Panasonic DMC-FZ18 User Manual

Cover

Operating Instructions

Digital Camera

Model No. DMC-FZ18

Before use, please read these

instructions completely.

QuickTime and the QuickTime logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Apple Inc., used under license therefrom.

VQT1K47

Before Use

Dear Customer,

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for purchasing this Panasonic Digital Camera. Please read these Operating Instructions carefully and keep them handy for future reference.

Before Use

Information for Your Safety

WARNING:

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK OR PRODUCT DAMAGE,

• DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS TO RAIN, MOISTURE, DRIPPING OR SPLASHING AND THAT NO OBJECTS FILLED WITH LIQUIDS, SUCH AS VASES, SHALL BE PLACED ON THE APPARATUS.

• USE ONLY THE RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES.

• DO NOT REMOVE THE COVER (OR BACK); THERE ARE NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

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.

• Please note that the actual controls and components, menu items, etc. of your Digital Camera may look somewhat different from those shown in the illustrations in these Operating Instructions.

• SDHC Logo is a trademark.

• Leica is a registered trademark of Leica Microsystems IR GmbH.

• Elmarit is a registered trademark of Leica Camera AG.

• Other names, company names, and product names printed in these instructions are trademarks or registered trademarks of the companies concerned.

THE SOCKET OUTLET SHALL BE INSTALLED NEAR THE EQUIPMENT AND SHALL BE EASILY ACCESSIBLE.

CAUTION

Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Dispose of used batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Warn ing

Risk of fire, explosion and burns. Do not disassemble, heat above 60 xC or incinerate.

Product Identification Marking is located on the bottom of units.

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Before Use

-If you see this symbol-

Information on Disposal for Users of Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment (private households)

This symbol on the products and/or accompanying documents means that used electrical and electronic products should not be mixed with general household waste. For proper treatment, recovery and recycling, please take these products to designated collection points, where they will be accepted on a free of charge basis. Alternatively, in some countries you may be able to return your products to your local retailer upon the purchase of an equivalent new product.

Disposing of this product correctly will help to save valuable resources and prevent any potential negative effects on human health and the environment which could otherwise arise from inappropriate waste handling. Please contact your local authority for further details of your nearest designated collection point. Penalties may be applicable for incorrect disposal of this waste, in accordance with national legislation.

For business users in the European Union

If you wish to discard electrical and electronic equipment, please contact your dealer or supplier for further information.

Information on Disposal in other Countries outside the European Union

This symbol is only valid in the European Union. If you wish to discard this product, please contact your local authorities or dealer and ask for the correct method of disposal.

∫ About the battery charger

CAUTION!

• DO NOT INSTALL OR PLACE THIS UNIT IN A BOOKCASE, BUILT-IN CABINET OR IN ANOTHER CONFINED SPACE. ENSURE THE UNIT IS WELL VENTILATED. TO PREVENT RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK OR FIRE HAZARD DUE TO OVERHEATING, ENSURE THAT CURTAINS AND ANY OTHER MATERIALS DO NOT OBSTRUCT THE VENTILATION VENTS.

• DO NOT OBSTRUCT THE UNIT’S VENTILATION OPENINGS WITH NEWSPAPERS, TABLECLOTHS, CURTAINS, AND SIMILAR ITEMS.

• DO NOT PLACE SOURCES OF NAKED FLAMES, SUCH AS LIGHTED CANDLES, ON THE UNIT.

• DISPOSE OF BATTERIES IN AN ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY MANNER.

∫ How to replace the Fuse

The location of the fuse differ according to the type of AC cable (figures A and B). Confirm the AC cable fitted and follow the instructions below. Illustrations may differ from actual AC cable. 1 Open the fuse cover with a screwdriver.

Figure A Figure B

2 Replace the fuse and close or attach

the fuse cover.

Figure A Figure B

Fuse (5 ampere)

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Fuse cover

Fuse (5 ampere)

Before Use

• The battery charger is in the standby condition when the AC power is supplied. The primary circuit is always “live” as long as the battery charger is connected to an electrical outlet.

∫ Care of the camera

• Do not strongly shake or bump the camera by dropping it etc.

This unit may malfunction, recording pictures may no longer be possible or the lens or the LCD monitor may be damaged.

• Retract the lens before carrying the camera or playing back pictures.

• Be particularly careful in the following places as they may cause this unit to malfunction.

– Places with a lot of sand or dust. – Places where water can come into contact

with this unit such as when using it on a rainy day or on a beach.

• Do not touch the lens or the sockets with dirty hands. Also, be careful not to allow liquids to get into the space around the lens, buttons etc.

• If water or seawater splashes on the camera, use a dry cloth to wipe the camera body carefully.

∫ About Condensation (When the lens or

the Viewfinder is fogged up)

• Condensation occurs when the ambient temperature or humidity changes. Be careful of condensation since it causes lens stains, fungus and camera malfunction.

• If condensation occurs, turn the camera off and leave it for about 2 hours. The fog will disappear naturally when the temperature of the camera becomes close to the ambient temperature.

∫ Read together with the “Cautions for

Use”. (P155)

∫ About cards that can be used in this unit

You can use an SD Memory Card, an SDHC Memory Card and a MultiMediaCard.

• When the term card is used in these operating instructions this refers to the following types of Memory Cards. – SD Memory Card (8 MB to 2 GB) – SDHC Memory Card (4 GB) – MultiMediaCard (still pictures only)

More specific information about memory cards that can be used with this unit.

• You can only use an SDHC Memory Card if using cards with 4 GB or more capacity.

• A 4 GB Memory Card without an SDHC logo is not based on the SD Standard and will not work in this product.

Please confirm the latest information on the following website.

http://panasonic.

(This Site is English only.)

co.jp/pavc/global/cs

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Advanced (Recording pictures)

Before Use

Information for Your Safety.......................2

Preparation

Standard Accessories ...............................7

Names of the Components .......................8

Attaching the Lens Cap/Strap .................10

Attaching the Lens Hood.........................11

Quick Guide ............................................13

Charging the Battery with the Charger.... 14

About the Battery (charging/number of

recordable pictures) ................................15

Inserting and Removing the Card

(optional)/the Battery...............................17

About the Built-in Memory/the Card

(optional) .................................................18

Setting Date/Time (Clock Set).................19

• Changing the clock setting ................20

About the Mode Dial................................21

Setting the Menu.....................................23

About the Setup Menu ............................25

LCD Monitor/Viewfinder Display/ Switching the LCD Monitor/Viewfinder

Display ....................................................29

Basic

Taking Pictures .......................................31

Taking pictures using the automatic

function (Intelligent Auto Mode) ..............35

Taking Pictures with the Zoom................38

• Using the Optical Zoom ....................38

• Using the Extra Optical Zoom (EZ) ... 39

• Using the Digital Zoom

Further extending the zoom.............. 40

Checking the Recorded Picture

(Review)..................................................41

Playing back/Deleting Pictures................ 42

About the LCD Monitor/Viewfinder..........45

• Changing the information

displayed...........................................45

• Brightening the LCD Monitor .............48

Taking Pictures using the Built-in

Flash........................................................50

Taking Pictures with the Self-timer..........55

Compensating the Exposure ...................57

Taking Pictures using Auto Bracket ........59

Taking Pictures using Burst Mode...........60

Taking Close-up Pictures........................62

Aperture-priority AE .................................64

Shutter-priority AE ...................................64

Manual exposure.....................................65

Aperture Value and Shutter Speed .........66

Taking Pictures with Manual Focus.........67

Registering Personal Menu Settings

(Registering custom settings)..................70

Taking pictures in Custom mode .............71

Taking expressive portraits and landscape pictures

(Advanced scene mode) .........................72

• [PORTRAIT]......................................73

• [SCENERY].......................................74

• [SPORTS] .........................................74

• [NIGHT PORTRAIT]..........................75

Taking pictures that match the scene

being recorded (Scene mode) .................76

• [FOOD] .............................................77

• [PARTY] ............................................77

• [CANDLE LIGHT] ..............................78

• [SUNSET]..........................................78

• [HIGH SENS.] ...................................79

• [BABY1]/[BABY2] ..............................79

• [PET] .................................................80

• [PANNING]........................................81

• [STARRY SKY] .................................82

• [FIREWORKS] ..................................83

• [BEACH]............................................84

• [SNOW] .............................................85

• [AERIAL PHOTO]..............................85

Motion Picture Mode ...............................86

Recording which Day of the Vacation

You Take the Picture...............................88

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Displaying the Time at the Travel

Destination (World Time) ........................90

Using the [REC] Mode Menu ..................92

• [W.BALANCE]...................................93

• [WB ADJUST.] ..................................95

• [INTELLIGENT ISO]..........................96

• [SENSITIVITY] ..................................97

• [ASPECT RATIO]..............................97

• [PICT.SIZE]/[QUALITY] ....................98

• [AUDIO REC.].................................100

• [METERING MODE] .......................100

• [AF MODE]......................................101

• [STABILIZER] .................................104

• [CONT.AF] ......................................105

• [AF ASSIST LAMP].........................105

• [AF/AE LOCK].................................106

• [COL.EFFECT]................................107

• [PICT.ADJ.].....................................108

• [FLIP ANIM.] ...................................109

• [CONVERSION]..............................111

Advanced (Playback)

Displaying Multiple Screens

(Multi Playback)..................................... 113

Displaying Pictures by Recording Date

(Calendar Playback)..............................114

Using the Playback Zoom .....................115

Playing Back Motion Pictures/Pictures

with Audio..............................................116

Creating still pictures from a motion

picture ...................................................118

Using the [PLAY] mode menu............... 120

• [SLIDE SHOW] ...............................121

• [CATEGORY]..................................122

• [ROTATE DISP.]/[ROTATE] ...........125

• [FAVORITE]....................................127

• [TITLE EDIT]...................................128

• [TEXT STAMP] ...............................130

• [DPOF PRINT] ................................132

• [PROTECT].....................................134

• [AUDIO DUB.] ................................135

• [RESIZE].........................................136

• [TRIMMING]....................................137

• [ASPECT CONV.] ...........................138

• [COPY]............................................139

• [FORMAT].......................................140

Connecting to other equipment

Connecting to a PC ...............................142

Printing the Pictures..............................145

Playing Back Pictures on a TV

Screen...................................................150

Others

Using the MC Protector/ND Filter..........151

Screen Display ......................................152

Cautions for Use....................................155

Message Display ...................................158

Troubleshooting.....................................160

Number of Recordable Pictures and

Available Recording Time .....................167

Specifications ........................................171

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Preparation

Standard Accessories

Check that all the accessories are included before using the camera. 1 Battery Pack

(Indicated as battery in the text)

2 Battery Charger

(Indicated as charger in the text) 3 AC Cable 4 USB Connection Cable 5AV Cable 6 CD-ROM

• Software

7 CD-ROM

• Operating Instructions 8 Shoulder Strap 9 Lens Cap/Lens Cap String 10 Lens Hood 11 Hood Adaptor

• The accessories and their shape will differ

depending on the country or area where the camera was purchased.

• SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card and

MultiMediaCard are indicated as card in the text.

• The card is optional.

You can record or play back pictures on the built-in memory when you are not using a card.

For the United Kingdom and Continental Europe

Notice about the rechargeable battery

The battery is designated recyclable. Please follow your local recycling regulations.

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Names of the

Components

1234

Preparation

In these operating instructions, the operations using the joystick are described as illustrated below shown. e.g.: When you tilt the joystick right

e.g.: When you press the centre of the joystick

1 Lens (P156) 2Flash (P50) 3 Self-timer indicator (P55)

AF assist lamp (P105)

4 Microphone (P86, 100, 135)

10956 7

12 14 15

5 Flash open button (P50) 6 Diopter adjustment dial (P46) 7 Viewfinder (P45, 152) 8 Speaker (P117) 9 [EVF/LCD] button (P45) 10 [AF/AE LOCK] button (P106) 11 Joystick (P34, 42, 64, 65)

12 LCD monitor (P45, 152) 13 [DISPLAY/LCD MODE] button (P45, 48) 14 Delete button (P42)/

Single or burst mode button (P60)

15 Cursor buttons

2/Self-timer button (P55) 4/[REV] button (P41) 1/Flash setting button (P50) 3/Exposure compensation (P57)/

Auto bracket (P59)/Flash output adjustment (P53)/ Backlight compensation in intelligent auto mode (P37) button

In these operating instructions,

operations using the cursor button are described with illustrations below. e.g.: When you press the 4 button

16 [MENU/SET] button (P19)

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17 18 1

6 7

20 21 2

17 Zoom lever (P38) 18 Shutter button (P31, 86) 19 AF macro/Focus switch button (P62, 68) 20 Mode dial (P21) 21 Camera ON/OFF switch (P19) 22 Power lamp (P31) 23 [AF/MF] button (P67)

2 2 2

24 Strap eyelet 25 [DIGITAL/AV OUT] socket (P142, 145,

150)

26 [DC IN] socket (P142, 145)

• Always use a genuine Panasonic AC

adaptor (optional).

• This camera cannot charge the battery

even though the AC adaptor (optional) is

connected to it. 27 Terminal door 28 Lens barrel (P151)

Preparation

29 30

29 Card/Battery door (P17) 30 Tripod receptacle

• When you use a tripod, make sure the tripod is stable when the camera is attached to it.

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Preparation

Attaching the Lens Cap/ Strap

∫ Lens Cap (supplied)

1 Pass the string through the hole on

the lens cap.

∫ Strap (supplied)

1 Pass the strap through the hole at

the strap eyelet.

2 Pass the same string through the

hole on the camera.

3 Attach the lens cap.

• When you turn the camera off, carry the camera or play back the pictures, attach the lens cap to protect the surface of the lens.

• Detach the lens cap before turning on the camera in the recording mode.

• Be careful not to lose the lens cap.

2 Pass the strap through the stopper

and fasten the strap.

A: Pull the strap 2 cm or more.

• Attach the strap to the other side of the camera being careful not to twist it.

• Check that the strap is firmly attached to the camera.

• Attach the strap so that the “L on the outside.

• We recommend attaching the strap when using the camera to prevent it from dropping.

UMIX” LOGO is

- 10 -

Preparation

Attaching the Lens Hood

In bright sunlight or backlight, the lens hood will minimise lens flare and ghosting. The lens hood cuts off excess lighting and improves the picture quality.

• Check that the camera is turned off.

• Close the flash.

1 Securely attach the hood adaptor

(supplied) so that it is all the way into the lens barrel.

• Do not tighten the hood adaptor too much.

2 Place the camera upside down,

align the mark on the lens hood with the mark A on the camera and then insert the lens hood.

3 Tighten the screw.

• Do not tighten the screw too much.

∫ Removing the hood adaptor

• Grasp the base of the hood adaptor to remove it.

• Check if the screw is loose and then attach the lens hood.

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Preparation

• You cannot attach the lens hood the opposite way.

• When taking pictures with flash with the lens hood attached, the lower portion of the photo may turn dark (vignetting effect) and the control of the flash may be disabled because the photo flash may be obscured by the lens hood. We recommend detaching the lens hood.

• When using the AF assist lamp in the dark, detach the lens hood.

• For details on how to attach the MC protector and the ND filter, refer to P151.

• You cannot attach the tele conversion lens and the close-up lens when the hood adaptor is attached.

• For information about [CONVERSION], refer to P111.

• Consult the dealer or your nearest Service Centre if you lose the supplied accessories. (You can purchase the accessories separately.)

- 12 -

Preparation

Quick Guide

This is an overview of how to record and play back pictures with the camera. For each step, be sure to refer to the pages indicated in brackets.

1 Charge the battery. (P14)

plug-in type

inlet type

• The battery is not charged when the camera is shipped. Charge the battery before use.

2 Insert the battery and the card.

(P17)

3 Turn the camera on to take pictures.

• Set the clock. (P19)

CUSTOM

OFF ON

1 Set the mode dial to [ ]. 2 Press the shutter button to take pictures.

(P31)

4 Play back the pictures.

CUSTOM

1 Set the mode dial to [ ]. 2 Select the picture you want to view. (P42)

• When you do not use the card, you can record or play back pictures on the built-in memory. (P18) Refer to P18 when you use a card.

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Charging the Battery with the Charger

The battery is not charged when the camera is shipped. Charge the battery before use.

1 Insert the battery terminals and

attach the battery to the charger.

2 Connect the charger to the

electrical outlet.

plug-in type

inlet type

• The AC cable does not fit entirely into the AC input terminal. A gap will remain as shown below.

Preparation

• Charging is complete when the

[CHARGE] indicator A turns off (after about 120 minutes).

• When the [CHARGE] indicator flashes, read P15.

3 Detach the battery after charging is

completed.

• After charging is completed, be sure to disconnect the power supply device from the electrical outlet.

• The battery becomes warm after using it and during and after charging. The camera also becomes warm during use. This is not a malfunction.

• The battery will be exhausted if left for a long period of time after being charged. Recharge the battery when it is exhausted.

• The battery can be charged even if it is not fully discharged.

• Use the dedicated charger and battery.

• Charge the battery with the charger indoors.

• Do not disassemble or modify the charger.

• Do not leave any metal items (such as clips) near the contact areas of the power plug. Otherwise, a fire and/or electric shocks may be caused by short-circuiting or the resulting heat generated.

• Charging starts when the [CHARGE]

indicator A lights green.

- 14 -

Preparation

About the Battery

(charging/number of recordable

pictures)

∫ The battery life The number of recordable pictures (By CIPA standard in programme AE mode [])

Number of recordable pictures

Recording conditions by CIPA standard

• Temperature: 23 °C/ Humidity: 50% when LCD monitor is on.

• Using a Panasonic SD Memory Card (16 MB).

• Using the supplied battery.

• Starting recording 30 seconds after the camera is turned on. (When the optical image stabilizer function is set to [MODE1].)

• Recording once every 30 seconds with full flash every second recording.

• Rotating the zoom lever from Tele to Wide or vice versa in every recording.

• Turning the camera off every 10 recordings and leaving it until the temperature of the battery decreases.

¢ The number of recordable pictures

decreases in Auto power LCD mode, Power LCD mode and High angle mode

(P48).

• CIPA is an abbreviation of [Camera & Imaging Products Association].

The number of recordable pictures varies depending on the recording interval time. If the recording interval time becomes longer, the number of recordable pictures decreases. [e.g. When recording once every 2 minutes, the number of recordable pictures decreases to about 100.]

Approx. 400 pictures (Approx. 200 min)

The number of recordable pictures when using the Viewfinder

(Recording conditions comply with CIPA standard.)

Number of recordable pictures

Playback time when using the LCD monitor

Playback time

The number of recordable pictures and playback time will vary depending on the operating conditions and storing condition of the battery.

∫ Charging

Charging time

Charging time and number of recordable pictures with the optional battery pack are the same as above.

• The [CHARGE] indicator lights when charging starts.

∫ When the [CHARGE] indicator flashes

• The battery is over discharged (discharged excessively). In a while, [CHARGE] indicator will light up and normal charging will start.

• The battery temperature is excessively high or low. The charging time will be longer than normal. Also, charging may not be completed.

• The terminals of the charger or the battery are dirty. In this case, wipe them with a dry cloth.

• When the operating time of the camera becomes extremely short even after properly charging the battery, the life of the battery may have expired. Buy a new battery.

Approx. 400 pictures (Approx. 200 min)

Approx. 420 min

Approx. 120 min

- 15 -

∫ Charging conditions

• Charge the battery in a temperature

between 10 oC to 35 oC. (The battery temperature should also be the same.)

• The performance of the battery may temporarily deteriorate and the operating time may become shorter in low temperature conditions (e.g. skiing/snowboarding).

• The battery may swell and its operating time may become shorter as the number of times it is charged increases. For long term battery use, we recommend you do not frequently charge the battery before it is exhausted.

Preparation

- 16 -

Preparation

Inserting and Removing the Card (optional)/the Battery

• Check that this unit is turned off.

• Close the flash.

• Prepare a card. (optional)

• You can record or play back pictures on the built-in memory when you are not using a card.

1 Slide the card/battery door to open

it.

• Always use genuine Panasonic batteries.

• If you use other batteries, we cannot guarantee the quality of this product.

2 Battery:

Insert it fully being careful about the direction you insert it. Pull the lever A in the direction of the arrow to remove the battery. Card: Push it fully until it clicks being careful about the direction you insert it. To remove the card, push the card until it clicks, then pull the card out upright.

• Do not touch the connection terminals of the card.

• The card may be damaged if it is not fully inserted.

3 1:

Close the card/battery door. 2: Slide the card/battery door to the end and then close it firmly.

• If the card/battery door cannot be completely closed, remove the card, check its direction and then insert it again.

• Remove the battery after use.

• Do not remove the battery with the camera turned on since the settings on the camera may not be stored properly.

• The supplied battery is designed only for the camera. Do not use it with any other equipment.

• Do not insert or remove the battery or the card while this unit is turned on. The data on the built-in memory or the card may be damaged. Be particularly careful while the built-in memory or the card is being accessed. (P29)

• We recommend using a Panasonic card.

- 17 -

Preparation

About the Built-in Memory/the Card (optional)

The built-in memory can be used as a temporary storage device when the card being used becomes full.

You can copy the recorded pictures to a card. (P139)

∫ Built-in Memory [ ] You can record or play back pictures with the built-in memory. (The built-in memory cannot be used when a card is inserted.)

• The built-in memory capacity is about 27 MB.

• Picture size is fixed to QVGA (320k240 pixels) when recording motion pictures to the built-in memory.

∫ Card [ ] When a card is inserted, you can record or play back pictures on a card.

∫ Card (optional)

• The SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card and MultiMediaCard are small, lightweight, removable external cards. Read P4 for information about cards that can be used in this unit.

• The SDHC Memory Card is a memory card standard decided by the SD Association in 2006 for high capacity memory cards more than 2 GB.

• The reading/writing speed of an SD Memory Card and an SDHC Memory Card is fast. Both types of card are equipped with a Write-Protect switch A that prevents writing and formatting the card. (If the switch is slid to the [LOCK] side, it is not possible to write or delete data on the card and format it.

When the switch is slid to the other side, these functions become available.)

• This unit (SDHC compatible equipment) is compatible with SD Memory Cards based on SD Memory Card Specifications and formatted in FAT12 system and FAT16 system. It is also compatible with SDHC Memory Cards based on SD Memory Card Specifications and formatted in FAT32 system.

• You can use an SDHC Memory Card in equipment that is compatible with SDHC Memory Cards however you cannot use an SDHC Memory Card in equipment that is only compatible with SD Memory Cards. (Always read the operating instructions for the equipment being used. If you also order a photo studio to print pictures, ask the photo studio before printing.) (P4)

• Refer to P167 for information about the number of recordable pictures and the available recording time for each Card.

• We recommend using High Speed SD Memory Cards/SDHC Memory Cards when recording motion pictures.

• The data on the built-in memory or the card may be damaged or lost due to electromagnetic waves, static electricity or breakdown of the camera or the card. We recommend storing important data on a PC etc.

• Do not format the card on your PC or other equipment. Format it on the camera only to ensure proper operation. (P140)

• Keep the Memory Card out of reach of children to prevent swallowing.

- 18 -

Setting Date/Time (Clock Set)

∫ Initial setting

The clock is not set so the following screen appears when you turn the camera on.

OFF ON

A [MENU/SET] button B Cursor buttons C Mode dial

Preparation

1 Press [MENU/SET].

2 Press 3/4/2/1 to select the date

and time.

: :

A Time at the home area B Time at the travel destination (P90)

• 2/1: Select the desired item.

• 3/4: Set the display order for the date

and time.

• : Cancel without setting the clock.

3 Press [MENU/SET] to set.

• Turn the camera off after setting the clock. Then set the mode dial to a recording mode to turn the camera on and check whether or not the clock setting is correct.

- 19 -

Preparation

Changing the clock setting

1 Press [MENU/SET]. 2 Press 3/4 to select [CLOCK SET]. 3 Press 1 and then perform steps

to set the clock.

4 Press [MENU/SET] to close the menu.

• You can also set the clock in the [SETUP] menu. (P25)

• When a fully charged battery has been inserted for more than 24 hours, charging of the built-in battery for the clock is completed so the clock setting will be stored (in the camera) for at least 3 months even if the battery is removed. (If you insert a battery that is not sufficiently charged, the length of time that the clock setting is stored may become less.) However the clock setting is cancelled after this time. In this case, set the clock again.

• You can set the year from 2000 to 2099. The 24-hour system is used.

• If the clock is not set, the correct date cannot be printed when you stamp the date on the pictures with [TEXT STAMP] (P130) or order a photo studio to print the pictures.

• If the clock is set, the correct date can be printed even if the date is not displayed on the screen of the camera.

2 and 3

- 20 -

Preparation

About the Mode Dial

If you turn on this unit and then rotate the mode dial, you can not only switch between recording and playback but also switch to a scene mode that matches your recording purpose.

∫ Switching the mode by rotating the

mode dial

Align a desired mode with part A.

Rotate the mode dial slowly and surely to adjust to each mode. (The mode dial rotates 360 o)

CUSTOM

∫ Basic

Programme AE mode (P31)

The exposure is automatically adjusted by the camera.

Intelligent auto mode (P35)

Use this mode to have the camera automatically handle all settings for taking pictures.

Playback mode (P42)

This mode allows you to play back recorded pictures.

∫ Advanced

Aperture-priority AE mode (P64)

The shutter speed is automatically determined by the aperture value you set.

Shutter-priority AE mode (P64)

The aperture value is automatically determined by the shutter speed you set.

Manual exposure mode (P65)

The exposure is adjusted by the aperture value and the shutter speed which are manually adjusted.

• The above screen B appears on the LCD monitor/Viewfinder if the mode dial is rotated. (P28) The mode currently selected appears on the LCD monitor/Viewfinder when the camera is turned on.

Custom mode (P71)

Use this mode to take pictures with previously registered settings.

Motion picture mode (P86)

This mode allows you to record motion pictures.

Print mode (P145)

Use this to print pictures.

Scene mode (P76)

This allows you to take pictures that match the scene being recorded.

- 21 -

Advanced scene mode

Portrait mode (P73)

Use this mode to take pictures of people.

Scenery mode (P74)

Use this mode to take pictures of scenery.

Sports mode (P74)

Use this mode to take pictures of sporting events, etc.

Night portrait mode (P75)

Use this mode to take pictures of night scenes and people with night time scenery.

Preparation

- 22 -

Preparation

Setting the Menu

∫ Displaying the menu screens

Press [MENU/SET].

e.g.: The first page of the total 4 pages is displayed.

A Menu icons B Current page C Menu items and settings

• Rotate the zoom lever while selecting the menu item to switch to the next/previous page easily.

• The menu icons and the menu items that are displayed differ depending on the position of the mode dial.

∫ About the menu icons

: The [CUSTOM] mode is displayed.

[REC] mode menu (P92)

This is displayed when the mode dial is set to [ ]/[ ]/[ ]/[ ]/[ ]/[ ]/ [ ]/[ ]/[ ]/[ ]/[ ]/[ ].

[PLAY] mode menu (P120)

This is displayed when the mode dial is set to [ ].

Advanced scene mode menu

(P72)

This is displayed when the mode dial is set to [ ]/[ ]/[ ]/[ ].

[SCENE MODE] menu (P76)

This is displayed when the mode dial is set to [ ].

[SETUP] menu (P25)

This is displayed when the mode dial is set to [ ]/[ ]/[ ]/[ ]/[ ]/[ ]/ [ ]/[ ]/[ ]/[ ]/[ ]/[ ]/[ ].

[CUSTOM] mode menu (P71)

This is displayed when the mode dial is set to [ ].

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Preparation

∫ Setting menu items

• The following example shows how to set [PICT.SIZE] when programme AE mode [ ] is selected.

1 Press 3/4 to select the menu item.

∫ Closing the menu screen

Press [MENU/SET].

• When the mode dial is set to [ ]/[ ]/ [ ]/[ ]/[ ]/[ ]/[ ]/[ ]/[ ]/ [ ]/[ ]/[ ], you can also close the menu screen by pressing the shutter button halfway or press the centre of the joystick to finish.

• Press 4 at A to switch to the next screen.

2 Press 1.

3 Press 3/4 to select the setting.

4 Press [MENU/SET] to set.

∫ Switching to the [SETUP] menu

1 Press 2 on a menu screen.

2 Press 4 to select the [SETUP]

menu icon.

3 Press 1.

• Select a menu item next and set it.

SET

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Preparation

About the Setup Menu

• Set items as required.

• Select [RESET] to return the settings to the initial settings at the time of purchase. (P27)

• [CLOCK SET], [AUTO REVIEW] and [POWER SAVE] are important items. Check their settings before using them.

[CLOCK SET] (P19)

(Changing the date and time.)

Press [ ] to display the [SETUP] menu and

SET

select the item to set. (P23) Change date and time.

[AUTO REVIEW]

(Displaying the recorded picture.)

Press [ ] to display the [SETUP] menu and

SET

select the item to set. (P23) Set the length of time that the picture is displayed after taking it.

[OFF]

[1SEC.]

[3SEC.]

[ZOOM]: The picture is displayed for

1 second and then enlarged 4k and displayed for 1 more second.

• The auto review function is not activated in motion picture mode [ ].

• The auto review function is activated regardless of its setting when using the auto bracket (P59) and burst (P60) modes, as well as when recording still pictures with audio (P100). (The pictures are not enlarged.)

• When the quality is set to [RAW] or [RAWiJPEG], the auto review function works until the end of recording onto the card. (The picture is not enlarged.)

• The auto review setting is disabled when using auto bracket or burst mode, in motion picture mode [ ], when [AUDIO REC.] is set to [ON] or when the quality is set to [RAW] or [RAWiJPEG].

• In intelligent auto mode [ ], the auto review function is fixed to [1SEC.].

[POWER SAVE]

(Turning off this unit automatically.)

Press [ ] to display the [SETUP] menu and

SET

select the item to set. (P23) Power save mode is activated (the camera is automatically turned off to save the battery life) if the camera has not been used for the time selected on the setting.

[1MIN.], [2MIN.], [5MIN.], [10MIN.], [OFF]

• Press the shutter button halfway or turn this unit off and on to cancel power save mode.

• In intelligent auto mode [ ], power save mode is fixed to [5MIN.].

• Power save mode is not activated in the following cases. – When using the AC adaptor (optional) – When connecting to a PC or a printer – When recording or playing back motion

pictures

– During a slide show

[WORLD TIME] (P90)

Press [ ] to display the [SETUP] menu and

SET

select the item to set. (P23) Set the time in your home area and travel destination.

[]: Travel destination area

[]: Your home area

[CUST. SET MEM.]

Press [ ] to display the [SETUP] menu and

SET

select the item to set. (P23) The current camera settings are registered in [], [] or []. (P70)

[ ], [ ], [ ]

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Preparation

[MONITOR/VIEWFINDER]

Press [ ] to display the [SETUP] menu and

SET

select the item to set. (P23) You can adjust the brightness of the monitor or the Viewfinder in 7 steps.

[GUIDE LINE]

Press [ ] to display the [SETUP] menu and

SET

select the item to set. (P23) Set the pattern of the guide lines displayed when taking pictures. You can also set whether or not to have the recording information and histogram displayed when the guide lines are displayed.

(P45, 47)

[REC. INFO.]: [ON]/[OFF]

[HISTOGRAM]: [ON]/[OFF]

[PATTERN]: [ ]/[ ]

• In intelligent auto mode [ ], the guide lines and histogram are not displayed.

[TRAVEL DATE] (P88)

Press [ ] to display the [SETUP] menu and

SET

select the item to set. (P23) Set the departure date and the return date of the vacation.

[SET], [OFF]

[PLAY ON LCD] (P47)

Press [ ] to display the [SETUP] menu and

SET

select the item to set. (P23) If you selected the Viewfinder in a recording mode, the display will automatically switch to the LCD monitor when reviewing or playing back the pictures.

[ON], [OFF]

[ZOOM RESUME]

Press [ ] to display the [SETUP] menu and

SET

select the item to set. (P23) The zoom position is stored when this unit is turned off. When this unit is turned on again, the zoom automatically returns to the position it was at when this unit was turned off. (P38)

[ON], [OFF]

[MF ASSIST] (P67)

(Recording mode only)

Press [ ] to display the [SETUP] menu and

SET

select the item to set. (P23) In manual focus, the assistance screen appears on the centre of the screen to facilitate focusing on the subject.

[MF1]: The centre of the screen is

enlarged. You can adjust the focus while determining the composition of the whole of the screen.

[MF2]: The centre of the screen is

enlarged over the whole screen. This is convenient for adjusting the focus in wide angle shots for which changes in focus are difficult to grasp.

[OFF]: The screen is not enlarged.

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Preparation

[BEEP]

Press [ ] to display the [SETUP] menu and

SET

select the item to set. (P23) This allows you to set the beep.

[]: No operation sound

[]: Soft operation sound

[]: Loud operation sound

[AF BEEP]

Press [ ] to display the [SETUP] menu and

SET

select the item to set. (P23) This allows you to set the AF beep.

[]: No AF beep

[]: Soft AF beep

[]: Loud AF beep

[SHUTTER]

Press [ ] to display the [SETUP] menu and

SET

select the item to set. (P23) This allows you to set the shutter sound.

[]: No shutter sound

[]: Soft shutter sound

[]: Loud shutter sound

[VOLUME]

Press [ ] to display the [SETUP] menu and

SET

select the item to set. (P23) The volume of speakers can be adjusted in 7 steps from level 6 to 0.

• When you connect the camera to a TV, the volume of the TV speakers does not change.

[NO.RESET]

Press [ ] to display the [SETUP] menu and

SET

select the item to set. (P23) Reset the file number of the next recording to

0001.

• The folder number is updated and the file number starts from 0001. (P143)

• A folder number between 100 and 999 can be assigned. When the folder number reaches 999, the number cannot be reset. We recommend formatting the card after saving the data on a PC or elsewhere.

• To reset the folder number to 100, format

(P140) the built-in memory or the card first

and then use this function to reset the file number. A reset screen for the folder number will then appear. Select [YES] to reset the folder number.

[RESET]

Press [ ] to display the [SETUP] menu and

SET

select the item to set. (P23) The [REC], [CUST. SET MEM.] or [SETUP] menu settings are reset to the initial settings.

•[FAVORITE] (P127) is fixed to [OFF] and [ROTATE DISP.] (P125) is fixed to [ON].

• If the [SETUP] menu settings are reset, the following settings are also reset. – The birthday and name settings for

[BABY1]/[BABY2] (P79) and [PET] (P80) in scene mode.

– The number of days that have passed

since the departure date in

[TRAVEL DATE]. (P88) – The [WORLD TIME] (P90) setting. – [ZOOM RESUME] (P38)

• The folder number and the clock setting are not changed.

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Preparation

[VIDEO OUT]

(Playback mode only)

Press [ ] to display the [SETUP] menu and

SET

select the item to set. (P23) Set to match the colour television system in each country.

[NTSC]: Video output is set to NTSC

system.

[PAL]: Video output is set to PAL

system.

[TV ASPECT]

(Playback mode only) (P150)

Press [ ] to display the [SETUP] menu and

SET

select the item to set. (P23) Set to match the type of TV.

[]:When connecting to a 16:9

screen TV.

[]: When connecting to a 4:3

screen TV.

[m/ft] (P67)

Press [ ] to display the [SETUP] menu and

SET

select the item to set. (P23) Change the unit displayed for the focus distance in manual focus.

[m]: The distance is displayed in

metres.

[ft]: The distance is displayed in

feet.

[SCENE MENU] (P72, 76)

Press [ ] to display the [SETUP] menu and

SET

select the item to set. (P23) Set the screen that will appear when the mode dial is set to [ ]/[ ]/[ ]/[ ]/ [].

[AUTO]: The advanced scene mode

or [SCENE MODE] menu screen appears.

[OFF]: The recording screen in the

currently selected advanced scene mode or scene mode appears.

[DIAL DISPLAY]

Press [ ] to display the [SETUP] menu and

SET

select the item to set. (P23) Set whether or not to show the mode dial display when the mode dial is rotated.

[ON], [OFF]

[LA NGUAGE]

Press [ ] to display the [SETUP] menu and

SET

select the item to set. (P23) Set the language displayed on the screen.

• If you set a different language by mistake, select [ ] from the menu icons to set the desired language.

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Preparation

1/30

F2.8

LCD Monitor/Viewfinder Display/Switching the LCD Monitor/Viewfinder Display

10 Built-in memory/Card

• The access indication lights red when pictures are being recorded on the built-in memory (or the card). – When using the built-in memory

∫ Screen display in programme AE mode

[ ] (at the time of purchase)

1 Recording mode

2 Flash mode (P50)

3 AF area (P31)

• The AF area displayed is bigger than usual when taking pictures in dark places.

4 Focus (P31)

5 Picture size (P98)

6 Quality (P98)

: Jitter alert (P33)

7 Battery indication

• The indication turns red and blinks if the remaining battery power is exhausted. Recharge the battery or replace it with a fully charged battery.

• It does not appear when you use the camera with the AC adaptor (optional) connected.

8 Number of recordable pictures (P167)

9 Recording state

4567

1/30

F2.8

14 13

1112

– When using the card

• Do not do the following when the access indication lamps lights. The card or the data on the card may be damaged and this unit may no longer operate normally. – Turn this unit off. – Remove the battery or the card (when

using a card). – Shake or bump this unit. – Disconnect the AC adaptor (optional).

(when using the AC adaptor)

• Do not do the above when pictures are being read or deleted or the built-in memory (or the card) is being formatted

(P140).

• The access time for the built-in memory may be longer than the access time for a card.

11 AF area selection (P103)

12 Joystick operation (P34, 42, 64, 65)

13 Shutter speed (P31)

14 Aperture value (P31)

• If the exposure is not adequate, the aperture value and the shutter speed turn red. (They do not turn red when the flash is activated.)

15 Exposure compensation (P57)

16 Metering mode (P100)

17 Optical Image Stabilizer (P104)

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Preparation

• Refer to P152 for information about other screen displays.

∫ Switching the screen display

You can change the screen display by pressing [DISPLAY]. This allows you to display information while taking pictures such as the picture size or the number of recordable pictures or take pictures without displaying any information. Refer to P45 for details.

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+ 143 hidden pages

Panasonic DMC-FZ18 User Manual

Cover

Before Use

Information for Your Safety

Contents

Preparation

Standard Accessories

Attaching the Lens Cap/ Strap

Attaching the Lens Hood

Quick Guide

Charging the Battery with the Charger

Inserting and Removing the Card (optional)/the Battery

About the Built-in Memory/the Card (optional)

Setting Date/Time (Clock Set)

Changing the clock setting

About the Mode Dial

Setting the Menu

About the Setup Menu

LCD Monitor/Viewfinder Display/Switching the LCD Monitor/Viewfinder Display