Panasonic Digital Camera Dmc Zs7 Operating Instructions For Advanced Features

							Operating Instructions for advanced features
Digital Camera
Model No.DMC-ZS7
DMC-ZS6
DMC-ZS5
Before connecting, operating or adjusting this product, 
please read the instructions completely.
VQT2R20 
						

							2   VQT2R20VQT2R20   3
Quick start guideContents
The battery is not charged 
when the camera is 
shipped. Charge the 
battery and set the Clock 
before use.
When you do not use the 
card (optional), you can 
record or play back pictures 
on the built-in memory (→16).Charge the battery
Insert the battery and 
the card
Turn on the power
Set REC/PLAY switch 
to 
Set the mode dial to 
Press the shutter button and take pictures
Press halfway 
(press lightly to focus)Press fully 
(press the button all the  way to record)
 
■To play back the pictures
Previous Next
1.  
Set REC/PLAY switch 
to 
.
2.   Select the picture you 
want to view.
 Before use
Before use .............................................. 6Read first ....................................................... 6
To prevent damage, malfunctions, 
and faults ....................................................... 7
About GPS 
 ............................................ 8
Standard Accessories ........................... 8
Names of parts
  ................................ 9Cursor button ................................................ 9
Names of parts   ....................... 10Cursor button .............................................. 10
 Preparations
Charging battery .................................. 11Guidelines for number of recordable 
pictures and recording time ......................... 12
Inserting and removing the card 
(optional)/the battery ........................... 14
Using the DC coupler (optional) instead of 
battery ......................................................... 15
Picture save destination 
(cards and built-in memory) ........................ 16
Remaining battery and memory capacity .... 16
Setting the Clock  .......................... 17To change time setting ................................ 18
Setting the Clock   ................... 19
Setting the menu ................................. 20
Menu type ................................................... 21
 Using the [SETUP] menu ............... 22[CLOCK SET]/[BEEP]/[VOLUME]/[CUST.SET MEM.] ................................. 22[LCD MODE]/[DISPLAY SIZE]/[GUIDE LINE]/[HISTOGRAM] .......... 23 [REC AREA] /[ECONOMY] .......................................... 24[AUTO REVIEW]/[ZOOM RESUME]/[NO.RESET] .......................................... 25[RESET]/[USB MODE]/[VIDEO OUT]/[TV ASPECT]  ............. 26[HDMI MODE]  /[VIERA Link]   ........................... 27[VERSION DISP.]/[FORMAT]/[LANGUAGE] ......................................... 28 [DEMO MODE] ..................................... 29
 Basics
Basic shooting operation  ............ 30Taking still pictures ...................................... 30
Recording motion pictures .......................... 30
Holding the camera ..................................... 31
Mode dial ..................................................... 31
Basic shooting operation   ...... 32Taking still pictures ...................................... 32
Recording motion pictures ( only) .......... 32
Holding the camera ..................................... 33
Mode dial ..................................................... 33
Taking pictures with automatic 
settings ................................................. 34
About Happy colors ..................................... 36
Face Detection and Face Recognition ........ 36
AF Tracking ................................................. 36
Taking pictures with your own 
settings ................................................. 37
Align focus for desired composition ............ 38
Orientation detection function ..................... 38
Taking pictures with zoom .................. 39[i.ZOOM] ...................................................... 41
Easy Zoom   .................................. 42[DIGITAL ZOOM] ................................... 43
Viewing your pictures 
[NORMAL PLAY] .................................. 44
Deleting pictures ................................. 45
To delete multiple (up to 50) or 
all pictures ................................................... 45 
						

							2   VQT2R20VQT2R20   3
Quick start guideContents
The battery is not charged 
when the camera is 
shipped. Charge the 
battery and set the Clock 
before use.
When you do not use the 
card (optional), you can 
record or play back pictures 
on the built-in memory (→16).Charge the battery
Insert the battery and 
the card
Turn on the power
Set REC/PLAY switch 
to 
Set the mode dial to 
Press the shutter button and take pictures
Press halfway 
(press lightly to focus)Press fully 
(press the button all the  way to record)
 
■To play back the pictures
Previous Next
1.  
Set REC/PLAY switch 
to 
.
2.   Select the picture you 
want to view.
 Before use
Before use .............................................. 6Read first ....................................................... 6
To prevent damage, malfunctions, 
and faults ....................................................... 7
About GPS 
 ............................................ 8
Standard Accessories ........................... 8
Names of parts
  ................................ 9Cursor button ................................................ 9
Names of parts   ....................... 10Cursor button .............................................. 10
 Preparations
Charging battery .................................. 11Guidelines for number of recordable 
pictures and recording time ......................... 12
Inserting and removing the card 
(optional)/the battery ........................... 14
Using the DC coupler (optional) instead of 
battery ......................................................... 15
Picture save destination 
(cards and built-in memory) ........................ 16
Remaining battery and memory capacity .... 16
Setting the Clock  .......................... 17To change time setting ................................ 18
Setting the Clock   ................... 19
Setting the menu ................................. 20
Menu type ................................................... 21
 Using the [SETUP] menu ............... 22[CLOCK SET]/[BEEP]/[VOLUME]/[CUST.SET MEM.] ................................. 22[LCD MODE]/[DISPLAY SIZE]/[GUIDE LINE]/[HISTOGRAM] .......... 23 [REC AREA] /[ECONOMY] .......................................... 24[AUTO REVIEW]/[ZOOM RESUME]/[NO.RESET] .......................................... 25[RESET]/[USB MODE]/[VIDEO OUT]/[TV ASPECT]  ............. 26[HDMI MODE]  /[VIERA Link]   ........................... 27[VERSION DISP.]/[FORMAT]/[LANGUAGE] ......................................... 28 [DEMO MODE] ..................................... 29
 Basics
Basic shooting operation  ............ 30Taking still pictures ...................................... 30
Recording motion pictures .......................... 30
Holding the camera ..................................... 31
Mode dial ..................................................... 31
Basic shooting operation   ...... 32Taking still pictures ...................................... 32
Recording motion pictures ( only) .......... 32
Holding the camera ..................................... 33
Mode dial ..................................................... 33
Taking pictures with automatic 
settings ................................................. 34
About Happy colors ..................................... 36
Face Detection and Face Recognition ........ 36
AF Tracking ................................................. 36
Taking pictures with your own 
settings ................................................. 37
Align focus for desired composition ............ 38
Orientation detection function ..................... 38
Taking pictures with zoom .................. 39[i.ZOOM] ...................................................... 41
Easy Zoom   .................................. 42[DIGITAL ZOOM] ................................... 43
Viewing your pictures 
[NORMAL PLAY] .................................. 44
Deleting pictures ................................. 45
To delete multiple (up to 50) or 
all pictures ................................................... 45 
						

							4   VQT2R20VQT2R20   5
Contents (Continued)
 Application (Record)
Changing recording information 
display .................................................. 46
Taking pictures with flash ................... 47
Taking close-up pictures .................... 49
 ‘Tele macro’ function ............................. 49 [MACRO ZOOM]..................................... 50
Positioning camera and subject 
within accessible range for focus 
alignment .............................................. 51
Taking pictures with self-timer ........... 52
Taking pictures with Exposure 
Compensation ...................................... 53
Recording while exposure is changed 
automatically ([AUTO BRACKET]) ..... 54
Taking pictures by automatically 
changing the aspect ratio 
[MULTI ASPECT] .................................. 55
Determine aperture and record 
[APERTURE-PRIORITY] Mode ............ 56
Determine shutter speed and record 
[SHUTTER-PRIORITY] Mode ............... 57
Determine aperture and shutter 
speed and record 
[MANUAL EXPOSURE] Mode ............. 58
Register your own settings and record 
[CUSTOM] Mode .................................. 59
 [CUST.SET MEM.]  .............................. 59
[CUSTOM]  .................................................. 60
Taking pictures according to the scene 
[SCENE MODE] .................................... 61
[PORTRAIT]/[SOFT SKIN]/[TRANSFORM]/[SELF PORTRAIT] ................................. 62[SCENERY]/[PANORAMA ASSIST]/[SPORTS] .............................................. 63[NIGHT PORTRAIT]/[NIGHT SCENERY]/[FOOD]/[PARTY] ................................................. 64[CANDLE LIGHT]/[BABY]/[PET]/[SUNSET] .............................................. 65[HIGH SENS.]/[HI-SPEED BURST]............................... 66[FLASH BURST]/[STARRY SKY] ..... 67
[FIREWORKS]/[BEACH]/[SNOW]/[AERIAL PHOTO]/[PIN HOLE] ......... 68[FILM GRAIN]/[HIGH DYNAMIC] ..... 69[PHOTO FRAME]/[UNDERWATER] ................................... 70
Registering commonly used scenes 
[MY SCN MODE]/
[MY SCENE MODE] .............................. 71
Taking motion pictures 
 ................ 72Recordable time on 2 GB SD memory 
card  ............................................................ 74
Taking motion pictures 
[MOTION PICTURE] Mode   ..... 76 [REC QUALITY]  ................................... 77
Recording with the Face Recognition 
function [FACE RECOG.] .................... 78
Registering face pictures  ............................ 79
Editing or deleting information about 
registered persons  ..................................... 81
Automatically register face pictures  ........... 82
Setting recognition sensitivity ...................... 83
Recording the place of recording with 
GPS  ................................................ 84[GPS SETTING] .......................................... 85
Change the recorded place name 
information .................................................. 87
Changing the display of location name 
information .................................................. 88
Using GPS to set the Clock  ........................ 89
Useful features for travel 
[TRAVEL MODE] .................................. 90
 [TRAVEL DATE]  ............................ 90 [TRAVEL DATE]   .................... 91
[LOCATION] ................................................ 92
 [WORLD TIME]  .................................... 93
Using the [REC] menu ......................... 95 [PICTURE SIZE]/ [REC QUALITY]   .................... 95 [QUALITY]/ [ASPECT RATIO]/ [INTELLIGENT ISO] ............................. 96 [SENSITIVITY] ...................................... 97 [WHITE BALANCE] .............................. 98 [FACE RECOG.]/ [AF MODE] ......... 99 [PRE AF]/ [METERING MODE] ..... 101 [I.EXPOSURE]/ [MIN. SHTR SPEED] .......................... 102 [BURST]/ [I.RESOLUTION] ........... 103
 [DIGITAL ZOOM]/ [CONTINUOUS AF]  / [COLOR EFFECT] .............................. 104 [PICT.ADJ.]/ [STABILIZER] ........... 105 [AUDIO REC.]/ [AF ASSIST LAMP]/ [RED-EYE REMOVAL] ....................... 106 [CLOCK SET] ..................................... 107
Using the [MOTION PICTURE] menu  ....................................................... 108 [REC MODE]/ [REC QUALITY] ..... 108 [CONTINUOUS AF]/ [WIND CUT] ........................................ 109
Taking/viewing clipboard pictures 
[CLIPBOARD] Mode .......................... 110
Taking clipboard pictures ........................... 110
Viewing clipboard pictures  ....................... 110
Zoom Mark ................................................ 111
[CLIPBOARD] menu ................................. 111
Using Quick menu ............................. 112
Entering Text ...................................... 113
 Application (View)
Viewing as list (Multi Playback/
Calendar Playback) ........................... 114
Watching motion pictures/
still pictures with audio ..................... 115
Capturing still pictures from motion 
pictures 
 ........................................ 116
Splitting up motion pictures 
 ...... 117
Different playback methods 
[PLAYBACK MODE] ........................... 118
 [SLIDE SHOW] ................................... 119 [MODE PLAY]  ............................. 120 [GPS AREA PLAY]  ...................... 121 [TRAVEL PLAY] .................................. 122 [CATEGORY PLAY] ............................ 124 [FAVORITE PLAY] .............................. 125
Using the [PLAYBACK] menu .......... 126 [CALENDAR]/ [TITLE EDIT] .......... 126 [PLACE-NAME EDIT] / [VIDEO DIVIDE].................................. 127 [TEXT STAMP] ................................... 128 [RESIZE] ............................................. 130 [CROPPING]/ [LEVELING] ........... 131
 [ASPECT CONV.]/ [ROTATE DISP.] .................................. 132 [FAVORITE] ........................................ 133 [PRINT SET] ....................................... 134 [PROTECT]......................................... 135 [FACE REC EDIT]............................... 136 [COPY]................................................ 137
 Connecting with other devices
Keep the recorded still pictures and 
motion pictures  ................................. 138
Dubbing playback pictures via 
AV cables .................................................. 138
Use ‘PHOTOfunSTUDIO’ to copy to your 
computer  .................................................. 139
Using with your PC ............................ 140Copying still pictures and 
motion pictures  ......................................... 141
Printing ............................................... 144Printing multiple pictures ........................... 145
Print with date and text .............................. 145
Making print settings on camera ............... 146
Viewing on TV screen ....................... 147Viewing on a TV with HDMI Socket   .................................................... 148
VIERA Link (HDMI) (HDAVI Control™) 
  .................................................... 149
 Others
List of LCD monitor displays ............ 152In recording ............................................... 152
In playback ................................................ 153
Message displays .............................. 154
Q&A  Troubleshooting ...................... 156
Usage cautions and notes ................ 163
User License Agreement for Location Name 
Data  ................................................... 165
Recording picture/time capacity  ....................................................... 174
Recording picture/time capacity 
  ................................................ 176 
						

							4   VQT2R20VQT2R20   5
Contents (Continued)
 Application (Record)
Changing recording information 
display .................................................. 46
Taking pictures with flash ................... 47
Taking close-up pictures .................... 49
 ‘Tele macro’ function ............................. 49 [MACRO ZOOM]..................................... 50
Positioning camera and subject 
within accessible range for focus 
alignment .............................................. 51
Taking pictures with self-timer ........... 52
Taking pictures with Exposure 
Compensation ...................................... 53
Recording while exposure is changed 
automatically ([AUTO BRACKET]) ..... 54
Taking pictures by automatically 
changing the aspect ratio 
[MULTI ASPECT] .................................. 55
Determine aperture and record 
[APERTURE-PRIORITY] Mode ............ 56
Determine shutter speed and record 
[SHUTTER-PRIORITY] Mode ............... 57
Determine aperture and shutter 
speed and record 
[MANUAL EXPOSURE] Mode ............. 58
Register your own settings and record 
[CUSTOM] Mode .................................. 59
 [CUST.SET MEM.]  .............................. 59
[CUSTOM]  .................................................. 60
Taking pictures according to the scene 
[SCENE MODE] .................................... 61
[PORTRAIT]/[SOFT SKIN]/[TRANSFORM]/[SELF PORTRAIT] ................................. 62[SCENERY]/[PANORAMA ASSIST]/[SPORTS] .............................................. 63[NIGHT PORTRAIT]/[NIGHT SCENERY]/[FOOD]/[PARTY] ................................................. 64[CANDLE LIGHT]/[BABY]/[PET]/[SUNSET] .............................................. 65[HIGH SENS.]/[HI-SPEED BURST]............................... 66[FLASH BURST]/[STARRY SKY] ..... 67
[FIREWORKS]/[BEACH]/[SNOW]/[AERIAL PHOTO]/[PIN HOLE] ......... 68[FILM GRAIN]/[HIGH DYNAMIC] ..... 69[PHOTO FRAME]/[UNDERWATER] ................................... 70
Registering commonly used scenes 
[MY SCN MODE]/
[MY SCENE MODE] .............................. 71
Taking motion pictures 
 ................ 72Recordable time on 2 GB SD memory 
card  ............................................................ 74
Taking motion pictures 
[MOTION PICTURE] Mode   ..... 76 [REC QUALITY]  ................................... 77
Recording with the Face Recognition 
function [FACE RECOG.] .................... 78
Registering face pictures  ............................ 79
Editing or deleting information about 
registered persons  ..................................... 81
Automatically register face pictures  ........... 82
Setting recognition sensitivity ...................... 83
Recording the place of recording with 
GPS  ................................................ 84[GPS SETTING] .......................................... 85
Change the recorded place name 
information .................................................. 87
Changing the display of location name 
information .................................................. 88
Using GPS to set the Clock  ........................ 89
Useful features for travel 
[TRAVEL MODE] .................................. 90
 [TRAVEL DATE]  ............................ 90 [TRAVEL DATE]   .................... 91
[LOCATION] ................................................ 92
 [WORLD TIME]  .................................... 93
Using the [REC] menu ......................... 95 [PICTURE SIZE]/ [REC QUALITY]   .................... 95 [QUALITY]/ [ASPECT RATIO]/ [INTELLIGENT ISO] ............................. 96 [SENSITIVITY] ...................................... 97 [WHITE BALANCE] .............................. 98 [FACE RECOG.]/ [AF MODE] ......... 99 [PRE AF]/ [METERING MODE] ..... 101 [I.EXPOSURE]/ [MIN. SHTR SPEED] .......................... 102 [BURST]/ [I.RESOLUTION] ........... 103
 [DIGITAL ZOOM]/ [CONTINUOUS AF]  / [COLOR EFFECT] .............................. 104 [PICT.ADJ.]/ [STABILIZER] ........... 105 [AUDIO REC.]/ [AF ASSIST LAMP]/ [RED-EYE REMOVAL] ....................... 106 [CLOCK SET] ..................................... 107
Using the [MOTION PICTURE] menu  ....................................................... 108 [REC MODE]/ [REC QUALITY] ..... 108 [CONTINUOUS AF]/ [WIND CUT] ........................................ 109
Taking/viewing clipboard pictures 
[CLIPBOARD] Mode .......................... 110
Taking clipboard pictures ........................... 110
Viewing clipboard pictures  ....................... 110
Zoom Mark ................................................ 111
[CLIPBOARD] menu ................................. 111
Using Quick menu ............................. 112
Entering Text ...................................... 113
 Application (View)
Viewing as list (Multi Playback/
Calendar Playback) ........................... 114
Watching motion pictures/
still pictures with audio ..................... 115
Capturing still pictures from motion 
pictures 
 ........................................ 116
Splitting up motion pictures 
 ...... 117
Different playback methods 
[PLAYBACK MODE] ........................... 118
 [SLIDE SHOW] ................................... 119 [MODE PLAY]  ............................. 120 [GPS AREA PLAY]  ...................... 121 [TRAVEL PLAY] .................................. 122 [CATEGORY PLAY] ............................ 124 [FAVORITE PLAY] .............................. 125
Using the [PLAYBACK] menu .......... 126 [CALENDAR]/ [TITLE EDIT] .......... 126 [PLACE-NAME EDIT] / [VIDEO DIVIDE].................................. 127 [TEXT STAMP] ................................... 128 [RESIZE] ............................................. 130 [CROPPING]/ [LEVELING] ........... 131
 [ASPECT CONV.]/ [ROTATE DISP.] .................................. 132 [FAVORITE] ........................................ 133 [PRINT SET] ....................................... 134 [PROTECT]......................................... 135 [FACE REC EDIT]............................... 136 [COPY]................................................ 137
 Connecting with other devices
Keep the recorded still pictures and 
motion pictures  ................................. 138
Dubbing playback pictures via 
AV cables .................................................. 138
Use ‘PHOTOfunSTUDIO’ to copy to your 
computer  .................................................. 139
Using with your PC ............................ 140Copying still pictures and 
motion pictures  ......................................... 141
Printing ............................................... 144Printing multiple pictures ........................... 145
Print with date and text .............................. 145
Making print settings on camera ............... 146
Viewing on TV screen ....................... 147Viewing on a TV with HDMI Socket   .................................................... 148
VIERA Link (HDMI) (HDAVI Control™) 
  .................................................... 149
 Others
List of LCD monitor displays ............ 152In recording ............................................... 152
In playback ................................................ 153
Message displays .............................. 154
Q&A  Troubleshooting ...................... 156
Usage cautions and notes ................ 163
User License Agreement for Location Name 
Data  ................................................... 165
Recording picture/time capacity  ....................................................... 174
Recording picture/time capacity 
  ................................................ 176 
						

							6   VQT2R20VQT2R20   7
 
Before use
 
■Do a test shot first!
Check first to see if you can take pictures 
and record sounds (motion pictures/still 
pictures with audio) successfully.
 
■We will not compensate for failed/
lost recording or for direct/indirect 
damage.
Panasonic will not provide compensation 
even if damage is caused by faults with 
camera or card.
 
■ Carefully observe copyright laws.
 • Recording of pre-recorded tapes or discs or other published or broadcast 
material for purposes other than your 
own private use may infringe copyright 
laws. Even for the purpose of private 
use, recording of certain material may 
be restricted.
 
■Avoid shocks, vibration, and pressure.
 • Avoid exposing the camera to strong vibration or shock; e.g. dropping or 
hitting the camera, or sitting down with 
the camera in your pocket. (Attach 
hand strap to avoid dropping camera. 
Hanging any items other than the 
supplied hand strap from the camera 
can apply pressure against it.)
 • Do not press the lens or the LCD  monitor.
 
■Do not get the camera wet or insert 
foreign objects.
This camera is not waterproof.
 • Do not expose the camera to water, rain, or seawater.
(If camera gets wet, wipe with a soft, 
dry cloth. Wring cloth thoroughly first if 
wet with seawater, etc.)
 • Avoid exposing lens and socket to dust  or sand, and do not allow liquids to leak 
into gaps around buttons.
 
■Avoid condensation caused by sudden 
changes in temperature and humidity.
 • When moving between places of different temperature or humidity, place 
camera into a plastic bag and allow to 
adjust to conditions before use.
 • If the lens clouds up, turn off the  camera and leave for about two hours 
to allow camera to adjust to conditions.
 • If the LCD monitor clouds up, wipe with  a soft, dry cloth.
Read firstTo prevent damage, malfunctions, and faults
 
■
 Lens
 • If lens is dirty:Images may appear slightly white if lens 
is dirty (fingerprints, etc.).
Turn the power on, hold the extracted 
lens barrel with your fingers, and gently 
wipe the lens surface with a soft, dry 
cloth.
 • Do not leave the lens exposed to direct  sunlight.
Camera ON/OFF switch
Do not touch the lens 
barrier, as this may 
damage lens. Be careful 
when removing camera 
from bag, etc.
 
■When using a tripod or unipod
 • Do not apply excessive force or tighten screws when they are crooked. (This 
may damage the camera, screw hole, 
or label.)
 • Ensure that the tripod is stable. (Refer  to the tripod instructions.)
 
■When transporting
Turn off the camera.
Please also refer to ‘Usage cautions and 
notes’ (→163).
 
■Certain pictures cannot be played 
back.
 • Pictures edited on a computer
 • Pictures taken or edited on a different camera
(Pictures taken or edited on this camera 
may also not be able to be played back 
on other cameras)
 
■Software on the CD-ROM supplied
The following actions are prohibited:
 • Making duplicates (copying) for sale or rent
 • Copying onto networks
 LCD monitor characteristics
Extremely high precision technology is employed to produce the LCD monit\
or screen. 
However there may be some dark or bright spots (red, blue or green) on\
 the screen. 
This is not a malfunction.
The LCD monitor screen has more than 99.99% effective pixels with 
a mere 0.01% of the pixels inactive or always lit. The spots will not be 
recorded on pictures on the built-in memory or a card.
Grip area
Unit temperature
The surface of the camera (especially the grip area, etc.), the batter\
y 
and memory card may become warm during use.
This does not cause a problem with the performance or quality of the 
camera.
This manual provides operating instructions for the DMC-ZS7/DMC-ZS6/DMC-\
ZS5.
The appearance, specifications, and screen display vary depending on the\
 model that is used. The 
descriptions in this manual are primarily based on the DMC-ZS7.
Details about functions specific to each model are indicated by symbols \
added to headings or at 
the end of descriptions, etc.
(Example)
Functions available in the DMC-ZS7 only: 
Functions available in the DMC-ZS6 only: Functions available in the DMC-ZS5 only:  
						

							6   VQT2R20VQT2R20   7
 
Before use
 
■Do a test shot first!
Check first to see if you can take pictures 
and record sounds (motion pictures/still 
pictures with audio) successfully.
 
■We will not compensate for failed/
lost recording or for direct/indirect 
damage.
Panasonic will not provide compensation 
even if damage is caused by faults with 
camera or card.
 
■ Carefully observe copyright laws.
 • Recording of pre-recorded tapes or discs or other published or broadcast 
material for purposes other than your 
own private use may infringe copyright 
laws. Even for the purpose of private 
use, recording of certain material may 
be restricted.
 
■Avoid shocks, vibration, and pressure.
 • Avoid exposing the camera to strong vibration or shock; e.g. dropping or 
hitting the camera, or sitting down with 
the camera in your pocket. (Attach 
hand strap to avoid dropping camera. 
Hanging any items other than the 
supplied hand strap from the camera 
can apply pressure against it.)
 • Do not press the lens or the LCD  monitor.
 
■Do not get the camera wet or insert 
foreign objects.
This camera is not waterproof.
 • Do not expose the camera to water, rain, or seawater.
(If camera gets wet, wipe with a soft, 
dry cloth. Wring cloth thoroughly first if 
wet with seawater, etc.)
 • Avoid exposing lens and socket to dust  or sand, and do not allow liquids to leak 
into gaps around buttons.
 
■Avoid condensation caused by sudden 
changes in temperature and humidity.
 • When moving between places of different temperature or humidity, place 
camera into a plastic bag and allow to 
adjust to conditions before use.
 • If the lens clouds up, turn off the  camera and leave for about two hours 
to allow camera to adjust to conditions.
 • If the LCD monitor clouds up, wipe with  a soft, dry cloth.
Read firstTo prevent damage, malfunctions, and faults
 
■
 Lens
 • If lens is dirty:Images may appear slightly white if lens 
is dirty (fingerprints, etc.).
Turn the power on, hold the extracted 
lens barrel with your fingers, and gently 
wipe the lens surface with a soft, dry 
cloth.
 • Do not leave the lens exposed to direct  sunlight.
Camera ON/OFF switch
Do not touch the lens 
barrier, as this may 
damage lens. Be careful 
when removing camera 
from bag, etc.
 
■When using a tripod or unipod
 • Do not apply excessive force or tighten screws when they are crooked. (This 
may damage the camera, screw hole, 
or label.)
 • Ensure that the tripod is stable. (Refer  to the tripod instructions.)
 
■When transporting
Turn off the camera.
Please also refer to ‘Usage cautions and 
notes’ (→163).
 
■Certain pictures cannot be played 
back.
 • Pictures edited on a computer
 • Pictures taken or edited on a different camera
(Pictures taken or edited on this camera 
may also not be able to be played back 
on other cameras)
 
■Software on the CD-ROM supplied
The following actions are prohibited:
 • Making duplicates (copying) for sale or rent
 • Copying onto networks
 LCD monitor characteristics
Extremely high precision technology is employed to produce the LCD monit\
or screen. 
However there may be some dark or bright spots (red, blue or green) on\
 the screen. 
This is not a malfunction.
The LCD monitor screen has more than 99.99% effective pixels with 
a mere 0.01% of the pixels inactive or always lit. The spots will not be 
recorded on pictures on the built-in memory or a card.
Grip area
Unit temperature
The surface of the camera (especially the grip area, etc.), the batter\
y 
and memory card may become warm during use.
This does not cause a problem with the performance or quality of the 
camera.
This manual provides operating instructions for the DMC-ZS7/DMC-ZS6/DMC-\
ZS5.
The appearance, specifications, and screen display vary depending on the\
 model that is used. The 
descriptions in this manual are primarily based on the DMC-ZS7.
Details about functions specific to each model are indicated by symbols \
added to headings or at 
the end of descriptions, etc.
(Example)
Functions available in the DMC-ZS7 only: 
Functions available in the DMC-ZS6 only: Functions available in the DMC-ZS5 only:  
						

							8   VQT2R20VQT2R20   9
 
Names of parts
Before use
 (Continued)
Cursor button
[MENU/SET](menu display/set/finish) (
→20)
Left cursor button (◄) • Self-timer (→52)
Down cursor button ( ▼) • Macro Mode (→49)
 • AF Lock (AF Tracking) (→36, 99)
Tripod receptacle
Card/Battery door (→14)
Release lever (→14)
Hand strap eyelet
We recommend 
using the supplied 
hand strap to 
avoid dropping 
the camera.
Camera ON/OFF switch (→17)
Shutter button (→34)
Mode dial (→31)
Flash (→47)
Self-timer indicator (→52)/
AF Assist Lamp (→106)
Lens barrel
Lens 
(→7)
Zoom lever (→39)
Microphone (→72, 106)
GPS antenna (→84)
Speaker (→22, 115)
LCD monitor (→6, 23, 46, 152, 158)
REC/PLAY switch (→30)
[EXPOSURE] button (→56, 57, 58)
Status indicator (→84)
[DISPLAY] button (→46)
Q.MENU (Quick setting → 112)/
Delete button (→45)
Motion picture button (→72)
Up cursor button ( ▲) • Exposure Compensation ( →53)
 • Auto Bracket (→54)
 
• Multi Aspect  (→55)
 • White Balance fine adjustment  (→98)
Right cursor button ( ►) • Flash (→47)
 
●In this manual, the button that is used is shaded or indicated by ▲▼◄►.
 
●The illustrations and screens in this manual may differ from 
the actual product.
DC coupler cover 
(→15)
HDMI socket (→148, 149)
[AV OUT/
DIGITAL] 
socket 
(→141, 144, 147)
 
■About the camera’s location name 
information
Before using the camera, read “User 
License Agreement for Location Name 
Data”. (→165)
 
■The GPS function can be used even 
when the camera’s power is off.
When [GPS SETTING] is [ON], the GPS 
function works to check your current 
position periodically even if the camera’s 
power is OFF.
 • When turning off the camera’s power in an airplane, hospital or other restricted 
area, set [GPS SETTING] to 
 or 
[OFF]. ( →85)
 • When [GPS SETTING] is [ON], power  will drain from the battery even if the 
camera’s power is OFF.
 
■Recording location information 
 • Recording location names and landmarks (such as building names) are 
current as of February 2010. These will 
not be updated.
 • Depending on the country or area,  limited location name and landmark 
information may be available.
 
■Positioning
Because the positions of the GPS 
satellites are constantly changing, 
depending on the recording location 
and conditions, it may not be possible 
to position such satellites accurately, or 
positioning discrepancy may occur.
 
■When using in another country
 • GPS may not work in China or in the border regions of countries neighboring 
China. (Current as of February 2010)
 
• Some countries or regions may regulate 
the use of GPS or related technology. 
Because this camera has a GPS 
function, before taking it into another 
country, check with the embassy or 
your travel agency whether there are 
any restrictions on bringing cameras 
with a GPS function.
 About GPS 
Standard 
Accessories
Check that all the accessories are 
included before using the camera.
 
●The accessories and their shape 
will differ depending on the country 
or area where the camera was 
purchased.
For details on the accessories, refer 
to Basic Operating Instructions.
 
●Battery Pack is indicated as battery 
pack or battery in the text.
 
●Battery Charger is indicated as 
battery charger or charger in the text.
 
●‘PHOTOfunSTUDIO 5.1 HD Edition’ is 
included with the DMC-ZS7 model.
‘PHOTOfunSTUDIO 5.0’ is included 
with the DMC-ZS6/DMC-ZS5 model.
In this manual, ‘PHOTOfunSTUDIO’ 
refers to either version of the 
software.
 
●Please dispose of all packaging 
appropriately.
 
■Optional accessories
 • Cards are optional. You can record or play back pictures on the built-in 
memory when you are not using a 
card. (→16)
 • If any accessories are lost, customers  in the USA and Puerto Rico 
should contact Panasonic’s parts 
department at 1-800-833-9626 and 
customers in Canada should contact 
1-800-99-LUMIX (1-800-995-8649) 
for further information about obtaining 
replacement parts.
For the DMC-ZS6/DMC-ZS5 (→10) 
						

							8   VQT2R20VQT2R20   9
 
Names of parts
Before use
 (Continued)
Cursor button
[MENU/SET](menu display/set/finish) (
→20)
Left cursor button (◄) • Self-timer (→52)
Down cursor button ( ▼) • Macro Mode (→49)
 • AF Lock (AF Tracking) (→36, 99)
Tripod receptacle
Card/Battery door (→14)
Release lever (→14)
Hand strap eyelet
We recommend 
using the supplied 
hand strap to 
avoid dropping 
the camera.
Camera ON/OFF switch (→17)
Shutter button (→34)
Mode dial (→31)
Flash (→47)
Self-timer indicator (→52)/
AF Assist Lamp (→106)
Lens barrel
Lens 
(→7)
Zoom lever (→39)
Microphone (→72, 106)
GPS antenna (→84)
Speaker (→22, 115)
LCD monitor (→6, 23, 46, 152, 158)
REC/PLAY switch (→30)
[EXPOSURE] button (→56, 57, 58)
Status indicator (→84)
[DISPLAY] button (→46)
Q.MENU (Quick setting → 112)/
Delete button (→45)
Motion picture button (→72)
Up cursor button ( ▲) • Exposure Compensation ( →53)
 • Auto Bracket (→54)
 
• Multi Aspect  (→55)
 • White Balance fine adjustment  (→98)
Right cursor button ( ►) • Flash (→47)
 
●In this manual, the button that is used is shaded or indicated by ▲▼◄►.
 
●The illustrations and screens in this manual may differ from 
the actual product.
DC coupler cover 
(→15)
HDMI socket (→148, 149)
[AV OUT/
DIGITAL] 
socket 
(→141, 144, 147)
 
■About the camera’s location name 
information
Before using the camera, read “User 
License Agreement for Location Name 
Data”. (→165)
 
■The GPS function can be used even 
when the camera’s power is off.
When [GPS SETTING] is [ON], the GPS 
function works to check your current 
position periodically even if the camera’s 
power is OFF.
 • When turning off the camera’s power in an airplane, hospital or other restricted 
area, set [GPS SETTING] to 
 or 
[OFF]. ( →85)
 • When [GPS SETTING] is [ON], power  will drain from the battery even if the 
camera’s power is OFF.
 
■Recording location information 
 • Recording location names and landmarks (such as building names) are 
current as of February 2010. These will 
not be updated.
 • Depending on the country or area,  limited location name and landmark 
information may be available.
 
■Positioning
Because the positions of the GPS 
satellites are constantly changing, 
depending on the recording location 
and conditions, it may not be possible 
to position such satellites accurately, or 
positioning discrepancy may occur.
 
■When using in another country
 • GPS may not work in China or in the border regions of countries neighboring 
China. (Current as of February 2010)
 
• Some countries or regions may regulate 
the use of GPS or related technology. 
Because this camera has a GPS 
function, before taking it into another 
country, check with the embassy or 
your travel agency whether there are 
any restrictions on bringing cameras 
with a GPS function.
 About GPS 
Standard 
Accessories
Check that all the accessories are 
included before using the camera.
 
●The accessories and their shape 
will differ depending on the country 
or area where the camera was 
purchased.
For details on the accessories, refer 
to Basic Operating Instructions.
 
●Battery Pack is indicated as battery 
pack or battery in the text.
 
●Battery Charger is indicated as 
battery charger or charger in the text.
 
●‘PHOTOfunSTUDIO 5.1 HD Edition’ is 
included with the DMC-ZS7 model.
‘PHOTOfunSTUDIO 5.0’ is included 
with the DMC-ZS6/DMC-ZS5 model.
In this manual, ‘PHOTOfunSTUDIO’ 
refers to either version of the 
software.
 
●Please dispose of all packaging 
appropriately.
 
■Optional accessories
 • Cards are optional. You can record or play back pictures on the built-in 
memory when you are not using a 
card. (→16)
 • If any accessories are lost, customers  in the USA and Puerto Rico 
should contact Panasonic’s parts 
department at 1-800-833-9626 and 
customers in Canada should contact 
1-800-99-LUMIX (1-800-995-8649) 
for further information about obtaining 
replacement parts.
For the DMC-ZS6/DMC-ZS5 (→10) 
						

							10   VQT2R20VQT2R20   11
 
Charging battery
Always charge before first use! (not sold pre-charged) 
Names of parts
Cursor button
 
■About batteries that you can use with this unit
It has been found that counterfeit battery packs which look very similar\
 to the 
genuine products are made available to purchase in some markets. Some of\
 
these battery packs are not adequately protected with internal protectio\
n to 
meet the requirements of appropriate safety standards. There is a possib\
ility 
that these battery packs may lead to fire or explosion. Please be advise\
d that 
we are not liable for any accident or failure occurring as a result of u\
se of a 
counterfeit battery pack. To ensure that safe products are used we recommend 
that a genuine Panasonic battery pack is used.
 
• Use the dedicated charger and battery.
 
• The camera has a function for distinguishing batteries which can be used\
 
safely. The dedicated battery supports this function. The only batteries 
suitable for use with this unit are genuine Panasonic products and batte\
ries 
manufactured by other companies and certified by Panasonic. (Batteries \
which 
do not support this function cannot be used). Panasonic cannot in any w\
ay 
guarantee the quality, performance or safety of batteries which have been 
manufactured by other companies and are not genuine Panasonic products.
[MENU/SET](menu display/set/finish) ( →20)
Left cursor button (◄) • Self-timer (→52)
Down cursor button ( ▼) • Macro Mode ( →49)
 • AF Lock (AF Tracking) (→36, 99)
Up cursor button ( ▲) • Exposure Compensation ( →53)
 • Auto Bracket (→54)
 
• Multi Aspect  (→55)
 • White Balance fine adjustment  (→98)
Right cursor button ( ►) • Flash (→47)
 
●In this manual, the button that is used is shaded or indicated by ▲▼◄►.
Camera ON/OFF switch (→19)
Shutter button (→34)
Mode dial (→33)
Flash (→47)
Self-timer indicator (→52)/
AF Assist Lamp (→106)
Lens barrel
Lens 
(→7)
Zoom lever (→39)
Microphone ∗1 (→76, 106)
Speaker (→22, 115)
LCD monitor∗2
(→6, 23, 46, 152, 158)
REC/PLAY switch (→32)
[EXPOSURE] button (→56, 57, 58)
[DISPLAY] button (→46)
Q.MENU (Quick setting →
112)/
Delete button (→45)
[AV OUT/
DIGITAL] 
socket ∗
3
(→141, 144, 147)
[E.ZOOM] button (→42)
 
●The appearance, specifications, and screen display vary depending on the\
 model that is used. 
●The above illustration is of the DMC-ZS5. 
●DMC-ZS6 has a status indicator.
∗1 The DMC-ZS6 has a stereo microphone. 
∗2 The LCD monitor of the DMC-ZS6 is a different size.
∗3 The DMC-ZS6 has an HDMI socket. (→148, 149)
Hand strap eyelet
We recommend 
using the supplied 
hand strap to 
avoid dropping 
the camera.
Insert the battery terminals and attach the battery 
to the charger
Ensure [LUMIX] faces outwards.
1
2
 Connect the charger to the 
electrical outlet
 
●Plug-in type 
●Inlet type
Battery 
(model-specific)
Charger 
(model-specific)
 
• The AC 
cable does 
not fit 
entirely into 
the AC  input 
terminal. A gap will remain.
Charging light 
([CHARGE])
On:  Charging in progress 
(approx. 130 min. if fully 
depleted)
Off: Charging complete
If light is flashing:  • Charging may take longer than normal if battery 
temperature is too high or 
too low (charging may not be 
completed).
 • Battery/charger connector is  dirty. Clean with a dry cloth.
Detach the battery after charging is 
completed
For the DMC-ZS7 (→9)
Tripod receptacle
Card/Battery door (→14)
Release lever (→14)
DC coupler cover 
(→15)