range (→51).  ●The following menu items may be set in [INTELLIGENT AUTO] Mode:
  • ([REC] menu): [PICTURE SIZE]∗1, [BURST], [COLOR EFFECT]∗1, [FACE RECOG.]  • ([MOTION PICTURE] menu) :  [REC MODE], [REC QUALITY]∗1
  • ([TRAVEL MODE] menu): [GPS SETTING] ,[GPS AREA  SELECT] , 
[AREA INFO. SET] , [TRAVEL DATE], [AUTO CLOCK SET] , [WORLD TIME]
  • ([SETUP] menu∗2): [CLOCK SET], [BEEP]∗1, [LANGUAGE], [STABILIZER DEMO.]
∗1  Items that may be set differ from other Recording Modes.
∗2  Other items on the [SETUP] menu will reflect settings made in [PROGRAM AE] 
Mode, etc.
  ● 
According to the following conditions, different scene types may be determined for the 
same subject.
Face contrast, conditions of subject (size, distance, colouring, contrast, movement), 
zoom ratio, sunset, sunrise, low brightness, jitter
  ●If desired scene type is not selected, we recommend manually selecting the appropriate 
Recording Mode. (Scene Mode: →61)
  ●Backlight compensation:
Backlight refers to the light that shines from behind the subject. When this occurs, the 
subject appears darker, and so backlighting is automatically corrected by increasing the 
brightness of the entire image.
  ●We recommend using a tripod and the self-timer with [i NIGHT SCENERY] and 
[i NIGHT PORTRAIT].
  ●When jitter is small (e.g. using tripod) with [i NIGHT SCENERY], shutter speed can 
reach a maximum of 8 seconds. Do not move the camera.
  ●The settings for the following functions are fixed:
  • [AUTO REVIEW]: [2 SEC.] • [SLEEP MODE]: [5 MIN.] • [GUIDE LINE]:  
  • [WHITE BALANCE]: [AWB] • [QUALITY]:  (Fine) • [INTELLIGENT ISO]   • [STABILIZER]: [AUTO] • [AF MODE]:  (Face Detection)∗3 
  • [AF ASSIST LAMP]: [ON] • [PRE AF]: [Q-AF] • [METERING MODE]:  (Multiple)
  • [I.EXPOSURE]: [STANDARD] • [I.RESOLUTION]: [i.ZOOM]
  • [RED-EYE REMOVAL]: [ON] • [CONTINUOUS AF]: [ON] • [WIND CUT]: [OFF]
∗
3  (11-area-focusing) when face cannot be recognised  ●The following functions cannot be used:
[HISTOGRAM], [EXPOSURE], [AUTO BRACKET], [MULTI ASPECT], 
[WB ADJUST.], [DIGITAL ZOOM], [MIN. SHTR SPEED], [AUDIO REC.]
Turn on the power
Set to  
Set to  ([INTELLIGENT AUTO]  Mode)
Take a picture
Press halfway 
(press lightly to focus)Press fully 
(press the button all the 
way to record)
Optimum settings are made automatically from information such as ‘face’, ‘movement’, 
‘brightness’, and ‘distance’ just by pointing the camera at the subject, meaning that clear 
pictures can be taken without the need to make settings manually.
  ■To take motion pictures  (→72)
  ■Automatic Scene Detection
Camera reads scene when pointed at subject, and makes optimum settings 
automatically.
Recognises people [i PORTRAIT] 
Recognises babies [i BABY] (When babies (under 3 years) that are registered with the 
Face Recognition function are recognised)
Recognises landscapes [i SCENERY]
Recognises night scenes and people in them [i NIGHT PORTRAIT]
(Only when  is selected)
Recognises night scenes [i NIGHT SCENERY]
Recognises close-ups [i MACRO]
Recognises sunsets [i SUNSET]
Reads subject movement to avoid blurring when scene does not correspond to any of the 
above.
Shutter button
Focus display
(when focus aligned: 
flashing → illuminated)
Recognised scene icon displayed in blue 
for 2 sec. 
						

							36   VQT2R24VQT2R24   37
Taking pictures with automatic settings
[INTELLIGENT AUTO] Mode (Continued)
Recording Mode: 
  Taking pictures with your own settings
[PROGRAM AE] Mode
Recording Mode: 
About Happy colours
If [COLOR EFFECT] is set to[Happy], both still and motion pictures are clearer, with more 
vivid colouring.
  • [Happy] can only be set in  [INTELLIGENT AUTO] Mode. 
When setting [Happy] 
Face Detection and Face Recognition
If the camera automatically identifies the scene and determines that people appear 
as subjects in the picture ( or ), Face Detection is activated, and the focus and 
exposure are adjusted for the recognised faces. (→99)
  ■Face Recognition
The faces of people who are taken frequently can be registered together with their 
names, ages, and other information.
If pictures are taken with [FACE RECOG.] (→78) set to [ON], priority is given to the focus 
and exposure adjustments of the faces close to those that have been registered. Also, 
the camera memorises detected faces during Face Detection, automatically recognises 
faces which are taken frequently, and displays them on the face registration screen.
  AF Tracking
Even if a subject, where the focus was locked (AF Lock) moves, the camera can continue 
to keep it in focus. 
Set [AF MODE] to AF Tracking  • To cancel AF Tracking → Press ▲ again.
AF Tracking frame
Align the AF Tracking frame with the subject, and then lock.  • To cancel AF Lock → Press ▲.
  • The optimum scene is detected for the subject 
where the focus was locked (AF Lock).
AF Lock successful: Yellow
AF Lock failed: Red (flash)
  ●Face Recognition will be inactive while using AF Tracking.  ●If AF Lock is not successful for certain objects (→100).
  ■To take motion pictures 
(→72)
  ■To use zoom
(→39)
  ■To use flash
(→47)
  ■To adjust picture brightness
(→53)
  ■To take close-up pictures
(→49)
  ■To adjust colouring
(→98)
  ●If a warning is displayed about jitter, use 
[STABILIZER], a tripod, or [SELFTIMER].
  ● 
If aperture and shutter speed are shown in red, you do 
not have appropriate exposure. You should either use 
the flash, change [SENSITIVITY] settings or set [MIN. 
SHTR SPEED] to a slower speed.
Aperture value Shutter speedJitter alert 
display
Using the [REC] menu to change settings and set up your own recording environment.
Turn on the power
Set to 
Set to  ([PROGRAM AE] Mode)
Take a picture
Press halfway 
(press lightly to focus)Press fully 
(press the button all the 
way to record)
Focus display
(when focus is aligned: 
flashing → illuminated)
AF area
(aligns focus with subject; 
when complete: red → green)
Shutter buttonZoom lever 
						

							38   VQT2R24VQT2R24   39
Taking pictures with your own settings
[PROGRAM AE] Mode (Continued)
Recording Mode: 
  Taking pictures with zoom
Recording Mode:               
Align focus for desired composition
Useful when subject is not in centre of picture.
First adjust focus according to subject
Hold down halfway
Align the AF area 
with the subject
AF area
  ●Subjects/environments which may 
make focusing difficult:
  • Fast-moving or extremely bright 
objects, or objects with no colour 
contrast.
  • Taking pictures through glass or near 
objects emitting light. In 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.
  ●We recommend using the ‘Face 
Detection’ function when taking 
pictures of people (→99).
Return to desired composition
Press fully
AF area
Orientation detection function
Still pictures taken with the camera held vertically are automatically played back vertically. 
(Only when [ROTATE DISP.] is set to [ON])
  ●Still pictures taken with the lens surface facing directly up or down and still pictures 
taken on other cameras may not be rotated. Additionally, still pictures taken while 
holding the camera upside down are not rotated automatically.
  ●Motion pictures are not displayed vertically.
Zoom In/Out
Capture a 
wider area 
(wide-angle)Enlarge 
the subject 
(telephoto)
W side (wide-angle) T side (telephoto)
Focus 
range
Zoom ratio 
(approx.)
Zoom bar
  ●Zoom speed can be adjusted. 
Zoom slowly → turn slightly
Zoom quickly → turn completely
  ●Adjust the focus after adjusting the zoom. You can zoom in up to 12 times with ‘Optical Zoom’, and up to 23.4 times with ‘Extra 
Optical Zoom’ (pictures only) with lower picture quality. To zoom further, you can use 
[i.ZOOM] or [DIGITAL ZOOM]. 
Do not block the lens barrel movement 
while zooming.
  ●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.
  ●Most displays are temporarily cleared from screen when the 
shutter button is pressed halfway.
Focus display
Focus range
  ■Zoom types
Type Optical Zoom Extra Optical Zoom
Maximum 
ratio12 × Up to 23.4 × (Depending on the picture 
size)
Picture quality 
deteriorationNo No
(However, the picture size is reduced)
Operation 
conditionsNone Set [PICTURE SIZE] in the [REC] menu 
to a setting for which 
 is displayed (→95)
Screen 
display
 is displayed
Type i.Zoom Digital Zoom
Maximum 
ratioApprox. 1.3 × the Optical Zoom or Extra 
Optical ZoomUp to 4 × the original zoom ratio
Picture quality 
deteriorationAlmost none Yes
Conditions, 
etc.i.Zoom functions in the following cases.
  •
 ([INTELLIGENT AUTO] Mode)
  • Scene Mode (except for [HIGH 
SENS.], [HI-SPEED BURST], [FLASH 
BURST], [PIN HOLE])
  •
 ([CLIPBOARD] Mode)
  • When [I.RESOLUTION] in the [REC] 
menu is set to [i.ZOOM] (→41)When [DIGITAL ZOOM] in the [REC] 
menu is set to [ON] (→43)
Screen 
display
 is displayedDigital Zoom area is displayed