Panasonic Dmc Fx30 Operating Instructions Manual

							Advanced (Recording pictures)
31VQT1B86
Advanced (Recording pictures)
About the LCD Monitor
ALCD monitor
Press [DISPLAY] to change.
 When the menu screen appears, the 
[DISPLAY] button is not activated. During 
playback zoom (P68), while playing back 
motion pictures (P69) and during a slide 
show (P72), you can only select 
“Normal display H” or “No display J”.
In simple mode [ ]
BNormal display
CNo display
In recording mode
DNormal display
EDisplay with histogramFNo display (Recording guide line)
¢2
GNo display
¢1 Histogram
¢2 Set the pattern of the guide lines 
displayed by setting [GUIDE LINE] in 
[SETUP] menu. (P19) You can also set 
whether or not to have the recording 
information and histogram displayed 
when the guide lines are displayed.
In playback mode
HNormal display
IDisplay with recording information and 
histogram
JNo display
¢3 Displayed if [BIRTHDAY SET.] and 
[WITH AGE] were set in [BABY1]/
[BABY2] (P46) or [PET] (P47) in scene 
mode before taking pictures.
¢4 The number of days that have passed 
since the travel date are displayed if 
you set [TRAVEL DATE] (P53) before 
taking pictures.
 In [NIGHT PORTRAIT] (P45), 
[NIGHT SCENERY] (P45), 
[STARRY SKY] (P48) and [FIREWORKS] 
(P49) in scene mode, the guide line is 
gray.
Changing the information 
displayed
DISPLAY/LCD MODE
BACKLIGHT
3
F2.8 1/30ISO100AWB
9months 10days
1/3
1/3
4
100_
0001
10:00  DEC. 1.2007
10:00  DEC. 1.2007
1ST DAY
100_
0001
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							Advanced (Recording pictures)
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∫Recording guide line
When you align the subject on the 
horizontal and vertical guide lines or the 
cross point of these lines, you can take 
pictures with well-designed composition by 
viewing the size, the slope and the balance 
of the subject.
A[]: This is used when dividing the 
entire screen into 3k3 for taking 
pictures with a well-balanced 
composition.
B[]: This is used when you want to 
position the subject at the exact 
center of the screen.
∫Histogram
A histogram is a graph that displays 
brightness along the horizontal axis (black 
to white) and the number of pixels at each 
brightness level on the vertical axis.
It allows you to easily check a picture’s 
exposure.
 It is very useful if manual adjustments of 
the lens aperture and shutter speed are 
available, especially in those situations 
where automatic exposure may be difficult 
due to uneven lighting. Using the 
histogram feature allows you to get the 
maximum performance from your camera.
AWhen the values are concentrated on 
the left, the picture is under exposed.
BWhen the values are distributed evenly, 
the exposure is proper and the 
brightness is well-balanced.
CWhen the values are concentrated on 
the right, the picture is overexposed.Examples of histogram
AUnder Exposed
BProperly Exposed
COverexposed
¢Histogram
 When you take pictures with the flash 
or in dark places, the histogram is 
displayed in orange because the 
recorded picture and the histogram do 
not match each other.
 The histogram is an approximation in 
recording mode.
 The histogram of a picture may not match 
in recording mode and playback mode.
 The histogram displayed in this camera 
does not match histograms displayed by 
picture editing software used in PCs etc.
 The histogram does not appear in simple 
mode [ ] or motion picture mode [ ] 
and during multi playback or calendar 
playback and playback zoom.
10:00  DEC. 1.2007F2.8 1/50ISO100AWB
1/3
10:00  DEC. 1.2007F2.8 1/100ISO100AWB
1/3
10:00  DEC. 1.2007F2.8 1/200ISO100AWB
1/3100_
0001
100_
0001
100_
0001 
						

							Advanced (Recording pictures)
33VQT1B86
 If the mode dial is set [ ] and [ ], the 
Power LCD function only can be used.
1Press [LCD MODE] for 1 second.
2Press 3/4 to select a mode.
3Press [MENU/SET].
 The [POWER LCD] A or 
[HIGH ANGLE] B icon appears.
Brightening the LCD Monitor
(Power LCD/High angle mode)
DISPLAY/LCD
LCD MODE
SET
SELECTMENU
LCDOFFPOWER LCDHIGH ANGLE 
[]:
[POWER LCD]The LCD monitor 
becomes brighter and 
easier to see even when 
taking pictures outdoors.
[]:
[HIGH ANGLE]
The LCD monitor is 
easier to see when taking 
pictures with the camera 
held high above your 
head. This is useful when 
you cannot get close to 
the subject because 
there is a person in the 
way. (However it 
becomes more difficult to 
see when looked at 
straight on.)
[OFF]The LCD monitor returns 
to the normal brightness.
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							Advanced (Recording pictures)
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∫Canceling Power LCD or High angle 
mode
 If you press and hold [LCD MODE] again 
for 1 second the screen shown in step 
2 
is displayed. Select [OFF] to cancel Power 
LCD mode or High angle mode.
 High angle mode is also canceled if you 
turn the camera off or power save mode is 
activated.
 The brightness of the pictures displayed 
on the LCD monitor is adjusted when 
Power LCD mode or High angle mode is 
activated. Therefore, some subjects may 
look different on the LCD monitor. 
However, this does not affect the recorded 
pictures.
 The LCD monitor automatically returns to 
normal brightness after 30 seconds when 
recording in Power LCD mode. Press any 
button to make the LCD monitor bright 
again.
 If the screen is difficult to see because of 
light from the sun etc. shining on it, use 
your hand or another object to block the 
light.
 High angle mode is not activated in the 
following cases.
– In simple mode [ ]
– In playback mode [ ]
– In print mode [ ]
– While the menu screen is displayed
– While the review screen is displayed
Taking Pictures using 
the Built-in Flash
A:Photo flash
Do not cover it with your fingers or other 
objects.
∫Switching to the appropriate flash 
setting
Set the flash to match the recording.
1Press 1 [].
2Press 3/4 to select a mode.
 You can also press 1 [ ] to select.
 For information about flash settings that 
can be selected, refer to “Available flash 
settings by recording mode”. (P35)
3Press [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.
FLASH
SET
SELECTMENU
AUTO/RED-EYE
FORCED OFF
FORCED FLASH ON
AUTO
SLOW SYNC./RED-EYE 
						

							Advanced (Recording pictures)
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:AUTO
The flash is automatically activated when 
the recording conditions make it necessary.
: AUTO/Red-eye reduction¢1
The flash is automatically activated when 
the recording conditions make it necessary.
It is activated once before the actual 
recording to reduce the red-eye 
phenomenon (eyes of the subject 
appearing red in the picture) and then 
activated again for the actual recording.
 Use this when you take pictures of 
people in low lighting conditions.
: Forced ON
The flash is activated every time regardless 
of the recording conditions.
 Use this when your subject is back-lit 
or under fluorescent light.
: Forced ON/Red-eye reduction
¢1
 The flash setting is set to Forced ON/
Red-eye reduction only when you set 
[PARTY] (P46) or [CANDLE LIGHT] 
(P46) in scene mode.
: Slow sync./Red-eye reduction¢1
If you take a picture with a dark background 
landscape, this feature will slow the shutter 
speed when the flash is activated so that 
the dark background landscape will 
become bright. Simultaneously it reduces 
the red-eye phenomenon.
 Use this when you take pictures of 
people in front of a dark background.
: Forced OFF
The flash is not activated in any recording 
conditions.
 Use this when you take pictures in 
places where the use of the flash is not 
permitted.
¢1The flash is activated twice. The 
subject should not move until the 
second flash is activated.∫Available flash settings by recording 
mode
The available flash settings depend on the 
recording mode.
(±: Available, —: Not available,
 ¥: Initial setting)
¢2 It becomes Forced ON [ ], when the 
backlight compensation function is 
activated.
 The flash setting may change if the 
recording mode is changed. Set the flash 
setting again if necessary.
1
2 
						

							Advanced (Recording pictures)
36VQT1B86
 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.
∫The available flash range to take 
pictures The available flash range is an 
approximation.
 The available focus range differs 
depending on the recording mode. (P107)
 If you use the flash when the ISO 
sensitivity is set to [AUTO] or when the 
highest ISO sensitivity is set to a setting 
other than [ISO400] in Intelligent ISO 
sensitivity mode [ ] (P41), the ISO 
sensitivity is automatically increased to a 
maximum of [ISO640]. (It is a maximum of 
[ISO400] in [BABY1]/[BABY2] (P46) and 
[PET] (P47) in scene mode.) 
 If you take a picture with the flash at close 
range when the zoom is near [W] (1k), 
the edges of the recorded picture may 
become dark. Rotate the zoom lever 
slightly and then take the picture.
∫Available flash range in Intelligent ISO 
sensitivity mode 
ISO sensitivityAvailable flash range
[AUTO]
Wide
60 cm (1.97 feet) to 
5.0 m (16.4 feet)
Te l e
30 cm (0.98 feet) to 
2.5 m (8.20 feet)
[ISO100]
Wide
60 cm (1.97 feet) to 
2.0 m (6.56 feet)
Te l e
30 cm (0.98 feet) to 
1.0 m (3.28 feet)
[ISO200]
Wide
60 cm (1.97 feet) to 
2.8 m (9.19 feet)
Te l e
30 cm (0.98 feet) to 
1.4 m (4.59 feet)
[ISO400]
Wide
60 cm (1.97 feet) to 
4.0 m (13.1 feet) 
Te l e
40 cm (1.31 feet) to 
2.0 m (6.56 feet) 
[ISO800]
Wide
80 cm (2.62 feet) to 
5.6 m (18.4 feet)
Te l e
60 cm (1.97 feet) to 
2.8 m (9.19 feet)
[ISO1250]
Wide
1.0 m (3.28 feet) to 
5.6 m (18.4 feet)
Te l e
80 cm (2.62 feet) to 
2.8 m (9.19 feet)
Highest 
ISO 
sensitivity 
(P41)
Available flash range
WideTe l e
ISO400Approx. 
60 cm 
(1.97 feet) to 
approx. 4.0 m 
(13.1 feet)Approx. 
30 cm 
(0.98 feet) to 
approx. 2.0 m 
(6.56 feet)
ISO800Approx. 
60 cm 
(1.97 feet) to 
approx. 5.0 m 
(16.4 feet)Approx. 
30 cm 
(0.98 feet) to 
approx. 2.5 m 
(8.20 feet) ISO1250 
						

							Advanced (Recording pictures)
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∫Shutter speed for each flash setting
¢1 The shutter speed changes depending 
on the slow shutter setting. (P66)
¢2 Simple mode [ ]
¢3 Intelligent ISO sensitivity mode [ ]/
[SPORTS] (P45), [BABY1]/[BABY2] 
(P46) and [PET] (P47) in scene mode
¢2, ¢3: The shutter speed becomes a 
maximum of 1 second in the following 
cases.
– When the optical image stabilizer is set 
to [OFF].
– When the camera has determined that 
there is little jitter when the optical image 
stabilizer is set to [MODE1] or [MODE2].
 There will be differences in the above 
shutter speeds in the following scene 
modes. 
– [NIGHT SCENERY] (P45):
8 seconds to 1/2000th of a second
– [STARRY SKY] (P48):
15 seconds, 30 seconds, 60 seconds
– [FIREWORKS] (P49):
1/4th of a second, 2 seconds
 Do not look directly at the flash at 
close range when it is activated.
 If you bring the flash too close to an 
object, the object may be distorted or 
discolored by the heat or lighting from 
the flash.
 In economy mode, the LCD monitor 
turns off and the status indicator lights 
while the flash is charging. [This does 
not happen when using the AC adaptor 
(DMW-AC5PP; optional).] 
If the remaining battery power is low, 
the length of time that the LCD monitor 
turns off to charge may become longer.
 When you take a picture beyond the 
available flash range, the exposure may 
not be adjusted properly and the picture 
may become bright or dark.
 When the flash is being charged, the flash 
icon blinks red, and you cannot take a 
picture even when you press the shutter 
button fully.
 The white balance may not be properly 
adjusted if the flash level is insufficient for 
the subject. (P58)
 When the shutter speed is fast, the flash 
effect may not be sufficient.
 It may take time to charge the flash if you 
repeat taking a picture. Take a picture 
after the access indication disappears.
 The red-eye reduction effect differs 
between people. Also, if the subject was 
far away from the camera or was not 
looking at the first flash, the effect may not 
be evident.
 When the flash is activated, you can only 
take 1 picture.Flash settingShutter speed 
(Sec.)
:AUTO
1/30 to 1/2000 :AUTO/
Red-eye 
reduction
: Forced ON
: Forced ON/
Red-eye 
reduction
: Slow sync./
Red-eye reduction1/8
¢1 to 
1/2000
: Forced OFF1/8
¢1 to 
1/2000
1/8
¢1 or 1 to 
1/2000¢2
1/4 or 1 to 
1/2000¢3 
						

							Advanced (Recording pictures)
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Taking Pictures with 
the Self-timer
1Press 2 [].
2Press 3/4 to select a mode.
 You can also press 2 [ ] to select.
3Press [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.
4Press the shutter button halfway 
to focus and then press it fully to 
take the picture.
A: Press the shutter button halfway to 
focus.
B: Press the shutter button fully to take 
the picture.
 The self-timer indicator C 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.
 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 indicator will blink and then may 
turn on brightly operating as an AF assist 
lamp (P65) to allow the camera to focus 
on the subject.
 The self-timer is fixed to 10 seconds in 
simple mode [ ] and 2 seconds in 
[SELF PORTRAIT] (P44) in scene mode.
 When you set the self-timer in burst mode, 
the camera starts taking a picture 2 or 
10 seconds after the shutter button is 
pressed. The number of pictures taken at 
one time is fixed to 3.
 We recommend using a tripod when 
recording with the self-timer.
 The self-timer cannot be used in 
[UNDERWATER] in scene mode.
OFF
SET
SELECTMENU
2 SEC.10 SEC.
SELFTIMER
CANCEL
3
MENU 
						

							Advanced (Recording pictures)
39VQT1B86
Compensating the 
Exposure
Use this function when you cannot achieve 
appropriate exposure due to the difference 
in brightness between the subject and the 
background. Look at the following 
examples.
Under exposed
Compensate the exposure towards 
positive.
Properly exposed
Overexposed
Compensate the exposure towards
negative.
1Press 3 [ ] until [EXPOSURE] 
appears, compensate the 
exposure with 2/1.
 You can compensate from [j2EV] to 
[i2 EV] in steps of [1/3 EV].
 Select [0 EV] to return to the original 
exposure.
2Press [MENU/SET] to finish.
 You can also press the shutter 
button halfway to finish.
 EV is an abbreviation of [Exposure Value]. 
It refers 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 cannot be compensated when 
using [STARRY SKY] in scene mode.
EXPOSURE
SELECTEXITMENU 
						

							Advanced (Recording pictures)
40VQT1B86
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.
1Press 3 [ ] several times until 
[AUTO BRACKET] appears, set 
the compensation range of the 
exposure with 2/1.
 You can select [OFF] (0), [d1/3 EV], 
[d2/3 EV] or [d1EV].
 When you do not use auto bracket, 
select [OFF] (0).
2Press [MENU/SET] to finish.
 You can also press the shutter 
button halfway to finish.
 When setting auto bracket, the auto 
bracket icon [ ] appears on the lower 
left of 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 mode is 
activated.
 When setting auto bracket and burst mode 
simultaneously, auto bracket will be 
performed.
 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.
 When auto bracket is activated, 
[AUDIO REC.] cannot be used. 
 The exposure may not be compensated 
with auto bracket depending on the 
brightness of the subject.
 When the flash is activated or the number 
of recordable pictures is 2 or less, you can 
take only 1 picture.
 Auto bracket cannot be set in 
[STARRY SKY] in scene mode.
AUTO BRACKET
SELECTEXITMENU