Panasonic Digital Camera Dmc Zs15 Owners Manual For Advanced Features

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Taking Pictures with different picture effects   
[Creative Control] mode
Recording mode:          
You can select your own settings from various effects and take pictures while confirming 
these effects on the LCD monitor.
Set mode dial to 
Press   to select a setting, and press [MENU/SET] 
SettingEffect
[Expressive] This picture effect creates a pop art style picture that enhances 
the color.
[Retro] This picture effect creates the soft appearance of a tarnished 
picture.
[High Key] This picture effect creates a brighter and lighter toned 
appearance for the entire picture.
[Low Key] This picture effect creates a darker somber appearance for the 
entire picture to emphasize the bright portions.
[Sepia] This picture effect creates a picture with sepia tone.
[Dynamic Monochrome] This picture effect creates a monochromatic picture with a 
higher contrast and more dramatic atmosphere.
[High Dynamic] This picture effect creates a picture with a well-balanced 
brightness for the entire picture (from dark areas to bright 
areas).
[Toy Effect] This picture effect creates a picture that resembles pictures 
taken by a toy camera with a reduced amount of peripheral 
light.
 • About adjusting color shade 
→  Press the [DISP.] button and use the cursor button to 
select the shades of a color

.
[Miniature Effect] This picture effect creates a diorama-like picture by 
intentionally blurring the outer areas on the picture.  
(Also known as Tilt Shift Focus)
[Soft Focus] This picture effect creates a soft appearance by intentionally 
blurring the entire picture.  
						

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Taking Pictures with different picture effects  [Creative Control] mode 
 ●The flash is set to  [Forced Flash Off]. ●A setting that was selected in [Creative Control] mode is retained even after the camera 
is turned off.
 ●Following [Rec] menu settings will be automatically adjusted and cannot be selected 
manually.
[Sensitivity], [White Balance], [i.Exposure], [Min. Shtr Speed], [Color Mode]
 ●Notes on the [Miniature Effect] setting • The recording screen is displayed with a slight delay when compared to usual recording.
 • No audio is recorded for motion pictures. • When a 

motion picture is recorded, the finished recording will be approximately 1/10th 
of the actual recorded time period. (If you record a motion picture for 10
 minutes, 
the resulting motion picture recording time will be approximately 1 minute.) 

The 
recordable time displayed on the camera is approx. 10
 times longer than actual time 
needed for recording. When the recording mode is changed, be sure to check the 
recordable time.
 • When you take a picture using a large picture size setting, the screen will become  dark for a certain period of time after the picture is taken. However , this occurs due to 
signal processing and is not a defect.
 ●Notes on the [Soft Focus] setting • The recording screen is displayed with a slight delay when compared to usual  recording. (When this effect is set, the recorded motion picture is played back like a 
frame dropping.)
 • When you take a picture using a large picture size setting, the screen will become dark for a certain period of time after the picture is taken. However , this occurs due to 
signal processing and is not a defect.
 ■Changing the selected picture effects ([Creative Control] menu) 
 Press [MENU/SET]    Use cursor button to select [Creative Control] menu and press [MENU/SET]   Press   to select a setting, and then press [MENU/SET]
 ■Recording motion pictures in 
Records a motion picture at the optimum settings for the selected ef fects.  
						

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Taking pictures according to the scene   
[Scene Mode]
Recording mode:          
Using [Scene Mode] enables you to take pictures with optimum settings (exposure, 
coloring, etc.) for given scenes. 
Set mode dial to 
Use cursor button to select the scene and press [MENU/SET]
(When the scene menu is not displayed →39)
 ■Changing the selected scene mode ([Scene Mode] menu) 
 Press [MENU/SET]    Use cursor button to select [Scene Mode] menu and press [MENU/SET]   Use cursor button to select the scene and press [MENU/SET]
 ■Recording motion pictures in 
Records a motion picture at the optimum settings for the selected scene. • Some scenes are switched to the following scenes:
Selected sceneScenes for motion picture
[Baby] Portrait motion picture
[Night Portrait], [Night Scenery], [Handheld Night Shot] Low light motion picture
[Sports], [HDR], [Pet] Normal motion picture
 ●Selecting a Scene Mode inappropriate for the actual scene may af fect the coloring of 
your picture.
 ●Following [Rec] menu settings will be automatically adjusted and cannot be selected 
manually.
[Sensitivity], [Metering Mode], [i.Exposure], [Min. Shtr Speed], [i.Resolution],  
[Color Mode]
 ●Using flash in Scene Modes (→52)  
						

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Taking pictures according to the scene  [Scene Mode] 
 • How to select a scene (→63) • Using flash in Scene Modes (→52)
[Portrait]
Improves the skin tone of subjects for a healthier appearance in bright 
daylight conditions.Tips
 • The closer the zoom is positioned to the T

 (telephoto) edge and the closer the 
camera is brought to the subject, the greater the effect will be.
 
[Soft Skin]
Smooths skin colors in bright, outdoor daylight conditions (portraits from 
chest upwards).
Tips
 • The closer the zoom is positioned to the T

 (telephoto) edge and the closer the 
camera is brought to the subject, the greater the effect will be.
 
[Scenery]Takes clear pictures of wide, distant subjects.
[Panorama 
Shot]
Creates a single panorama picture by stitching multiple still pictures taken 
in rapid succession.
  Use cursor button to select the recording direction, and press [MENU/SET] to 
set.
  Check the recording direction and press  [MENU/SET] • Special panorama guidelines will be displayed during recording.  Press the shutter button halfway to focus  Press the shutter button fully and pan the camera in a small circular motion in 
the selected direction to start recording
 • Taking pictures from left to right
Pan the camera so that you 
make a complete circuit in 
approx. 8 seconds
 • Pan the camera at a constant 
speed. 
 • You may not be able to take pictures successfully if you 
move the camera too quickly 
or too slowly

.
 • Pan the camera in a small circular motion
1 sec. 2 sec.
3 sec.
  Press the shutter button fully again to end recording • You can also end recording if you stop panning the camera while taking pictures.  
						

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Taking pictures according to the scene  [Scene Mode] 
 • How to select a scene (→63) • Using flash in Scene Modes (→52)
[Panorama 
Shot]
(Continued)
Tips • Pan the camera in the recording direction as steadily as possible.If the camera shakes too 
much, it may not be able to 
take pictures or may end up 
creating a narrow (small) 
panorama picture.
The subjects that are displayed in this range are recorded. (guideline)
Notes
 • The zoom position is fixed to the W end. • The focus, White Balance, and Exposure Compensation are all fixed to  optimal values for the first picture. 
If the focusing or brightness of pictures recorded as part of a Panorama 
picture after the first picture are significantly different from those of the first 
picture, the Panorama picture as a whole (when all pictures are stitched 
together) may not have consistent focus and brightness.
 • The following functions are fixed to the settings indicated below. [Stabilizer]: [OFF]    [Date Stamp]: [OFF]
 • Since several pictures are stitched together to create a Panorama picture, some subjects may be distorted or the joining portions of successively taken 
pictures that are stitched may be noticeable.
 • The number of recording pixels per horizontal line and vertical line of a Panorama picture varies depending on the recording direction and number of 
stitched pictures. 
The maximum number of recording pixels is as follows:
- 
 Taking pictures in landscape orientation: 

Approx. 8000×1080
- 
 Taking pictures in portrait orientation: 

Approx. 1440×8000
 • Panorama pictures may not be created or pictures may not be recorded properly when taking pictures of the following subjects or when taking pictures 
in the following recording conditions:
- 
 Subjects that have a continuous monotone or pattern (sky, beach, etc.)
-  Moving subjects (person, pet, vehicle, waves, or flowers swaying in the wind, 
etc.)
- 
 Subjects whose colors or patterns change quickly (such as an image 
appearing on a display)
- Dark locations
- 
 Locations with a flickering light source (fluorescent lamp, candle light, etc.)
About panorama playback
You can operate the zoom lever to enlarge still pictures taken in [Panorama 
Shot] mode in the same way as with other still pictures (Playback Zoom →35). 
Y

ou can also press 
 to automatically scroll pictures in the same way as when 
playing back a motion picture (Motion Picture Playback →33).
 • Unlike motion picture playback, you cannot perform fast forward or rewind  by pressing  or  while the pictures are scrolling automatically. (You can 
perform single-frame forward or rewind while the automatic scrolling operation 
is paused.)  
						

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Taking pictures according to the scene  [Scene Mode] 
 • How to select a scene (→63) • Using flash in Scene Modes (→52)
 
[Sports]
Takes pictures of scenes with fast movement, e.g. sports.
Tips
 • Stand at least 5 m (16 feet) away.Notes
 • Shutter speed may slow down up to 1 second.
 
[Night Portrait]
Takes pictures of people and nightscapes with close to actual brightness.
Tips
 • Use flash. • Subject should not move. • Tripod, self-timer recommended.Notes
 • Shutter speed may slow down up to 8 seconds. • After recording, the shutter may stay closed (up to 8 seconds) to process the  signal. This is not a malfunction.
 
[Night 
Scenery]
Takes clear pictures of night scenes.
Tips
 • Tripod, self-timer recommended.Notes
 • Shutter speed may slow down up to 8 seconds. • After recording, the shutter may stay closed (up to 8 seconds) to process the  signal. This is not a malfunction.
 
[Handheld 
Night Shot]
Takes clear still pictures of night scenes with less jitter and less noise by 
combining a burst of still pictures. 
Tips
 • Stand at least 5 m (16 feet) away. • After the shutter button has been pressed, do not move the camera during the  burst operation.
Notes
 • Since a burst of still pictures are combined after they have been recorded, it  will be a few moments before you will be able to record another picture.  
						

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Taking pictures according to the scene  [Scene Mode] 
 • How to select a scene (→63) • Using flash in Scene Modes (→52)
 
[HDR]
The camera can combine several still pictures taken with different 
exposures into a single properly exposed picture with rich gradation.
Tips
 • After the shutter button has been pressed, do not move the camera during the  burst operation.
Notes
 • Since a burst of still pictures are combined after they have been recorded, it  will be a few moments before you will be able to record another picture.
 • A subject that was in motion when it was recorded may be recorded as an afterimage.
 • The camera may take a single still picture instead of several pictures under certain recording conditions.
 
[Food]Takes natural-looking pictures of food.
 
[Baby]
Uses weak flash to bring out skin colors.
 • To record age and name ([Baby1] and [Baby2] can be set separately

.)
  Select [Age] or [Name] with cursor button, press [MENU/SET], select [SET], 
and press [MENU/SET].
  Set the birthday and name. Age:  Set birthday with cursor button, and press [MENU/SET]. Name: (See “Entering T
ext”: (→79))
 Use cursor button to select [Exit] and press [MENU/SET].
Tips
 • Make sure [Age] and [Name] are [ON] before taking a picture. Notes
 • Age display format depends on [Language] setting. • Shutter speed may slow down up to 1 second. • [Age] and [Name] print setting can be made on your computer using  “PHOTOfunSTUDIO” on the supplied CD-ROM. 

Text may also be stamped 
onto the still picture using [Text Stamp].
 
[Pet]Records pet’s age and name when taking pictures.
 • Refer to [Baby] for other tips and notes.  
						

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Taking pictures according to the scene  [Scene Mode] 
 • How to select a scene (→63) • Using flash in Scene Modes (→52)
 
[Sunset]Takes clear pictures of scenes such as sunsets.
 
[High Sens.]Prevents blurring of subject in dark, indoor conditions.
Select the aspect ratio and the picture size with cursor button and press [MENU/
SET].
 
[Glass 
Through]
Most suitable for taking pictures such as a landscapes through the 
transparent glass of a train/vehicle or building.
Notes
 • If there are stains such as dust or a reflection on the glass, the camera may  focus on the glass instead of a subject.
 • The color of pictures may appear unnatural due to the color of the glass. (You may be able to reproduce the appropriate color by adjusting the White 
Balance.)
 
[Underwater]
Takes pictures with natural colors suitable for an underwater scene.
Tips
 • For fast moving subjects, align with the AF area and press  (AF Lock).
(Press  again to release.)
[AF Lock]
(focus fixed)
AF area
 • If the zoom is operated after AF Lock is set, the  AF Lock setting will be 
canceled and must be set again.
 • AF Lock cannot be set if [AF Mode] is set to .
About [White Balance]
 • You can adjust colors according to your preference by using the “White  Balance fine adjustment” (→82).
Notes
 • Always use marine case (optional). •When there are many underwater objects, set the flash to .  
						

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Taking 3D pictures  [3D Photo Mode]
Recording mode:          
Pictures are recorded continuously while moving the camera horizontally, and two 
pictures selected automatically are combined to make a single 3D picture. 
To view 3D pictures, a television that supports 3D is required (This unit will play back in 
2D). (→114)
Set mode dial to 
 • Description of recording method is displayed.  • Check the instructions, and then press [MENU/SET].
Start the recording and then slide 
the camera horizontally straight 
from left to right
 • A guide is displayed while recording.  • Move the camera approximately 10 cm   (0.33 feet) within approximately 4 seconds 
using the guide.
Tips for recording pictures • Record a stationary subject. • Record a picture outdoors or in other bright locations. • Press the shutter button halfway to fix the focus and the exposure, press the shutter  button fully, and then slide the camera.
 • Hold the camera so that the subject is slightly to the right of the center on the display at the start of the recording. This makes it easier to position the subject in 
the center of the recorded picture.
 ●3D still pictures cannot be recorded by holding this camera vertically . ●3D still pictures are recorded in MPO format (3D). ●The zoom position is fixed to the W end. ●The picture size is fixed to 2M . ●ISO Sensitivity is automatically adjusted. However, ISO Sensitivity is increased to make 
the shutter speed faster.
 ●Motion pictures cannot be recorded. ●When any of the recording conditions listed below exists, it may be impossible to record 
any images at all. Or there may be no 3D effect, or the image may be distorted even if a 
picture is recorded.
 • When the subject is too dark or too bright • When the subject’s brightness changes • When the subject is moving • When pictures are recorded underwater • When the subject lacks contrast      
						

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Registering your preferred recording mode, [Rec] menu settings, etc. to [Cust.Set Mem.] 
and setting the mode dial to  /  allows you to switch quickly to those settings.
[Cust.Set Mem.]
Up to 4 current camera settings can be registered.
 ■Recording mode:          
Select the recording mode you wish to register and set the 
[Rec] menu, [Motion Picture] menu, [Setup] menu, etc.
Select [Cust.Set Mem.] from the [Setup] menu (→39) 
Use cursor button to select custom set for registration and 
press [MENU/SET]
 • A confirmation screen is displayed. Select [Yes] with cursor button and then press [MENU/SET]. 
 • The custom settings registered in [C1] can be used with the  of the mode dial. 
It will be convenient if the custom setting used often is registered, since it can be 
used by just setting the mode dial.
 • The custom settings registered in [C2-1], [C2-2] or [C2-3] can be selected in the  of the mode dial. Up to 3 custom settings can be registered, so selec t the one 
matching the needs.
 ●Self-timer is not stored in custom set. ●Since certain menu items would be reflected in other recording modes, they are not 
saved.
Register your own settings and record   
[Custom] Mode