Panasonic Lumix DMC FX8 User Manual

							Recording pictures (advanced)
51VQT0R26
Recording pictures (advanced)
Using the Mode Dial
This mode allows you to take close-up 
pictures of the subject, e.g. when taking 
pictures of flowers.
You can take pictures approaching the 
subject at a distance up to 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 (P40) in the macro mode.
 When the subject is close to the camera, 
the effective focus range (depth of field) is 
significantly narrowed. Therefore, you will 
have difficulty in focusing on the subject if 
the distance between the camera and the 
subject is changed after focusing on the 
subject.
 When the camera lens is at a distance 
beyond the available range from the 
subject, the subject may not be focused 
even if the focus indication lights.
 The available flash range is about 30 cm 
(0.98 feet) to 4.0 m (13.1 feet) (Wide). 
(This is applied when you set the ISO 
sensitivity to [AUTO].)
 When you take pictures at close range in 
macro mode, the resolution of the 
peripheral of the picture may be slightly 
decreased. However, this is not a 
malfunction.This mode allows you to record motion 
images with audio.
1Select [PICT.MODE].
 Close the menu by pressing the shutter 
button halfway or the [MENU] button 
after finishing the setting.
 You can record smoother motion images 
with [30fpsVGA] and [30fpsQVGA].
 You can record motion images for 
longer period with [10fpsVGA] and 
[10fpsQVGA] although the picture 
quality is lower.
 Since the file size of [10fpsQVGA] is 
small, it is suitable for e-mails.
 fps (frame per second); This refers to 
the number of frames used in 1 second.
Macro mode
T
W5 cm
(0.16 feet)
30 cm
(0.98 feet)
Motion image mode
Picture sizefps
(frame/
second)
30fpsVGA
640k480 pixels30
10fpsVGA10
30fpsQVGA320k240 pixels3010fpsQVGA10
EXITMENU
AUTO
AF ASSIST LAMP
D.ZOOM W.BALANCE
AF MODE
REC1/2
SELECTSET
PICT.MODE
MENU
Downloaded From camera-usermanual.com Panasonic Manuals 
						

							Recording pictures (advanced)
52VQT0R26
2Press the shutter button halfway.
 When the subject is focused, the focus 
indication A lights.
3Press the shutter button fully to 
start the recording.
 The remaining recording time B 
(approx.) is displayed.
 The audio recording starts 
simultaneously from the built-in 
microphone of the camera.
 By pressing the shutter button fully 
again, the recording stops.
 If the card becomes full during 
recording, the camera stops 
automatically.
∫Available recording time (seconds)
 The recordable time is an approximation.
(It varies depending on the recording 
condition and the types of SD memory 
Card.)
 The recording time changes with subjects.
 The available recording time displayed on 
the LCD monitor may not reduce regularly.
 This unit does not support 
MultiMediaCard for recording motion 
images.
5S
SD Memory 
CardPicture quality setting
30fps
VG A10fps
VGA30fps
QVGA10fps
QVGA
16 MB 5 25 25 82
32 MB 16 58 58 175
64 MB 38 120 120 360
128 MB 82 250 250 740
256 MB 160 490 490 1440
512 MB 320 980 980 2870
1 GB 660 1970 1970 5700
2 GB 1350 4020 4020 11700
Downloaded From camera-usermanual.com Panasonic Manuals 
						

							Recording pictures (advanced)
53VQT0R26
 The motion images cannot be recorded 
without audio.
 The settings of auto focus/zoom/aperture 
values are fixed to what they are when 
recording starts (in the first frame).
 Depending on the type of card, the card 
access indication appears for a while after 
recording motion images. However, this is 
not a malfunction.
 When you set the picture quality to 
[30fpsVGA], we recommend using a high 
speed SD Memory Card with “10MB/s” or 
greater displayed on the package.
 Depending on the type of SD Memory 
Card and how many times it has been 
recorded onto or deleted, recording 
may stop in the middle. If something 
like this happens, clean-up may be 
effective. We recommend you clean up 
the card using the camera in advance. 
(P82)
 We recommend using Panasonic’s SD 
Memory Card. (Use only genuine SD 
cards with an SD Logo.)
 When motion images recorded with the 
camera are played back on other 
equipment, the quality of pictures and 
sounds may be deteriorated or it may not 
be possible to play them back.
 Motion images recorded with setting to 
[30fpsVGA], [30fpsQVGA] or [10fpsVGA] 
on this camera cannot be played back on 
equipment which does not support these 
settings.
 In motion image mode [ ], you cannot 
use the direction detection function and 
the review function.
 You cannot set [MODE2] on the optical 
image stabilizer function.
 Please note that the bundled software 
includes Quicktime to play back motion 
picture files created with the camera on 
the PC.
Downloaded From camera-usermanual.com Panasonic Manuals 
						

							Recording pictures (advanced)
54VQT0R26
Set the mode dial to the scene mode to 
display the scene menu.
When [SCENE MENU] on the [SETUP] 
menu (P20) is set to [OFF], press the 
[MENU] button to display the scene menu.
 When you press 2, the explanations for 
each scene mode are displayed. (When 
you press 1, the screen returns to the 
scene menu.)
 When rotating the zoom lever toward T or 
W, the page of the menu screen can be 
forwarded or reversed.
 If you press the [MENU] button while the 
scene menu is displayed, you can set the 
[REC] mode menu (P62) and the [SETUP] 
menu (P20).: [PORTRAIT] (P55)
: [SPORTS] (P55)
: [FOOD] (P56)
: [SCENERY] (P56)
: [NIGHT PORTRAIT] (P57)
: [NIGHT SCENERY] (P57)
: [BABY] (P58)
: [SOFT SKIN] (P59)
: [PARTY] (P59)
: [FIREWORKS] (P60)
: [SNOW] (P60)
: [SELF PORTRAIT] (P61)
 When you take pictures with a scene 
mode which is not adequate for the 
purpose, the hue may differ from the 
actual scene.
 When you want to change the brightness 
of the picture to be recorded, compensate 
the exposure. (P41)
 The following functions cannot be set in 
scene mode.
– White balance (P63)
– ISO sensitivity (P65)
– Color effect (P70)
– Picture adjustment (P70)
Scene mode
SCENE MODE 1
/
4
SPORTS
FOOD
MENUMENUSETSELECT
PORTRAIT
MENU
Menu items
Downloaded From camera-usermanual.com Panasonic Manuals 
						

							Recording pictures (advanced)
55VQT0R26
Select this mode when you want to take 
pictures of people.
This mode allows you to make the subject 
stand out from an unfocused background 
and adjust the exposure and the hue to 
achieve a healthy complexion on the 
subject.
∫Technique for Portrait mode
To make this mode more effective:
1Rotate the zoom lever to Tele as far as 
possible.
2To maximize the effect, select a 
background as far as possible from the 
camera, and get closer to the subject.
 This mode is only suitable for outdoors in 
the daytime.
 The ISO sensitivity is fixed to [AUTO].This mode allows you to take pictures of a 
fast moving subject. (e.g. When taking 
pictures of outdoor sports.)
∫Technique for Sports mode
To take a sharp picture of a fast moving 
subject, the shutter speed becomes faster 
than usual. This mode is more effective 
when taking pictures in the daytime on a 
clear day.
 This mode is suitable for outdoors only in 
the daytime, keeping 5 m (16.4 feet) or 
more away from the subject.
 The ISO sensitivity is fixed to [AUTO].
Portrait mode
3
Sports mode
3
Downloaded From camera-usermanual.com Panasonic Manuals 
						

							Recording pictures (advanced)
56VQT0R26
Select this mode when you want to take 
pictures of food without being affected by 
the ambient light, such as at restaurants. 
This mode allows you to take pictures of 
food in a natural hue.
 The focus range becomes the same as 
that in the macro mode. [5 cm (0.16 feet) 
(Wide)/30 cm (0.98 feet) (Tele) to ¶]
 The ISO sensitivity is fixed to [AUTO].This mode allows you to take a picture of a 
wide landscape. The camera focuses on a 
distant subject preferentially.
 The focus range is 5 m (16.4 feet) to ¶.
 The flash setting is fixed to Forced OFF 
[].
 The ISO sensitivity is fixed to [AUTO].
 The setting on the AF assist lamp is 
disabled.
Food mode
3
Scenery mode
3
Downloaded From camera-usermanual.com Panasonic Manuals 
						

							Recording pictures (advanced)
57VQT0R26
This mode allows you to take pictures 
against a night landscape. The subject can 
be recorded with brightness in real life by 
using the flash and slowing down the 
shutter speed.
∫Technique for Night portrait mode
 Use the flash.
 Since the shutter speed becomes slow, 
we recommend using a tripod and the 
self-timer (P40) for taking pictures.
 Keep the subject still for about 1 second 
when taking a picture.
 We recommend taking pictures by rotating 
the zoom lever to Wide (1k) and being at 
a distance about 1.5 m (4.92 feet) from 
the subject.
 The focus range is 1.2 m (3.94 feet) to 
5 m (16.4 feet).
(Refer to P38 for the flash control range.)
 The shutter may be kept closed (max. 
about 1 sec.) after taking a picture 
because of signal conditioning, but it is not 
a malfunction.
 When you take pictures in dark places, 
noise may become visible.
 The flash is always activated when the 
camera is set to Slow sync./Red-eye 
reduction [ ].
 The ISO sensitivity is fixed to [AUTO].This mode allows you to take a picture of a 
nightscape. The landscape can be 
recorded vividly by slowing down the 
shutter speed.
∫Technique for Night scenery mode
 Since the shutter speed becomes slow 
(max. about 8 sec.), use a tripod. We also 
recommend using the self-timer (P40) for 
taking pictures.
 The focus range is 5 m (16.4 feet) to ¶.
 The shutter may be kept closed (max. 
about 8 sec.) after taking a picture 
because of signal conditioning, but it is not 
a malfunction.
 When you take pictures in dark places, 
noise may become visible.
 The flash setting is fixed to Forced OFF 
[].
 The ISO sensitivity is fixed to [ISO80].
 The setting on the AF assist lamp is 
disabled.
 You cannot set the slow shutter.
Night portrait mode
3
Night scenery mode
3
Downloaded From camera-usermanual.com Panasonic Manuals 
						

							Recording pictures (advanced)
58VQT0R26
Select this mode when you want to take 
pictures of baby. Exposure and hue are 
adjusted to achieve a healthy complexion 
on the baby. When the flash is used, the 
light is weaker than usual.
 When playing back pictures, baby’s age 
can be displayed.
 The age can also be printed on each 
picture by using the software [LUMIX 
Simple Viewer] in the CD-ROM 
(supplied). (For details of printing, refer to 
the separate operating instructions for PC 
connection.)
Age display setting
 If you want to display the age, set birthday 
in advance, select [WITH AGE] and press 
1.
 If you do not want to display the age, 
select [WITHOUT AGE] and press 1.
Birthday setting
1Select [BIRTHDAY SET.] and press 1.
2When a message [PLEASE SET THE 
BIRTHDAY OF THE BABY] appears, 
select items (year, month and day) using 
2/1, and set using 3/4.
3Press the [MENU] button to finish the 
setting. If you select [WITH AGE] without setting 
birthday in advance, a message is 
displayed. Press the [MENU] button, and 
set birthday following the above steps 2 
and 3.
 The focus range becomes the same as 
that in the macro mode. [5 cm (0.16 feet) 
(Wide)/30 cm (0.98 feet) (Tele) to ¶].
 The ISO sensitivity is fixed to [AUTO].
 After turning on the camera in [BABY] or 
switching to [BABY] from other modes, the 
age and current date and time are 
displayed for about 5 seconds at the 
bottom of the screen.
 The age display style differs depending on 
the language setting in the recording 
mode.
 The date of birth is displayed as [0 month 
0day].
 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 the time and 
birthday are set. This means that the age 
cannot be displayed even if you set the 
camera to [WITH AGE] after taking 
pictures.
 For resetting the birthday setting, use 
[RESET] in the [SETUP] menu (P20).
Baby mode
10:00  DEC. 1.20059months 10days
BABY
WITHOUT AGE
MENUMENUSETSELECT
BIRTHDAY SET.
WITH AGE
3
Downloaded From camera-usermanual.com Panasonic Manuals 
						

							Recording pictures (advanced)
59VQT0R26
In this mode, camera detects a skin-color 
area, such as face, to achieve a smooth 
appearance of the skin.
∫Technique for Soft skin mode
To make this mode more effective:
1Rotate the zoom lever to Tele as far as 
possible.
2To maximize the effect, select a 
background as far as possible from the 
camera, and get closer to the subject.
 This mode is only suitable for outdoors in 
the daytime.
 The ISO sensitivity is fixed to [ISO80].
 If there is a color close to the skin color in 
the background, that part is also 
smoothened.
 This mode may not be effective in 
insufficient brightness.Select this mode when you want to take 
pictures at wedding receptions, indoor 
parties, etc.
Both the people and the background can 
be recorded with brightness in real life by 
using the flash and slowing down the 
shutter speed.
∫Technique for Party mode
 Since the shutter speed becomes slow, 
we recommend using a tripod and the 
self-timer (P40) for taking pictures.
 We recommend taking pictures by rotating 
the zoom lever to Wide (1k) and being at 
a distance about 1.5 m (4.92 feet) from 
the subject.
 The flash setting can be set to Slow sync./
Red-eye reduction [ ] or Forced ON/
Red-eye reduction [ ].
 The ISO sensitivity is fixed to [AUTO].
Soft skin mode
3
Par ty mode
3
Downloaded From camera-usermanual.com Panasonic Manuals 
						

							Recording pictures (advanced)
60VQT0R26
This mode allows you to take beautiful 
pictures of fireworks exploding in the night 
sky. The shutter speed or the exposure is 
automatically adjusted for taking pictures of 
fireworks.
∫Technique for Fireworks mode
 We recommend using a tripod.
 This mode is most effective when the 
distance to the subject is 10 m (32.8 feet) 
or longer.
 The flash setting is fixed to Forced OFF 
[].
 The ISO sensitivity is automatically 
adjusted to the optimal value.
 You cannot set the AF mode.
 The setting on the AF assist lamp is 
disabled.
 You cannot set the slow shutter.This mode allows you to take a picture in 
locations such as skiing resorts and 
locations near snowy mountains. The 
exposure and the white balance are 
adjusted to make the white color of the 
snow stand out.
 The ISO sensitivity is fixed to [AUTO].
Fireworks mode
3
Snow mode
3
Downloaded From camera-usermanual.com Panasonic Manuals