Panasonic DMC-FZ8 Owner’s Manual

Panasonic

Operating Instructions

Digital Camera

_o_e,,o.DMC-FZ8

Before connecting, operating or

adjusting this product, please read

the instructions completely.

LEICA

DC VARIO=ELMARIT

[_ VQT1 B25

Before Use

Dear Customer,

Thank you for choosing Panasonic!

You have purchased one of the most sophisticated and reliable products on the market today. Used properly, we're sure it

will bring you and your family years of enjoyment. Please take time to fill in the

information on the below. The serial number is on the tag located on

the underside of your Camera. Be sure to retain this manual as your convenient

Camera information source.

Model No. Serial No.

Information for Your

Safety

WARNING:

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE,

ELECTRIC SHOCK OR PRODUCT DAMAGE,

• DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS TO RAIN, MOISTURE, DRIPPING OR

SPLASHING AND THAT NO OBJECTS FILLED WITH LIQUIDS,

SUCH AS VASES, SHALL BE PLACED ON THE APPARATUS.

• USE ONLY THE RECOMMENDED

ACCESSORIES.

• DO NOT REMOVE THE COVER (OR

BACK); THERE ARE NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.

REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

Carefully observe copyright laws.

Recording of pre-recorded tapes or

disks 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.

VQT1 B25

• 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.

Warning

Risk of fire, explosion and burns. Do not disassemble, heat above 60 °C (140 °F) or incinerate.

Marking sign is located on bottom of the unit.

Before Use

THE FOLLOWING APPLIES ONLY IN THE U.S.A.

FCC Note: 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 te operate this equipment.

VQT 1B25

Before Use

Declaration of Conformity Trade Name: Panasonic

Model No.: DMC-FZ8

Responsible party: Panasonic

Support Contact: Panasonic

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.

Corporation of

North America

One Panasonic Way, Secaucus, NJ 07094

Consumer

Electronics Company 1-800-272-7033

DMC-I Z8

i_ Panasenic

THE FOLLOWING APPLIES ONLY IN

CANADA

This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

-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 ordealer and ask for the correct method of disposal.

• About the battery pack CAUTION

Battery pack (Lithium ion battery pack)

• Use the specified unit to recharge the

battery pack.

• Do not use the battery pack with

equipment other than the specified unit.

• Do not get dirt, sand, liquids, or other

foreign matter on the terminals.

• Do not touch the plug terminals

(+ and ) with metal objects.

• Do not disassemble, remodel, heat or

throw into fire.

If any electrolyte should come into contact with your hands or clothes, wash it off thoroughly with water.

If any electrolyte should come into contact with your eyes, never rub the

eyes. Rinse eyes thoroughly with water, and then consult a doctor.

• About the battery charger CAUTIONI

DO NOT INSTALL OR PLACE THIS UNIT IN A BOOKCASE, BUILT-IN

CABINET OR IN ANOTHER CONFINED SPACE. ENSURE THE

UNIT IS WELL VENTILATED. TO PREVENT RISK OF ELECTRIC

SHOCK OR FIRE HAZARD DUE TO OVERHEATING, ENSURE THAT

CURTAINS AND ANY OTHER

MATERIALS DO NOT OBSTRUCT

THE VENTILATION VENTS.

Battery charger

This battery charger operates on AC

between 110 V and 240 V. But

• In the U.S.A. and Canada, the battery

charger must be connected to a 120V AC power supply only.

• When connecting to an AC supply

outside of the U.S.A. or Canada, use a plug adaptor to suit the AC outlet

configuration.

VQT1 B25

• Care of the camera

• Do not strongly shake or bump the

camera.

This unit may malfunction, recording pictures may no longer be possible or the

lens or the LCD monitor may be damaged.

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

• Be particularly careful when using the camera in the following places as it may cause this unit to malfunction.

- Places with a lot of sand or dust.

- Places where water can come into

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

• If water or seawater splashes on the

camera, use a dry cloth to wipe the camera body carefully.

• About Condensation (When the lens or the Viewfinder is fogged up)

• Condensation occurs when the ambient temperature or humidity changes 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.

• Read together with the "Cautions for

Use", (P122)

Before Use

• About cards that can be used in this unit

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

MultiMediaCard.

• When the term card is used in these

operating instructions this refers to the following types of Memory Cards.

-SD Memory Card (8 MB to 2 GB)

-SDHC Memory Card (4 GB)

- MultiMediaCard

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

• You can only use an SDHC Memory Card

if using cards with 4 GB or more capacity.

• A 4 GB Memory Card without an SDHC

logo is not based on the SD Standard and will not work in this product.

• A MultiMediaCard is compatible with still

pictures only.

VQT 1B25

Contents

Before Use

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

Preparation

Standard Accessories ............................... 8

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

Attaching the Lens Cap/Strap ................. 11

Attaching the Lens Hood ........................ 12

Quick Guide ............................................ 14

Charging the Battery with the Charger ... 15 About the Battery (charging/

number of recordable pictures) ........... 16

Inserting and Removing the Battery/

the Card (optional) .............................. 17

About the Built-in Memory/the Card

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

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

• Changing the clock setting ............... 19

About the Mode Dial ............................... 20

Setting the Menu ..................................... 21

About the Setup Menu ............................ 22

LCD Monitor Display/Switching

the LCD Monitor Display ..................... 26

Basic

Taking Pictures ....................................... 27

Taking Pictures in Simple Mode ............. 30

Taking Pictures with the Zoom ............... 32

• Using the Optical Zoom .................... 32

• Using the Extended Optical Zoom

(EZ) .................................................. 33

• Using the Digital Zoom

Further extending the zoom ............. 34

Checking the Recorded Picture

(Review) .............................................. 35

Playing back/Deleting Pictures ............... 36

Advanced (Recording pictures)

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

• Changing the information displayed .... 38

• Brightening the LCD Monitor

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

VQT1 B25

Taking Pictures using the Built-in Flash .....43

Taking Pictures with the Self-timer ......... 47

Compensating the Exposure .................. 48

Taking Pictures using Auto Bracket ........ 49

Optical Image Stabilizer .......................... 50

Taking Pictures using Burst Mode .......... 51

Changing the sensitivity according to

the movement of the subject being

recorded .............................................. 52

Taking Close-up Pictures ........................ 54

Aperture-priority AE ................................ 56

Shutter-priority AE .................................. 56

Manual exposure .................................... 57

Aperture Value and Shutter Speed ......... 58

Taking Pictures with Manual Focus ........ 59

_gpictures that match the scene

being recorded (Scene mode) ............. 62

- [PORTRAIT] .................................. 63

- [SOFT SKIN] ................................. 63

- [SCENERY] ................................... 63

- [SPORTS] ...................................... 63

- [PANNING] .................................... 64

- [NIGHT PORTRAIT] ...................... 64

- [NIGHT SCENERY] ....................... 65

- [FOOD] ......................................... 65

- [PARTY] ........................................ 65

- [CANDLE LIGHT] .......................... 65

- [BABY1 ]/[BABY2] .......................... 66

- [PET] ............................................. 67

- [SUNSET] ...................................... 67

- [HIGH SENS.] ................................ 67

- [STARRY SKY] .............................. 67

- [FIREWORKS] ............................... 68

- [BEACH] ........................................ 69

- [SNOW] ......................................... 69

- [AERIAL PHOTO] .......................... 69

Motion Picture Mode ............................... 70

Recording which day of

the vacation you take the picture ........ 72

Displaying the time at

the travel destination (World Time) .....74

Using the [REC] Mode Menu .................. 76

• [W.BALANCE] Adjusting the hue for

a more natural picture ...................... 77

• [WB ADJUST.]

Finely adjusting the white balance ... 78

• [SENSITIVITY]

Setting the light sensitivity ................ 79

• [ASPECT RATIO]

Setting the aspect ratio of pictures .... 80

•[PICT.SIZE]/[QUALITY] Settingapicturesizeandqualitythat

matchesyouruseofthepictures........80

•[AUDIOREC.]

Recordingstillpictureswithaudio....82

•[METERINGMODE] Decidingthemethodtomeasure

brightness.........................................82

•[AFMODE]

Settingthefocusmethod..................83

•[CONT.AF]

Continuouslyfocusingonasubject....84

•[AFASSISTLAMP] Focusinginlowlightconditions

becomeseasier................................85

•[COL.EFFECT] Settingcoloreffectsfor

therecordedpictures........................85

•[PICT.ADJ.] Adjustingthepicturequalityfor

therecordedpictures........................86

•[FLIPANIM.] Connectingimagestocreate

amotionpicturefile..........................86

•[CONVERSION]

Usinganoptionallens......................88

•[CLOCKSET]

Setthedate,timeanddisplay..........90

Advanced (Playback)

Displaying Multiple Screens

(Multi Playback) ................................... 91

Displaying pictures by recording date

(Calendar playback) ............................ 92

Using the Playback Zoom ....................... 93

Playing Back Motion Pictures/

Pictures with Audio .............................. 94

Creating still pictures from

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

Using the [PLAY] mode menu ................ 97

• [SLIDE SHOW] Playing back pictures in order for

a fixed duration ................................. 97

• [FAVORITE]

Setting your favorite pictures ............ 99

• [ROTATE DISP.]/[ROTATE]

To display the picture rotated ........... 99

• [DATE STAMP] Stamping information such as

the date on the recorded pictures.... 100

• [DPOF PRINT] Setting the picture to print and

the number of prints ........................ 102

• [PROTECT] Preventing accidental erasure of

pictures ........................................... 104

• [AUDIO DUB.]

Adding audio after taking pictures.... 105

• [RESIZE]

Making the picture smaller .............. 105

• [TRIMMING]

Enlarging a picture and trimming it.... 106

• [ASPECT CONV.]

Changing the aspect ratio of

a 16:9 picture .................................. 107

• [COPY]

Copying the picture data ................. 108

• [FORMAT]

Initializing the card .......................... 109

Connecting to other equipment

Connecting to a PC ............................... 110

Printing the Pictures .............................. 113

Playing Back Pictures on a TV Screen.... 117

Others

Using the MC Protector/ND Filter ......... 118

Screen Display ...................................... 119

Cautions for Use ................................... 122

Message Display .................................. 124

Troubleshooting .................................... 126

Number of recordable pictures and

available recording time .................... 131

Specifications ........................................ 134

Digital Camera Accessory System ........ 136

Digital Camera Accessory Order Form

(For USA Customers) ........................ 137

Request for Service Notice

(For USA Only) .................................. 138

Limited Warranty (For USA Only) ......... 139

Customer Services Directory

(For USA Only) .................................. 141

Precautions a prendre

(pour le Canada) ............................... 142

Index ..................................................... 144

VQT 1B25

Preparation

Standard Accessories

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

1 2

CGR-S006A

K] HA08CD00] g

DE-A43B

K1HA08CD0014

VFC4160

1 Battery Pack

(Indicated as battery in the text)

2 Battery Charger

(Indicated as charger in the text)

3 USB Connection Cable 4 AV Cable 5 CD-ROM

6 Shoulder Strap 7 Lens Cap/Lens Cap String 8 Lens Hood/Hood Adaptor

_'A_:Silver _'B_:Black

• SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card and MultiMediaCard are indicated as card

in the text.

• The card is optional. You can record or play back pictures

on the built-in memory when you are not using a card. (P18)

• For information about optional accessories, refer to the "Digital Camera

Accessory System". (P136)

VQT1 B25

VYK 1T69

@: VYQg997NY©g998 @: VYQg98 ]NYQg797

Names of the Components

1 2 34

1 Lens (P123)

2 Flash (P43)

3 Microphone (P82, 105)

4 Self-timer indicator (P47)

AF assist lamp (P85)

5 6 7 8910 11

12 13 14 15 16 17

5 Flash open button (P43) 6 Diopter adjustment dial (P39) 7 Viewfinder (P38, 119) 8 Speaker (P94) 9 [EVF/LCD] button (P38)

10 Camera ON/OFF switch (P14, 19)

Preparation

11 Joystick (P29, 36, 56, 57)

In these operating instructions, the operations using the joystick are

described as illustrated below shown. e.g.: When you tilt the joystick right

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

joystick

12 LCD monitor (P38, 119) 13 [DISPLAY/LCD MODE] button (P38, 41) 14 Status indicator (P27) 15 Single or burst mode button (P51)/

Delete button (P36)

16 Cursor buttons

_l/Self-timer button (P47)

• /[REV] button (P35) I_/Flash Setting button (P43) &/Exposure compensation (P48)/ Auto bracket (P49)/Flash output adjustment (P46)/Backlight compensation in simple mode (P31)

button

In these operating instructions, operations using the cursor button are

described with illustrations below. e.g.:When you press the • button

17 [MENU/SET] button (P21)

VQT 1B25

Preparation

20 21 22

18 Zoom lever (P32) 19 Shutter button (P27, 70) 20 Mode dial (P20) 21 Focus switch button (P59) 22 Optical image stabilizer button (PS0)

23 Strap eyelet (P11) 24 [DIG ITAL/AV OUT] Socket (P110, 113,

117)

25 [DC IN] Socket (Pl10, 113)

• Always use a genuine Panasonic AC adaptor (DMW-AC7PP; optional).

• The camera cannot charge the battery even if the AC adaptor (DMW-AC7PP; optional) is connected.

26 Terminal door 27 Lens Barrel

28 29

28 Card/Battery door (P17) 29 Tripod receptacle

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

it.

VQT1 B25

Attaching the Lens

Cap/Strap

• Lens Cap (supplied)

] Pass the string through the hole

on the lens cap.

2 Pass the same string through the

hole on the camera.

Preparation

• Strap (supplied) ] Pass the strap through the hole at

the strap eyelet.

2 Pass the strap through the

stopper and fasten the strap.

3 Attach the lens cap ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

lens.

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

• Be careful not to lose the lens cap.

_,_: 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 "LUMIX" LOGO is on the outside.

VQT 1B25

Preparation

Attaching the Lens

3 Tighten the screw.

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.

| Attach the hood adaptor

(supplied). • Do not tighten the screw too much.

• Removing the hood adaptor

• Do not tighten the hood adaptor too much.

2 Place the camera upside down,

align the mark on the lens hood

with the mark _) on the camera

and then insert the lens hood.

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

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

VQT1 B25

• Temporarily storing the lens hood

...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................4 Attach the lens cap.

| Loosen the screw and remove the

lens hood.

• Ensure that the lens cap is firmly attached.

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

2 Reverse the lens hood.

• 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

3 Attach the lens hood with the

screw facing upwards and then tighten the screw again.

protector and the ND filter, refer to P118.

• You cannot attach the conversion lenses and the close-up lens when the hood

adaptor is attached.

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

• If any accessories are lost, customers in the USA should contact Panasonic's parts department at 1 800 833-9626 and

customers in Canada should contact

1 800 99-LUMIX (1-800-995-8649) for

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

further information about obtaining replacement parts.

• Do not tighten the screw too much.

Preparation

VQT 1B25

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.

| Charge the battery. (P15)

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

battery before use.

2 Insert the battery and the card.

(P17)

3 Turn the camera on to take

pictures.

• Set the clock. (P19)

0 Set the mode dial to [p].

Press the shutter button to take pictures. (P27)

4 Play back the pictures.

0 Set the mode dial to [(_].

Select the picture you want to view. (P36)

VQT1 B25

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.

• Charging starts when the [CHARG E] indicator _'_lights green.

• Charging is complete when the [CHARGE] indicator _'_,_turns off (after

about 120 minutes).

olf the [CHARGE] indicator blinks, refer

to P16.

Preparation

• 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.

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

• Use the dedicated charger and battery.

• Charge the battery with the charger

indoors.

• Do not disassemble or modify the charger.

3 Detach the battery after charging

is complete.

VQT 1B25

Preparation

About the Battery

(charging/number of recordable pictures)

• The battery life The number of recordable pictures (By ClPA standard in program AE mode [p])

Number of Approx. 380 pictures recordabe p ctures Approx. 190 rnn

Recording conditions by ClPA standard

• Temperature: 23 °C (73,4 °F)/ Humidity: 50% when LCD monitor is on.

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

• Using the supplied battery.

• Starting recording 30 seconds after the

camera is turned on. (When the optical

image stabilizer function is set to [MODE1 ])

• Recording once every 30 seconds with

full flash every second recording.

• Rotating the zoom lever from Tele to Wide

or vice versa in every recording,

• Turn the camera off every 10 recordings.

+The number of recordable pictures

decreases when the power LCD function or high angle function (P41) are used.

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

The number of recordable pictures varies depending on the recording

interval time. If the recording interval time becomes

longer, the number of recordable pictures decreases. [e.g. When recording once every 2 minutes, the number of recordable pictures decreases to about 95.]

VQT1 B25

The number of recordable pictures when using the Viewfinder

(Recording conditions comply with CIPA

standard.)

Number of Approx. 380 pictures recordab e p ctures Approx. 190 mn

Playback time when using the LCD monitor

Playbacktime IAppr°x 420 min

The number of recerdable pictures and playback time will vary depending on the

operating conditions and storing condition of the battery,

• Charging Charging time IAppr°x 120 min

Charging time and number of recordable pictures with the optional battery pack

(CGR-S006A) are the same as above.

• The [CHARG El indicator lights when charging starts.

• When the [CHARGE] indicator flashes

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

• 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.

• Charging conditions

• Charge the battery in a temperature between 10 °C to 35 °C (50 °F to 95 °F). (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 and

Removing the Battery/

the Card (optional)

• Check that this unit is turned off.

• Close the flash.

• Prepare a card. (optional)

• You can record or play back pictures

on the built-in memory when you are not using a card. (P18)

] Slide the release lever in the

direction of arrow and open the card/battery door.

Preparation

• Do not touch the connection terminals of the card.

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

3 O Close the card/battery door.

Slide the release lever in the direction of the arrow.

• If the card/battery door cannot be completely closed, remove the card,

check its direction and then insert it again.

• Always use genuine Panasonic

batteries (CG R-S006A).

• If you use other batteries, we cannot

guarantee the quality of this product.

2 Battery: data may be damaged.

Insert it fully being careful about the direction you insert it.

Pull the lever _ in the direction of

the arrow to remove the battery. Card:

Push it fully until it clicks being

careful about the direction you

insert it. Push it until it clicks and then pull

it out upright.

• Remove the battery after use.

• Do not remove the card or the battery

while the card is being accessed. The

• Do not remove the battery with the

camera turned on since the settings on the camera may not be stored properly.

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

other equipment.

• Do not insert or remove the battery or the card while this unit is turned on.

The data on the built-in memory or the card may be damaged. Be particularly

careful while the built-in memory or the card is being accessed. (P26)

• We recommend using Panasonic's card.

VQT 1B25

Preparation

About the Built-in

Memory/the Card

(optional)

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

• Built-in Memory [ri_]

You can record or play back pictures with the built-in memory.

(The built-in memory cannot be used when a card is inserted.)

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

• Picture size is fixed to QVGA (320x 240 pixels)when recording

motion pictures to the built-in memory.

(P70)

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

• Card (optional)

• The SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card and MultiMediaCard are small,

lightweight, removable external cards. Read P5 for information about cards that

can be used in this unit.

• The SDHC Memory Card is a memory card standard decided by the SD Association in 2006 for high capacity

memory cards more than 2 GB.

• The reading/writing speed of an SD

Memory Card and an SDHC Memory Card is fast. Both types of card are equipped with a Write-Protect switch _,_ that prevents writing and formatting the card. (If the switch is slid to the [LOCK] side, it is not possible to write or delete

data on the card and format it. When the switch is slid to the other side, these

functions become available.)

• This unit (SDHC compatible equipment) is compatible with SD Memory Cards based

on SD Memory Card Specifications and formatted in FAT12 system and FAT16

system. It is also compatible with SDHC Memory Cards based on SD Memory

Card Specifications and formatted in FAT32 system.

• You can use an SDHC Memory Card in equipment that is compatible with SDHC

Memory Cards however you cannot use an SDHC Memory Card in equipment that

is only compatible with SD Memory Cards. (Always read the operating instructions for

the equipment being used. If you also order a photo studio to print pictures, ask

the photo studio before printing.)

Please confirm the latest information on the

following website.

http:llpanasonic.co.jplpavclgloballcs

(This Site is English only.)

• Refer to P131 for information about the number of recordable pictures and the

available recording time for each Card.

• We recommend using High Speed SD Memory Cards/SDHC Memory Cards

when recording motion pictures. (P70)

• The data on the built-in memory or the card may be damaged or lost due to electromagnetic waves, static electricity or

breakdown of the camera or the card. We recommend storing important data on a

PC etc.

• 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.

• Do not format the card on your PC or other equipment. Format it on the camera only to ensure proper operation. (P109)

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

VQT1 B25

Setting Date/Time (Clock Set)

[]

• Initial setting

The clock is not set so the following screen

appears when you turn the camera on.

('A):[MENU/SET] button _9): Cursor buttons

I Press [MENU/SET].

2 Press AITI_III_ to select the

date and time.

Preparation

3 Press [MENU/SET] to set.

•Turn the camera off after setting the clock. Then set the mode dial to a recording

mode to turn the camera on and check whether or not the clock setting is correct.

• Changing the clock setting

1 Press [MENU/SET]. 2 Press A/y to select [CLOCK SET]. (Pg0) 3 Press • and then perform steps :2 and

3 to set the clock.

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

*You can also set the clock in the

[SETUP] menu. (P22)

• 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.

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

• If the clock is not set, the correct date cannot be printed when you stamp the date on the pictures with [DATE STAMP] (P100) or order a photo studio to print the pictures. (P103)

(A): Time at the home area (_B):Time at the travel destination (P74)

• 41/• : Select the desired item.

• A/y : Set the display order for the date and time.

• @ : Cancel without setting the clock.

VQT 1B25

Preparation

About the Mode Dial

If you turn on this unit and then rotate the mode dial, you can not only switch between recording and playback but

also switch to a scene mode that matches your recording purpose.

• Switching the mode by rotating the

mode dial

• Adjust part (_,)to the desired mode. Rotate the mode dial slowly and surely te

adjust to each mode. (The mode dial

rotates 360 o)

• The above screen (_)appears on the LCD monitorNiewfinder if the mode dial is

rotated. (P25)

• The mode currently selected appears on

the LCD monitor/Viewfinder when the camera is turned on.

• Basic p : Program AE mode (P27)

The exposure is automatically adjusted by the camera.

y : Simple mode (P30)

This mode is recommended for beginners.

(_ : Playback mode (P36)

This mode allows you to play back

recorded pictures.

• Advanced

: Intelligent ISO sensitivity mode

(P52)

This allows you to set the optimal ISO sensitivity and shutter speed according to

the movement and the brightness of the subject,

A : Aperture-priority AE mode (P56)

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

S : Shutter-priority AE mode (P56)

The aperture value is automatically determined by the shutter speed yeu set,

M : Manual exposure mode (P57)

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

manually adjusted.

SON: Scene mode (P62)

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

: Motion picture mode (P70) This mode allows you to record motion pictures.

: Print mode (Pl13)

Use this to print pictures.

VQT1 B25

Preparation

Setting the Menu

| Press &IT to select the menu

item.

• Displaying the menu screens

Press [MENU/SET].

V or

('A_Menu icons ('@Current page ('@Menu items and settings

• Rotate the zoom lever to switch to the next/previous page easily.

• The menu icons and the menu items that • Press • at _A)to switch to the next

are displayed differ depending on the ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

screen.

position of the mode dial. 2 Press I_.

• About the menu icons O [REC] mode menu (P76): _0_0)_

This is displayed when the mode dial is set

to [[]]/[_]/[[_]/[_)]/[_]/[_]/[_]. or

(_ [PLAY] mode menu (Pg7): _'_J

This is displayed when the mode dial is set ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

to [_]. 3 Press A/_' to select the setting.

SON[SCENE MODE] menu (P62): A

This is displayed when the mode dial is set

to [_]. T

"i_ [SETUP] menu (P22):

This is displayed when the mode dial is set

to [N]/[_]/[N]/[[_]/[_]/[N]/[_]/

[_].

• Setting menu items

• The following example shows how to set [QUALITY] when program AE mode [ p ]

is selected,

VQT 1B25

Preparation

• Closing the menu screen Press [MENU/SET].

• When the mode dial is set to

About the Setup Menu

• Set items as required. (Refer to P22 to 25 for each menu item.)

[[]], you can also close the menu

screen by pressing the shutter button halfway or press the center of

the joystick to finish.

• Switching to the [SETUP] menu

• Select [RESET] to return the settings to the initial settings at the time of purchase. (P24)

• [CLOCK SET], [AUTO REVIEW] and

[POWER SAVE] are important items. Check their settings before using them.

| Press _1 on a menu screen. Q [CLOCK SET] (P19)

(Changing the date and time.)

Press [_] to display the [SETUP] menu

and select the item to set. (P21)

Change date and time.

[_ [AUTO REVIEW]

(Displaying the recorded picture.)

and select the item to set. (P21)

menu icon. Set the length of time that the picture is

displayed after taking it.

[1SEC.], [3SEC.], [ZOOM], [OFF]

or in motion picture mode [_].

• The auto review function is not activated

• When pictures are recorded in auto bracket

(P49) or burst mode (P51), the auto review

3 Press I_. setting on the auto review function, (The

picture is not enlarged.)

• The auto review function is activated while pictures with audio (P82) are being

*Select a menu item next and set it.

recorded regardless of its setting. (The picture is not enlarged.)

• 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 [[_], when [AUDIO REC.] is

set to [ON] or when the quality is set to [RAW].

• In simple mode [_], the auto review function is fixed to [lSEC.].

VQT1 B25

i_zZ[POWER SAVE]

(Turning off this unit automatically.)

Press [_] to display the [SETUP] menu and select the item to set. (P21)

Power save mode is activated (the camera is automatically turned off to save the battery life) if the camera has not been used for the time selected on the setting. [1MIN.]/[2MIN.]/[SMIN.]/[10MIN.], [OFF]:

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

save mode.

• In simple mode [y], power save mode is fixed to [5MIN.].

• Power save mode is not activated in the following cases.

-When using the AC adaptor

(DMW-AC7PP; optional)

-When connecting to a PC or a printer

-When recording or playing back motion

pictures

- During a slide show (P97)

(,_, [WORLD TIME] (P74)

Press [_] to display the [SETUP] menu and select the item to set. (P21)

Set the time in your home area and travel destination.

[U_-]: Home area. [,,,._f]: Travel destination area.

[MONITOR/VlEWFINDER] Press [_._ ] to display the [SETUP] menu and select the item to set. (P21) You can adjust the brightness ef the monitor or the Viewfinder in 7 steps.

[] [GUIDE LINE]

Press [_ ] to display the [SETUP] menu and select the item to set. (P21) Set the pattern of the guide lines displayed

when taking pictures.

You can also set whether or not to have the recording information and histogram

displayed when the guide lines are displayed. (P38, 40) [REC. INFO.]: [ON]/[OFF]

[HISTOGRAM]:[ON]/[OFF] [PATTERN]: [[]]/[I_L_]

Preparation

I_ [TRAVELDATE](P72)

Press [_ ] to display the [SETUP] menu and select the item to set. (P21)

Set the departure date and the return date of the vacation.

[SET], [OFF]

{_ [PLAY ON LCD] (P40)

Press [MENU]_to display the [SETUP] menu and select the item to set. (P21)

If you selected the Viewfinder in a recording mode, the display will automatically switch to the LCD monitor when reviewing or playing back the

)ictures.

[ON], [OFF]

[ZOOM RESUME]

[MoN0]

Press _ to display the [SETUP] menu and select the item to set. (P21)

The zoom position is stored when this unit is turned off. When this unit is turned on

again, the zoom automatically returns to the position it was at when this unit was turned off. (P32) [ON], [OFF]

• The zoom resume cannot be set in the following cases.

-In simple mode [V].

-When [CONVERSION] on the [REC]

mode menu is set to [_] or [_].

VQT 1B25

Preparation

MFck[MFASSIST] (P59)

(Recording mode only) Press [_ ] to display the [SETUP] menu and select the item to set. (P21)

In manual focus, the assistance screen appears on the center of the screen to

facilitate focusing on the subject. [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.

n))) [BEEP]

Press [_] to display the [SETUP] menu and select the item to set. (P21)

This allows you to set the beep. [_( ]: No operation sound

[u_) ]: Soft operation sound [_))]: Loud operation sound

[-_,))[A F BEEP] Press [_] to display the [SETUP] menu and select this item. (P21) This allows you to set the AF beep.

[_:_ ]: No AF beep [4) ]: Soft AF beep

[_0)]: Loud AF beep

[SHUTTER]

Press [_ ] to display the [SETUP] menu and select the item to set. (P21) This allows you to set the shutter sound,

[_x]: No shutter sound [__L]: Soft shutter sound

[_ ]: Loud shutter sound

I_ [NO.RESET] Press [_] to display the [SETUP] menu

and select the item to set. (P21) The folder number is updated and the file

number starts from 0001. (P111 )

• 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 the built-in memory (P109) or the card first

and then use this function to reset the file number. A reset screen for the folder number will

then appear. Select [YES] to reset the folder number. (P111)

_R [RESET]

Press [_] to display the [SETUP] menu

and select the item to set. (P21) The [REC] or [SETUP] menu settings are

reset to the initial settings.

• [FAVORITE] (P99) is fixed to [OFF] and [ROTATE DISR] (P99) is fixed to [ON].

• If the [SETUP] menu settings are reset, the following settings are also reset.

-The birthday settings for [BABY1]/ [BABY2] (P66) and [PET] (P67) in scene

mode.

-The number of days that have passed since the departure date in [TRAVEL DATE]. (P72)

-The [WORLD TIME] (P74) setting.

- [ZOOM RESUME] (P23)

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

_,)) [VOLUME] .........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Press [_] to display the [SETUP] menu and select the item to set. (P21)

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.

VQT1 B25

[VIDEO OUT] (Pl17)

(Playback mode only) Press [_] to display the [SETUP] menu and select the item to set. (P21) Set to match the color television system in each country.

[NTSC]: Video output is set to NTSC

system.

[PAL]: Video output is set to PAL

system.

[TVASPECT] (Pl17) [] [DIAL DISPLAY] (P20)

(Playback mode only) Press ['_] to display the [SETUP] menu

and select the item to set. (P21) Set to match the type of TV.

[1_18]:

When connecting to a 16:9 screen TV.

[_]:

When connecting to a 4:3 screen TV.

[_ [MF m/ft] (PSg) Press ['_ ] to display the [SETUP] menu and select the item to set. (P21) Change the unit displayed for the focus

distance in manual focus. [m]: The distance is displayed in metres.

[ft]: The distance is displayed in feet.

[SCENE MENU] (P62)

Press [_ ] to display the [SETUP] menu and select the item to set. (P21)

Set the screen that will appear when the mode dial is set to [[]].

[AUTO]: The [SCENE MODE] menu

screen appears.

[OFF]: The recording screen in the

currently selected scene mode appears.

Press [_N_] to display the [SETUP] menu and select the item to set. (P21) Set whether or not to show the mode dial

display when the mode dial is rotated. [ON], [OFF]

@_,[LANGUAGE] Press [_ ] to display the [SETUP] menu and select the item to set. (P21) Set the language displayed on the screen.

[ENGLISH], [DEUTSCH], [FRAN(_AIS], [ESPAI_IOL], [ITALIANO], [_],

Not displayed on DMC-FZ8R

• If you set a different language by mistake,

select [_j_] from the menu icons to set the

Preparation

VQT 1B25

Preparation

LCD Monitor Display/

Switching the LCD Monitor Display

• Screen display in program AE mode

[[]_] (at the time of purchase)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

14 13 12 11

1 Recording mode 2 Flash mode (P43) 3 AF area (P27)

*The AF area displayed is bigger than

usual when taking pictures in dark

places. 4 Focus (P27) 5 Picture size (P80) 6 Quality (P80)

_"_: Jitter alert (P29)

7 Battery indication

*The indication turns red and blinks if

the remaining battery power is

exhausted. (The status indicator blinks

when the LCD monitor turns off.)

Recharge the battery or replace it with

fully charged battery.

• It does not appear when you use the camera with the AC adaptor (DMW-AC7PP; optional) connected.

8 Number of recordable pictures (P131) 9 Built-in memory/Card

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

-When using the built-in memory

NI@

-When using the card

• Do not do the following when the access indication lamps lights. The card or the data on the card may be damaged and this unit may no

longer operate normally.

-Turn this unit off.

- Remove the battery or the card.

(when using a card)

-Shake or bump this unit.

- Disconnect the AC adaptor.

(DMW-AC7PP; optional) (when

using the AC adaptor)

• Do not do the above when pictures are

being read or deleted or the built-in memory (or the card) is being

formatted (P109).

• The access time for the built-in memory

may be longer than the access time for a

card.

10 Recording state 11 AF area selection (P84) 12 Joystick operation (P29, 36, 56, 57) 13 Shutter speed (P27) 14 Aperture value (P27)

If the exposure is not adequate, the

aperture value and the shutter speed turn red. (They do not turn red when

the flash is activated.)

15 Exposure compensation (P48) 16 Metering mode (P82)

17 Optical Image Stabilizer (P50)

• Refer to Pl 19 for information about other screen displays.

• Switching the screen display You can change the screen display by pressing [DISPLAY]. This allows you to

display information while taking pictures such as the picture size or the number of

recordable pictures or take pictures without

displaying any information. Refer to P38 for details.

VQT1 B25

Bash

Taking Pictures

[]

The camera automatically sets the shutter

speed and the aperture value according to the brightness of the subject.

O: Shutter button

• The status indicator _ lights for about 1 second when you turn this unit on _.

(When using the LCD monitor.)

• The status indicator continues to light if

you turn the camera on when using the viewfinder.

1 Hold this unit gently with both

hands, keep your arms still at your side and stand with your feet slightly apart.

3 Press the shutter button halfway

to focus.

• The focus indication _2_lights green and the AF area _1_turns white to green. (3: Aperture value

• The subject is not focused in the following cases.

-The focus indication blinks (green).

-The AF area turns white to red or there is no AF area.

-The focus sound beeps 4 times.

• If the distance is beyond the focus range, the picture may not be properly

focused even if the focus indication lights.

4 Press the shutter button fully to

take a picture.

(A):AF assist lamp _9):When holding the camera vertically

2 Aim the AF area at the point you

want to focus on.

• 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.

• Be careful not to move the camera 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.

• When taking pictures, make sure your footing is stable and there is no danger of colliding with another person, a ball etc.

VQT 1B25

Basic

• Exposure (P48)

• The exposure is automatically adjusted to the appropriate exposure on this unit

(AE=Auto Exposure). However, depending on the recording conditions such as when there is backlight, the

recorded picture will be dark.

In this case, compensate the exposure. This allows you to take bright pictures.

• Focusing (P28, 54, 61)

• The picture is automatically focused on this unit (AF=Auto Focus). However, the

picture may not be properly focused in the

following cases. The focus range is 30 cm (0.98 feet) to J-

(Wide), 2 m (6.56 feet) to x (Tele)

-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 recording a very bright subject.

-When taking close-up pictures of a

subject.

-When jitter occurs.

Try using prefocus, the AF/AE lock technique or [AF MACRO].

• Color (P77, 78)

• The color of the subject will differ if the color of the light surrounding it differs such as when the light comes from sunlight or

halogen lighting. However, this unit automatically adjusts the hue to one close to real life. (auto white balance)

Set the white balance if you want to change the hue you get with auto white

balance. Adjust the white balance finely for

additional white balance adjustment.

• 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.

• 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.

• Direction detection function Pictures recorded with the camera held

vertically are played back vertically

(rotated). (Only when [ROTATE DISR] (P99) 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.

VQT1 B25

• 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 _,_appears.

• When the jitter alert appears, we recommend using a tripod. If you cannot use a tripod, be careful how you hold the camera (P27). The use of the self-timer prevents jittering caused by pressing the shutter button when you are using a tripod (P47).

• 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 (P43)

-[NIGHT PORTRAIT] (P64)

-[NIGHT SCENERY] (P65)

- [PARTY] (P65)

-[CANDLE LIGHT] (P65)

- [STARRY SKY] (P67)

- [FIREWORKS] (P68)

-When you set to a slow shutter speed

(P56, 57)

• 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).

Bash

• The program shift indication @ appears on the screen when program shift is activated.

• Program shift is canceled if the camera is turned off or the joystick is moved up and down until the program shift indication disappears.

• Example of program shift

'_ 2

(A)4

i i, 2 b 4 1_ 115 1_3 1'60 1125 1_s0 I'5031_0_)12_}0

<- (B) ÷

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

t[) Program shift amount

Program shift line chart

Program shift limit

• Ifthe 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.

VQT 1B25

Basic

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 | Press [MENU/SET].

2 Press &/_' to select the desired

menu item and then press I_.

3 Press &/_' 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.

• You can also use the joystick to perform :2 to4.

• Settings in Simple mode

t_} [PICT.MODE]

[ENLARGE] >ictures to be printed to

[4" x 6"/ printing.

10x15cm]

[E-MAIL] >ictures to e-mails or

VQT1 B25

Suitable for enlarging the 8"x 10" size, letter size

etc. Suitable for regular size

Suitable for attaching adding pictures to

websites.

[AUTO REVIEW]

_[OFF] The recorded picture does not

automatically appear.

_)[ON] The recorded picture

automatically appears on the screen for about 1 second.

0 [BEEP]

[OFF] No operation sound [LOW] Soft operation sound

_) [HIGH] Loud operation sound

_) [CLOCK SET]

Change date and time. (P19)

• If [_ 4"X6"/10X 15cm] or [0 E-MAIL] is set in [PICT.MODE], the extended optical

zoom is activated. (P33)

• The settings for [BEEP] and [CLOCK SET] in simple mode are also

applied to other recording modes.

• The settings for [WORLD TIME] (P23), [MONITOR/VlEWFINDER] (P23),

[TRAVEL DATE] (P23), [ZOOM RESUME] (P23), [BEEP] (P24), [AF BEEP] (P24),

[SHUTTER] (P24), [NO.RESET] (P24), [DIAL DISPLAY] (P25) and [LANGUAGE] (P25) in the [SETUP] menu are applied to 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.

• [AUTO REVIEW] (P22): [1SEC.]

• [POWER SAVE] (P23): [5MIN.]

• Self-timer (P47): 10 seconds

• Optical Image Stabilizer (P50): [MODE1]

• Burst speed (P51): Low speed (2 frames/second)

• [W.BALANCE] (P77): [AWB]

+ 116 hidden pages