Panasonic DMCFZ50K User Manual

Operating Instructions

Digital Camera

Model No. DMC-FZ50

Before connecting, operating or

adjusting this product, please read

the instructions completely.

For USA assistance, please call: 1-800-272-7033 or send e-mail to : digitalstillcam@panasonic.com

For Canadian assistance, please call: 1-800-561-5505 or visit us at www.panasonic.ca

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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.

Information for Your Safety

WARNING TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD AND ANNOYING INTERFERENCE, USE ONLY THE RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES AND DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. 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.

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RBRC

Li-ion

A lithium ion/polymer battery that is recyclable powers the product you have purchased. Please call 1-800-8-BATTERY for

information on how to recycle this battery.

Before Use

FCC Note: (U.S. only)

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

FCC Caution: To assure continued

compliance, follow the attached installation instructions and use only shielded interface cables with ferrite core when connecting to computer or

peripheral devices. Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

Trade Name: Panasonic Model No.: DMC-FZ50 Responsible party: Panasonic

Corporation of North America One Panasonic Way, Secaucus, NJ 07094

Support Contact: Panasonic

Consumer Electronics Company 1-800-272-7033

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003

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Before Use

-If you see this symbol-

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.

w Care of the camera

• Do not strongly shake or bump the camera. The camera may stop operating

normally, pictures may not be recorded or the lens may be damaged.

• Sand or dust may cause the camera to malfunction. Make sure that sand or dust does not get into the lens or the terminals when using the camera on a beach etc.

• Make sure that water does not get into the camera when using it on a rainy day or on a beach.

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

w About the LCD monitor/Viewfinder

• Do not press the LCD monitor with excessive force. Uneven colors may appear on the LCD monitor and it may malfunction.

• Condensation may form on the LCD monitor in places with large temperature differences. Wipe the condensation with a soft, dry cloth.

• If the camera is cold when you turn it on, the picture on the LCD monitor/Viewfinder will be slightly darker than usual at first. However, the picture will return to normal brightness when the internal temperature of the camera increases.

• When rotating the LCD monitor, be careful not to use excessive force. This may result in damage.

• You may not be able to open, close or rotate the LCD monitor smoothly when using a tripod. In these cases, detach the camera from the tripod and then open, close or rotate the LCD monitor.

• When not using the LCD monitor or when using the Viewfinder, it is recommended that you close the LCD monitor with the screen facing inwards to prevent dirt and scratches.

• If the camera is going to be stored for a prolonged period, it is recommended that the LCD monitor be stored inside the camera.

Extremely high precision technology is employed to produce the LCD monitor/ Viewfinder screen. However there may be some dark or bright spots (red, blue or green) on the screen. This is not a malfunction. The LCD monitor/ Viewfinder screen has more than

99.99% effective pixels with a mere

0.01% of the pixels inactive or always lit. The spots will not be recorded on pictures on a card.

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w About the Lens

• Do not press the lens with excessive force.

• Do not leave the camera with the lens facing the sun as it may cause the camera to malfunction. Also, be careful when you leave the camera outside or near a window.

• When there is dirt (water, oil, and fingerprints, etc.) on the surface of the lens, the picture may be affected. Lightly wipe the surface of the lens with a soft, dry cloth before and after taking pictures.

w About Condensation (When the lens

or the Viewfinder is fogged up)

• Condensation occurs when the ambient temperature or humidity changes as described below. Be careful of condensation since it causes lens stains, fungus and camera malfunction. – When the camera is taken from the cold

outdoors to the warm indoors.

– When the camera is taken from outside

to inside an air-conditioned car.

– When cool wind from an air conditioner

etc. blows directly on the camera.

– In humid places

• To prevent condensation, put the camera in a plastic bag until the temperature of the camera is close to the ambient temperature. 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.

Before Use

w When not using the camera for a long

period of time

• Store the battery in a cool and dry place with a relatively stable temperature. [Recommended temperature: 15 QC to 25 QC (59 QF to 77 QF), Recommended humidity: 40% to 60%]

• Always remove the battery and the card from the camera.

• If the battery is left inserted in the camera it will discharge even if the camera is turned off. If the battery continues to be left in the camera, it will discharge excessively and may become unusable even if charged.

• When storing the battery for a long period of time, we recommend charging it once a year. Remove the battery from the camera and store it again after it has completely discharged.

• We recommend storing the camera with a desiccant (silica gel) when you keep it in a closet or a cabinet.

• If you have not used the camera for a long period of time, check all the parts before taking pictures.

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Before Use

About The Mode Dial

Adjust part  to the desired mode. The mode dial can be rotated 360Q. Rotate it slowly and surely to adjust to each mode.



: Program AE mode (P32)

The exposure is automatically adjusted by the camera.

: Aperture-priority AE mode (P57)

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

: Shutter-priority AE mode (P57)

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

: Manual exposure mode (P58)

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

:Custom mode (P63)

This mode allows you to save the preferred menu settings.

: Motion picture mode (P76)

This mode allows you to record motion pictures.

CUSTOM

SCN

: Playback mode (P40)

This mode allows you to play back recorded pictures.

w About indications in these operating

instructions

Modes indicated here allow you to use the functions or settings described on this page. Set the mode dial to any of the modes to use the functions or settings.

㧦Custom mode

Convenient or helpful information for use of the camera is described.

w About illustrations in these operating

instructions

Please note that the appearance of the product, the illustration or the menu screen are a little different from those in actual use.

w About illustrations of the cursor

button

In these operating instructions, the operations on the cursor button are described as illustrated as shown below.

Cursor button

e.g.: When you press the  button

SET

REV

: Scene mode (P64)

This mode allows you to take pictures depending on the recording scenes.

: Auto mode (P36)

This mode is recommended for beginners.

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w About the front dial and rear dial

Instructions for using these dials in the operating instructions are given with illustrations that match the screen icons.

• Rotate the front dial and rear dial slowly but surely.

: Front dial : Rear dial

Before Use

w About the LCD monitor

At the time when this camera is purchased, the LCD monitor is stowed in the camera body. Move the LCD monitor in the directions shown in the figure below.







: LCD Monitor open knobs

 Open the LCD monitor opening knob

with your finger

 Rotate the monitor 180Q toward the left

• The monitor rotates only 90Q toward the right.

 Return the monitor to its original

position

• For details on how to rotate the LCD monitor, refer to P24.

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Before Use

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

About The Mode Dial................................6

Preparation

Standard Accessories............................. 10

Names of the Components..................... 10

Quick Guide............................................12

Screen Display........................................13

Charging the Battery with the Charger About the Battery (charging/number of

recordable pictures) ............................16

Inserting/Removing the Battery ..............18

Inserting/Removing the Card .................. 19

About the Card........................................20

Attaching the Lens Cap/Strap................. 21

Attaching the Lens Hood ........................ 22

LCD Monitor............................................24

Setting Date/Time (Clock Set) ................ 26

About the Setup Menu............................27

......16

Basic

Taking Pictures.......................................32

Taking Pictures in Auto Mode.................36

Taking Pictures with the Zoom ...............37

• Using the Optical Zoom .................... 37

• Using the Extended

Optical Zoom (EZ) ............................37

• Using the Digital Zoom

Further extending the zoom .............38

Checking the Recorded Picture

(Review)..............................................39

Playing Back Pictures.............................40

Deleting Pictures.....................................41

Optical Image Stabilizer..........................54

Taking Pictures using Burst Mode ..........55

Taking Close-up Pictures........................56

Aperture-priority AE ................................57

Shutter-priority AE ..................................57

Manual exposure ....................................58

Aperture Value and Shutter Speed ......... 59

Taking Pictures with Manual Focus ........ 60

Registering Personal Menu Settings

(Registering custom settings)..............62

Taking pictures in Custom mode ............63

Scene Mode............................................64

– [PORTRAIT] .................................. 65

– [SOFT SKIN] ................................. 65

– [SCENERY]...................................65

– [SPORTS]...................................... 65

– [NIGHT PORTRAIT]......................66

– [NIGHT SCENERY].......................66

– [PANNING].................................... 66

– [FOOD].......................................... 67

– [PARTY] ........................................ 67

– [CANDLE LIGHT] ..........................68

– [FIREWORKS]...............................68

– [STARRY SKY]..............................68

– [BABY1]/[BABY2] .......................... 69

– [SNOW] .........................................70

– [HIGH SENS.]................................ 70

Recording which day of the vacation

you take the picture.............................71

Displaying the time at the

travel destination (World Time) ........... 73

• Location candidates for

World Time settings..........................75

Motion Picture Mode............................... 76

Displaying Multiple Screens

(Multi Playback)................................... 78

Displaying pictures by recording date

(Calendar playback) ............................ 79

Using the Playback Zoom.......................80

Playing Back Motion Pictures/

Pictures with Audio..............................81

Advanced

About the LCD Monitor/Viewfinder .........43

•

Changing the information displayed

Taking Pictures using the

Built-in Flash

Taking Pictures with the Self-timer .........51

Compensating the Exposure ..................52

Taking Pictures using Auto Bracket ........ 53

........................................47

.....43

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Menu Settings

Using the [REC] Mode Menu ..................82

• [W.BALANCE] Adjusting the hue for a more

natural picture...................................83

• [WB ADJUST.] Finely adjusting the

white balance ...................................85

• [SENSITIVITY]

Setting the light sensitivity ................ 85

• [ASPECT RATIO] Setting the aspect ratio of pictures... 87

• [PICT.SIZE]/[QUALITY] Setting a picture size and quality that

matches your use of the pictures ..... 87

• [AUDIO REC.] Recording still pictures with audio

• [METERING MODE] Deciding the method to measure

brightness.........................................89

• [AF MODE]

Setting the focus method..................90

• [CONT.AF] Continuously focusing

on a subject......................................91

• [AF ASSIST LAMP] Focusing in low light conditions

becomes easier................................91

• [FOCUS/AE LOCK]

Fixing the focus and exposure .........92

• [DIREC. EX. COMP.] For rapid exposure

compensation...................................93

• [COL.EFFECT] Setting color effects for

the recorded pictures........................ 94

• [PICT.ADJ.] Adjusting the picture quality for the

recorded pictures..............................94

• [FLIP ANIM.] Connecting images to create

a motion picture file ..........................95

• [CONVERSION]

Using an optional lens ......................97

• [EXT.FLASH]

Using an optional flash .....................99

• [EX.FLASH BURST] Taking pictures in burst mode

while firing the flash........................101

• [CLOCK SET]

Set the date, time and display ........101

Using the [PLAY] mode menu .............. 102

• [SLIDE SHOW] Playing back pictures in order

for a fixed duration..........................102

• [FAVORITE]

Setting your favorite pictures.......... 103

......89

• [ROTATE DISP.]/[ROTATE]

To display the picture rotated.........104

• [DPOF PRINT] Setting the picture to print and

the number of prints........................ 105

• [PROTECT] Preventing accidental erasure of

pictures...........................................107

• [AUDIO DUB.] Adding audio after taking pictures

• [RESIZE]

Making the picture smaller..............108

• [TRIMMING] Enlarging a picture and

trimming it.......................................109

• [ASPECT CONV.] Changing the aspect ratio of a 16:9

picture.............................................110

• [FORMAT]

Initializing the card ..........................111

..... 108

Connecting to other equipment

Connecting to a PC...............................112

Printing the Pictures..............................115

Playing Back Pictures

on a TV Screen .................................118

Others

Using the MC Protector/ND Filter .........119

Using the Remote Shutter ....................120

Cautions for Use ...................................121

Message Display ..................................122

Troubleshooting ....................................124

Number of recordable pictures and

available recording time ....................129

Specifications........................................132

Digital Camera Accessory System........135

Digital Camera Accessory Order Form

(For USA Customers)........................ 136

Request for Service Notice

(For USA Only)..................................137

Limited Warranty (For USA Only) .........138

Customer Services Directory

(For USA Only)..................................140

Index .....................................................141

Spanish Quick Use Guide/

Guía rápida en español.....................143

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Preparation

Standard Accessories

Check that all the accessories are included before using the camera.

RP-SD032B

2 3

1 SD Memory Card (32 MB)

(Indicated as “Card” in the text)

2 Battery Pack

(Indicated as “Battery” in the text)

3 Battery Charger

(Indicated as “Charger” in the text)

4 USB Connection Cable 5 AV Cable 6 CD-ROM 7 Shoulder Strap 8 Lens Cap 9 Lens Hood

• For information about optional accessories, refer to the “Digital Camera Accessory System”. (P135)

CGR-S006A

DE-993B

K1HA08CD0007

K1HA08CD0008

VFC4213

VYK1P30

VYQ3505

Names of the Components

123 4

1Lens (P5) 2 Front dial (P39, 40, 57, 78, 80 ) 3 Self-timer Indicator (P51)

AF Assist Lamp (P91)

4 Flash (P47)

1413 15 16

119567 10

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5 Diopter Adjustment Dial (P44)

2 3

6 Viewfinder (P13, 43) 7 [DISPLAY] Button (P43) 8 [EVF/LCD] Button (P43)

9 [FOCUS/AE LOCK] Button (P35, 92) 10 Speaker (P81) 11 Rear dial (P33, 40, 57, 58) 12 LCD Monitor (P13, 24, 43) 13 [FUNCTION] Button (P83) 14 Delete Button (P41) 15 Cursor Buttons

/Self-timer Button (P51) /[REV]Button (P39) /Flash Setting Button (P47) /Exposure Compensation (P52)/Auto

Bracket (P53)/Flash Output Adjustment (P49)/Backlight Compensation in auto

mode (P36) Button 16 [MENU/SET] Button (P27) 17 Card Door (P19)

18 19

29 30 31

3 3

29 [FOCUS] Button (P61,68, 90) 30 Focus Switch (P56, 60)

(AF/AF MACRO/MF) 31 Flash Open Lever (P47) 32 [REMOTE] Socket (P120) 33 [AV OUT/DIGITAL] Socket

(P112, 115, 118) 34 [DC IN] Socket (P112, 115)

• Always use a genuine Panasonic AC adaptor (

DMW-AC7

; optional).

Preparation

21 22

27 2

24 25 26

18 Zoom ring (P37) 19 Focus ring (P60) 20 Shutter Button (P32) 21 Strap Eyelet (P21) 22 Microphone (P76, 89) 23 Hot Shoe (P99) 24 Mode Dial (P6) 25 Camera ON/OFF Switch (P26) 26 Power Indicator (P32) 27 Single or Burst Mode Button (P55) 28 Optical Image Stabilizer Button (P54)

36 37 38

35 Lens hood positioning groove (P22) 36 Battery Door Open/Close Lever (P18) 37 Battery Door (P18) 38 Tripod Receptacle

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

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Preparation

Quick Guide

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

1 Charge the battery. (P16)

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

2 Insert the battery and the card.

(P18, 19)

3 Turn the camera on to take

pictures.

• Set the clock. (P26)

CUSTOM

SCN

OFF ON

 Set the mode dial to [ ].  Press the shutter button to take

pictures. (P32)

4 Play back the pictures.

CUSTO

SCN

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 Set the mode dial to [ ].  Select the picture you want to view.

(P40)

Screen Display

12 4356

23 22

21 20

19 18 17

22 21

41 40

39 38 37

36 35

PROGRAM SHIFT

F2.8 1/25

24 2526

ISO

100

1415

13141516

3233

6,17

ISO

100

8 9

10 11

27 28

BACKLIGHT

7 8 2

26, 35 25

 In recording  Out-of-frame display

1 Recording mode (P32) 2 Flash mode (P47) 3 Focus (P32) 4 Picture size (P87) 5 Quality (P87)

In Motion picture mode (P76)

//// /

: Jitter alert (P35) 6 Battery indication (P16) 7 Number of recordable pictures/

Available recording time In Motion picture mode (P76) e.g.:

R1h20m30

8 Card access indication (P20) 9 Recording state

10 Histogram (P46) 11 Travel date (P71)

12 Elapsed recording time (P76) 13 Program shift (P33) 14 Shutter speed (P32)

: Intelligent ISO (P85) 15 Aperture value (P32) 16 Program shift (P33)

17 Exposure compensation (P52)

Direct exposure compensation (P93)

: Backlight compensation (

18 Metering mode (P89) 19 : Power LCD (P45) 20 Spot AF area (P90) 21 AF area (P32) 22 Spot metering target (P89) 23 Optical image stabilizer (P54)

Preparation

P36

)

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Preparation

24 White balance (P83)

White balance fine adjustment (P85) 25 ISO sensitivity (P85) 26 Burst (P55)

: Audio recording (P76, 89) 27 Flip animation (P95) 28 Color effect mode (P94) 29 Custom setting (P62) 30 Continuous AF (P91) 31 Zoom (P37)/Extended optical zoom

(P37)/Digital zoom (P38) 32 Operation for backlight compensation (P36) 33 Current date and time

• This is displayed for about 5 seconds when the camera is turned on, after setting the clock and after switching from playback mode to recording mode.

34 Age (P69)

• This is displayed for about 5 seconds when the camera is turned on in baby mode, after setting the clock or birthday, and after switching from other modes to baby mode.

35 Auto bracket (P53) 36 Number of days that have passed since

the travel date (P71)

• This is displayed for about 5 seconds if the camera is turned on when the travel date is set, after setting the clock, departure date or travel date, after changing the world time setting and after switching from playback mode to another mode.

37 Conversion lens (P97) 38 Self-timer mode (P51) 39 AF assist lamp (P91)

/ / : FOCUS/AE LOCK

(P92) 40 Flash output adjustment (P49) 41 MF (P60)

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12834 5 6 7

20 19

18 17 16

15 14

PLAY AUDIO

F2.8 1/25

10:00 DEC. 1.2006

100_0001

1/19

ISO100

AUTO

9 10 11

12 13

 In playback

1 Playback mode (P40) 2 Number of DPOF prints (P105) 3 Protected picture (P107) 4 Picture with audio/Motion pictures

(P81) 5 Picture size (P87) 6 Quality (P87)

In Motion picture mode (P81)

//// /

7 Battery indication (P16) 8 Folder/File number (P113) 9 Picture number/Total pictures

10 Cable disconnection warning icon (P117)

• This is displayed when printing using a printer supporting PictBridge.ޓ (Depending on the printer, the icon may not be displayed.)

Motion picture recording time (P81):

1h20m30

11 Histogram (P46) 12 Recording information 13 Favorites settings (P103)/Elapsed

playback time (P81): 14 Recorded date and time 15 Age (P69) 16 Power LCD (P45)

1h20m30

17 Number of days that have passed since

the travel date (P71)

18 Audio playback (P81)

PLAY MOTION PICTURE

: In motion picture mode

(P81) 19 Flip animation (P95) 20 Favorites (P103)

Preparation

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Preparation

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.

• After charging is completed, be sure to disconnect the charger 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.

• Use the dedicated charger and battery.

• Charge the battery with the charger indoors.

• Do not disassemble or modify the charger.

2 Connect the charger to the

electrical outlet.

• Charging starts when the [CHARGE] indicator  lights green.

• If the [CHARGE] indicator blinks, refer to P17.

3 Detach the battery after charging

is complete.

• Charging is complete when the [CHARGE] indicator  turns off (after about 120 minutes).

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About the Battery

(charging/number of recordable pictures)

w Battery indication

The remaining battery power appears on the screen.

• The battery indication turns red and blinks. Recharge the battery or replace it with fully charged battery.

[It does not appear when you use the camera along with the AC adaptor (DMW-AC7; optional).]

w The battery life The number of recordable pictures (By CIPA standard in program AE mode)

Number of recordable pictures

Recording conditions by CIPA standard

• Temperature: 23 °C (73.4 °F)/ Humidity: 50% when LCD monitor is on.

• Using the supplied SD Memory Card (32 MB).

Approx. 360 pictures (Approx. 180 min)

• 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.

• Turn the camera off every 10 recordings.

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

_The number of recordable pictures

decreases when the power LCD function is used.

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 by 90.]

The number of recordable pictures when using the Viewfinder

(Recording conditions comply with CIPA standard.)

Number of recordable pictures

Approx. 360 pictures (Approx. 180 min)

Playback time when using the LCD monitor

Playback time Approx. 300 min

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

w Charging

Charging time Approx. 120 min

Charging time and number of recordable pictures with the optional battery pack (CGR-S006A) are the same as above.

• The [CHARGE] indicator lights when charging starts.

Preparation

w When the [CHARGE] indicator flashes

• The battery is over discharged (discharged excessively). In a while, the lamp will light and normal charging will start.

• When the battery temperature is excessively high or low, the charging time will be longer than normal.

• 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.

w Charging conditions

• Charge the battery in a temperature between 10 QC to 35 QC (50 QF to 95 QF). (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).

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

Preparation

Inserting/Removing the Battery

• Check that the camera is turned off.

• Close the flash.

1 Slide the release lever in the

direction of arrow and open the battery door

• Always use genuine Panasonic batteries (CGR-S006A).

2 Insert:

Insert the charged battery until it clicks.

Remove: Slide the lock  to remove the battery.

3  Close the battery door.

 Slide the release lever in the

direction of the arrow.

• Remove the battery after use.

• When a fully charged battery has been inserted for more than 24 hours, the clock setting is 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 canceled after this length of time. In this case, set the clock again. (P26)

• Do not remove the card or the battery while the card is being accessed. The data may be damaged. (P20)

• 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.

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Inserting/Removing the Card

• Check that the camera is turned off.

• Prepare an SD Memory Card (supplied), an SDHC Memory Card (optional) or a MultiMediaCard (optional).

• Close the flash.

1 Slide the card door to open it.

2 Insert:

Insert the card fully until it clicks and it is locked.

Remove: Push the card until it clicks, then pull the card out upright.

Preparation

3  Close the card door.

 Slide the card door to the end

and then close it firmly.

• If the card door cannot be completely closed, remove the card and insert it again.

• The card and the data may be damaged if it is inserted or removed while the camera is on.

• We recommend using Panasonic’s SD Memory Card/SDHC Memory Card.

• Check the direction of the card.

• Do not touch the connection terminals on the back side of the card.

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

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Preparation

About the Card

w Access to the card

The card access indication  lights red when pictures are being recorded onto the card.

When the card access indication lights, pictures are being read or deleted or the card is being formatted. Do not:

• turn the camera off.

• remove the battery or the card.

• shake or impact the camera. The card and the data may be damaged or the camera may not operate normally.

w SD Memory Card (supplied), SDHC

Memory Card (optional) and MultiMediaCard (optional)

• The SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card and MultiMediaCard are small, lightweight, removable external cards.

• 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  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.)

SD Memory Card

• Refer to P129 for information about the number of recordable pictures and the available recording time for each Card.

• This camera 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.

• 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.

• This camera is compatible with both an SD Memory Card and an SDHC Memory Card. 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. (If you use an SDHC Memory Card in other equipment, always read the operating instructions for the other equipment.)

• This unit does not support recording motion pictures on MultiMediaCards. We recommend using High Speed SD Memory Cards/SDHC Memory Cards when recording motion pictures. (P76)

w About handling a card

Transfer important pictures/motion pictures from your card to your PC periodically (P112). The data on the card may be damaged or lost due to electromagnetic waves, static electricity, the camera breaking down or a defective card.

• Do not format the card on your PC or other equipment. Format it on the camera only to ensure proper operation. (P111)

Please confirm the latest information on the following website.

http://panasonic.

(This Site is English only.)

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co.jp/pavc/global/cs

• The reading/writing speed of a MultiMediaCard is slower than an SD Memory Card or SDHC Memory Card. When a MultiMediaCard is used, the performance of certain features may be slightly slower than advertised.

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

Attaching the Lens Cap/Strap

w Lens Cap (supplied)

1 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.

Preparation

w Strap (supplied)

1 Pass the strap through the hole at

the strap eyelet.

2 Pass the strap through the

stopper and fasten the strap.

: 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 is on the outside.

UMIX” LOGO

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Preparation

Attaching the Lens Hood

In bright sunlight or backlight, the lens hood will minimize 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 Place the camera upside down,

align the white mark on the lens hood with lens hood positioning groove  on the unit and insert it straight in until it clicks.

• Make sure the lens hood is properly attached.

w Temporarily storing the lens hood

1 Place the camera upside down,

remove the lens hood and turn it around, aligning the white mark on the lens hood with lens hood positioning groove  on the unit, and insert it straight in until it clicks.

• Make sure the lens hood is properly attached.

• If you lightly turn the lens hood to the left and right of the lens hood positioning groove, it becomes easier to insert.

2 Attach the lens cap.

w When removing the lens hood Press lock release button remove the lens hood

 and

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• Ensure that the lens cap is firmly attached.

• When temporarily storing the lens hood, ensure that it is firmly attached and that it is not reflected in the picture.

• When temporarily storing the lens hood, you can detach the lens cap and take pictures. However you cannot use the zoom ring, focus ring, [FOCUS] button or focus switch.

w When removing the lens hood Press lock release button

 and

remove the lens hood

• If you press the lock release button too strongly, it may be difficult to detach the lens cap.

• Make sure that the mark on the lens hood is correctly aligned with the lens hood positioning groove. The lens hood is not correctly attached if they are not aligned.

• 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 P119.

• You cannot attach the conversion lenses or the close-up lens when the lens hood is attached.

• If any accessories are lost, customers in the USA should contact Panasonic’s parts department on 1 800 833-9626 and customers in Canada should contact 1 800 561-5505 for further information about obtaining replacement parts.

Preparation

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Preparation

LCD Monitor

Adjusting the LCD monitor makes it possible to take pictures from various angles.

w Taking pictures at a normal angle.

• You can switch between the LCD monitor and the Viewfinder.

w Taking pictures at a high angle Open the LCD monitor with one of the LCD monitor open knobs.

• You can use the LCD monitor only.

w Taking pictures at a low angle Take hold of the LCD monitor open knob with your fingers, and pull the knob toward you and rotate the monitor 180

• You can use the LCD monitor only.

LCD monitor rotation direction

: 180Q : Maximum 180Q

• This is convenient when taking pictures of flowers etc. that are in a low position.

: LCD Monitor open knobs

• This is convenient when there is someone in front of you and you cannot get close to the subject.

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w Taking pictures with the camera held

vertically

Take hold of the LCD monitor opening knob with your fingers, and pull the monitor all the way toward you (by rotating it 180Q ), and rotate it to an angle where it is easy to see. (It can be rotated up to a maximum of 270Q.)

w Taking pictures at a normal angle.

w Taking pictures at a high angle

Preparation

• If the LCD monitor turns on when it is closed with the screen facing inwards, the camera automatically switches to the Viewfinder.

• If the LCD monitor is opened when the Viewfinder is turned on, the camera automatically switches to the LCD monitor.

• Only rotate the LCD monitor after opening it wide enough, and be careful not to use excessive force as it may be damaged.

• When holding the edge of the LCD monitor, there may be some distortion, however this is not a malfunction. Moreover, this has no effect on the taken pictures or playback.

• When not using the LCD monitor it is recommended that you close it with the screen facing inwards to prevent dirt and scratches.

w Taking pictures at a low angle

• You may not be able to open, close or rotate the LCD monitor smoothly when using a tripod. In these cases, detach the camera from the tripod and then open, close or rotate the LCD monitor.

w About the Viewfinder

The Viewfinder is convenient when you want to take pictures of a moving subject or outdoors.

• Refer to page 44 for information about diopter adjustment.

• When using the Viewfinder, close the LCD monitor.

• When the LCD monitor is open, the Viewfinder cannot be used.

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Preparation

Setting Date/Time (Clock Set)

w Initial setting

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

OFF ON

PLEASE SET THE CLOCK

: [MENU/SET] button : Cursor buttons

1 Press [MENU/SET].

2 Press /// to select the

date and time.

CLOCK SET

00 00

SELECT SET EXIT

: Time at the home area : Time at the travel destination (P73)

• /: Select the desired item

• /: Set the display order for the date and time.

• Press [ ] to cancel the clock setting

without storing the date and time.

CLOCK SET

: :

JAN

M/D/Y

11 2006

CANCEL

• Refer to [WORLD TIME] (P73) for information about setting the local time at the travel destination area.

3 Press [MENU/SET] several times

to close the menu.

• Turn the camera off after finishing setting the clock. Then turn it on and check that the clock setting is correct.

w Changing the clock setting 1 Press [MENU/SET]. 2 Press / to select [CLOCK SET]

(P101 )

3 Press  and then perform steps

2 and

3 to set the clock.

EXIT

REC

CLOCK SET

SELECT

• You can also set the clock in the [SETUP] menu. (P27)

• When a fully charged battery has been inserted for more than 24 hours, the clock setting is stored (in the camera) for at least 3 months even if the battery is removed.

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

• If the date is not set in the camera it will not be printed correctly when you use a photo printing service, even if the store provides a date printing option for your photographs. (P106)

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



About the Setup Menu

• Set items as required. (Refer to P28 to 31 for each menu item.)

• Menu items differ depending on the mode selected with the mode dial (P6). The following example shows how to set [AUTO REVIEW] when program AE mode [ ] is selected.

• Select [RESET] to return the settings to the initial settings at the time of purchase. (P30)

1 Press [MENU/SET] and then

press

2 Press  to select the [SETUP]

menu icon [ ] and then press

Press / to select the menu item.

REC

W.BALANCE WB ADJUST. SENSITIVITY ASPECT RATIO PICT.SIZE

SELECT

SETUP

SELECT

SETUP

CLOCK SET WORLD TIME CUST.SET MEM. MONITOR GUIDE LINE

SELECT

SETUP

TRAVEL DATE

AUTO REVIEW PLAY ON LCD POWER SAVE

MF ASSIST

SELECT

CLOCK SET WORLD TIME CUST.SET MEM. MONITOR GUIDE LINE

EXIT

AUTO

OFF

1SEC.

OFF

5MIN.

MF1

SET

• Press  at  to switch to the next menu screen.

4 Press , press / to select the

setting and then press [MENU/SET].

SETUP

TRAVEL DATE

AUTO REVIEW PLAY ON LCD POWER SAVE

MF ASSIST

SELECT SET

OFF

1SEC.

OFF

1SEC.

3SEC.

2MIN.

ZOOM

MF1

5 Press [MENU/SET] to close the

menu.

• You can also press the shutter button halfway to close the menu.

w About the menu screen items

• There are 5 menu screens (1/5, 2/5, 3/5, 4/5 and 5/5).

• You can switch menu screens from any menu item by rotating the front dial.

SETUP

SELECT

TRAVEL DATE

SETUP

AUTO REVIEW

OFF

PLAY ON LCD

EXIT

POWER SAVE

MF ASSIST

SELECT

OFF

1SEC.

OFF

BEEP

2MIN.

AF BEEP

SETUP

MF1

SHUTTER

EXIT

VOLUM E NO.RESET

SELECT

RESET

USB MODE HIGHLIGHT

VIDEO OUT

TV ASPECT

EXIT

LEVEL

SETUP

SELECT

SCENE MENU

LANGUAGE

EXIT

SETUP

CLOCK SET WORLD TIME CUST.SET MEM. MONITOR GUIDE LINE

SELECT

Preparation

SET

OFF

NTSC

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EXIT

AUTO

ENG

Preparation

[CLOCK SET]

Press [ ] to display the [SETUP] menu

SET

and select this item. (P27) Change date and time. (P26)

[WORLD TIME]

Press [ ] to display the [SETUP] menu

SET

and select this item. (P27) [ ]: The time at your home area is

set.

[ ]: The local time at the travel

destination area is set.

• Refer to P73 for information about setting [WORLD TIME].

[CUST. SET MEM.]

Press [ ] to display the [SETUP] menu

SET

and select this item. (P27) The current camera settings are registered in [ ], [ ] or [ ]. (P62)

[MONITOR/VIEWFINDER]

Press [ ] to display the [SETUP] menu

SET

and select this item. (P27) Adjust the brightness of the LCD monitor (when pictures appear on the LCD monitor) or Viewfinder (when pictures appear on the Viewfinder) in 7 steps.

[GUIDE LINE]

Press [ ] to display the [SETUP] menu

SET

and select this item. (P27) Set the pattern of the guide lines displayed when taking pictures. (P45) You can also set whether or not to have the recording information and histogram displayed when the guide lines are displayed.

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

[TRAVEL DATE]

Press [ ] to display the [SETUP] menu

SET

and select this item. (P27) [SET]: When taking a picture, the date on

which it was taken is recorded.

[OFF]:When taking a picture, the date on

which it was taken it is not recorded.

• Refer to P71 for information about setting [TRAVEL DATE].

[AUTO REVIEW]

Press [ ] to display the [SETUP] menu

SET

and select this item. (P27) [1SEC.]: The recorded picture

automatically appears on the screen for about 1 second.

[3SEC.]: The recorded picture

automatically appears on the screen for about 3 seconds.

[ZOOM]:

The recorded picture automatically appears on the screen for about 1 second. It is then enlarged 4 times and appears for about 1 second. This mode is useful for confirming focus. Pictures recorded using auto bracket or burst mode and pictures with audio are not enlarged even if [ZOOM] is selected.

[OFF]: The recorded picture does not

automatically appear.

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

• When pictures are recorded in auto bracket (P53) or burst mode (P55), the auto review function is activated regardless of the setting on the auto review function. (The picture is not enlarged.)

• The auto review function is activated while pictures with audio (P89) are being recorded regardless of its setting. (The picture is not enlarged.)

• If the auto review function is activated when [HIGHLIGHT] is set to [ON], any white saturated areas on the picture appear blinking in black. (P44)

• When the quality is set to [RAW], 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 [ ] or when [AUDIO REC.] is set to [ON] or when the quality is set to [RAW].

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Preparation

[PLAY ON LCD]

Press [ ] to display the [SETUP] menu

SET

and select this item. (P27) [ON]: If you were using the viewfinder to

record, the display automatically switches to the LCD monitor when reviewing or playing back pictures. (P44)

[OFF]: Does not automatically switch.

[POWER SAVE]

Press [ ] to display the [SETUP] menu

SET

and select this item. (P27)

[1MIN.]/[2MIN.]/[5MIN.]/[10MIN.]:

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.

[OFF]:Power save mode is not activated.

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

• When using the AC adaptor (DMW-AC7; optional), connecting to a PC or a printer, recording or playing back motion pictures and during a slide show, power save mode is not activated. (However, the setting for power save mode is fixed to [10MIN.] while pausing a slide show or playing back a manual slide show.)

[MF ASSIST]

(Recording mode only)

Press [ ] to display the [SETUP] menu

SET

and select this item. (P27) In manual focus, the assistance screen appears on the center of the screen to facilitate focusing on the subject. (P60) [MF1]:The center of the screen is

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

[MF2]:The whole of the screen is enlarged.

This is convenient for adjusting the focus in Wide angle shots.

[OFF]:The screen is not enlarged.

[BEEP]

Press [ ] to display the [SETUP] menu

SET

and select this item. (P27)

[]:No operation sound []:Soft operation sound []:Loud operation sound

[AF BEEP]

Press [ ] to display the [SETUP] menu

SET

and select this item. (P27)

[]:No operation sound []:Soft operation sound []:Loud operation sound

[SHUTTER]

Press [ ] to display the [SETUP] menu

SET

and select this item. (P27) Set to select the volume of shutter sound.

[]:No shutter sound []:Soft shutter sound []:Loud shutter sound

[VOLUME]

Press [ ] to display the [SETUP] menu

SET

and select this item. (P27) 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

SET

and select this item. (P27) Set this when you want the file number of the next recording to start from 0001. (The folder number is updated and the file number starts from 0001.)

• 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.

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Preparation

• To reset the folder number to 100, format (P111) 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.

• Refer to P113 for detailed information about the file number and the folder number.

[RESET]

Press [ ] to display the [SETUP] menu

SET

and select this item. (P27) The [REC], [CUST. SET MEM.] or [SETUP] menu settings are reset to the initial settings.

• The birthday setting for [BABY1]/[BABY2] (P69) in scene mode, the number of days that have passed since the departure date for [TRAVEL DATE] (P71) and the [WORLD TIME] setting (P73) are also reset when the [SETUP] menu settings are reset. Also, [FAVORITE] (P103) is fixed to [OFF] and [ROTATE DISP.] (P104) is fixed to [ON].

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

[USB MODE]

Press [ ] to display the [SETUP] menu

SET

and select this item. (P27) Select the USB communication system after or before connecting the camera to your PC or your printer with the USB connection cable (supplied).

[ SELECT ON CONNECTION]:

Select either [PC] or [PictBridge (PTP)] if you connected the camera to a PC or a printer supporting PictBridge.

[PC]:

Set after or before connecting to a PC.

[ PictBridge (PTP)]:

Set after or before connecting to a printer supporting PictBridge.

• When [PC] is selected, the camera is connected via the “USB Mass Storage” communication system.

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• When [PictBridge (PTP)] is selected, the camera is connected via the “PTP (Picture Transfer Protocol)” communication system.

[HIGHLIGHT]

Press [ ] to display the [SETUP] menu

SET

and select this item. (P27) [ON]: When the auto review or review

function is activated, a white saturated area appears blinking in black and white. (P44)

[OFF]: No highlight display

[VIDEO OUT]

(Playback mode only) (P118)

Press [ ] to display the [SETUP] menu

SET

and select this item. (P27) [NTSC]: Video output is set to NTSC

system.

[PAL]: Video output is set to PAL

system.

[TV ASPECT]

(Playback mode only)

Press [ ] to display the [SETUP] menu

SET

and select this item. (P27)

[ ]:

Select this if connecting the camera to a 16:9 TV.

[]:

Select this if connecting the camera to a 4:3 screen TV.

• This is suitable for displaying pictures recorded with a [ ] aspect on the full screen of a 16:9 TV. Pictures recorded with a [ ] or [ ] aspect are displayed with black bands on the left and right of the screen.

• When [ ] is selected, pictures recorded with a [ ] or [ ] aspect are displayed with black bands on the top and bottom of the screen.

• When you select [ ] and use the AV cable (supplied) for output (P118), pictures are displayed vertically on the LCD monitor.

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