Panasonic Dmc Fs15 Operating Instructions Manual

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Advanced (Recording pictures)
[REC] mode: ·n
Taking Close-up Pictures 
This mode allows you to take close-up pictures of a subject, e.g. when taking pictures of 
flowers. You can take pictures of a subject  as close as 5 cm (0.17 feet) from the lens by 
rotating the zoom lever upmost to Wide (1 k). (AF macro mode)
You can take a picture with the digital zoom up to 3 k while maintaining the distance to the 
subject for the extreme Wide position [5 cm (0.17 feet)]. (Macro zoom mode)
Press  4 [#].
Press 3/4 to select a mode.
Press [MENU/SET].
• You can also press the shutter button halfway to  finish.
• The menu screen disappears after about 5 seconds.  At this time, the selected item is automatically set.
Press the shutter button halfway to focus 
and then press it fully to take the picture.
A Focus range
• [ ] is displayed during AF macro mode and [ ]  is displayed during Macro zoom mode.
• To cancel, select [OFF] in step 
2.
• Zoom range, focus range, and zoom magnification  are displayed during zooming. Zoom range will be 
displayed in blue (digital zoom range) during Macro 
zoom mode.
∫ Focus range in AF macro mode¢ The focus range changes in steps.
•
Focus range will be 5 cm (0.17 feet) to ¶ during Macro zoom mode regardless of the zoom position.
Note• We recommend using a tripod and the self-timer.
• We recommend setting the flash to [Œ ] when you take pictures at close range.
• If the distance between the camera and the subject is beyond the focus range of the camera,  the picture may not be properly focused even if the focus indication lights.
• When a subject is close to the camera, the effective focus range is significantly narrowed.  Therefore, if the distance between the camera and the subject is changed after focusing on the 
subject, it may become difficult to focus on it again.
A
T
W
5 cm (0.17 feet)
1.0 m (3.28 feet)
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Advanced (Recording pictures)
• Macro mode gives priority to a subject close to the camera. Therefore, if the distance between the camera and the subject is more than 50 cm (1.64 feet) it takes longer to focus on it.
• When you take pictures at close range, the re solution of the periphery of the picture may 
decrease slightly. This is not a malfunction.
• The image quality when recording in [MACRO ZOOM] is poorer than during normal recording.
• The extended optical zoom will not function when [MACRO ZOOM] is set.
• Macro mode cannot be used when [ ] in [AF MODE] is set.
[REC] mode: ñ· ¿
Taking Pictures with the Self-timer
Note• When using a tripod etc., setting the self-timer to 2 seconds is a convenient way to avoid the 
jitter caused by pressing the shutter button.
• When you press the shutter button once fully, the subject is automatically focused just before  recording. In dark places, the self-timer indi cator will blink and then may turn on brightly 
operating as an AF assist lamp (P67) to allow the camera to focus on the subject.
• We recommend using a tripod when recording with the self-timer.
• The number of pictures which can be taken in [BURST] is fixed to 3.
• The number of pictures which can be taken in [FLASH BURST] in Scene mode is fixed to 5.
• Self-timer cannot be set to 2 seconds in Intelligent auto mode.
• Self-timer cannot be set to 10 seconds in [SELF PORTRAIT] in Scene mode.
• Self-timer cannot be used while in [HI-SPEED BURST] in Scene mode.
Press 2 [ ë].
Press 3/ 4 to select a mode.
• You can also press  2 [ë ] to select.
Press [MENU/SET].
• You can also press the shutter button halfway to finish.
• The menu screen disappears after about 5 seconds. At this time, the selected item is 
automatically set.
Press the shutter button halfway to focus 
and then press it fully to take the picture.
• The self-timer indicator  A blinks and the shutter is 
activated after 10 seconds (or 2 seconds).
• If you press [MENU/SET] while the self-timer is set, the 
self-timer setting is canceled.
\b
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Advanced (Recording pictures)
[REC] mode: ·¿n
Compensating the Exposure
Use this function when you cannot achieve appropriate exposure due to the difference in 
brightness between the subject and the backg round. Look at the following examples.
Note
• EV is an abbreviation of [Exposure Value]. It re fers to the amount of light given to the CCD by 
the aperture value and the shutter speed.
• The exposure compensation value appears on the lower left of the screen.
• The set exposure value is memorized even if the camera is turned off.
• The compensation range of the exposure will be limited depending on the brightness of the  subject.
• Exposure compensation cannot be used when in [STARRY SKY] in Scene mode.
Underexposed Properly 
exposedOverexposed
Compensate the exposure 
towards positive. Compensate the exposure 
towards negative.
Press 
3 [È] until [EXPOSURE] appears, 
compensate the exposure with  2/1.
• Select [0 EV] to return to the original exposure.
Press [MENU/SET] to finish.
• You can also press the shutter button halfway to finish.
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Advanced (Recording pictures)
[REC] mode: ·¿
Taking Pictures using Auto Bracket
In this mode, 3 pictures are automatically recorded in the selected exposure 
compensation range each time the shutter button is pressed. You can select the picture 
with the desired exposure from the 3 pictures with different exposures.
With Auto bracket d1 EV
Note
• When setting Auto bracket, [ ] appears on the screen.
• When taking pictures using Auto bracket after setting the exposure compensation range, the  pictures taken are based on the selected exposure compensation range.
When the exposure is compensated, the exposure compensation value appears on the lower 
left of the screen.
• The Auto bracket setting is canceled if you turn the camera off or [POWER SAVE] is activated.
• When Auto bracket is set, the Auto review function is activated regardless of the Auto review  setting. (The picture is not enlarged.) You cannot set the Auto review function in the [SETUP] 
menu.
• The exposure may not be compensated with Auto bracket depending on the brightness of the 
subject.
•[ Œ ] is set for the flash when Auto bracket is set.
• Burst is canceled when Auto bracket is set.
• Auto bracket cannot be used when in [TRANSFORM], [HI-SPEED BURST], [FLASH BURST], 
[STARRY SKY], [PIN HOLE], [FILM GRAIN] and [PHOTO FRAME] in Scene mode.  
1st picture 2nd picture 3rd picture
d 0EV j1 EV i1 EV
Press 3 [ È] several times until [AUTO BRACKET] 
appears, set the compensation range of the 
exposure with  2/1.
• When you do not use Auto bracket, select [OFF] (0).
Press [MENU/SET] to finish.
• You can also press the shutter button halfway to finish.
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Advanced (Recording pictures)
[REC] mode: ¿
Taking pictures that match the scene being 
recorded
 (Scene mode)
When you select a Scene mode to match the subject and recording situation, the camera 
sets the optimal exposure and hue to obtain the desired picture.
In [MY SCENE MODE], you can register the Scene mode you use most frequently as one 
of the Recording modes.
Slide the [REC]/[PLAYBACK] selector switch to [ !], and then press 
[MODE].
Press  3/4 to select [ ] ([MY SCENE MODE]), and 
then press [MENU/SET].
• If you have already registered My scene mode, the icon for the  registered Scene mode will be displayed, rather than [ ].
Press  3/4/ 2/1 to select the Scene mode.
• You can switch menu screens from any menu item by rotating 
the zoom lever.
Press [MENU/SET] to set.
• The menu screen is switched to the recording screen in the selected Scene mode.
• The selected Scene mode is registered as My Scene mode, so that the next time you  are recording, you can select it from [REC MODE].
∫ About the information   • If you press [DISPLAY] when selecting a Scene mode in step 3, 
explanations about each Scene mode are displayed. (If you press 
[DISPLAY] again, the screen returns to the Scene mode menu.)
∫ Changing My scene mode1On the recording screen for My scene mode, press [MENU/SET] to display the 
menu screen.
2Press  3 to select [¿], switch menus and press 1 .• For details on switching menus, refer to P20.3Press 3/4/2 /1  to select the Scene mode.4Press [MENU/SET] to set.
Registering scenes in Scene mode ( : My scene mode)
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Advanced (Recording pictures)
In [SCENE MODE], you can select the Scene mode each time you make a recording.
1In step 2, select [SCENE MODE] and press [MENU/SET].2Press 3/4 /2/ 1 to select the Scene mode, and then press [MENU/SET] to set.• The recording screen for the selected Scene mode will be displayed.
Note• To change the Scene mode, press [MENU/SET] and then press  1, and return to step 3.
• The Scene mode flash setting is reset to the initial setting when the Scene mode is changed.
• When you take a picture with a Scene mode that is not adequate for the purpose, the hue of the  picture may differ from the actual scene.
• The following items cannot be set in Scene mode because the camera automatically adjusts  them to the optimal setting.
–[INTELLIGENTISO]
– [SENSITIVITY]
– [I.EXPOSURE]
–[COLOR MODE]
• [I.EXPOSURE] is activated automatically in the following Scene modes. – [PORTRAIT]/[SOFT SKIN]/[TRANSFORM]/[SELF PORTRAIT]/[SCENERY]/[SPORTS]/ [NIGHT PORTRAIT]/[PARTY]/[CANDLE LIGHT]/[BABY1]/[BABY2]/[SUNSET]/[HIGH SENS.]
• Shutter speed for Scene modes, except [SPORTS], [NIGHT PORTRAIT], [NIGHT SCENERY],  [CANDLE LIGHT], [BABY1]/[BABY2], [PET], [FLASH BURST], [STARRY SKY] and 
[FIREWORKS], will be from 1/8th of a second to 1/2000th of a second.
When taking pictures of people outdoors during  the daytime, this mode allows you to 
improve their appearance and make thei r skin tones look healthier.
∫ Technique for Portrait mode
To make this mode more effective:
1 Rotate the zoom lever as far as possible to Tele.
2 Move close to the subject to make this mode more effective.
Note
• The initial setting for [AF MODE] is [ š].
When taking pictures of people outdoors during the daytime, this mode enables the texture 
of their skin to appear even softer than with [PORTRAIT]. (It is effective when taking 
pictures of people from the chest up.)
∫Technique for Soft skin mode
To make this mode more effective:
1 Rotate the zoom lever as far as possible to Tele.
2 Move close to the subject to make this mode more effective.
Note
• If a part of the background etc. is a color close to skin color, this part is also smoothed.
• This mode may not be effective when there is insufficient brightness.
• The initial setting for [AF MODE] is [ š].
Selecting the Scene mode for each recording (¿: Scene mode)
* [PORTRAIT]
+ [SOFT SKIN]
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Advanced (Recording pictures)
Subject can be recorded either slim or stretched, and at the same time, skin can be 
recorded smoothly.
1Press 3/4 to select the setting, and then press [MENU/
SET].
• It can be set from the quick menu (P21).2Take pictures.
Note
• [PICTURE SIZE] and [ASPECT RATIO] are fixed as given below. – [ ] for [ X], [ ] for [ Y] and [ ] for [ W]
• [QUALITY] is automatically fixed to [ ›].
• You can take pictures suitable for 4qk 6q/10 k15 cm printing.
• The initial setting for [AF MODE] is [ š].
• Transform mode cannot be used without notifying the copyright owner, except for personal use.
• Do not use the material against the public order and morals, or to offend someone.
• Do not use the material against the object’s interest.
Select this to take pictures of yourself.
∫ Technique for Self portrait mode
• Press the shutter button halfway to focus. The self-timer indicator 
lights up when you are brought into focus. Making sure you hold 
the camera still, press the shutter button fully to take the picture.
• The subject is not focused when the self-timer indicator is  blinking. Make sure to press the shutter button halfway again to 
focus.
• The recorded picture automatically appears on the LCD monitor  for reviewing.
• If the picture is blurry due to the slow shutter speed, we recommend using the 2 second 
self-timer.
Note• The focus range is about 30 cm (0.99 feet) to 1.2 m (3.94 feet) (Wide).
• The zoom magnification is automatically moved to Wide (1 k).
• The self-timer can only be set to off or 2 seconds. If it is set to 2 seconds, this setting will  remain until the camera is turned off, the Scene mode is changed or [REC] mode or 
[PLAYBACK] mode is selected.
• The Stabilizer function mode is  fixed to [MODE2]. (P66)
• The initial setting for [AF MODE] is [ š].
This allows you to take pi ctures of a wide landscape.
Note
• The flash setting is fixed to [ Œ].
• The focus range is 5 m (16.4 feet) to  ¶.
 [TRANSFORM]
0 [SELF PORTRAIT]
, [SCENERY]
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Advanced (Recording pictures)
Set here when you want to take pictures of sports scenes or other fast-moving events.
Note
• This mode is suitable for taking pictures of subjects at distances of 5 m (16.4 feet) or more.
• [INTELLIGENT ISO] is activated, and maximum ISO sensitivity level becomes [ISO1600].
This allows you to take pictures of  a person and the background with near real-life 
brightness.
∫ Technique for Night portrait mode
• Use the flash. (You can set to [ ].)
• Since the shutter speed becomes slower, we recommend using a tripod and the self-timer for 
taking pictures.
• Ask the subject not to move while taking a picture.
• We recommend rotating the zoom lever to Wide (1 k) and being about 1.5 m (4.92 feet) from 
the subject when taking a picture.
Note
• The shutter may remain closed (max. about 8 sec.) after taking the picture because of signal  processing. This is not a malfunction.
• Noise may become visible when you take pictures in dark places.
• The initial setting for [AF MODE] is [ š].
This allows you to take vivid pictures of the nightscape.
∫Technique for Night scenery mode
• 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. We recommend using the tripod and 
the self-timer for taking pictures. 
Note• The flash setting is fixed to [ Œ].
• The focus range is 5 m (16.4 feet) to  ¶.
• The shutter may remain closed (max. about 8 sec.) after taking the picture because of signal  processing. This is not a malfunction.
• Noise may become visible when you take pictures in dark places.
This mode allows you to take pictures of food with a natural hue without being affected by 
the ambient light in restaurants etc.
Note
- [SPORTS]
. [NIGHT PORTRAIT]
• The focus range is 90 cm (2.96 feet) (Wide)/1.2 m (3.94 feet) (Tele) to 5 m (16.4 feet).
/ [NIGHT SCENERY]
1 [FOOD] 
• The focus range is 5 cm (0.17 feet) (Wide)/1 m (3.28 feet) (Tele) to  ¶.
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Advanced (Recording pictures)
Select this when you want to take pictures at a wedding reception, an indoor party etc. 
This allows you to take pictures of people and the background with near real-life 
brightness.
∫ Technique for Party mode
• Use the flash. (You can set to [ ] or [ ].)
• We recommend using a tripod and the self-timer for taking pictures.
• We recommend rotating the zoom lever to Wide (1 k) and being about 1.5 m (4.92 feet) from 
the subject when taking pictures.
Note• The initial setting for [AF MODE] is [ š].
This mode allows you to take pi ctures with a candle-lit atmosphere.
∫ Technique for Candle light mode
• This is more effective when taking pictures without using the flash.
• We recommend using a tripod and the self-timer for taking pictures.
Note
• The shutter may remain closed (max. about 1 sec.) after taking the picture because of signal 
processing. This is not a malfunction.
• The initial setting for [AF MODE] is [
š].
This takes pictures of a baby with a healthy  complexion. When you use the flash, the light 
from it is weaker than usual.
It is possible to set different birthdays and names for [BABY1] and [BABY2]. You can 
select to have these appear at the time of playback, or have them stamped on the 
recorded image using [TEXT STAMP] (P74).
∫ Birthday/Name setting
1Press  3/4 to select [AGE] or [NAME] and then press  1 .
2Press  3/4 to select [SET] and then press [MENU/SET].3Enter the birthday or name.
Birthday:
2/ 1: Select the items (year/month/day).
3/ 4:Set.
[MENU/SET]: Exit.
Name: For details on how to enter characters, read the [TITLE EDIT] section on P73.
• When the birthday or name is set, [AGE] or [NAME] is automatically set to [ON].
• If [ON] is selected when the birthday or name has not been registered, the setting screen  appears automatically.
4Press [MENU/SET] to finish.
∫ To cancel [AGE] and [NAME]
Select the [OFF] setting in step 
2 of the “Birthday/Name setting” procedure.
2  [PARTY]
3 [CANDLE LIGHT]
• The focus range is 5 cm (0.17 feet) (Wide)/1 m (3.28 feet) (Tele) to  ¶.
: [BABY1]/;  [BABY2]
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Advanced (Recording pictures)
Note• The age and name can be printed out using the “PHOTOfunSTUDIO” bundled software on the CD-ROM (supplied).
• If [AGE] or [NAME] is set to [OFF] even when the birthday or name has been set, the age or  name will not be displayed. Before taking pictures, set [AGE] or [NAME] to [ON].
• [INTELLIGENT ISO] is activated, and maximum ISO sensitivity level becomes [ISO1600].
• If the camera is turned on with [BABY1]/[BABY2] set, the age and name are displayed at the  lower left of the screen for about 5 seconds, along with the current date and time.
• If the age is not properly displayed, check the clock and birthday settings.
• The birthday setting and name setting can be reset with [RESET].
• The initial setting for [AF MODE] is [ š].
Select this when you want to take pictures of a pet such as a dog or a cat.
You can set your pet’s birthday and name. You c an select to have these appear at the time 
of playback, or have them stamped on the recorded image using [TEXT STAMP] (P74).
For information about [AGE] or [NAME], refer to [BABY1]/[BABY2] on P49.
Note
• The initial setting for the AF assist lamp is [OFF].
• The initial setting for [AF MODE] is [ ].
• Refer to [BABY1]/[BABY2] for other information about this mode.
Select this when you want to take pictures of a sunset view. This allows you to take vivid 
pictures of the red color of the sun.Note
• The flash setting is fixed to [ Œ].
This mode minimizes the jitter of the subjects, and enables you to take pictures of these 
subjects in dimly lit rooms. (Select this fo r high-sensitivity processing. The sensitivity 
automatically switches to between [ISO1600] and [ISO6400].)
∫ Picture size and aspect ratio
1Press  3/4  to select the picture size and aspect ratio and then press [MENU/
SET] to set.
• 3M (4:3), 2.5M (3:2) or 2M (16:9) is selected as the picture size.2Take pictures.
Note
• [QUALITY] is automatically fixed to [ ›].
• You can take pictures suitable for 4 qk6q/10 k15 cm printing.
• The focus range is 5 cm (0.17 feet) (Wide)/1 m (3.28 feet) (Tele) to 
¶.
í [PET]
ï [SUNSET]
9 [HIGH SENS.]
• The focus range is 5 cm (0.17 feet) (Wide)/1 m (3.28 feet) (Tele) to  ¶.
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