Panasonic Dmc Fx12 Operating Instructions Manual

							Advanced (Recording pictures)
41VQT1C14
Optical Image 
Stabilizer
This mode detects jitter and compensates 
for it.
1Press and hold the optical image 
stabilizer button A until 
[STABILIZER] appears.
2Press 34 to select the 
stabilizer function mode and then 
press [MENU/SET].
∫About the jitter/movement  detection 
demonstration screen
Press 1 on the screen shown in step 
2 to 
display the jitter/movement detection 
demonstration screen. (You cannot take pictures while the demonstration screen is 
displayed.)
Press 1 to exit the demonstration screen.
A: Jitter detection demonstration
B: Movement detection demonstration
 The jitter/movement detection 
demonstration screen is an 
approximation.
 The camera also detects the movement of 
the subject when automatically setting the 
ISO sensitivity in intelligent ISO sensitivity 
mode [ ] (P42) and  [SPORTS] (P46), 
[BABY1]/[BABY2] (P48) and [PET] (P49) 
in simple mode only.
 The stabilizer function may not be 
effective in the following cases.
– When there is a lot of jitter.
– When the zoom magnification is high.
– In digital zoom range.
– When taking pictures while following a 
moving subject.
– When the shutter speed becomes 
slower to take pictures indoors or in dark 
places.
Be careful of camera jitter when you press 
the shutter button.
 The setting is fixed to [MODE2] in simple 
mode [ ] and [SELF PORTRAIT] (P46) 
in scene mode and fixed to [OFF] in 
[STARRY SKY] (P49) in scene mode.
 In motion picture mode [ ], [MODE2] 
cannot be set. [MODE1]
()The stabilizer operates 
continuously and can assist 
during photo composition.
[MODE2]
()The jitter is compensated for 
when the shutter button is 
pressed. There is a greater 
stabilizing effect.
[OFF]
()When the stabilizer is not 
desired.STABILIZEROFF
MODE2
DEMO. SELECT
MODE1
SET
MENUMENUSET
EXIT JITTER, SUBJ. MOVE DEMO.
CANNOT BE DISPLAYED
IN REC MODE
VQT1C14ENG.book  41 ページ  ２００６年１２月４日　月曜日　午後１１時０分 
						

							Advanced (Recording pictures)
42VQT1C14
Changing the 
sensitivity according 
to the movement of the 
subject being recorded
The camera detects the movement of the 
subject near the center of the screen and 
then sets the optimal ISO sensitivity and 
shutter speed according to the movement 
and the brightness of the subject. 
1Press [MENU/SET].
2Press 3/4 to select [ISO LIMIT] 
and then press 1.
3Press 34 to select the item and 
then press [MENU/SET].
 The higher the value set for the ISO 
sensitivity, the more effectively the jitter 
will be reduced. However, picture noise 
will increase. Jitter is avoided when taking pictures 
indoors of a moving subject by increasing 
the ISO sensitivity and making the shutter 
speed faster. 
 Noise is avoided when taking pictures 
indoors of a subject with no movement by 
decreasing the ISO sensitivity.
 When you press the shutter button 
halfway, [ ] A appears. When you 
press the shutter button fully, the shutter 
speed and the ISO sensitivity appear for a 
while.
ItemSettings
400
The ISO sensitivity 
automatically increases up to 
the set value according to the 
movement and brightness of 
the subject.
800
1250
400
800
1250
SELECT
AUTO
PICT.SIZEASPECT RATIO
AWBW.BALANCEREC1/3
QUALITYMENUSET
400
1250ISO LIMITISOMAX800
F2.8
1/125 ISO800
F2.8
1/30 ISO200
F2.8
VQT1C14ENG.book  42 ページ  ２００６年１２月４日　月曜日　午後１１時０分 
						

							Advanced (Recording pictures)
43VQT1C14
 The focus range becomes the same as 
macro mode. [5 cm (0.16 feet) (Wide)/
30 cm (0.98 feet) (Tele) to ¶]
 When the flash is activated, the ISO 
sensitivity is automatically increased to a 
maximum of [ISO640]. (When the highest 
ISO sensitivity is set to a setting other 
than [ISO400].)
 Refer to P37 for information about the 
available flash range .
 Digital zoom cannot be used.
 Depending on the brightness and how fast 
the subject is moving, jitter may not be 
avoided.
 The camera may not be able to detect the 
movement of the subject in the following 
cases.
– When the moving subject is small
– When the moving subject is at the edge 
of the screen
– When the subject starts moving the 
instant the shutter button is pressed fully
 To avoid picture noise, we recommend 
decreasing [ISO LIMIT] or setting 
[COL.MODE] to [NATURAL]. (P64)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 (0.16 feet) from 
the lens by rotating the zoom lever upmost 
to Wide (1k).
∫Focus range
 We recommend using a tripod and the 
self-timer (P39) in macro mode.
 When a subject is close to the camera, the 
effective focus range (depth of field) 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.
 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.
 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 in macro mode 
than normal picture mode [ ].
T
W5 cm
(0.16 feet)
30 cm
(0.98 feet)
VQT1C14ENG.book  43 ページ  ２００６年１２月４日　月曜日　午後１１時０分 
						

							Advanced (Recording pictures)
44VQT1C14
 The available flash range is about 30 cm 
(0.98 feet) to 5.0 m (16.4 feet) (Wide). 
(When the ISO sensitivity is set to [AUTO].)
 We recommend setting the flash to 
Forced OFF [ ] when you take pictures 
at close range.
 When you take pictures at close range, 
the resolution of the periphery of the 
picture may decrease slightly. This is not a 
malfunction.
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.
 Refer to P45 to 51 and “About the 
information ” for details about each 
scene mode.
1Press 1 for the [SCENE MODE] 
menu.
2Press 3/4/2/1 to select the 
scene mode.
 Press 4 at A to switch to the next 
menu screen.
 You can switch menu screens from any 
menu item by rotating the zoom lever.
3Press [MENU/SET] to set.
 The menu screen is swithed to the 
recording screen in the selected scene 
mode.
SCN
MENU
SCN
MENU
SCENE MODE  1
/
2
SCENE MODE  2
/
2
SET
SET SELECT
SELECTDISPLAY
DISPLAY
21
BABY1
STARRY SKY
VQT1C14ENG.book  44 ページ  ２００６年１２月４日　月曜日　午後１１時０分 
						

							Advanced (Recording pictures)
45VQT1C14
 Press [MENU/SET] and then perform 
steps 
1, 2 and 3 to change the scene 
mode.
∫About the information   
 If you press [DISPLAY] when selecting a 
scene mode in step 
2, explanations about 
each scene mode are displayed. (If you 
press [DISPLAY] again, the screen 
returns to the [SCENE MODE] menu.)
 Refer to P38 for information about the 
shutter speed.
 The flash setting is memorized even if the 
camera is turned off. However, the scene 
mode flash setting is reset to the initial setting 
when the scene mode is changed. (P36)
 If you change the scene mode, the flash 
setting and the white balance setting 
return to the settings at the time of 
purchase.
 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.
 If you press 2 when  selecting 
[PORTRAIT] or [STARRY SKY] in step 
2, 
the [SCENE MODE] menu [ ] is 
displayed. If you then select either the 
[REC] menu [ ]or the [SETUP] menu 
[ ], you can set the desired items. (P17)
 The following items cannot be set in scene 
mode because the camera automatically 
adjusts them to the optimal setting.
– [SENSITIVITY]
– [COL.MODE]Press [ ] to display the [SCENE MODE] 
menu and select a scene mode. (P44)
The person stands out from the 
background and has a healthier 
complexion.
∫Technique for Portrait mode
To increase the effectiveness of this mode:
1Rotate the zoom lever as far as possible 
to Tele.
2Move close to the subject to make this 
mode more effective.
 This mode is only suitable when taking 
pictures outdoors in the daytime.
 ISO sensitivity is fixed to [ISO100].
Press [ ] to display the [SCENE MODE] 
menu and select a scene mode. (P44)
This allows you to achieve a smoother 
appearance of the skin than in 
[PORTRAIT].
∫Technique for Soft skin mode
To make this mode more effective:
1Rotate the zoom lever as far as possible 
to Tele.
2Move close to the subject to make this 
mode more effective.
 This mode is only suitable when taking 
pictures outdoors in the daytime.
 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.
 ISO sensitivity is fixed to [ISO100].
INFORMATION
CANCEL SETMENUDISPLAY
BABY1
Suitable for taking pictures  
of your baby.  
Age can be displayed  
with pictures if you set  
the birthday.
[PORTRAIT]
[SOFT SKIN]
MENUSETMENUSET
MENUSETMENUSET
VQT1C14ENG.book  45 ページ  ２００６年１２月４日　月曜日　午後１１時０分 
						

							Advanced (Recording pictures)
46VQT1C14
Press [ ] to display the [SCENE MODE] 
menu and select a scene mode. (P44)
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. 
Refer to P29 for information about using 
the review function.
 If the picture is blurry due to the slow 
shutter speed, we recommend using the 
2 seconds self-timer. (P39)
 The focus range is about 30 cm (0.98 feet) 
to 70 cm (2.30 feet).
 When you select [SELF PORTRAIT], the 
zoom magnification is automatically 
moved to Wide (1k).
 The self-timer can only be set to off or 
2 seconds (P39). If it is set to 2 seconds, 
this setting will remain until the camera is 
turned off or the mode dial is rotated.
 The stabilizer function mode is fixed to 
[MODE2]. (P41)

The AF mode is fixed to [ ]. (P62)
 The setting on the AF assist lamp is 
disabled.Press [ ] to display the [SCENE MODE] 
menu and select a scene mode. (P44)
This allows you to take pictures of a wide 
landscape.
 The focus range is 5 m (16.4 feet) to ¶.
 The flash setting is fixed to Forced OFF 
[].
 The setting on the AF assist lamp is 
disabled.
 The white balance cannot be set.
Press [ ] to display the [SCENE MODE] 
menu and select a scene mode. (P44)
Set to this mode when you want to take 
pictures of sports scenes or other 
fast-moving events.
 This mode is suitable for taking pictures of 
subjects at distances of 5 m (16.4 feet) or 
more.
 If you take pictures of a fast-moving 
subject indoors, the ISO sensitivity 
becomes the same as when intelligent 
ISO sensitivity mode [ ] is set to a 
highest ISO sensitivity of [ISO800]. (P42)
 Digital zoom cannot be used.
Press [ ] to display the [SCENE MODE] 
menu and select a scene mode. (P44)
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.
 Since the shutter speed becomes slower, 
we recommend using a tripod and the 
self-timer (P39) for taking pictures.
[SELF PORTRAIT]
MENUSETMENUSET
[SCENERY]
[SPORTS]
[NIGHT PORTRAIT]
MENUSETMENUSET
MENUSETMENUSET
MENUSETMENUSET
VQT1C14ENG.book  46 ページ  ２００６年１２月４日　月曜日　午後１１時０分 
						

							Advanced (Recording pictures)
47VQT1C14
 Keep the subject still for about 1 second 
after taking the picture.
 We recommend rotating the zoom lever to 
Wide (1k) and being about 1.5 m 
(4.92 feet) from the subject when taking a 
picture.
 The focus range is 1.2 m (3.94 feet) to 
5 m (16.4 feet). (Refer to P37 for the 
available flash range to take pictures.)
 The shutter may remain closed (max. 
about 1 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.
 When using the flash, Slow sync./Red-eye 
reduction [ ] is selected and the 
flash is activated every time.
 The white balance cannot be set.
Press [ ] to display the [SCENE MODE] 
menu and select a scene mode. (P44)
This allows you to take vivid pictures of the 
nightscape.
∫Technique for Night scenery mode
 Since the shutter speed becomes slower 
(up to about 8 sec.) use a tripod. We also 
recommend using the self-timer (P39) for 
taking pictures.
 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.
 The flash setting is fixed to Forced OFF 
[].
 ISO sensitivity is fixed to [ISO100].
 The setting on the AF assist lamp is 
disabled.
 The white balance cannot be set.Press [ ] to display the [SCENE MODE] 
menu and select a scene mode. (P44)
This mode allows you to take pictures of 
food with a natural hue without being 
affected by the ambient light in restaurants 
etc.
 The focus range becomes the same as 
macro mode. [5 cm (0.16 feet) (Wide)/
30 cm (0.98 feet) (Tele) to ¶]
 The white balance cannot be set.
Press [ ] to display the [SCENE MODE] 
menu and select a scene mode. (P44)
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.
 Since the shutter speed becomes slower, 
we recommend using a tripod and the 
self-timer (P39) for taking pictures.
 We recommend rotating the zoom lever to 
Wide (1k) and being about 1.5 m 
(4.92 feet) from the subject when taking 
pictures.
 The flash setting can be set to Slow sync./
Red-eye reduction [ ] or Forced ON/
Red-eye reduction [ ].
 The white balance cannot be set.
[NIGHT SCENERY]
MENUSETMENUSET
[FOOD] 
[PARTY]
MENUSETMENUSET
MENUSETMENUSET
VQT1C14ENG.book  47 ページ  ２００６年１２月４日　月曜日　午後１１時０分 
						

							Advanced (Recording pictures)
48VQT1C14
Press [ ] to display the [SCENE MODE] 
menu and select a scene mode. (P44)
This mode allows you to take pictures with 
a candle-lit atmosphere.
∫Technique for Candle light mode
 If you make the most of the candle light, 
you can take successful pictures without 
using the flash.
 Since the shutter speed becomes slower, 
we recommend using a tripod and the 
self-timer (P39) for taking pictures.
 The focus range becomes the same as 
macro mode. [5 cm (0.16 feet) (Wide)/
30 cm (0.98 feet) (Tele) to ¶]
 The flash setting can be set to Slow sync./
Red-eye reduction [ ] or Forced ON/
Red-eye reduction [ ].
 The white balance cannot be set.
Press [ ] to display the [SCENE MODE] 
menu and select a scene mode. (P44)
This takes pictures of a baby with a healthy 
complexion. When you use the flash, the 
light from it is weaker than usual.
You can set two different birthdays by using 
[BABY1] and [BABY2]. You can display the 
set age when playing back the pictures and 
stamp the age on the recorded pictures 
with [DATE STAMP] (P72).
 The age can also be printed on each 
picture by using the software [LUMIX 
Simple Viewer] or 
[PHOTOfunSTUDIO-viewer-] in the 
CD-ROM (supplied). (For information 
about printing, refer to the separate 
operating instructions for PC connection.)∫Age display setting
 To have the age displayed, first set the 
birthday and then be sure to set 
[WITH AGE] before taking the pictures.
∫Birthday setting
1Press 3/4 to select [BIRTHDAY SET.] 
and then press [MENU/SET].
2When a message appears, press 2/1 
to select items (Year/Month/Day) and 
then press 3/4 to set them.
3Press [MENU/SET] to finish the setting.
 The focus range becomes the same as 
macro mode. [5 cm (0.16 feet) (Wide)/
30 cm (0.98 feet) (Tele) to ¶]
 The ISO sensitivity becomes the same as 
when intelligent ISO sensitivity mode 
[ ] is set to a highest ISO sensitivity of 
[ISO400]. (P42)
 If you turn on the camera in [BABY1]/
[BABY2], the age and current date and 
time are displayed for about 5 seconds on 
the bottom of the screen.
 The age display style differs depending on 
the language setting in the recording 
mode.
 If the age is not properly displayed, check 
the clock and birthday settings.
 If the camera is set to [WITHOUT AGE], 
the age is not recorded even if the time 
and birthday are set. This means the age 
cannot be displayed even if camera is set 
to [WITH AGE] after taking the pictures.
 The birthday setting can be reset with 
[RESET]. (P20)
 Digital zoom cannot be used.
[CANDLE LIGHT]
[BABY1]/
[BABY2]
MENUSETMENUSET
1
2
MENUSETMENUSET
BABY1
WITHOUT AGE
BIRTHDAY SET.WITH AGE
SELECTSETMENUCANCEL
1
VQT1C14ENG.book  48 ページ  ２００６年１２月４日　月曜日　午後１１時０分 
						

							
Advanced (Recording pictures)
49VQT1C14
Press [ ] to display the [SCENE MODE] 
menu and select a scene mode. (P44)
Select this when you want to take pictures 
of a pet such as a dog or a cat.
This allows you to set the birthday of your 
pet. 
You can display the set age when playing 
back the pictures and stamp the age on the 
recorded pictures with [DATE STAMP] 
(P72).
• The age can also be printed on each picture by using the software [LUMIX 
Simple Viewer] or 
[PHOTOfunSTUDIO-viewer-] in the 
CD-ROM (supplied). (For information 
about printing, refer to the separate 
operating instructions for PC connection.)
Refer to [BABY1]/[BABY2] (P48) for 
information about age display setting and 
birthday setting.
 The initial setting for the AF assist lamp is  [OFF]. (P63)
 Refer to [BABY1]/[BABY2] for other 
information about this mode.
Press [ ] to display the [SCENE MODE] 
menu and select a scene mode. (P44)
Select this when you want to take pictures 
of sunset view. This allows you to take vivid 
pictures of the red color of the sun.
The flash setting is fixed to Forced OFF [].
 The setting on the AF assist lamp is  disabled.
 ISO sensitivity is fixed to [ISO100].
 The white balance cannot be set. Press [ ] to display the [SCENE MODE] 
menu and select a scene mode. (P44)
Select this mode for high-sensitivity 
processing. You can take pictures at ISO 
3200 sensitivity.
 The resolution of the recorded picture 
decreases slightly because of high 
sensitivity processi ng. This is not a 
malfunction.
 The focus range becomes the same as  macro mode. [5 cm (0.16 feet) (Wide)/
30 cm (0.98 feet) (Tele) to  ¶]
 The flash setting is fixed to Forced OFF  [].
 The extended optical zoom and digital  zoom cannot be used.
Press [ ] to display the [SCENE MODE] 
menu and select a scene mode. (P44)
This allows you to take vivid pictures of a 
starry sky or a dark subject.
∫ Setting the shutter speed
 Select a shutter speed of [15 SEC.], 
[30 SEC.] or [60 SEC.].
1 Press  3/4  to select the number of 
seconds and then press [MENU/SET].
 IF you want to change the number of  seconds, press [MENU/SET] and then 
press  1 again to select 
[STARRY SKY].
[PET]
[SUNSET]
MENUSETMENUSET
MENUSETMENUSET
[HIGH SENS.]
[STARRY SKY]
MENUSETMENUSET
MENUSETMENUSET
STARRY SKY
30 SEC.
60 SEC.15 SEC.
SELECTSETMENUCANCEL
VQT1C14ENG-BODY.fm  49 ページ  ２００６年１２月６日　水曜日　午後３時４３分 
						

							Advanced (Recording pictures)
50VQT1C14
2Take pictures.
 Press the shutter button fully to display the 
countdown screen. Do not move the 
camera after this screen is displayed. 
When countdown finishes, 
[PLEASE WAIT...] is displayed for the 
same length of time as the set shutter 
speed for signal processing.
 Press [MENU/SET] to stop taking the 
picture while the countdown screen is 
displayed.
∫Technique for Starry sky mode
 The shutter opens for 15, 30 or 
60 seconds. Be sure to use a tripod. We 
also recommend taking pictures with the 
self-timer. (P39)
 The LCD monitor automatically becomes 
darker.
 Histograms are always displayed in 
orange. (P33)
 The flash setting is fixed to Forced OFF 
[].
 ISO sensitivity is fixed to [ISO100].
 The following functions cannot be used.
– [EXPOSURE]
– [W.BALANCE]
–[BURST]
– [STABILIZER]
Press [ ] to display the [SCENE MODE] 
menu and select a scene mode. (P44)
This mode allows you to take beautiful 
pictures of fireworks exploding in the night 
sky.∫Technique for Fireworks mode
 Since the shutter speed becomes slower, 
we recommend using a tripod.
 This mode is most effective when the 
subject is 10 m (32.8 feet) or more away.
 The shutter speed becomes the following.
– When the optical image stabilizer is set 
to [OFF]: Maximum 2 second
– When the optical image stabilizer is set 
to [MODE1] or [MODE2]:
Maximum 1/4th of a second or 2 second 
(The shutter speed becomes a 
maxiumum of 2 second only when the 
camera has determined that there is 
little jitter such as when using a tripod 
etc.)
 Histograms are always displayed in 
orange. (P33)
 The flash setting is fixed to Forced OFF 
[].
 You cannot set the AF mode.
 The AF area is not displayed.
 The setting on the AF assist lamp is 
disabled.
 ISO sensitivity is fixed to [ISO100].
 The white balance cannot be set.
Press [ ] to display the [SCENE MODE] 
menu and select a scene mode. (P44)
This allows you to take even more vivid 
pictures of the blue color of the sea, sky 
etc. It also prevents under exposure of 
people under strong sunlight.
 Do not touch the camera with wet hands. Sand or seawater will cause the camera to 
malfunction. Make sure that sand or seawater 
does not get into the lens or the terminals.
 Problems caused by sand or seawater are 
not covered by the product warranty.
 The white balance cannot be set.
[FIREWORKS]
15
CANCELMENU
MENUSETMENUSET
[BEACH] 
MENUSETMENUSET
VQT1C14ENG.book  50 ページ  ２００６年１２月４日　月曜日　午後１１時０分