Panasonic DMCFZ7S User Manual

Operating Instructions

Digital Camera

Model No. DMC-FZ7

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

• 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.

• SD Logo is a trademark.

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

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.

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.

The socket outlet shall be installed near the equipment and easily accessible or the mains plug or an appliance coupler shall remain readily operable.

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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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-FZ7 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.

∫ 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.

• Retract the lens before carrying the camera.

• Retract the lens before playing back pictures.

• 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, wet a soft cloth with tap water, wring it well and use it to wipe the camera body carefully. Then, wipe the camera again with a dry cloth.

∫ 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.

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.

∫ 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.

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∫ 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.

∫ 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 oC to 25 oC (59 oF to 77 oF), 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.

Before Use

About The Mode Dial

Adjust part A to the desired mode. The mode dial can be rotated 360o. Rotate it slowly and surely to adjust to each mode. (Do not adjust it to parts where there is no mode.)

: Program AE mode (P25)

The exposure is automatically adjusted by the camera.

: Aperture-priority AE mode (P53)

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

: Shutter-priority AE mode (P53)

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

: Manual exposure mode (P56)

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

: Macro mode (P51)

This mode allows you to take a close-up picture of a subject.

: Motion picture mode (P68)

This mode allows you to record motion pictures.

: Scene mode (P58)

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

SCN

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Before Use

: Simple mode (P29)

This mode is recommended for beginners.

: Playback mode (P35)

This mode allows you to play back recorded pictures.

∫ 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.

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

∫ 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.

∫ About illustrations of the cursor

button and joystick

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

Cursor button

e.g.: When you press the 4 button

Joystick

e.g.: When you tilt the joystick right

e.g.: When you press the center of the

joystick

SET

REV

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Contents

Before Use

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

About The Mode Dial ................................5

Preparation

Standard Accessories ............................... 9

Names of the Components .......................9

Quick Guide............................................11

Charging the Battery with the Charger ... 12 About the Battery (charging/

number of recordable pictures) ...........12

Inserting/Removing the Battery ..............13

Inserting/Removing the Card..................14

About the Card........................................15

Attaching the Lens Cap/Strap.................16

Attaching the Lens Hood ........................17

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

About the Setup Menu ............................20

Basic

Taking Pictures.......................................25

Taking Pictures in Simple Mode ............. 29

Taking Pictures with the Zoom ...............31

• Using the Optical Zoom....................31

• Using the Extended Optical Zoom

(EZ) ..................................................31

• Using the Digital Zoom

Further extending the zoom ............. 32

Checking the Recorded Picture

(Review)..............................................34

Playing Back Pictures.............................35

Deleting Pictures.....................................36

Advanced

About the LCD Monitor/Viewfinder .........38

• Changing the information

displayed ..........................................38

• Brightening the LCD Monitor

(Power LCD/High angle mode)......... 41

Taking Pictures using

the Built-in Flash .................................42

Taking Pictures with the Self-timer .........46

Compensating the Exposure ..................47

Taking Pictures using Auto Bracket ........48

Optical Image Stabilizer..........................49

Taking Pictures using Burst Mode ..........50

Taking Close-up Pictures........................ 51

Aperture-priority AE ................................53

Shutter-priority AE ..................................53

Manual exposure ....................................54

Aperture Value and Shutter Speed.........55

Taking Pictures with Manual Focus ........56

Scene Mode............................................58

– Portrait mode.................................59

– Soft skin mode...............................59

– Scenery mode ...............................60

– Sports mode..................................60

– Night portrait mode ........................ 60

– Night scenery mode....................... 61

– Panning mode ............................... 61

– Food mode ....................................62

– Party mode....................................62

– Candle light mode.......................... 62

– Fireworks mode.............................63

– Starry sky mode............................. 63

– Baby mode 1/Baby mode 2 ...........64

– Snow mode....................................65

– High Sensitivity mode .................... 65

Recording which day of the vacation

you take the picture ............................. 66

Motion Picture Mode...............................68

Displaying Multiple Screens

(Multi Playback)...................................70

Displaying pictures by recording date

(Calendar playback) ............................71

Using the Playback Zoom.......................72

Playing Back Motion Pictures/

Pictures with Audio..............................73

Menu Settings

Using the [REC] Mode Menu .................. 74

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

natural picture................................... 75

• [SENSITIVITY]

Setting the light sensitivity................77

• [ASPECT RATIO] Setting the aspect ratio

of pictures.........................................77

• [PICT.SIZE]/[QUALITY] Setting a picture size and quality that matches your use of

the pictures.......................................78

• [AUDIO REC.]

Recording still pictures with audio.... 79

• [METERING MODE] Deciding the method to measure

brightness.........................................80

• [AF MODE]

Setting the focus method.................. 80

• [CONT.AF] Continuously focusing

on a subject...................................... 81

• [AF ASSIST LAMP] Focusing in low light conditions

becomes easier................................82

• [COL.EFFECT] Setting color effects for the

recorded pictures.............................. 82

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

recorded pictures.............................. 82

• [FLIP ANIM.] Connecting images to create

a motion picture file ..........................83

• [CONVERSION]

Using an optional lens...................... 85

Using the [PLAY] mode menu ................ 87

• [SLIDE SHOW] Playing back pictures in order for

a fixed duration.................................88

• [FAVORITE]

Setting your favorite pictures............ 89

• [ROTATE DISP.]/[ROTATE]

To display the picture rotated ........... 89

• [DPOF PRINT] Setting the picture to print and the

number of prints ...............................91

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• [PROTECT] Preventing accidental erasure of

pictures............................................. 92

• [AUDIO DUB.]

Adding audio after taking pictures.... 93

• [RESIZE]

Making the picture smaller ............... 94

• [TRIMMING] Enlarging a picture and

trimming it.........................................95

• [ASPECT CONV.] Changing the aspect ratio of

a 16:9 picture.................................... 96

• [FORMAT]

Initializing the card............................96

Connecting to other equipment

Connecting to a PC.................................98

Printing the Pictures..............................100

Playing Back Pictures on

a TV Screen ......................................104

Others

Using the MC Protector/ND Filter .........105

Screen Display......................................106

Cautions for Use...................................108

Message Display ..................................110

Troubleshooting ....................................112

Number of recordable pictures and

available recording time....................117

Specifications........................................120

Digital Camera Accessory System ....... 122

Digital Camera Accessory Order Form

(For USA Customers)........................123

Request for Service Notice

(For USA Only).................................. 124

Limited Warranty (For USA Only) ......... 125

Customer Services Directory

(For USA Only).................................. 127

Index.....................................................128

Spanish Quick Use Guide/

Guía rápida en español.....................130

Preparation

Standard Accessories

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

RP-SD016B

DE-993B

CGR-S006A

Preparation

1 SD Memory Card (16 MB)

(Indicated as “Card” in the text)

2Battery Pack

(Indicated as “Battery” in the text)

3 Battery Charger

(Indicated as “Charger” in the text) 4 USB Connection Cable 5AV Cable 6 CD-ROM 7 Shoulder Strap 8 Lens Cap/Lens Cap String 9 Lens Hood/Hood Adaptor

A:Silver

B:Black

• For information about optional accessories, refer to the “Digital Camera Accessory System”. (P122)

Names of the Components

K1HA08CD0007 K1HA08CD0008

VFC4160

VYK1T69

A: VYQ3808/VYQ3796 B: VYQ3809/VYQ3797

1234

1 Lens (P4) 2 Flash (P42) 3 Microphone (P68, 79, 93) 4 Self-timer indicator (P46)

AF assist lamp (P82)

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Preparation

5 6

12 14 15 16

5 Flash open button (P42) 6 Diopter adjustment dial (P39) 7 Viewfinder (P38, 106) 8 Speaker (P73)

9 [EVF/LCD] button (P38) 10 Camera ON/OFF switch (P11) 11 Joystick (P26, 35, 36, 53, 54) 12 LCD monitor (P38, 106) 13 [DISPLAY/LCD MODE] button (P38,

106) 14 Status indicator (P25) 15 Single or burst mode button (P50)/

Delete button (P36)

16 Cursor buttons

2/Self-timer button (P46) 4/[REV] button (P34) 1/Flash Setting button (P42) 3

/Exposure compensation (P47)/Auto bracket (P48)/White balance fine adjustment (P76)/Flash output adjustment (P45)/Backlight compensation in simple mode (P30) button

17 [MENU/SET] button (P20)

10956 7

18 1

19 Shutter button (P25, 68) 20 Mode dial (P5) 21 AF/MF button (P54) 22 Optical image stabilizer button (P49)

2 2 2

23 Strap eyelet (P16) 24 [DIGITAL/AV OUT] Socket (P98, 100,

104)

25 [DC IN] Socket (P98, 100)

• Always use a genuine Panasonic AC adaptor (DMW-AC7; optional).

• The camera cannot charge the battery even if the AC adaptor (DMW-AC7; optional) is connected.

26 Terminal door 27 Lens Barrel

28 29

28 Card/Battery door (P13, 14) 29 Tripod receptacle

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

18 Zoom lever (P31)

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20 21 2

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. (P12)

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

2 Insert the battery and the card.

(P13, 14)

4 Play back the pictures.

N C S

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

(P35)

Preparation

3 Turn the camera on to take

pictures.

• Set the clock. (P19)

SCN

OFF ON

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

pictures. (P25)

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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.

2 Connect the charger to 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.

About the Battery

(charging/number of recordable pictures)

∫ Battery indication

The remaining battery power appears on the screen. [It does not appear when you use the camera with the AC adaptor connected (DMW-AC7; optional).]

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

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

3 Detach the battery after charging

is complete.

• After charging is completed, be sure to disconnect the AC cable from the electrical outlet.

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• The battery indication turns red and blinks. (The status indicator blinks when the LCD monitor turns off.) Recharge the battery or replace it with fully charged battery.

∫ 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 (16 MB).

• Using the supplied battery.

• Starting recording 30 seconds after the camera is turned on. (When the optical

Approx. 320 pictures (Approx. 160 min)

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.

• 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 or high angle function (P41) are 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 to about 80.]

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 Approx. 300 min

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

∫ 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.

Approx. 340 pictures (Approx. 170 min)

Preparation

∫ Charging lamp

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

• When the battery temperature is excessively high or low, the [CHARGE] lamp flashes and the charging time will be longer than normal.

• 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.

∫ Charging conditions

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

Inserting/Removing the Battery

• Check that the camera is turned off and that the lens is retracted.

• Close the flash.

1 Slide the release lever in the

direction of arrow and open the card/battery door.

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

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Preparation

2 Insert:

Insert the charged battery fully paying attention to its direction.

Remove: Slide the lock A to remove the battery.

3 1 Close the card/battery door.

2 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 cancelled after this length of time. In this case, set the clock again. (P19)

• Do not remove the card or the battery while the card is being accessed. The data may be damaged. (P15)

• 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.

Inserting/Removing the Card

• Check that the camera is turned off and that the lens is retracted.

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

• Close the flash.

1 Slide the release lever in the

direction of the arrow and open the card/battery door.

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.

• Check the direction of the card.

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

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

3 1 Close the card/battery door.

2 Slide the release lever in the

direction of the arrow.

• If the card/battery 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.

About the Card

∫ Access to the card

The card access indication A 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.

Preparation

∫ About handling a card

Transfer important pictures/motion pictures from your card to your PC periodically (P98). 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. (P97)

∫ SD Memory Card (supplied) and

MultiMediaCard (optional)

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

• The reading/writing speed of an SD Memory Card is fast. The SD Memory Card is equipped with a Write-Protect switch B that can inhibit writing and formatting a card. (When 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 unlocked, these functions become available.)

SD Memory Card

• On this unit, you can use SD Memory Cards of the following capacity (from 8 MB to 2 GB).

8 MB, 16 MB, 32 MB, 64 MB, 128 MB,

256 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB, 2 GB

Please confirm the latest information on the following website.

http://panasonic.

(This Site is English only.)

(Maximum)

co.jp/pavc/global/cs

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Preparation

• Refer to P117 for information about the number of recordable pictures and the available recording time for each SD Memory Card.

• This unit supports SD Memory Cards formatted in FAT12 system and FAT16 system based on SD Memory Card Specifications.

• This unit does not support recording motion pictures on MultiMediaCards. We recommend using High Speed SD Memory Cards when recording motion pictures. (P68)

• The reading/writing speed of a MultiMediaCard is slower than an SD 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

∫ Lens Cap (supplied)

1 Pass the string through the hole

on the lens cap.

2 Pass the same string through the

hole on the camera.

3 Attach the lens cap.

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• 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.

∫ Strap (supplied)

1 Pass the strap through the hole at

the strap eyelet.

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 you can see the

UMIX” logo.

“L

Preparation

1 Attach the hood adaptor

(supplied).

• 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.

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 and that the lens is retracted.

• Close the flash.

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

• Do not tighten the screw too much.

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Preparation

∫ Removing the hood adaptor

• Hold the edge of the hood adaptor to remove it.

3 Attach the lens hood with the

screw facing upwards and then tighten the screw again.

∫ Temporarily storing the lens hood

1 Loosen the screw and remove the

lens hood.

2 Reverse the lens hood.

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• Make sure the screw is loose and then attach the lens hood.

• Do not tighten the screw too much.

4 Attach the lens cap.

• Ensure that the lens cap is firmly attached.

• Do not take a picture while the lens hood is temporarily stored.

• 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 P105.

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

• The lens adaptor (DMW-LA2; optional) is necessary to attach a conversion lenses and filters.

• 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

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

PLEASE SET THE CLOCK

CLOCK SET

A: [MENU/SET] button B: Cursor buttons

• The screen disappears after about 5 seconds. Turn the camera off and on again.

1 Press [MENU/SET].

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

date and time.

CLOCK SET

JAN

11 2006

00 00

M/D/Y

SELECT SET EXIT

• 2/1: Select the desired item.

• 3/4: Set the display order for the date and time.

3 Press [MENU/SET] several times

to close the menu.

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Preparation

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

∫ Changing the clock setting 1 Press [MENU/SET] to display the menu

and then press 2.

2 Press 4 to select the [SETUP] menu

icon [ ] and then press 1.

3 Press 3/4 to select [CLOCK SET] and

then press 1. Set as shown previously.

EXIT

OFF OFF

2MIN.

SETUP

PLAY ON LCD

SELECT

CLOCK SET MONITOR

TRAVEL DATE

POWER SAVE

• 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 when you use a photo printing service, even if the store provides a date printing option for your photographs. (P92)

About the Setup Menu

• Set items as required. (Refer to P21 to 24 for each menu item.)

• Menu items differ depending on the mode selected with the mode dial (P5). The following example shows how to set [BEEP] when program AE mode [ ] is selected.

• Select [RESET] to return the settings to the initial settings at the time of purchase. (P23)

1 Press [MENU/SET] and then

press 2.

EXIT

AUTO AUTO

OFF

2MIN.

SET

REC

W.BALANCE SENSITIVITY ASPECT RATIO PICT.SIZE QUALITY

SELECT

2 Press 4 to select the [SETUP]

menu icon [ ] and then press 1.

SETUP

CLOCK SET

MONITOR

TRAVEL DATE

PLAY ON LCD

POWER SAVE

SELECT

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3 Press 3/4 to select the menu

item.

EXIT

OFF

2MIN.

1SEC.

MF1

LEVEL

SETUP

CLOCK SET

MONITOR

TRAVEL DATE

PLAY ON LCD

POWER SAVE

SELECT

SETUP

AUTO REVIEW

MF ASSIST

BEEP

SHUTTER

VOLUM E

SELECT

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

4 Press 1, press 3/4 to select the

setting and then press [MENU/ SET].

SET

1SEC.

MF1

LEVEL

SET

SETUP

AUTO REVIEW

MF ASSIST

BEEP

SHUTTER

VOLUM E

SELECT

5 Press [MENU/SET] to close the

menu.

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

Preparation

∫ About the menu screen items

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

• You can switch menu screens from any menu item by rotating the zoom lever.

SET

SETUP

EXIT

SELECT

AUTO REVIEW

OFF

MF ASSIST

2MIN.

BEEP

SHUTTER

VOLUME

SELECT

SETUP

NO.RESET

RESET

USB MODE

HIGHLIGHT

EXIT

VIDEO OUT

1SEC.

MF1

LEVEL

AUTO

ENG

EXIT

SETUP

EXIT

SELECT

TV ASPECT

OFF

MF m/ft

NTSC

SCENE MENU

LANGUAGE

SETUP

CLOCK SET

MONITOR

TRAVEL DATE

PLAY ON LCD

POWER SAVE

SELECT

[CLOCK SET]

Press [ ] to display the [SETUP] menu and select the item to set. (P20) Change date and time. (P19)

[MONITOR/VIEWFINDER]

Press [ ] to display the [SETUP] menu

SET

and select the item to set. (P20) 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.

• The [MONITOR/VIEWFINDER] setting also affects simple mode [ ].

[TRAVEL DATE]

Press [ ] to display the [SETUP] menu

SET

and select the item to set. (P20) [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 P66 for information about setting [TRAVEL DATE].

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Preparation

[PLAY ON LCD]

Press [ ] to display the [SETUP] menu

SET

and select the item to set. (P20) [ON]: If you were using the viewfinder to

record, the display automatically switches to the LCD monitor when reviewing or playing back pictures. (P39)

[OFF]:Does not automatically switch.

[POWER SAVE]

Press [ ] to display the [SETUP] menu

SET

and select the item to set. (P20)

[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.

• In simple mode [ ], power save mode is fixed to [2MIN.].

• 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.)

[AUTO REVIEW]

Press [ ] to display the [SETUP] menu

SET

and select the item to set. (P20) [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 (P48) or burst mode (P50), 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 (P79) are being recorded regardless of its setting. (The picture is not enlarged.)

• When the quality is set to [TIFF], 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 [TIFF].

[MF ASSIST]

(Recording mode only)

Press [ ] to display the [SETUP] menu

SET

and select the item to set. (P20) In manual focus, the assistance screen appears on the center of the screen to facilitate focusing on the subject. (P56) [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.

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[BEEP]

Press [ ] to display the [SETUP] menu

SET

and select the item to set. (P20) [ ]: No operation sound [ ]: Soft operation sound [ ]: Loud operation sound

• The [BEEP] setting also affects simple mode [ ].

[SHUTTER]

Press [ ] to display the [SETUP] menu

SET

and select the item to set. (P20) 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 the item to set. (P20) 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 the item to set. (P20) 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.

• To reset the folder number to 100, format (P97) 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.

Preparation

• Refer to P99 for detailed information about the file number and the folder number.

• The [NO.RESET] setting also affects simple mode [ ].

[RESET]

Press [ ] to display the [SETUP] menu

SET

and select the item to set. (P20) The [REC] or [SETUP] menu settings are reset to the initial settings.

• The birthday setting for [BABY1]/[BABY2] (P64) in scene mode and the number of days that have passed since the departure date for [TRAVEL DATE] (P66) are also reset when the [SETUP] menu settings are reset. Also, [FAVORITE] (P89) is fixed to [OFF] and [ROTATE DISP.] (P89) 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 the item to set. (P20) 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.

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

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Preparation

[HIGHLIGHT]

Press [ ] to display the [SETUP] menu

SET

and select the item to set. (P20) [ON]: When the auto review or review

function is activated, a white saturated area appears blinking in black and white. (P39)

[OFF]: No highlight display

[VIDEO OUT]

(Playback mode only) (P104)

Press [ ] to display the [SETUP] menu

SET

and select the item to set. (P20) [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 the item to set. (P20)

[ ]:

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 (P104), pictures are displayed vertically on the LCD monitor.

[MF m/ft]

Press [ ] to display the [SETUP] menu

SET

and select the item to set. (P20) [m]: In manual focus, the distance to the

subject is displayed in meters.

[ft]: In manual focus, the distance to the

subject is displayed in feet.

[SCENE MENU]

Press [ ] to display the [SETUP] menu

SET

and select the item to set. (P20) [AUTO]: [SCENE MODE] menu appears

automatically when setting the mode dial to scene mode. Select the desired scene mode. (P58)

[OFF]: [SCENE MODE] menu does not

appear when setting the mode dial to scene mode and the camera is operated in scene mode currently selected. If you change the scene mode, press [MENU/SET] to display the [SCENE MODE] menu and then select the desired scene mode.

[LANGUAGE]

Press [ ] to display the [SETUP] menu

SET

and select the item to set. (P20) Set the language on the menu screen from the following languages. Set to the desired language with 3/4 and store it with [MENU/SET].

[ENGLISH]: English [DEUTSCH]: German [FRANÇAIS]: French [ESPAÑOL]: Spanish [ITALIANO]: Italian []: Chinese (Traditional) []:Japanese

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

• The [LANGUAGE] setting also affects simple mode [ ].

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Basic

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F2.8

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F2.8

Taking Pictures

The camera automatically sets the shutter speed and the aperture value according to the brightness of the subject.

• Remove the lens cap.

1 1 Turn the camera on.

2 Select program AE mode [ ].

SCN

OFF ON

Basic

AF area does not appear until the subject is brought into focus. (P80)

• The AF area displayed is bigger than usual when using the digital zoom or when taking pictures in dark places. (P80)

• Refer to P26 for information about Program shift.

Focus

When the subject is not focused

Blinks (green) On (green)

When the subject is focused

indication AF area Turns white to

red or no AF

Turns white to green

area

Sound Beeps 4 times Beeps 2 times

• The status indicator A lights for approximately 1 second if you turn the camera on when using the LCD monitor.

• The status indicator continues to light if you turn the camera on when using the Viewfinder. The status indicator blinks when the remaining battery power is low.

2 Aim the AF area 1 to the point

you want to focus on and then press the shutter button halfway.

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F2.8

• B: Press the shutter button halfway to focus.

• The focus indication 2 lights and then

the aperture value 3 and the shutter speed 4 are displayed.

• If 9-area-focusing or 3-area-focusing

(High speed) is used in AF mode, the

3 Take a picture.

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F2.8

• C: Press the shutter button fully to take the picture.

• We recommend checking that the clock is set properly before taking pictures. (P19)

• When you press the shutter button, the screen may become bright or dark for a moment. This function allows easy adjustment of focus and the recorded picture will not be affected.

• When a time is set for power save (P22), the camera automatically turns off if you do not operate it within the set time. To operate the camera again, press the shutter button halfway or turn the camera off and on.

• To avoid picture noise, we recommend decreasing the ISO sensitivity, setting

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Basic

1/30

F4.0

1/60

F2.8

[NOISE REDUCTION] in [PICT.ADJ.] to [HIGH] or setting every item except [NOISE REDUCTION] to [LOW]. (P83). (ISO sensitivity is set to [AUTO] when the camera is shipped. Therefore, when taking pictures indoors etc. the ISO sensitivity increases.)

∫ Program shift

In program AE mode, you can change the preset aperture value and shutter speed without changing the exposure. This is called program shift. You can make the background more blurred by decreasing the aperture value or record a moving subject more dynamically by slowing the shutter speed when taking a picture in program AE mode.

• Press the shutter button halfway and then use the joystick to activate program shift while the aperture value and the shutter speed are displayed on the screen (about 10 seconds).

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F2.8

1/30

F4.0

• The program shift indication D appears

on the screen when program shift is activated.

• Program shift is cancelled if the camera is

turned off or the joystick is moved up and

down until the programme shift indication disappears.

∫ Example of program shift

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

2.8

(A)

5.6

1 1

125

(B)

250

500

1000

2000

(A): Aperture value (B): Shutter speed

1 Program shift amount 2 Program shift line chart 3 Program shift limit

• If the exposure is not adequate when the shutter button is pressed halfway, the aperture value and shutter speed turns red.

• Program shift is canceled and the camera returns to normal program AE mode if more than 10 seconds pass after program shift is activated. However, the program shift setting is memorized.

• Depending on the brightness of the subject, program shift may not be activated.

∫ Tips for taking good pictures

• Hold the camera gently with both hands, keep your arms still at your side and stand with your feet slightly apart.

• Make sure the camera does not shake when you press the shutter button.

• Do not cover the microphone or the AF assist lamp with your fingers or other objects.

• Do not touch the front of the lens.

• If the LCD monitor screen is difficult to see because of light from the sun etc. shining on it, we recommend using your hand or

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another object to block the light when

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F2.8

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F2.8

using the camera.

When recording with LCD Monitor

When recording with Viewfinder

A: When holding the camera vertically

∫ Direction detection function

Pictures recorded with the camera held vertically are played back vertically (rotated). (Only when [ROTATE DISP.] (P89) is set to [ON])

• Pictures may not be displayed vertically if they were taken with the camera aimed up or down.

• Pictures cannot be displayed vertically when recording motion pictures or creating flip animations.

∫ When you want to take a subject

outside the AF area (AF/AE Lock)

When recording a picture of people with a composition like the following picture, you will not be able to focus the camera on the subject because the people are outside the AF area.

In this case,

1 Aim the AF area at the subject. 2 Press the shutter button halfway to fix

the focus and the exposure.

Basic

• The focus indication lights when the subject is focused.

3 Press and hold the shutter button

halfway while moving the camera as you

compose the picture.

4 Press the shutter button fully.

• You can repeatedly retry AF/AE lock before pressing the shutter button fully.

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∫ Focusing

• The focus range is 30 cm (0.98 feet) to ¶ (Wide), 2 m (6.56 feet) to ¶ (Tele). Use macro mode when recording close-up pictures. (P51)

• If the distance between the camera and the subject is beyond the focus range of the camera, the picture may not be properly focused even if the focus indication lights.

• In the following cases, the camera will not focus on subjects properly. – When there are both near and distant

subjects in a scene.

– When there is dirt or dust on glass

between the lens and the subject.

– When there are illuminated or glittering

objects around the subject. – When taking a picture in dark places. – When the subject is moving fast. – When the scene has low contrast. – When jitter occurs. – When recording a very bright subject. We recommend taking pictures using prefocus (P58) and AF/AE lock. In dark places, the AF assist lamp (P82) may turn on to focus on the subject.

• Even when the focus indication appears and the subject is focused, it is canceled if you release the shutter button. Press the shutter button halfway again.

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Basic

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F2.8

∫ Preventing jitter (camera shake)

• Be careful of jittering when pressing the shutter button.

• If jitter could occur because of slow shutter speed, the jitter alert A appears.

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F2.8

• When the jitter alert appears, we recommend using a tripod. If you cannot use a tripod, be careful how you hold the camera (P26). The use of the self-timer prevents jittering caused by pressing the shutter button when you are using a tripod (P46).

• Shutter speed will be slower particularly in the following cases. Keep the camera still from the moment the shutter button is pressed until the picture appears on the screen. We recommend using a tripod. – Slow sync./Red-eye reduction (P42) – [NIGHT PORTRAIT] (P60) – [NIGHT SCENERY] (P61) – [PARTY] (P62) – [CANDLE LIGHT] (P62) – [FIREWORKS] (P63) – [STARRY SKY] (P63) – When you set to a slow shutter speed

(P53, 54)

∫ Exposure

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

• The brightness of the screen may differ from the brightness of the recorded pictures especially when recording in low light conditions.

• When most of the subjects on the screen are bright (e.g. a blue sky on a clear day, a

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snowy field etc.), the recorded pictures may become dark. In this case, compensate the exposure value on the camera. (P47)

Taking Pictures in Simple Mode

This mode allows beginners to take pictures easily. Only the basic functions appear in the menu to make operations simple.

∫ Basic menu settings

1 Press [MENU/SET].

2 Press 3/4 to select the desired

menu item and then press 1.

SIMPLE MODE

PICT.MODE

AUTO REVIEW

BEEP

CLOCK SET

SELECT SET

3 Press 3/4 to select the desired

setting and then press [MENU/ SET].

4 Press [MENU/SET] to close the

menu.

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

∫ Settings in Simple mode

[PICT.MODE]

ENLARGE Suitable for enlarging the

4qk6q/ 10k15cm

E-MAIL Suitable for attaching

ENLARGE

6"/10k15cm

E-MAIL

pictures to be printed to 8qk10q size, letter size etc.

Suitable for regular size printing.

pictures to e-mails or adding pictures to websites.

Basic

[AUTO REVIEW]

OFF The recorded picture does not

automatically appear.

ON The recorded picture

automatically appears on the screen for about 1 second.

[BEEP]

OFF No operation sound LOW Soft operation sound HIGH Loud operation sound

[CLOCK SET]

Change date and time. (P19)

•If [4qk6q/10k15cm] or [E-MAIL] are set in [PICT.MODE], the extended optical zoom is activated and the zoom ratio is extended to a maximum of 16.5k. (P31)

• The settings for [BEEP] and [CLOCK SET] in simple mode are also applied to other recording modes.

• The settings for [MONITOR/ VIEWFINDER] (P21), [NO.RESET] (P23) and [LANGUAGE] (P24) also effect simple mode.

∫ Other Settings in Simple mode

In simple mode, other settings are fixed as follows. For more information about each setting, refer to the page indicated.

• [POWER SAVE] (P22): [2MIN.]

• Self-timer (P46): 10 seconds

• Optical Image Stabilizer (P49): [MODE1]

• Burst speed (P50): Low speed (2 frames/second)

• [W.BALANCE] (P75): [AUTO]

• [SENSITIVITY] (P77): [AUTO]

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Basic

• [ASPECT RATIO]/[PICT.SIZE]/[QUALITY] (P77, 78): – [ ENLARGE]:

/ (6M)/Fine

–[ 4qk6q/10k15cm]:

/ (2.5M EZ)/Standard

–[ E-MAIL]:

/ (0.3M EZ)/Standard

• [AF MODE] (P80): [ ] (1-area-focusing)

• [AF ASSIST LAMP] (P82): [ON]

• [METERING MODE] (P80): [ ] (Multiple)

• You cannot use the following functions in simple mode. – High angle mode – White balance fine adjustment – Exposure compensation – Flash output adjustment – Auto bracket – [AUDIO REC.] – [D.ZOOM] – [COL.EFFECT] – [PICT.ADJ.] –[CONT.AF] – [HIGHLIGHT] – [PLAY ON LCD] – Out-of-frame display – Recording guide line

• You cannot set the following items in simple mode. –[TRAVEL DATE] – [CONVERSION]

∫ Focus range in simple mode

5 cm (0.17 feet)

2 m (6.6 feet)

1 m (3.3 feet)

• The zoom magnification values will change when using the extended optical zoom.

• Refer to P51 for the tele-macro.

∫ The Backlight Compensation

Backlight refers to when light comes from the back of a subject. In this case, the subject, such as a person, will become dark. If you press 3, [] (compensating backlight ON indication) A appears and the backlight compensation function is activated. This function compensates the backlight by brightening the whole of the picture.

BACKLIGHT

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• If you press 3 while [ ] is displayed, [ ] disappears and the backlight compensation function is canceled.

• We recommend using the flash when you use the backlight compensation function. (When using the flash, it is fixed to Forced ON [ ].)

• The flash setting is fixed to AUTO/Red-eye reduction [ ] when the backlight compensation function is set to [OFF].

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