PANASONIC DMCGH2KEB, DMCGH2HEB, DMCGH2EB User Manual

EB

Operating Instructions

Web Site: http://www.panasonic-europe.com

Digital Camera/

Lens Kit/Body

Model No. DMC-GH2H/DMC-GH2K

DMC-GH2

Before use, please read these instructions completely.

Model number suffix “EB” denotes UK model.

VQT3A48-2

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. 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.

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.

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.

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

∫ Product identification marking

Product Location

Digital camera Bottom

Battery charger Bottom

∫ About the battery pack

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.

Do not heat or expose to flame.

•

• Do not leave the battery(ies) in an automobile exposed to direct sunlight for a long period of

time with doors and windows closed.

Warning

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

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2

Caution for AC mains lead

For your safety, please read the following
text carefully.

This appliance is supplied with a moulded
three pin mains plug for your safety and
convenience.
A 5-ampere fuse is fitted in this plug.
Should the fuse need to be replaced
please ensure that the replacement fuse
has a rating of 5-ampere and that it is
approved by ASTA or BSI to BS1362.
Check for the ASTA mark Ï or the BSI
mark Ì on the body of the fuse.

If the plug contains a removable fuse
cover you must ensure that it is refitted
when the fuse is replaced.
If you lose the fuse cover the plug must
not be used until a replacement cover is
obtained.
A replacement fuse cover can be
purchased from your local dealer.

CAUTION!

IF THE FITTED MOULDED PLUG IS
UNSUITABLE FOR THE SOCKET
OUTLET IN YOUR HOME THEN THE
FUSE SHOULD BE REMOVED AND
THE PLUG CUT OFF AND DISPOSED
OF SAFELY.
THERE IS A DANGER OF SEVERE
ELECTRICAL SHOCK IF THE CUT OFF
PLUG IS INSERTED INTO ANY 13­AMPERE SOCKET.

If a new plug is to be fitted please
observe the wiring code as stated below.
If in any doubt please consult a qualified
electrician.

∫ IMPORTANT

The wires in this mains lead are coloured
in accordance with the following code:
Blue: Neutral, Brown: Live.
As these colours may not correspond with
the coloured markings identifying the
terminals in your plug, proceed as follows:
The wire which is coloured Blue must be
connected to the terminal which is marked
with the letter N or coloured Black or Blue.
The wire which is coloured Brown must be
connected to the terminal which is marked
with the letter L or coloured Brown or Red.

WARNING: DO NOT CONNECT EITHER
WIRE TO THE EARTH TERMINAL
WHICH IS MARKED WITH THE LETTER
E, BY THE EARTH SYMBOL Ó OR
COLOURED GREEN OR
GREEN/YELLOW.

THIS PLUG IS NOT WATERPROOF

-

KEEP DRY.

∫ Before use

Remove the connector cover.

∫ How to replace the fuse

The location of the fuse differ according to
the type of AC mains plug (figures A and
B). Confirm the AC mains plug fitted and
follow the instructions below.
Illustrations may differ from actual AC
mains plug.

1. Open the fuse cover with a screwdriver.

2. Replace the fuse and close or attach
the fuse cover.

Fuse cover

Figure A Figure B

Figure A Figure B

Fuse
(5 ampere)

Fuse
(5 ampere)

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∫ About the battery charger

CAUTION!

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

•

ANOTHER CONFINED SPACE. ENSURE THE UNIT IS WELL VENTILATED. TO
PREVENT RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK OR FIRE HAZARD DUE TO OVERHEATING,
ENSURE THAT CURTAINS AND ANY OTHER MATERIALS DO NOT OBSTRUCT THE
VENTILATION VENTS.

• DO NOT OBSTRUCT THE UNIT’S VENTILATION OPENINGS WITH NEWSPAPERS,

TABLECLOTHS, CURTAINS, AND SIMILAR ITEMS.

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

THE UNIT.

• DISPOSE OF BATTERIES IN AN ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY MANNER.

The battery charger is in the standby condition when the AC power supply cord is connected.

•

The primary circuit is always “live” as long as the power cord is connected to an electrical
outlet.

∫ Care of the camera

•

Do not strongly shake or bump the camera by dropping or hitting it. Do not subject to
strong pressure.

The camera may malfunction, recording pictures may become impossible, or the lens, the LCD
monitor or the external case may be damaged.

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

malfunction.

– Places with a lot of sand or dust.
– Places where water can come into contact with this unit such as when using it on a rainy day

or on a beach.

• Do not touch the lens or the sockets with dirty hands. Also, be careful not to allow

liquids, sand and other foreign matter to get into the space around the lens, buttons etc.

• This camera is not waterproof. If water or seawater splashes on the camera, use a dry

cloth to wipe the camera body carefully.
If the unit does not operate normally, please contact the dealer where you purchased the
camera or the repair service centre.

• Do not place your hands inside the mount of the digital camera body. Since the sensor

unit is a precision apparatus, it may cause a malfunction or damage.

∫ About Condensation (When the lens, the viewfinder or LCD Monitor is fogged up)

•

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

• If condensation occurs, turn the camera off and leave it for about 2 hours. The fog will

disappear naturally when the temperature of the camera becomes close to the ambient
temperature.

∫ Read together with the “Cautions for Use”. (P177)

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4

Information for Users on Collection and Disposal of Old Equipment and used
Batteries

These symbols on the products, packaging, and/or accompanying
documents mean that used electrical and electronic products and
batteries should not be mixed with general household waste.
For proper treatment, recovery and recycling of old products and used
batteries, please take them to applicable collection points, in accordance
with your national legislation and the Directives 2002/96/EC and 2006/
66/EC.
By disposing of these products and batteries correctly, you will help to
save valuable resources and prevent any potential negative effects on
human health and the environment which could otherwise arise from
inappropriate waste handling.
For more information about collection and recycling of old products and
batteries, please contact your local municipality, your waste disposal
service or the point of sale where you purchased the items.
Penalties may be applicable for incorrect disposal of this waste, in
accordance with national legislation.

For business users in the European Union

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

[Information on Disposal in other Countries outside the European
Union]

These symbols are only valid in the European Union. If you wish to
discard these items, please contact your local authorities or dealer and
ask for the correct method of disposal.

Note for the battery symbol (bottom two symbol examples):

This symbol might be used in combination with a chemical symbol. In this
case it complies with the requirement set by the Directive for the
chemical involved.

Cd

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5

Contents

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

Before Use

Accessories .............................................. 9

Names and Functions of Components ... 12

About the Lens ....................................... 19

Preparation

Attaching/Detaching the Lens................. 21

Attaching the Shoulder Strap.................. 23

Preparing the Battery.............................. 24

• Charging the Battery ........................ 24

• Inserting/Removing the Battery ........ 25

• Approximate operating time and

number of recordable pictures ......... 26

Preparing the Card (Optional) ................ 28

• Inserting/Removing the Card

(Optional) ......................................... 28

• About cards that can be used with

this unit............................................. 29

• Approximate number of recordable

pictures and operating time.............. 30

Setting Date/Time (Clock Set) ................ 31

• Changing the clock setting ............... 31

Basic

Selecting the [REC] Mode ...................... 32

Taking a Still picture ............................... 34

• How to set focus when taking a still

picture (AFS/AFC)............................ 34

• Taking Pictures with Your Favourite
Settings

(³: Programme AE Mode) .............. 35

• Taking pictures using the Touch

Shutter function ................................ 38

Playing Back Pictures............................. 39

• Changing the information displayed

on the playback screen .................... 40

Recording Motion Picture....................... 43

• How to set focus when recording a

motion picture (Continuous AF) ....... 43

• Recording Motion Picture ................. 44

Playing Back Motion Pictures................. 46

Taking Pictures using the Automatic

Function (ñ: Intelligent Auto Mode)....... 48

Deleting Pictures .................................... 52

Setting the Menu .................................... 54

• Setting menu items........................... 55

Setting the Quick Menu .......................... 56

About the Setup Menu............................ 58

Recording

Switching the Display of the LCD

Monitor/Viewfinder.................................. 64

• Switching the Information Displayed

on the recording screen ................... 64

Taking Pictures with the Zoom ............... 67

• Using the Optical Zoom/
Using the Extra Tele Conversion

(EX)/Using the Digital Zoom............. 67

Taking Pictures using the Built-in

Flash....................................................... 69

• Switching to the appropriate flash

setting............................................... 69

• Adjust the flash output...................... 74

Optical Image Stabilizer.......................... 74

Compensating the Exposure .................. 76

Taking Pictures using Burst Mode.......... 77

Taking Pictures using Auto Bracket........ 79

Taking Pictures with the Self-timer ......... 81

Setting the Method used to Focus

(AF Mode)............................................... 82

Taking Pictures with Manual Focus........ 85

Fixing the Focus and the Exposure

(AF/AE Lock) .......................................... 87

Adjusting the White Balance................... 88

Setting the Light Sensitivity .................... 91

Taking Pictures by Specifying

the Aperture/Shutter Speed .................... 93

• [±] Aperture-priority AE................... 93

• [´] Shutter-priority AE ..................... 93

Taking Picture by Setting the Exposure

Manually ................................................. 94

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6

Confirm the Effects of Aperture and

Shutter Speed (Preview Mode)...............96

Taking Expressive Portraits and
Landscape Pictures

(Advanced Scene Mode) ........................97

• [PORTRAIT]............................... 97

• [SCENERY]................................98

• [CLOSE-UP]...............................98

Taking Pictures that match the Scene

being recorded ( : Scene Mode) ..........99

• [PERIPHERAL DEFOCUS]........99

. [NIGHT PORTRAIT] ................. 100

•

/ [NIGHT SCENERY].................. 100

•

• ï [SUNSET].................................100

• 2 [PARTY] ...................................101

- [SPORTS] ................................101

•

• : [BABY1]/; [BABY2] ............... 101

• í [PET] ........................................ 102

Taking Pictures while Adjusting Colour

( : My Colour Mode)...........................103

Taking Pictures in Custom Mode ..........105

Selecting the Mode and Recording
Motion Pictures

( : Creative Motion Picture Mode)......106

• [MANUAL MOVIE MODE] ........ 106

• [24P CINEMA] ..........................106

• [VARIABLE MOVIE MODE] .....107

Recording still pictures while recording

motion pictures......................................108

Taking a Picture with Face Recognition

Function ................................................109

Useful Functions at Travel

Destinations ..........................................115

Entering Text.........................................117

Using the [REC] Mode Menu ................118

• [FILM MODE] ...........................118

• ? [ASPECT RATIO] ..................... 120

• @ [PICTURE SIZE] ...................... 120

• A [QUALITY]................................121

• [FACE RECOG.] ...................... 122

• C [METERING MODE] ................122

• [STABILIZER]...........................122

• [FLASH]....................................122

• [RED-EYE REMOVAL] ............. 123

• [FLASH SYNCHRO].................123

• [FLASH ADJUST.]....................123

• [I.RESOLUTION]......................123

• [I.DYNAMIC] (Intelligent

dynamic range control).............124

• [ISO LIMIT SET] .......................124

• [LONG SHTR NR] ....................124

• [EX. TELE CONV.] ...................124

• ) [DIGITAL ZOOM]......................125

• [BURST RATE].........................125

• [AUTO BRACKET] ................... 125

• [ASPECT BRACKET] ...............125

• [SELF-TIMER] .......................... 125

• [COLOR SPACE] .....................126

Using the [MOTION PICTURE]

Mode Menu ...........................................127

• [REC MODE]............................127

• [REC QUALITY] .......................127

• [EXPOSURE MODE]................128

• ! [PICTURE MODE]....................128

• [CONTINUOUS AF]..................129

• [WIND CUT] .............................129

• B [MIC LEVEL DISP.] ..................129

• [MIC LEVEL ADJ.] ....................129

• [REC HIGHLIGHT] ...................129

Using the [CUSTOM] Menu ..................130

Playback/Editing

Playing Back Burst Pictures..................137

Editing Burst Pictures............................138

Creating Still Pictures from a Motion

Picture...................................................140

Using the [PLAYBACK] Mode Menu.....141

• [2D/3D SETTINGS] .................. 141

• [SLIDE SHOW]......................... 141

• [PLAYBACK MODE].................143

• [TITLE EDIT] ............................144

• [TEXT STAMP].........................145

• [VIDEO DIVIDE] .......................146

• Q [RESIZE] Reducing the picture

size (number of pixels) .............147

• [CROPPING] ............................ 148

• ? [ASPECT CONV.].....................148

• N [ROTATE]/

M [ROTATE DISP.] ......................149

• Ü [FAVORITE] .............................150

• [PRINT SET].............................151

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7

• P [PROTECT].............................. 152

• [FACE REC EDIT] ................... 153

Connecting to other equipment

Enjoying 3D pictures............................. 154

Playing Back Pictures on a TV

Screen .................................................. 157

Saving the Recorded Still Pictures and

Motion Pictures..................................... 162

Connecting to a PC .............................. 164

Printing the Pictures ............................. 167

Others

Optional accessories ............................ 171

LCD Monitor Display/Viewfinder

Display.................................................. 174

Cautions for Use................................... 177

Message Display .................................. 183

Troubleshooting.................................... 186

Specifications ....................................... 195

Sales and Support Information

Customer Care Centre

• For customers within the UK: 0844 844 3852

• For customers within Ireland: 01 289 8333

• Visit our website for product information

www.panasonic.co.uk

• E-mail: [e-mail]

Technical Support for AV Software

• For customers within the UK: 0844 844 3869

• For customers within Ireland: 01 289 8333

Direct Sales at Panasonic UK

• For customers: 0844 844 3856

•

Order accessory and consumable items for
your product with ease and confidence by
phoning our Customer Care Centre
Monday– Thursday 9.00 a.m.– 5.30 p.m.,
Friday 9.30 a.m.– 5.30 p.m. (Excluding public
holidays)

• Or go on line through our Internet Accessory

ordering application at
www.pas-europe.com

• Most major credit and debit cards accepted.

• All enquiries transactions and distribution

facilities are provided directly by Panasonic
UK.

• It couldn’t be simpler!

• Also available through our Internet is direct

shopping for a wide range of finished
products, take a browse on our website for
further details.

.

VQT3A48

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Before Use

Before Use

Accessories

Check that all the accessories are supplied before using the camera.
Product numbers correct as of October 2010. These may be subject to change.
1 Digital Camera Body

(This is referred to as camera body in these operating instructions.)

2 Interchangeable Lens

“LUMIX G VARIO HD 14 – 140 mm/F4.0– 5.8 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S.”
(This is referred to as lens in these operating instructions.)

3 Lens Hood
4 Lens Cap

(This is attached to the interchangeable lens at the time of purchase.)

5 Lens Rear Cap

(This is attached to the interchangeable lens at the time of purchase.)
6 Lens Storage Bag
7 Interchangeable Lens

“LUMIX G VARIO 14 – 42 mm/F3.5–5.6 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S.”

(This is referred to as lens in these operating instructions.)
8 Lens Hood
9 Lens Cap

(This is attached to the interchangeable lens at the time of purchase.)
10 Lens Rear Cap

(This is attached to the interchangeable lens at the time of purchase.)
11 Lens Storage Bag
12 Battery Pack

(Indicated as battery pack or battery in the text)

Charge the battery before use.
13 Battery Charger

(Indicated as battery charger or charger in the text)
14 AC Mains Lead
15 AV Cable
16 USB Connection Cable
17 Body Cap

(This is attached to the camera body at the time of purchase.)
18 CD-ROM

•

Software:
Use it to install the software to your PC.

19 Shoulder Strap
20 Stylus pen
21 Battery Case

¢1 Supplied in DMC-GH2H only
¢2 Supplied in

• SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card and SDXC Memory Card are indicated as card in the

text.

• The card is optional.

• Description in these operating instructions is based on the 14– 42 mm/F3.5– 5.6 lens supplied

in DMC-GH2K.

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

can purchase the accessories separately.)

DMC-GH2K only

VQT3A48

9

1

12 13 14 15 16

17 18 19 20 21

DMW-BLC12E DE-A80A

K2CT39A00002 K1HA14CD0004 K1HA14AD0003

VGQ0Q65

VKF4385 VFC4602 VGQ0C14

23 4 5 6

H-VS014140 VYC0997 VYF3250 VFC4315 VFC4430

78 9 1011

H-FS014042 VYC1009 VYF3201 VFC4315 VFC4456

DMC-GH2K

2

DMC-GH2H

1

Before Use

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10

∫ Optional Accessories

•

Battery Pack
DMW-BLC12E

• AC Adaptor

DMW-AC8EB

• DC Coupler

DMW-DCC8GU

1

¢

1

¢

• Zoom Lever

DMW-ZL1E

• Flash

DMW-FL220E
DMW-FL360E
DMW-FL500E

• Interchangeable Lens

H-VS014140E
H-FS014042E
H-FS014045E
H-FS045200E
H-F007014E
H-ES045E
H-H020E
H-F008E
H-H014E
H-FS100300E
H-FT012E
(Read P19 for information about other lenses
that can be used.)

• MC Protector

DMW-LMCH62E
DMW-LMC52E

• ND Filter

DMW-LND62E
DMW-LND52E

• PL Filter (Circular Type)

DMW-LPL62E
DMW-LPL52E

• Leather Bag

DMW-BAL1

¢2

¢3

¢2

¢3

¢2

¢3

• Soft Bag

DMW-BAG1

• Soft Case

DMW-CG2

• Shoulder Strap

DMW-SSTL1
DMW-SSTG1
DMW-SSTG2
DMW-SSTG3
DMW-SSTG5
DMW-SSTG6

• Remote Shutter

DMW-RSL1E

• Stereo Microphone

DMW-MS1E

• HDMI mini cable

RP-CDHM15E
RP-CDHM30E

Before Use

• Mount Adaptor

DMW-MA1E
DMW-MA2ME
DMW-MA3RE

• Tripod Adaptor

DMW-TA1E

• SDXC Memory Card

64 GB: RP-SDW64GE1K
48 GB: RP-SDW48GE1K

• SDHC Memory Card

32 GB: RP-SDW32GE1K/RP-SDP32GE1K
24 GB: RP-SDP24GE1K
16 GB: RP-SDW16GE1K/RP-SDP16GE1K
8 GB: RP-SDW08GE1K/RP-SDP08GE1K/

4 GB: RP-SDW04GE1K/RP-SDP04GE1K/

• SD Memory Card

2 GB: RP-SDP02GE1K/RP-SDR02GE1A

¢4

RP-SDR08GE1A

RP-SDR04GE1A

Some optional accessories may not be
available in some countries.

¢1 The AC Adaptor (optional) can only be

used with the designated Panasonic DC
Coupler (optional). The AC adaptor
(optional) cannot be used by itself.

¢

2 When the 14– 140 mm/F4.0– 5.8 lens

included in

¢

3 When the 14– 42 mm/F3.5 – 5.6 lens

included in

¢

4 Use if the attached lens is in contact with

the tripod pedestal.

DMC-GH2H is used

DMC-GH2K is used

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11

Before Use

23

76 5 4

1

10 12

18 19

89

11 13 142215 16

17 20 21

Names and Functions of Components

∫ Camera body

1 Flash (P69)
2 Sensor
3 Self-timer indicator (P81)/

AF Assist Lamp (P132)
4 Lens release button (P22)
5 Lens lock pin
6 Mount
7 Lens fitting mark (P21)

8 [LVF/LCD] button (P16)
9 Diopter adjustment dial (P16)
10 Viewfinder (P16, 64, 174)
11 Eye sensor (P16)
12 Playback button (P39, 46)
13 [AF/AE LOCK] button (P87)
14 Camera ON/OFF switch (P31)
15 Rear dial (P18)
16 [DISPLAY] button (P40, 64, 96)
17 Eye Cup (P178)
18 Touch panel/LCD monitor (P16, 39, 64,

174)
19 [Q.MENU] button (P49, 56, 84)
20 Delete button (P52)/

Preview button (P96)
21 [MENU/SET] button (P17, 55)
22 Cursor buttons (P17)

3/ISO (P91)

1/WB (White Balance) (P88)

2/Function 2 button (P18)

4/Function 3 button (P18)

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12

23 Focus mode lever (P34, 43, 82, 85)

3029

26

27

3433

323128

MF

AFC

AFS

23

24

25

37

36

35

38

40

39

24 Auto focus mode dial

Face Detection ([ ]) (P82): š
AF Tracking ([ ]) (P83):
23-area-focusing ([ ]) (P83):
1-area-focusing ([Ø]) (P84): Ø

25 Stereo microphone
26 Drive mode lever

Single (P35):
Burst (P77):
Auto Bracket (P79):

Self-timer (P81):
27 Shutter button (P35)
28 Focus distance reference mark (P86)
29 Flash open lever (P69)
30 Hot shoe (P171, 173)
31 Mode dial (P32)
32 Status indicator (P31)
33 Motion picture button (P44)
34 Function 1 button (P18)

35 [MIC/REMOTE] socket (P172, 173)
36 Shoulder strap eyelet (P23)

•

Be sure to attach the shoulder strap when
using the camera to ensure that you will not
drop it.

37 [HDMI] socket (P158)
38 [AV OUT/DIGITAL] socket (P157, 162, 164,

167)

39 Card door (P28)
40 DC coupler cover

•

When using an AC adaptor, ensure that the
Panasonic DC coupler (DMW-DCC8;
optional) and AC adaptor (DMW-AC8E;
optional) are used. (P173)

Before Use

41 Battery door (P25)
42 Release lever (P25)
43 Tripod receptacle (P182)

•

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

434241

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13

Before Use

52 53 54 55 56 57 58

∫ Lens
H-VS014140 (LUMIX G VARIO HD 14– 140 mm/F4.0 –5.8 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S.)

44 Tele
45 Lens surface
46 Focus ring (P85)
47 Wide
48 Zoom ring (P67)
49 [O.I.S.] switch (P74)
50 Contact point
51 Lens fitting mark (P21)

H-FS014042 (LUMIX G VARIO 14–42 mm/F3.5– 5.6 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S.)

52 Tele
53 Lens surface
54 Focus ring (P85)
55 Wide
56 Zoom ring (P67)
57 Contact point
58 Lens fitting mark (P21)

LCD Monitor

At the time when this camera is purchased, the LCD monitor is stowed in the camera body.
Bring out the LCD monitor as shown below.

44 45

46 47

48

49

50 51

1 Open the LCD monitor. (Maximum 180o)
2 It can be rotated 180o forward.
3 Return the monitor to its original position.

•

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

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Before Use

The LCD monitor can be rotated to suit your needs. This is convenient as it allows you to
take pictures from various angles by adjusting the LCD monitor.

•

Do not cover the AF Assist Lamp with your fingers or other objects.

∫ Taking pictures at a high angle

•

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

• It can only be rotated 90o towards you.

∫ Taking pictures at a low angle

•

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

• It can be rotated 180o forward.

Note

•

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

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Before Use

Viewfinder

∫ About the eye sensor automatic switching

Eye sensor is active when the [AUTO SWITCH] of the [LVF/LCD SWITCH] (P134) in the
[CUSTOM] menu is set to [ON], switching automatically to viewfinder display when an eye
or object is moved closer to the viewfinder, and to LCD monitor display when moved away.
Sensitivity of the eye sensor can be set to [LOW] or [HIGH] with [SENSITIVITY].

•

Eye sensor might not work properly depending on the shape of your eyeglasses, the way you
hold the camera, or bright light shining around the eyepiece. Switch manually in that case.

• The eye sensor is disabled during motion picture playback and slide show.

∫ Switching the LCD monitor/Viewfinder manually

Press [LVF/LCD] to switch the monitor screen.

A [LVF/LCD] button
B Eye sensor

∫ Diopter adjustment
Adjust the diopter to suit your vision so that you can see

the characters displayed in the viewfinder clearly.

Touch Panel

This touch panel is a type that detects pressure.

Touch the screen

To touch and release the touch panel.

Drag

A movement without releasing the touch panel.

Use this to perform tasks such as selecting
icons or images displayed on the touch
panel.

•

It may not operate properly when multiple
icons are touched simultaneously, so try to
touch the centre of the icon.

VQT3A48

16

This is used when performing tasks such as
moving to the next image by dragging
horizontally, or changing the range of the
displayed image.
This can also be used to perform tasks such
as switching the screen by operating the
slide bar.

Before Use

ョㄏビ

ョㄏピ

Note

•

If you use a commercially available liquid crystal protection
sheet, please follow the instructions that accompany the
sheet. (Some liquid crystal protection sheets may impair
visibility or operability.)

• Apply a little extra pressure when touching if you have a

commercially available protection sheet affixed or if you feel it
is not responding well.

• Touch panel will not operate properly when the hand holding

this unit is pressing on the touch panel.

• Do not press on the LCD monitor with hard pointed tips, such as ball point pens.

• Do not operate with your fingernails.

• Wipe the LCD monitor with dry soft cloth when it gets dirty with finger prints and others.

• Do not scratch or press the LCD monitor too hard.

• For information about the icons displayed on the touch panel, refer to “LCD Monitor Display/

Viewfinder Display

” on P174.

∫ About the Stylus pen

It is easier to use the stylus pen (supplied) for detailed operation or if it is hard to operate
with your fingers.

• Only use the supplied stylus pen.

• Do not place it where small children can reach.

Cursor buttons/[MENU/SET] button

This document expresses the up, down, left, and right of the cursor button as follows, or as
3/4/2/1.

e.g.: When you press the 4 (down) button

or Press 4

Even when the camera is operated using the touch panel, it is
possible to operate with the cursor button and [MENU/SET] button
if a guide like the one shown on the right is displayed.

Cursor button: Selection of items or setting of values etc. is
performed.
[MENU/SET]: Confirmation of setting contents or exit from menu
is performed.

VQT3A48

17

Before Use

Rear Dial

There are 2 ways to operate the rear dial, rotating left or right, and deciding by pressing.

Rotating:
Selection of items or setting of values is performed during the various settings.
Pressing:
Operations that are the same as [MENU/SET] button, such as selection of settings
and exiting the menu, are performed during the various settings.

•

Rear dial is described as follows in these operating instructions.

e.g.: Rotating left or right e.g.: Pressing the rear dial

Function button

At the time of purchase, [INTELLIGENT AUTO] is assigned to the
[Fn1] button, [FILM MODE] to the 2 (Fn2) button and
[METERING MODE] to the 4 (Fn3) button.

•

The functions to be assigned can be selected from the menu below
using [Fn BUTTON SET] in the [CUSTOM] menu.

[REC] menu/Recording functions

[INTELLIGENT AUTO]/[FILM MODE]/
[FOCUS AREA SET]/[ASPECT RATIO]/[QUALITY]/

[CUSTOM] menu

[GUIDE LINE]/[SHUTTER AF]/

[PRE AF]/[ REC AREA]
[1 SHOT ]/[METERING MODE]/[1 SHOT Ù]/
[FLASH]/[FLASH ADJUST.]/[ISO LIMIT SET]/
[EX. TELE CONV.]/[BURST RATE]/
[AUTO BRACKET]

Note

Refer to P118 for details about [REC] Mode menu.

•

• Refer to P130 for details about [CUSTOM] menu.

• When [INTELLIGENT AUTO] is set, pushing the button will switch to Intelligent Auto Mode.

(Pressing the button again or turning off the camera will cancel the setting.)

• When set to [FOCUS AREA SET], it is possible to display the position setting screen of either

AF area or MF Assist.

• When [1 SHOT ] is set, it will record the RAW file and a fine JPEG image simultaneously

once only. It will return to original quality after recording.

• When [1 SHOT Ù] is set, it will record with [METERING MODE] set to [Ù] (spot) once only. It

will return to original Metering Mode after recording.

VQT3A48

18

Before Use

About the Lens

∫ Micro Four Thirds™ mount specification lens

This unit can use the dedicated lenses compatible with
the Micro Four Thirds System lens mount specification
(Micro Four Thirds mount).

•

Select a lens that matches the scene being recorded and
your use of the pictures.

∫ Four Thirds™ mount specification lens

Lens with the Four Thirds mount specification can be
used by using the mount adaptor (DMW-MA1; optional).

∫ Leica mount specification lens

When you use the M mount adaptor or R mount adaptor (DMW-MA2M, DMW-MA3R; optional),

•

you can use Leica M Mount or Leica R Mount interchangeable lenses.

– For certain lenses, the actual distance at which the subject is in focus may differ slightly from

the rated distance.

– When using a Leica lens mount adaptor, set [SHOOT W/O LENS] (P136) to [ON].

About the functions of your lens

• Depending on the type of lens, you may not be able to use some functions such as the

Direction Detection Function (P36), [STABILIZER] (P74), Quick AF (P131) and Continuous AF
(P131).

• The available flash range etc. differs depending on the aperture value of the lens you are using.

• Take some test pictures with the lens you are using.

VQT3A48

19

Before Use

• The focal length for the lens is twice that of a 35 mm film camera.

(A 50 mm lens is equivalent to a 100 mm lens.)
Focal length of the 3D interchangeable lens can be checked on the following website.

Interchangeable lenses that can be used with this unit and Auto Focus/Auto
Aperture Operation (As of October 2010)

(±: Usable, ¥: Some functions/features limited, —: Not usable)

Lens type

Micro Four Thirds
mount specification
lens

HD motion picture
compatible lens
supplied with the
DMC-GH2H
(H-VS014140)

when recording still

pictures

Auto

Focus

±

([AFS],

Auto

aperture

setting

±±

[AFC])

while recording
motion pictures

Auto

Focus

¢4

Auto

aperture

setting

±

(LUMIX G VARIO HD)

The Lens supplied
in DMC-GH2K.
(H-FS014042)

±

([AFS],
[AFC])

±¥

¢4, 5

¢7

¥

The 3D
interchangeable lens

————

(H-FT012; optional)

Four Thirds mount
specification lens

¢1

Other Micro Four
Thirds mount
specification lens

Four Thirds mount
specification lens
compatible to

¢3

±

([AFS],
[AFC])

¥

([AFS])

±¥

±¥

¢4, 5

¢6

¢7

¥

¢7

¥

contrast AF

Four Thirds mount
specification lens
not compatible to

¢8

¥

([AFS])

±¥

¢6, 8

¢7

¥

contrast AF

Leica mount
specification lens

Interchangeable

¢2

lens for Leica

————

¢1 Mount adaptor (DMW-MA1; optional) is necessary to use with this unit.
¢2 A Leica lens mount adaptor (DMW-MA2M or DMW-MA3R; optional) is necessary.
¢3 This function is not supported by some Micro Four Thirds mount specification lenses.

For lens operations, please see our website.

4 When recording motion pictures, the focus is continuously adjusted for both [AFS] and [AFC] (P43).

¢
¢5 AF tracking is slower than the HD motion picture compatible lens, also the sound of Auto

Focus operation may be recorded.

¢6 Auto Focus is activated only when the shutter button is pressed halfway. The sound of Auto

Focus operation may be recorded at this time.

¢7 The sound of Aperture operation may be recorded.
¢8 AF performance may differ depending on the lens used. Refer to the website for details.

Refer to catalogues/Web pages for most current information regarding compatible lenses.
http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dsc/ (This Site is English only.)

VQT3A48

20

Preparation

Preparation

Attaching/Detaching the Lens

• Check that the camera is turned off.

• Change lenses where there is not a lot of dirt or dust. Refer to P178, P179 when dirt or dust

gets on the lens.

Attaching a lens to the camera body

Turn the lens rear cap A and the body cap B in the direction of the
arrow to detach them.

• Do not put your hands inside the mount.

Align the lens fitting marks C (red
marks) on the camera body and the lens
and then rotate the lens in the direction
of the arrow until it clicks.

• Do not press the lens release button D when you

attach a lens.

• Do not try to attach the lens when holding it at an

angle to the camera body as the lens mount may
get scratched.

Detach the lens cap.

VQT3A48

21

Preparation

Detaching a lens from the camera body

Attach the lens cap.

Press the lens release button D while
turning the lens as far as possible in the
direction of the arrow to detach it.

• Always attach the body cap to the camera body so

that dirt or dust does not get inside.

• Attach the lens rear cap so that the lens contact

point does not get scratched.

Note

It is recommended to attach the lens cap or attach the MC Protector (optional) to protect the

•

lens surface when carrying. (P172)

Attaching the Lens Hood

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

To attach the lens hood (flower shape) that came with the lens supplied in
DMC-GH2H/DMC-GH2K

Insert the lens hood into the lens
with the short sides at the top and
bottom, and turn in the direction
of the arrow until it stops.

A Fitting to the mark.

Note

•

When temporarily detaching and carrying the lens hood supplied
with the DMC-GH2H/DMC-GH2K, attach the lens hood to the lens
in the reverse direction.

VQT3A48

22

Preparation

Attaching the Shoulder Strap

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

dropping.

Pass the shoulder strap through the
shoulder strap eyelet on the camera body.

A: Shoulder strap eyelet

Pass the end of the shoulder strap through
the ring in the direction of the arrow and
then pass it through the stopper.

Pass the end of the shoulder strap through
the hole on the other side of the stopper.

Pull the other side of the
shoulder strap and then check
that it will not come out.

• Perform steps 1 to 4 and then attach

the other side of the shoulder strap.

Note

Use the shoulder strap around your shoulder.

•
– Do not wrap the strap around your neck.
– It may result in injury or accident.

• Do not leave the shoulder strap where an infant can reach it.
– It may result in an accident by mistakenly wrapping around the neck.

VQT3A48

23

Preparation

Preparing the Battery

∫ About batteries that you can use with this unit
The battery that can be used with this unit is DMW-BLC12E.

It has been found that counterfeit battery packs which look very similar to the
genuine product are made available to purchase in some markets. Some of these
battery packs are not adequately protected with internal protection to meet the
requirements of appropriate safety standards. There is a possibility that these
battery packs may lead to fire or explosion. Please be advised that we are not
liable for any accident or failure occurring as a result of use of a counterfeit
battery pack. To ensure that safe products are used we would recommend that a
genuine Panasonic battery pack is used.

Use the dedicated charger and battery.

•

• The camera has a function for distinguishing batteries which can be used safely. The

dedicated battery (DMW-BLC12E) supports this function. The only batteries suitable for
use with this unit are genuine Panasonic products and batteries manufactured by other
companies and certified by Panasonic. (Batteries which do not support this function
cannot be used.) Panasonic cannot in any way guarantee the quality, performance or
safety of batteries which have been manufactured by other companies and are not
genuine Panasonic products.

Charging the Battery

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

• Charge the battery with the charger indoors.

Attach the battery paying
attention to the direction of the
battery.

Connect the AC mains lead.

• Disconnect the charger from the

electrical socket and detach the battery
after charging is completed.

VQT3A48

24

Preparation

∫ About the [CHARGE] indicator

The [CHARGE]
indicator turns on: The [CHARGE] indicator

The [CHARGE]
indicator turns off: The [CHARGE] indicator

When the [CHARGE] indicator flashes

•

– The battery temperature is too high or too low. It is recommended to charge the battery again

in an ambient temperature of between 10 oC to 30 oC (50 oF to 86 oF).

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

∫ Charging time

Charging time Approx. 140 min

The indicated charging time is for when the battery has been discharged completely.

•

The charging time may vary depending on how the battery has been used. The charging
time for the battery in hot/cold environments or a battery that has not been used for a
long time may be longer than normal.

Note

Do not leave any metal items (such as clips) near the contact areas of the power plug.

•

Otherwise, a fire and/or electric shocks may be caused by short-circuiting or the
resulting heat generated.

• The battery can be recharged even when it still has some charge left, but it is not

recommended that the battery charge be frequently topped up while the battery is fully
charged. (Since characteristic swelling may occur.)

charging has completed without any problem.

A is turned on and charging will start.

A of the charger will turn off once the

Inserting/Removing the Battery

• Check that this unit is turned off.

Slide the release lever in the direction of
the arrow and open the battery door.

• Always use genuine Panasonic batteries

(DMW-BLC12E).

• If you use other batteries, we cannot guarantee

the quality of this product.

Being careful about the battery
orientation, insert all the way until you
hear a locking sound and then check that
it is locked by lever A. Pull the lever A in
the direction of the arrow to remove the
battery.

Close the battery door, and slide the
release lever.

VQT3A48

25

Preparation

Note

•

Remove the battery after use. Store the removed battery in the battery case (supplied).

• The battery will be exhausted if left for a long period of time after being charged.

• Before removing the battery, turn the camera off, and wait until the status indicator has gone off

completely. (Otherwise, this unit may no longer operate normally and the card itself may be
damaged or the recorded pictures may be lost.)

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

• The battery becomes warm after using it and during and after charging. The camera also

becomes warm during use. This is not a malfunction.

Approximate operating time and number of recordable pictures

∫ Battery indication

The battery indication is displayed on the screen.
[It does not appear when you use the camera with the AC adaptor (DMW-AC8E; optional)
connected.]

•

The indication turns red and blinks if the remaining battery power is exhausted. (The status
indicator also blinks) Recharge the battery or replace it with a fully charged battery.

∫ Recording still pictures (when using the LCD monitor)

(By CIPA standard in Programme AE Mode)

When the 14– 140 mm/F4.0–5.8 lens supplied in

Number of recordable pictures Approx. 320 pictures

Recording time Approx. 160 min

DMC-GH2H is used

When the 14–42 mm/F3.5–5.6 lens supplied in

Number of recordable pictures Approx. 330 pictures

Recording time Approx. 165 min

DMC-GH2K is used

∫ Recording still pictures (when using the viewfinder)

(By CIPA standard in Programme AE Mode)

When the 14– 140 mm/F4.0–5.8 lens supplied in

DMC-GH2H is used

Number of recordable pictures Approx. 330 pictures

Recording time Approx. 165 min

When the 14–42 mm/F3.5–5.6 lens supplied in

Number of recordable pictures Approx. 340 pictures

Recording time Approx. 170 min

VQT3A48

26

DMC-GH2K is used

Preparation

Recording conditions by CIPA standard

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

•

• Temperature: 23 oC (73.4 oF)/Humidity: 50%RH when LCD monitor is on.

• Using a Panasonic SD Memory Card (2 GB).

• Using the supplied battery.

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

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

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

decreases.

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. [For example, if you were to take one picture every two minutes, then the
number of pictures would be reduced to approximately one-quarter of the number
of pictures given above (based upon one picture taken every 30 seconds).]

∫ Playback (when using the LCD monitor)

When the 14–140 mm/F4.0 – 5.8 lens supplied in

DMC-GH2H is used

Playback time Approx. 240 min

When the 14 –42 mm/F3.5 –5.6 lens supplied in

DMC-GH2K is used

Playback time Approx. 250 min

Note

•

The operating times and number of recordable pictures will differ according to the
environment and the operating conditions.

For example, in the following cases, the operating times shorten and the number of recordable
pictures is reduced.

– In low-temperature environments, such as on ski slopes.
– Using the [AUTO] of [LCD MODE] or [MODE1] of [LCD MODE] (P59).
– When flash is used repeatedly.

• 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.

VQT3A48

27

Preparation

Preparing the Card (Optional)

Inserting/Removing the Card (Optional)

• Check that this unit is turned off.

• We recommend using a Panasonic card.

Slide the card door to open it.

Push it securely all the way until you hear a
“click” while being careful about the direction
in which you insert it. To remove the card,
push the card until it clicks, then pull the card
out upright.

A: Do not touch the connection terminals of the card.

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

•

1: Close the card door.

2: Slide the card door to the end and then

close it firmly.

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

card, check its direction and then insert it again.

Note

Always turn the camera off before opening the card door.

•

• Before removing the card, turn the camera off, and wait until the status indicator has gone off

completely. (Otherwise, this unit may no longer operate normally and the card itself may be
damaged or the recorded pictures may be lost.)

VQT3A48

28

Preparation

About cards that can be used with this unit

The following cards which conform to the SD video standard can be used with this unit.
(These cards are indicated as card in the text.)

Type of card which can be

used with this unit

SD Memory Card
(8 MB to 2 GB)

SDHC Memory Card
(4 GB to 32 GB)

SDXC Memory Card
(48 GB, 64 GB)

• Only cards bearing the SDHC logo (indicating that the card conforms to SD video standards)

may be used as 4 GB to 32 GB cards.

• SDHC Memory Card can be used with SDHC Memory Card

or SDXC Memory Card compatible equipment.

• SDXC Memory Card can only be used with SDXC Memory

Card compatible equipment.

• Check that the PC and other equipment are compatible when

using the SDXC Memory Cards.

http://panasonic.net/avc/sdcard/information/SDXC.html

• Only cards bearing the SDXC logo (indicating that the card conforms to SD video standards)

may be used as 48 GB and 64 GB cards.

• Use a card with SD Speed Class

[AVCHD]. Also, use a card with SD Speed Class with “Class 6” or higher when recording
motion pictures in [MOTION JPEG].

SD Speed Class is the speed standard regarding continuous writing. Check via the label on the card, etc.

¢

¢

with “Class 4” or higher when recording motion pictures in

e.g.:

• Please confirm the latest information on the following website.

http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dsc/

(This Site is English only.)

Access to the card

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

Remarks

•

Do not turn this unit off, remove its battery or card, or disconnect the AC adaptor
(DMW-AC8E; optional) when the access indication is lit [when pictures are being written,
read or deleted, or the card is being formatted (P63)]. Furthermore, do not subject the
camera to vibration, impact or static electricity.
The card or the data on the card may be damaged, and this unit may no longer operate
normally.
If operation fails due to vibration, impact or static electricity, perform the operation again.

Note

Write-Protect switch A provided (When this switch is set to the [LOCK] position,

•

no further data writing, deletion or formatting is possible. The ability to write, delete
and format data is restored when the switch is returned to its original position.)

A

• The data on the card may be damaged or lost due to electromagnetic waves, static

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

• Do not format the card on your PC or other equipment. Format it on the camera

only to ensure proper operation. (P63)

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

2

VQT3A48

29

Preparation

Approximate number of recordable pictures and operating time

∫ About the display of the number of recordable pictures and operating time

Switching between the display of number of recordable

•

pictures and operating time can be performed in the
[REMAINING DISP.] (P134) in the [CUSTOM] menu.

A Number of recordable pictures
B Available recording time

∫ Number of recordable pictures

•

[9999i] is displayed if there are more than 10000 pictures remaining.
Number of recordable pictures for more than 10000 can be checked in the LCD recording
information display (P64).

• Aspect ratio [X], Quality [A]
Picture size 2GB 4GB 16 GB 64 GB

L (16M) 220 440 1830 7260

M (8M) 410 810 3330 13000

S (4M) 680 1350 5550 21490

• Aspect ratio [X], Quality [ ]
Picture size 2GB 4GB 16 GB 64 GB

L (16M) 70 135 560 2240

M (8M) 81 160 660 2600

S (4M) 88 170 710 2820

∫ Available recording time (when recording motion pictures)

•

[AVCHD]

Recording

quality setting

24H 10 min 00 s 21 min 00 s 1 h 32 min 6 h 13 min

24L 13 min 00 s 28 min 00 s 2 h 4 min 8 h 25 min

FSH 13 min 00 s 28 min 00 s 2 h 4 min 8 h 25 min

FH 17 min 00 s 37 min 00 s 2 h 43 min 11 h 1 min
SH 13 min 00 s 28 min 00 s 2 h 4 min 8 h 25 min

H 17 min 00 s 37 min 00 s 2 h 43 min 11 h 1 min

• [MOTION JPEG]

Recording

quality setting

HD 7min 20s 15min 20s 1h 6min 4h 29min

WVGA 18 min 30 s 38 min 40 s 2 h 46 min 11 h 12 min

VGA 19 min 10 s 40 min 10 s 2 h 52 min 11 h 39 min

QVGA 53 min 20 s 1 h 51 min 7 h 58 min 32 h 16 min

•

The number of recordable pictures and operating time will increase or decrease in proportion to
the capacity of the card. (These vary depending on the recording conditions and the type of card.)

• Motion pictures can be recorded continuously for up to 29 minutes 59 seconds. Also, motion

picture recorded continuously in [MOTION JPEG] is up to 2 GB. (Example: [7m 20s] with [ ])
Remaining time for continuous recording is displayed on the screen.

2GB 4GB 16 GB 64 GB

2GB 4GB 16 GB 64 GB

30

VQT3A48

Setting Date/Time (Clock Set)

ON

OFF

• The clock is not set when the camera is shipped.

Turn the camera on.

• The status indicator 1 lights when you turn this unit

on.

A [MENU/SET] button

Press [MENU/SET].

Preparation

Press 2/1 to select the items (year, month,
day, hour, minute, display sequence or time

:
:

display format), and press 3/4 to set.

A: Time at the home area
B: Time at the travel destination (P116)

‚: Cancel without setting the clock.

Press [MENU/SET] to set.

Press [MENU/SET].

• After completing the clock settings, turn the camera off. Then turn the camera back on,

and check that the display reflects the settings that were performed.

• When [MENU/SET] has been pressed to complete the settings without the clock having

been set, set the clock correctly by following the

“Changing the clock setting” procedure.

Changing the clock setting

Select [CLOCK SET] in the [SETUP] menu, and press 1. (P55)

It can be changed in steps 3, 4 and 5 to set the clock.

•

• The clock setting is maintained for 3 months using the built-in clock battery even

without the battery. (Leave the charged battery in the unit for 24 hours to charge the
built-in battery.)

Note

The clock is displayed when [DISPLAY] is pressed several times during recording.

•

• You can set the year from 2000 to 2099.

• If the clock is not set, the correct date cannot be printed when you stamp the date on the

pictures with [TEXT STAMP] (P145) or order a photo studio to print the pictures.

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

of the camera.

VQT3A48

31

Basic

Mode switching

Basic

Selecting the [REC] Mode

A Mode dial
B [Fn1] button

Switching the mode by rotating the mode dial.

Align a desired mode with part C.

•

Rotate the mode dial slowly and surely to adjust to each
mode.

• [INTELLIGENT AUTO] is initially assigned to the [Fn1]

button. It will switch to Intelligent Auto Mode when the [Fn1]
button is pressed, disabling the Recording Mode selected by
the mode dial. It is possible to change the function assigned
to the buttons with [Fn BUTTON SET] in [CUSTOM] menu. (P18)

∫ Basic

Programme AE Mode (P35)

The subjects are recorded using your own settings.

Intelligent Auto Mode (P48)

The subjects are recorded using settings automatically selected by the camera.

32

VQT3A48

∫ Advanced

Aperture-Priority AE Mode (P93)

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

Shutter-Priority AE Mode (P93)

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

Manual Exposure Mode (P94)

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

Custom Mode (P105)

Use this mode to take pictures with previously registered settings.

Creative Motion Picture Mode (P106)

Use this mode to record motion pictures in the selected mode.

¢ You cannot take still pictures.

Scene Mode (P99)

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

My Colour Mode (P103)

Use this mode to check colouring effects, select a colour mode from among eight
colour modes, and then take pictures.

∫ Advanced Scene Mode

Portrait Mode (P97)

Use this mode to take pictures of people.

Scenery Mode (P98)

Use this mode to take pictures of scenery.

Close-up Mode (P98)

Use this mode to take pictures of a close-by subject.

Basic

VQT3A48

33

Basic

MF

AFC

AFS

A

B

Taking a Still picture

How to set focus when taking a still picture (AFS/AFC)

1 Select the focus mode.

•

Normally use the [AFS].

AFS

“AFS” is an abbreviation of “Auto Focus Single”.
Focus is set automatically when the shutter button is
pressed halfway. Focus will be fixed while it is
pressed halfway.

AFC

“AFC” is an abbreviation of “Auto Focus Continuous”.
This mode allows you to compose a picture more
easily by continuously focusing on the movement of
the subject while the shutter button is pressed
halfway.
When taking pictures of a moving subject, the camera
predicts the movement of the subject and focuses on
it. (motion prediction)

•

It may take time to focus on the subject if you rotate the
zoom ring from Wide to Tele or suddenly change the
subject from a distant one to a nearby one.

• Press the shutter button halfway again when it is difficult

to focus on the subject.

• When the brightness is not enough, this will work the

same as [AFS].

• [AFC] will not operate with certain lenses. For details,

refer to page 20.

MF

Set the focus manually by rotating the focus ring.
(P85)

2 Press the shutter button halfway.

(Focusing action for [AFS])

Focus

Focus indication On Blinks
AF area Green —
Sound Beeps 2 times —

A Focus indication
B AF area

When the subject is
focused

When the subject is
not focused

Note

Focus sound will not beep if the Focus Mode is set to [AFC]. Also, the AF area will not be

•

displayed if the AF Mode is set to [ ].

• The focus range is different depending on the lens used.

– When the 14– 140 mm/F4.0– 5.8 lens supplied in DMC-GH2H is used: 0.5 m (1.64 feet) to ¶
–

When the 14– 42 mm/F3.5– 5.6 lens supplied in DMC-GH2K is used: 0.3 m (0.99 feet) to ¶

VQT3A48

34

Basic

AB

∫ Subjects and recording conditions which are difficult to focus

•

Fast-moving subjects, extremely bright subjects or subjects without contrast

• When recording subjects through windows or near shiny objects

• When it is dark or when jitter occurs

• When the camera is too close to the subject or when taking a picture of both distant and near

subjects

Taking Pictures with Your Favourite Settings

(³: Programme AE Mode)

The camera automatically sets the shutter speed and the aperture value according to the
brightness of the subject.
You can take pictures with greater freedom by changing various settings in [REC] Mode
menu.

•

Set the drive mode lever to [ ] (single).

Set the mode dial to [ ].

Press the shutter button halfway to focus.

A Aperture value
B Shutter speed

• Aperture value and shutter speed are displayed. (It

will flash in red if the correct exposure is not achieved,
except when set to flash.)

• You will not be able to take a picture until the

focus is set, since the [FOCUS PRIORITY] (P131)
is set initially to [ON].

Press the shutter button fully (push it in
further), and take the picture.

• The access indication lights (P29) red when pictures are being recorded on the card.

Note

To change the setting while taking pictures, refer to “Using the [REC] Mode Menu” (P118) or

•
“Using the [CUSTOM] Menu” (P130).

• The shutter speed is automatically set between about 15 seconds and 1/4000th of a second in

the following cases.

– When the [SENSITIVITY] is set to [ISO160].
– When the aperture value is set to F4.0 (when the 14–140 mm/F4.0–5.8 lens supplied in

DMC-GH2H is attached).

– When the aperture value is set to F3.5 (when the 14– 42 mm/F3.5– 5.6 lens supplied in

DMC-GH2K is attached).

VQT3A48

35

Basic

Tips for taking good pictures

A AF assist lamp

• Do not cover the flash or the AF assist lamp with

your fingers or other objects.

• Hold the camera gently with both hands, keep your

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

• Be careful not to move the camera when you press the

shutter button.

• When taking pictures, make sure your footing is stable

and there is no danger of colliding with another
person, an object etc.

• You cannot record 3D pictures in vertical orientation.

∫ Direction Detection Function

Pictures recorded with the camera held vertically are played back vertically (rotated). (Only
when [ROTATE DISP.] (P149) is set to [ON])

• The Direction Detection Function may not operate correctly if recording is performed with the

camera aimed up or down.

• You can only use the Direction Detection Function when using a compatible lens.

(Refer to the catalogue, website etc. for compatible lenses.)

36

VQT3A48

Basic

A B

(A)

(B)

4 2 1 1

/

2

1

/
4

1

/
8

1

/

15

1

/

30

1

/

60

1

/
125

1

/
250

1

/
500

1

/
1000

1

/
2000

1

/
4000

15

16

17

18

19

20

(Ev)

2

2.8

4

5.6

8

11

16

22

1

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

Programme Shift

In Programme AE Mode, you can change the preset
aperture value and shutter speed without changing the
exposure. This is called Programme 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 Programme AE Mode.

1 Press the shutter button halfway and display the aperture value and shutter

speed value on the screen.

2 While the values are displayed (about 10 seconds), perform the Programme

Shift by rotating the rear dial.

It will switch between Programme Shift operation and Exposure Compensation operation (P76)

•

every time the rear dial is pressed while the values are displayed.

• Rotate the rear dial to display the [EXPO.METER] B. (P133)

• The Programme Shift indication A appears on the screen when Programme Shift is activated.

• To cancel Programme Shift, turn the camera off or rotate the rear dial until the Programme Shift

indication disappears.

∫ Example of Programme Shift

(When the 14–42 mm/F3.5–5.6 lens supplied in DMC-GH2K is used)

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

1 Programme Shift amount
2 Programme Shift line chart
3 Programme Shift limit

Note

EV is an abbreviation of [Exposure Value].

•

• How the Exposure Compensation is switched can be changed by [EXPO. SETTINGS] (P133)

in the [CUSTOM] menu.

• If the exposure is not adequate when the shutter button is pressed halfway, the aperture value

and shutter speed turn red and blink.

• Programme Shift is cancelled and the camera returns to normal Programme AE Mode if more

than 10 seconds pass after Programme Shift is activated. However, the Programme Shift
setting is memorised.

• Depending on the brightness of the subject, Programme Shift may not be activated.

• Programme Shift is not possible when the [SENSITIVITY] is set to [ ].

VQT3A48

37

Basic

Taking pictures using the Touch Shutter function

Applicable modes:

Just by touching the subject to focus, it will focus on the subject and take the picture
automatically.

1 Touch [ ] in Recording Mode.

•

Icon will change to [ ], and taking a picture with the
Touch Shutter function becomes possible.

2 Touch the subject you wish to focus on, and then

take a picture.

A Rough indication of the area that can be focused with

the Touch Shutter

• AF area with same function as [Ø] in AF Mode is

displayed at the position you touch, and a picture is
taken when it is focused. (It cannot be set to edge of the screen.)

• If the histogram is displayed on top of the subject you want to touch, touch the subject

after first moving the histogram. (P66)

3 Touch [ ] to cancel the Touch Shutter function.

Note

•

If [FOCUS PRIORITY] is [ON], when the Focus Mode is set to [AFS] and the Touch Shutter
fails, AF area will disappear after turning red, and the picture will not be taken.
When set to [AFC], the picture will not be taken if the focus indication is flashing green, but if
the subject comes into focus while keeping touching the screen, the picture will be taken.

• Measurement of brightness is performed on the spot touched when the [METERING MODE] is

set to [Ù]. (P122)

38

VQT3A48

Playing Back Pictures

Press [(].

A [(] button

Forward or rewind the image by dragging (P16)
the screen horizontally.

Forward: drag from right to left
Rewind: drag from left to right

• It is also possible to forward or rewind the image by pressing

2/1 of the cursor button.

• Speed of picture forwarding/rewinding changes depending on the playback status.

• You can forward or rewind pictures continuously by keeping your finger on the left or

right sides of the screen after forwarding/rewinding a picture.
(Pictures are displayed reduced in size)

∫ To finish playback

(] again, press the motion picture button or press the shutter button

Press [
halfway.

Note

•

This camera complies with the DCF standard “Design rule for Camera File system” established
by JEITA “Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association” and with Exif
“Exchangeable Image File Format”. Files which do not comply with the DCF standard cannot
be played back.

Basic

VQT3A48

39

Basic

30

P

STD.

16016

0

F3.5

0

1/9

AWB

WB

ISO

A

B

C

Changing the information displayed on the playback screen

Press [DISPLAY] to switch the monitor screen.

A [DISPLAY] button

• During Playback Zoom (P42), while playing back motion

pictures (P46) and during a slide show (P141), you can only
select “Normal display B” or “No display F”.

• Histogram D is displayed in R (red), G (green), B (blue), and

Y (luminance) during the playback.

STD.

STD.

F3.5

F3.5

P

1/9

1/9

STANDARD

P

10:00 1.DEC.2010

AWB

AWB

0

30

30

16

16

0

s

B Normal display
C Detailed information display
D Histogram display

E Highlight display
F No display

¢ This is displayed if [HIGHLIGHT] (P130) in the [CUSTOM] menu is set to [ON].

¢

30

F3.5

0

WB

AWB

ISO

160

AFS

RGB

100-0001

F3.5

1/9

30

ISO

0

160

100-0001

Displaying multiple screens (Multi Playback)

Rotate the rear dial left.

1 screen>12 screens>30 screens>Calendar screen display

A Number of the selected picture and the total number of

recorded pictures

B Slide bar
C Burst icon [˜]

• Rotate the rear dial right to return to the previous screen.

• If you select a picture with the Burst icon [˜], and press [MENU/SET], the pictures from within

that Burst Picture group will be played back using Multi Playback.

• Screen can be switched by dragging the slide bar up or down (P16).

• The screen can be switched gradually by dragging the screen up or down (P16).

• Pictures are not rotated for display.

• Pictures displayed using [ ] cannot be played back.

∫ To return to Normal Playback
Touch the picture to select.

•

40

You can also return to the one screen display by choosing images pressing the cursor button,
and then pressing [MENU/SET] or the rear dial.

VQT3A48

Basic

or

Displaying Pictures by Recording Date (Calendar Playback)

Rotate the rear dial left to display the
Calendar screen.

Press 3/4/2/1 to select the date to be played back.

• If there were no pictures recorded during a month, the month is not displayed.

Press [MENU/SET] or the rear dial to
display the pictures that were recorded on
the selected date.

• Rotate the rear dial left to return to the Calendar

screen display.

• If you select a picture with the Burst icon [˜], and

press [MENU/SET], the pictures from within that Burst
Picture group will be played back using Multi
Playback.

Press 3/4/2/1 to select a picture and then press [MENU/SET] or
the rear dial.

• The picture that was selected will appear.

Note

The recording date of the picture selected in the playback screen becomes the date selected

•

when the Calendar screen is first displayed.

• If there are multiple pictures with the same recording date, the first picture recorded on that day

is displayed.

• You can display the Calendar between January 2000 and December 2099.

• If the date is not set in the camera, the recording date is set as the 1st January, 2010.

• If you take pictures after setting the travel destination in [WORLD TIME], the pictures are

displayed by the dates at the travel destination in Calendar Playback.

VQT3A48

41

Basic

A

Using the Playback Zoom

Touch the part to enlarge.

1k>2k>4k>8k>16k

Picture can be enlarged also by rotating the rear dial right.

•

• When you change the magnification, the zoom position

indication A appears for about 1 second.

• The more a picture is enlarged, the more its quality deteriorates.

Move the position to be displayed by dragging the
picture (P16).

• When you move the position to be displayed, the zoom position

indication A appears for about 1 second.

• Position of the enlarged part can be also moved by pressing the

cursor button.

• Picture will return to the original size (1k) by touching [ ].

• Also, when you touch [ ] or rotate the rear dial left, the

magnification becomes lower.

∫ Switching the displayed image while maintaining the Playback Zoom

You can switch the displayed image while maintaining the same zoom magnification and
zoom position for the Playback Zoom.

Switch to picture select operation by pressing
the rear dial during Playback Zoom, and select
pictures with 2/1.

• It will switch between picture select operation and move

zoom position operation every time the rear dial is pressed
during Playback Zoom.

Note

You can also delete the recording information etc. on the screen during Playback Zoom by

•

pressing [DISPLAY].

• If you want to save the enlarged picture, use the Cropping function. (P148)

• The Playback Zoom may not operate if pictures have been recorded with other equipment.

• The zoom magnification and the zoom position are cancelled when the camera is turned off

(including Sleep Mode).

• The zoom position returns to the centre in the following images.
– Images with different aspect ratios
– Images with different numbers of recorded pixels
– Images with a different rotation direction (when [ROTATE DISP.] is set to [ON])

• Playback Zoom is not available during Motion Picture Playback.

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42

Basic

[REC] Mode:

Recording Motion Picture

This can record full high definition motion pictures compatible with the AVCHD format or
motion pictures recorded in Motion JPEG.
Audio will be recorded in stereo.
The functions available when recording motion pictures differ according to the lens you are
using, and
Refer to page 20 for details.

Focusing changes depending on the Focus Mode setting and the [CONTINUOUS AF]
setting in the [MOTION PICTURE] Mode menu.

•

Depending on the recording conditions or lens used, operational sound may be recorded when
the Auto Focus is operated while recording a motion picture. It is recommended to record with
[CONTINUOUS AF] in the [MOTION PICTURE] Mode menu set to [OFF], if the sound of
operation bothers you to avoid recording the lens noise.

• When operating the zoom when recording motion pictures, it may take time to come into focus.

the operational sound of the lens may be recorded.

How to set focus when recording a motion picture (Continuous AF)

Focus Mode [CONTINUOUS AF] Settings

You can have the camera focus
continuously.

Press the shutter button halfway when

•

it is difficult to focus on the subject.

The focus position is fixed when
beginning to record a motion picture.

•

It is possible to set the focus by
pressing the shutter button halfway or
touching the subject.

AFS/AFC

MF

ON

OFF

ON You can focus manually.

OFF

VQT3A48

43

Basic

D

EC

Recording Motion Picture

Recording of motion picture appropriate for each mode is possible.

• Screen here is an example of when the mode dial is set to

[³] (Programme AE Mode).

A Mode dial
B Motion picture button

Start recording by pressing the motion
picture button.

C Elapsed recording time
D Available recording time

• Sound will be heard when pressing the motion picture

button indicating start/stop of motion picture recording.

• The recording state indicator (red) E will flash while

recording motion pictures.

Stop the recording by pressing the motion picture button again.

Note

•

The flash setting is fixed to [Œ].

• Audio will not be recorded for 0.5 seconds after it starts recording if the motion picture button is

kept pressed. Release the motion picture button right after you press it.

• The operational sound of the zoom or button operation may be recorded when it is operated

during the recording of a motion picture.

• The available recording time displayed on the screen may not decrease regularly.

• Depending on the type of the card, the card access indication may appear for a while after

recording motion pictures. This is not a malfunction.

• When the aspect ratio setting is different in still and motion pictures, the angle of view changes

at the start of motion picture recording. When [ REC AREA] (P134) is set to [ ], angle of
view during motion picture recording is displayed.

• When the [EX. TELE CONV.] is set to [ON], the angle of view will change when the screen is

switched between the still picture screen and motion picture screen, because the zoom factor is
different between still pictures and motion pictures. (P67)

• The ISO sensitivity will be set to [AUTO] (for motion pictures) when recording motion pictures.

• When recording a motion picture, [STABILIZER] will be fixed to [MODE1] even if it is set to

[MODE2] or [MODE3].

• When recording motion pictures, the following functions cannot be used.
– [ ] in the AF Mode

(It will switch to [Ø].)

– [ ] in the AF Mode

(It will switch to Multi Auto Focus Mode for motion pictures.)

– Direction Detection Function
– [FACE RECOG.]/[ISO LIMIT SET]

• It is recommended to use a fully charged battery or AC adaptor (DMW-AC8E; optional) when

recording motion pictures. (P173)

• If while recording motion pictures using the AC adaptor (DMW-AC8E; optional) the power

supply is cut off due to a power cut or if the AC adaptor (DMW-AC8E; optional) is disconnected
etc., the motion picture being recorded will not be recorded.

44

VQT3A48

Basic

• Motion pictures recorded in [AVCHD] or [MOTION JPEG] may be played back with poor

picture or sound quality or playback may not be possible even when played back with
equipment compatible with these formats. Also, the recording information may not be
displayed properly. In this case, use this unit.
For details on AVCHD compatible devices, refer to the support site below.

http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dsc/

(This Site is English only.)

• The sound recording specifications on this model have been changed to improve audio

quality. For this reason, some motion pictures recorded in [MOTION JPEG] and pictures
with audio may not be played back with Panasonic digital cameras (LUMIX)
(Motion pictures recorded with a Panasonic digital camera (LUMIX) can be played back
on this model.)
¢ Models launched before December 2008, and some models launched in 2009 (FS, LS

series).

• To play back AVCHD motion pictures recorded with this unit on Panasonic Blu-ray Disc Players

(DMP-BD30/DMP-BD31/DMP-BD50) it is necessary to update the firmware of the Blu-ray Disc
Player.
You can download the latest firmware version from the following website.

¢

.

http://panasonic.net/support/

VQT3A48

45

Basic

BA













Playing Back Motion Pictures

• This unit was designed to play motion pictures using the AVCHD and QuickTime Motion JPEG

formats that were taken with this model (only).

• Motion pictures in AVCHD format that can be played back on this unit are [AVCHD] motion

pictures that were recorded with this unit, AVCHD format (including [AVCHD Lite]) motion
pictures recorded with Panasonic digital cameras (LUMIX) only.

Press [(].

Select a picture with a Motion Picture icon ([ ],
[ ]) and then touch [ ] to play back.

A Motion picture icon
B The motion picture recording time

• After playback starts, the elapsed playback time is displayed on

the upper right of the screen.
For example, 8 minutes and 30 seconds is displayed as
[8m30s].

• Some information (recording information, etc.) is not displayed for motion pictures

recorded in [AVCHD].

• Pressing the cursor button 3 to allows you to playback motion pictures.

Display at the bottom right of the screen while playing back corresponds to 3/4/2/1
on the cursor button.

∫ Operations performed during Motion Picture Playback

1 Display control panel by touching screen.

•

If no operation is performed for 2 seconds, it will return to original status.

2 Operate control panel by touching.

¢

C Fast rewind, Frame-by-frame rewind
D Play/Pause
E Fast forward, Frame-by-frame forward
F Sto p
G Reduce volume level
H Increase volume level

¢1 You can also adjust the volume level by using the rear

dial.

¢2 These operations can be performed only in the Pause

Mode and the following icons are displayed.

– Frame-by-frame rewind: [ ]

•

About fast forward/rewind playback

– Touch [ ] during playback to fast forward (touch [ ] to fast rewind). The fast forward/

rewind speed increases if you touch [ ]/[ ] again. (The display on the screen changes
from [5] to [ ].)

– Touch [ ] to resume normal playback speed.
– When using a high capacity card, it is possible that fast rewinding may be slower than usual.

– Frame-by-frame forward: [ ]

¢

1

¢

1

2

¢

2

46

VQT3A48

Basic

Note

•

Sound can be heard through the speaker. Refer to [VOLUME] (P58) for information about how
to adjust the volume in the [SETUP] menu.

• To play back the motion pictures recorded by this unit on a PC, use the “QuickTime” or the

“PHOTOfunSTUDIO 6.0 BD Edition” software on the CD-ROM (supplied).

• QuickTime Motion JPEG motion pictures that were recorded with a PC or other equipment may

have lower image quality or may not be able to play back with this unit.

VQT3A48

47

Basic

[REC] Mode: ñ

Taking Pictures using the Automatic Function

(ñ: Intelligent Auto Mode)

The camera will set the most appropriate settings to match the subject and the recording
conditions so we recommend this mode for beginners or those who want to leave the
settings to the camera and take pictures easily.

Set the mode dial to [ñ].

• It will also switch to Intelligent Auto Mode by pressing [Fn1] button at the time of purchase.

(P18)

• The following functions are activated automatically.

– Scene Detection/[RED-EYE REMOVAL]/ Face Detection/Intelligent ISO sensitivity control/

[I.DYNAMIC]/[LONG SHTR NR]/Quick AF/ [FOCUS PRIORITY]/Backlight Compensation/
[I.RESOLUTION]

• In Intelligent Auto Mode, [FOCUS PRIORITY] (P131) is fixed to [ON]. This means you

cannot take pictures until the subject is in focus.

Scene Detection

When the camera identifies the optimum scene, the icon of the
scene concerned is displayed in blue for 2 seconds, after which its
colour changes to the usual red.

When taking pictures

>

¦

When recording motion pictures

>

¦

•

[¦] is set if none of the scenes are applicable, and the standard settings are set.

• When [ ],[ ] or [ ] is selected, the camera automatically detects a person’s face, and it will

adjust the focus and exposure. (Face Detection) (P82)

[i-PORTRAIT]

[i-SCENERY]

[i-MACRO]

[i-NIGHT PORTRAIT]

[i-NIGHT SCENERY]

[i-SUNSET]

¢

[i-BABY]

[i-PORTRAIT]

[i-SCENERY]

[i-LOW LIGHT]

[i-MACRO]

Only when [ ] is selected

•

48

VQT3A48

Basic

• If a tripod is used, for instance, and the camera has judged that camera shake is minimal when

the Scene Mode has been identified as [ ], the shutter speed will be slower than normal. Take
care not to move the camera while taking pictures.

• An optimum scene for the specified subject will be chosen when set to AF tracking (P49).

• When [FACE RECOG.] is set to [ON], and the face similar to the registered face is detected, [R]

is displayed in the top right of [ ], [ ] and [ ].

¢ When [FACE RECOG.] is set to [ON], [ ] will be displayed for birthdays of registered faces

already set only when the face of a person 3 years old or younger is detected.

Note

Due to conditions such as the ones below, a different scene may be identified for the same

•

subject.

– Subject conditions: When the face is bright or dark, the size of the subject, the colour of the

subject, the distance to the subject, the contrast of the subject, when the subject is moving

– Recording conditions: Sunset, sunrise, under low brightness conditions, when the camera is

shaken, when zoom is used

• To take pictures in an intended scene, it is recommended that you take pictures in the

appropriate Recording Mode.

• The Backlight Compensation

–

Backlight refers to when light comes from the back of a subject. In this case, the subject will
become dark, so this function compensates the backlight by brightening the whole of the
picture automatically. Backlight compensation is automatically applied in Intelligent Auto Mode.

AF Tracking Function

It is possible to set the focus and exposure to the specified subject. Focus and exposure
will keep following the subject automatically even if it moves.

∫ When operating the touch panel

You can lock the subject by touching it.

•

[ ] is displayed in the lower left of the screen.

• AF Tracking frame will be displayed in yellow, and it

will determine the most appropriate scene for the
locked subject.

• AF Tracking is cancelled when [CANCEL] is touched.

∫ When operating buttons

1 Press and hold [Q.MENU] button until AF

Tracking frame is displayed.

[ ] is displayed in the lower left of the screen.

•

• AF Tracking frame is displayed in the centre of the

screen.

• AF Tracking is cancelled when [MENU/SET] is

pressed.

2 Place the subject in the Tracking frame, and press the shutter button

halfway to lock the subject.

AF area will turn green when the camera detects the subject.

•

• AF tracking frame will turn yellow when you release the shutter button and

the optimum scene for the locked subject will be identified.

• Press [MENU/SET] to cancel.

Note

[FACE RECOG.] does not work during AF tracking.

•

• Use AF Tracking with the Touch Shutter function cancelled.

• Please read the Note regarding the AF tracking on P83.

VQT3A48

49

Basic

Settings in Intelligent Auto Mode

∫ [REC] Mode menu
[ASPECT RATIO] (P120)/[PICTURE SIZE] (P120)/[QUALITY] (P121)/[FACE RECOG.]
(P109)/[STABILIZER]

¢1 It cannot be set to [MODE3]. It will be fixed to [MODE1] when recording a motion picture

even if it is set to [MODE2].

∫ [MOTION PICTURE] Mode menu
[REC MODE] (P127)/[REC QUALITY]

¢1

(P75)

¢2

(P127)/[CONTINUOUS AF] (P43)/[WIND CUT]

(P129)

¢2 [ ] for [MOTION JPEG] cannot be set.

∫ [CUSTOM] menu

[CUST. SET MEM.] (P105)/[GUIDE LINE] (P130)/[LCD INFO.DISP.] (P134)/
[REMAINING DISP.] (P134)

∫ [SETUP] menu
[CLOCK SET] (P31)/[WORLD TIME] (P116)/[BEEP] (P58)/[LCD MODE] (P59)/

[LANGUAGE] (P62)

Use the Quick Menu (P56) to set the following functions:

•
– [STANDARD] and [STANDARD] ( ) in [FILM MODE] (P118)

– [ ] and [ ] in [SELF-TIMER]

¢3 It will be reset to [ ] when the Intelligent Auto Mode is cancelled or when the power is

switched [ON]/[OFF].

¢3

(P81)

50

VQT3A48

Basic

• The settings of the following items are fixed.

Item Settings

[ECONOMY]

[5MIN.]

([SLEEP MODE]) (P59)
Flash (P69) []/[Œ]
[FLASH SYNCHRO] (P123)

[1ST]

[BURST RATE] (P77) [H] (High speed)
[AUTO BRACKET] (P79) [ / SETTINGS]: [ ] (burst)

[STEP]:

[3•1/3]

[SEQUENCE]: [0/`/_]

AF Mode (P82) [š] (Set to [ ]

¢4

when a face cannot be detected)

[WHITE BALANCE] (P88) [AWB]
[SENSITIVITY] (P91) []

¢5

(Intelligent ISO)

(The maximum ISO sensitivity: [ISO800])

[METERING MODE] (P122)
[RED-EYE REMOVAL] (P70)

[C]

[ON]

[I.DYNAMIC] (P124) [STANDARD]
[LONG SHTR NR] (P124) [ON]
[COLOR SPACE] (P126) [sRGB]
[PICTURE MODE] (P108) []
[PRE AF] (P131) []
[FOCUS PRIORITY] (P131)

[ON]

[AF ASSIST LAMP] (P132) [ON]

¢4 It will be set to Multi Auto Focus Mode for motion pictures when a face cannot be detected

while recording motion pictures.

¢5 The setting is fixed to [AUTO] (for motion pictures) when recording motion pictures.

• Depending on the scene detected, camera will automatically adjust the setting of the

[I.RESOLUTION] (P123). [I.RESOLUTION] cannot be set via the [REC] Mode menu.

• The following functions cannot be used.
– [AUTO LCD OFF] of [ECONOMY]/AF/AE lock/White Balance fine adjustment/White Balance

Bracket/Multi Film Bracket/Flash output adjustment /[ISO LIMIT SET]/[EX. TELE CONV.]/
[DIGITAL ZOOM]/[ASPECT BRACKET]/[HIGHLIGHT]/[AF/AE LOCK]/[AF/AE LOCK HOLD]/
[DIRECT FOCUS AREA]/[SHOOT W/O LENS]

• The other items on the [SETUP] menu and [CUSTOM] menu can be set in a mode such as the

Programme AE Mode. What is set will be reflected in the Intelligent Auto Mode.

∫ Flash

•

Open the flash when the flash is to be used. (P69)

• Flash modes cannot be switched using the menu in the Intelligent Auto Mode.

• [ ], [ ], [ ] or [ ] is set depending on the type of subject and brightness.

• When [ ] or [ ] is displayed, the Digital red-eye correction is turned on.

• Shutter speed will be slow when using [ ] or [ ].

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Basic

Deleting Pictures

Once deleted, pictures cannot be recovered.

Press [(].

To delete a single picture

Select the picture to be deleted, and then
press [‚].

A [(] button
B [DISPLAY] button
C [

‚] button

Press 2 to select [YES] and then press
[MENU/SET].

To delete multiple pictures (up to 100¢) or all the pictures

¢ Burst group will be treated as a single picture. (All the pictures in the selected burst group will

be deleted.)

Press [‚].

Press 3/4 to select [DELETE MULTI] or [DELETE ALL] and then
press [MENU/SET].

• [DELETE ALL] > step 5.

Press 3/4/2/1 to select the picture, and
then press [DISPLAY] to set.

(Repeat this step.)

• [‚] appears on the selected pictures. If [DISPLAY] is

pressed again, the setting is cancelled.

Press [MENU/SET].

Press 3 to select [YES] and then press [MENU/SET] to set.

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∫ When [DELETE ALL] has been selected with the [FAVORITE] (P150) setting

The selection screen is displayed again. Select [DELETE ALL] or
[ALL DELETE EXCEPTÜ], press 3 to select [YES] and delete the pictures.

Note

Do not turn the camera off while deleting (while [‚] is displayed). Use a battery with sufficient

•

battery power or the AC adaptor (DMW-AC8E; optional) and DC coupler (DMW-DCC8;
optional).

• If you press [MENU/SET] while deleting pictures using [DELETE MULTI], [DELETE ALL] or

[ALL DELETE EXCEPT Ü], the deleting will stop halfway.

• Depending on the number of pictures to be deleted, it may take some time to delete them.

• If pictures do not conform to the DCF standard or are protected (P152), they will not be deleted

even if [DELETE ALL] or [ALL DELETE EXCEPTÜ] is selected.

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Basic

Setting the Menu

This camera offers menu selections that allow you to customize its operation to maximise
your picture taking experience.
In particular, the [SETUP] menu contains some important settings relating to the camera’s
clock and power. Check the settings of this menu before proceeding to use the camera.

! [REC] Mode menu (P118 to 126) [SETUP] menu (P58 to 63)

• This menu lets you

set the aspect ratio,
number of pixels and
other aspects of the
pictures you are
recording.

[MOTION PICTURE] Mode menu

(P127 to 129)

• This menu lets you

set the [REC
MODE], [REC
QUALITY], and other
aspects for motion
picture recording.

[CUSTOM] menu (P130 to 136) ( [PLAYBACK] Mode menu (P141 to 153)

• Operation of the unit,

such as displaying of
the screen and
button operations,
can be set up
according to your
preferences. Also, it
is possible to register the modified settings.

• This menu lets you

perform the clock
settings, select the
operating beep tone
settings and set
other settings which
make it easier for
you to operate the camera.

[MY MENU]

• Up to 5 menu items

used recently can be
memorised. Items
used a lot can be
recalled easily.

• This menu lets you

set the Protection,
Cropping or Print
Settings, etc. of
recorded pictures.

Note

•

There are functions that cannot be set or used depending on the modes or menu settings being
used on the camera due to the specifications.

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54

Basic

B

C

E

D

or
or

Setting menu items

This section describes how to select the [REC] Mode menu settings, and the same setting
procedure can be used for the [MOTION PICTURE] Mode menu, [CUSTOM] menu,
[SETUP] menu, [MY MENU] menu and [PLAYBACK] Mode menu as well.

•

If you set [MENU RESUME] (P135) in the [CUSTOM] menu to [ON], the screen shows the last
selected menu item when the camera was turned off.
It is set to [ON] at the time of purchase.

• Menu item cannot be set with touch operation. Set with the cursor buttons or the rear dial.

Example: Setting [I.DYNAMIC] from [OFF] to [HIGH] in the Programme AE Mode

Set the mode dial to [ ].

A [MENU/SET] button

Press [MENU/SET] to display the menu.

B Menu toggle icon
C Menu item
D Menu screen page
E Settings

Switching to other menus

e.g.: Switching to the [SETUP] menu

1 Press 2.

2 Press 4 or rotate the rear dial

to select the [SETUP] menu icon [ ].

3 Press 1 or the rear dial.

•

Select a menu item next and set it.

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55

Basic

or

or

or
or

Press 3/4 or rotate the rear dial to select
[I.DYNAMIC].

• Select the item at the very bottom, and press 4 or

rotate the rear dial right to move to the next screen.

Press 1 or the rear dial.

• Depending on the item, its setting may not appear or it

may be displayed in a different way.

Press 3/4 or rotate the rear dial to select
[HIGH].

Press [MENU/SET] or the rear dial to set.

Press [MENU/SET] to close the menu.

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

Setting the Quick Menu

By using the Quick Menu, some of the menu settings can be easily found.

The features that can be adjusted using Quick Menu are determined by the mode or a display

•

style the camera is in.

∫ When operating the touch panel

Setting of the Quick Menu can be set using the touch panel.

Touch [ ] to display the Quick Menu in
recording status.

56

VQT3A48

Touch the menu item and the setup.

B

A

A Item
B Settings

Touch [ ] to close the Quick Menu.

∫ When operating buttons

The Quick Menu can be set by pressing the [Q.MENU] button.
To close the Quick Menu, press [Q.MENU] button again.

•

Setup method is different depending on the displayed screen during recording.
Refer to P64 about the displayed screen.

[ ] (LCD monitor style)

After selecting the items with 2/1, you can select the
setting contents with 3/4. Set by pressing [MENU/SET].

LCD recording information display in [ ] (LCD
monitor style)

Select the item with 3/4/2/1, press [MENU/SET], and
then select the setting contents with 3/4/2/1. Set by
pressing [MENU/SET].

•

You can also use the rear dial to set.

• You can change the settings by directly touching the items,

without displaying the Quick Menu.

Basic

[ ] (Finder style)

Select the item by rotating the rear dial, and then press
the rear dial. Select the setting contents by rotating the
rear dial, and then press the rear dial to set.

•

You can also press 2/1 and [MENU/SET] to set.

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57

Basic

Perform these settings if you need to.

About the Setup Menu

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

For details on how to select the [SETUP] menu settings, refer to P55.

U [CLOCK SET] —

•

Refer to P31 for details.

[WORLD TIME]

“ [DESTINATION]/– [HOME]

• Refer to P116 for details.

— [TRAVEL DATE] [TRAVEL SETUP]/[LOCATION]

• Refer to P115 for details.

Set the volume for electronic noises and the electronic shutter
noise.

[BEEP]

[BEEP VOLUME]:
[s] (Muted)
[t] (Low)
[u] (High)

[E-SHUTTER VOL]:
[] (Muted)
[] (Low)
[ ] (High)

• The [E-SHUTTER VOL] only works when set to [SH] for Burst Mode.

u [VOLUME] Adjust the volume of the speaker to any of 7 levels.

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

[MONITOR]/

[VIEWFINDER]

Brightness, colour, or red or blue tint of the LCD monitor/
viewfinder is adjusted.

• Adjust the brightness of the screen with 3/4, contrast and saturation

with 2/1 or the rear dial.

• When [DISPLAY] is pressed in screen shown right, it will switch to the

colour adjustment screen. Adjust between green and red with 3/4, or
between orange and blue with 2/1 or the rear dial.
Press [MENU/SET] to return to the LCD adjustment screen.

• It will adjust the LCD monitor when the LCD monitor is in use, and the

viewfinder when the viewfinder is in use.

• Some subjects may appear differently from actuality on the LCD monitor/viewfinder. However,

this does not affect the recorded pictures.

58

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Basic

LCD

…

1

…2…

3

The brightness of the LCD monitor can be adjusted depending on
how bright it is around the camera.

„ [AUTO]:

The brightness is adjusted automatically depending on how bright

[LCD MODE]

it is around the camera.

[MODE1]:

Make the LCD monitor brighter.

[MODE2]:

Set the LCD monitor to the standard brightness.

[MODE3]:

Make the LCD monitor darker.

• The brightness of the pictures displayed on the LCD monitor is increased so some subjects

may appear differently from actuality on the LCD monitor. However, this does not affect the
recorded pictures.

• The LCD monitor automatically returns to standard brightness after 30 seconds when recording

in [MODE1]. Press any button to make the LCD monitor bright again.

• If the screen is difficult to see because of light from the sun etc. shining on it, use your hand or

another object to block the light.

• The number of recordable pictures decreases in [AUTO] and [MODE1].

• [AUTO] cannot be selected when playing back pictures.

• [AUTO] is disabled during motion picture recording.

• When the menu screen is displayed in a dark environment etc., the LCD monitor becomes

darker even if [LCD MODE] is set to [MODE2].

• The initial setting when using the AC adaptor (DMW-AC8E; optional) is [MODE2].

You can conserve the battery life by setting these menus.
Also, it will turn off the LCD monitor automatically when not in use
to prevent discharge of the battery.

p [SLEEP MODE]:

The camera is automatically turned off if the camera has not been

q [ECONOMY]

used for the time selected on the setting.

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

[AUTO LCD OFF]:

The LCD monitor is automatically turned off if the camera has not
been used for the time selected on the setting.

[OFF]/[15SEC.]/[30SEC.]

• Press the shutter button halfway or turn the camera off and on to cancel [SLEEP MODE].

• [SLEEP MODE] is set to [5MIN.] in the Intelligent Auto Mode.

• [SLEEP MODE] is fixed to [2MIN.] when [AUTO LCD OFF] is set to [15SEC.] or [30SEC.].

• Press any button to turn on the LCD monitor again.

• Since [ECONOMY] is cancelled when the eye sensor auto switching is performed, it is

recommended to use this mode with [AUTO SWITCH] in [LVF/LCD SWITCH] (P134) set to
[OFF].

• [SLEEP MODE] does not work in the following cases.
– When using the AC adaptor
– When connecting to a PC or a printer
– When recording or playing back motion pictures
– During a slide show

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59

Basic

Set the length of time that the picture is displayed after taking it.

o [AUTO REVIEW]

[OFF]/[1SEC.]/[3SEC.]/[5SEC.]
[HOLD]:

The pictures are displayed until shutter button is pressed halfway.

• If it is set to [HOLD] when the camera is set to [ ] (P35) or [ ] (P81), switching of the

playback screen display (P40) or enlargement by rotating the rear dial is possible during Auto
Review.

• Regardless of the Auto Review setting, pictures will automatically be reviewed when taking

burst pictures with [SH] or [H] set (P77), and recording with Auto Bracket (P79) or with
[ASPECT BRACKET] (P125). (Will not hold) Also, you cannot set the Auto Review function.

• If [HIGHLIGHT] (P130) is set to [ON], white saturated areas appear blinking in black and white

when the Auto Review function is activated.

• When [AUTO REGISTRATION] in [FACE RECOG.] (P109) is set to [ON], [AUTO REVIEW] can

only be set to [3SEC.] or [5SEC.].

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

y [SELECT ON CONNECTION]:

x [USB MODE]

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

{ [PictBridge(PTP)]:

Set after or before connecting to a printer supporting PictBridge.

z [PC]:

Set after or before connecting to a PC.

• 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.

Set to match the colour television system in each country.

| [VIDEO OUT]

[NTSC]: Video output is set to NTSC system.
[PAL]: Video output is set to PAL system.

• This will operate when the AV cable or HDMI mini cable (optional) is connected.

Set to match the type of TV.

[TV ASPECT]

[W]: When connecting to a 16:9 screen TV.
[X]: When connecting to a 4:3 screen TV.

• This will work when the AV cable is connected.

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60

Basic

Set the format for the HDMI output when playing back on the
HDMI compatible high-definition TV connected with this unit using
the HDMI mini cable (optional).

[AUTO]:

The output resolution is automatically set based on the
information from the connected TV.

[HDMI MODE]

[1080i]:

The interlace method with 1080 available scan lines is used for
output.

[720p]:

The progressive method with 720 available scan lines is used for
output.

1

¢

[576p]

/[480p]

The progressive method with 576

2

¢

:

1

2

¢

¢

/480

available scan lines is

used for output.

¢1 When [VIDEO OUT] is set to [PAL]
¢2 When [VIDEO OUT] is set to [NTSC]

• If the images are not output on the TV when the setting is [AUTO], match with the image format

your TV can display, and select the number of effective scanning lines. (Please read the
operating instructions for the TV.)

• This will work when the HDMI mini cable (optional) is connected.

• Refer to P158 for details.

Setup so this unit can be controlled by the remote control of the
VIERA equipment by automatically coupling this unit with the
VIERA Link compatible equipment using HDMI mini cable
(optional).

[VIERA Link]

[OFF]: Operation is performed with the buttons on this unit.
[ON]: Remote control operation of the VIERA Link

compatible equipment is enabled. (Not all operations
are possible)
Button operation of the main unit will be limited.

• This will work when the HDMI mini cable (optional) is connected.

• Refer to P159 for details.

Setup the output method for 3D pictures.

[]: Set when connecting to a 3D compatible television.

[3D PLAYBACK]

[]: Set when connecting to a television not compatible

with 3D.
Set this when you would like to view pictures in 2D
(conventional image) on a 3D compatible television.

• This will work when the HDMI mini cable (optional) is connected.

• Refer to P155 for the method to playback 3D pictures in 3D.

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Basic

Ü [FAVORITE FUNC.]

Marks can be added to pictures, and set up as favourites.

[OFF]/[ON]

• When it is set to [ON], you can set/cancel favourites by pressing 4

during playback. You can also set favourites from the playback menu.
For details, refer to P150.

Set the screen that is displayed when the mode dial is set to ,

, , and .

[OFF]: The recording screen in the currently selected

[MENU GUIDE]

Advanced Scene Mode (P97), Scene Mode (P99) or
Creative Motion Picture Mode (P106) appears.

[AUTO]: The Advanced Scene Mode, Scene Mode or Creative

Motion Picture Mode menu screen appears.

Adjust the position of the touch panel if a different thing gets
selected from what you touched or touch operation does not
respond.

1 Press [MENU/SET].

[CALIBRATION]

2 Touch the orange [r] mark

displayed on the screen in order
with the stylus pen (supplied)
(5 places).

A message is displayed once the

•

position is set.

3 Press [MENU/SET] to finish.

• Calibration is not done if correct position is not touched. Touch the [i] mark again.

Set the language displayed on the screen.

~ [LANGUAGE]

[ENGLISH]/[DEUTSCH]/[FRANÇAIS]/[ESPAÑOL]/[ITALIANO]/
[¢]

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

language.

[VERSION DISP.]

This enables the firmware versions of the camera and lens to be
checked.

• [–. –] is displayed as the lens firmware when the lens is not mounted.

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62

Basic

v [NO.RESET]

• The folder number is updated and the file number starts from 0001. (P166)

• 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 (P63) after saving the data on a PC or elsewhere.

• To reset the folder number to 100, format 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.

w [RESET]

Reset the file number of the next recording to 0001.

The [REC] or [SETUP]/[CUSTOM] menu settings are reset to the
initial settings.

• When the [REC] Mode settings are reset, data registered with [FACE RECOG.] will also be

reset.

• When [SETUP]/[CUSTOM] menu settings are reset, the following settings are also reset. In

addition, [ROTATE DISP.] (P149) in [PLAYBACK] Mode menu is set to [ON].

– The birthday and name settings for [BABY1]/[BABY2] (P101) and [PET] (P102) in Scene

Mode.

– The settings of [TRAVEL DATE] (P115) (departure date, return date, location)
– The [WORLD TIME] (P116) setting.

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

The card is formatted.

[FORMAT]

Formatting permanently deletes all data on your memory
card. Please be sure all pictures and motion pictures are
saved elsewhere before using this feature.

• Use a battery with sufficient battery power or the AC adaptor (DMW-AC8E; optional) and DC

coupler (DMW-DCC8; optional) when formatting. Do not turn the camera off during formatting.

• If the card has been formatted on a PC or other equipment, format it on the camera again.

• If the card cannot be formatted, please try another card before contacting your nearest Service

Centre.

VQT3A48

63

Recording

×

9

P

AWB

AFS

×

0

AU

TOAUTO

STD.

9

9

PP

AWB

AFSAFSAFS

00

AU

TOTOAUTOAUTO

9

9

PP

AWB

AFSAFSAFS

00

AU

TOTOAUTOAUTO

STD.STD.STD.

Recording

Switching the Display of the LCD Monitor/
Viewfinder

Switching the Information Displayed on the recording screen

Press [DISPLAY] to change.

A [DISPLAY] button

• When the menu screen appears, the [DISPLAY] button is not

activated.

(LCD monitor display)

Screens here are an example of when it is set to [ ] (LCD monitor style).

•

With the [LCD DISP.STYLE] of the [CUSTOM] menu, you can choose the displayed
screen on the LCD monitor to display in [ ] (LCD monitor style) or [ ] (viewfinder
style).

STD.

STD.

×

AFS

AFS

0

AWB

AWB

TO

AU

P

TO

9

P

ISO

AWBWBAUTO

×

9

AF

0

−

11

−

2

−

33

0

−

44

−

5

5

STD.

2

B Normal display
C No display

D [LCD INFO.DISP.]

¢1

¢1, 2

¢3

E Tur ned o ff

(Viewfinder display)

Screens here are an example of when it is set to [ ] (viewfinder style).

•

With the [LVF DISP.STYLE] of the [CUSTOM] menu, you can choose the displayed screen
on the viewfinder to display in [ ] (viewfinder style) or [ ] (LCD monitor style).

F Normal displayidetailed information
G Normal display

64

VQT3A48

¢1

¢1, 2

Recording

¢1 Guide lines are displayed when the [GUIDE LINE] of the [CUSTOM] menu is set to anything

except [OFF].

¢2 Histograms are displayed when the [HISTOGRAM] of the [CUSTOM] menu is set to [ON].

It is also possible to display the Exposure meter by setting the [EXPO.METER] of the
[CUSTOM] menu to [ON]. (P133)

¢3 It is displayed when the [LCD INFO.DISP.] of the [CUSTOM] menu is set to anything except

[OFF]. (P134)

∫ Recording guide line

When you align the subject on the horizontal and vertical guide lines or the cross point of
these lines, you can take pictures with well-designed composition by viewing the size, the
slope and the balance of the subject.

A []:This is used when dividing the entire screen into 3k3 for taking pictures with a

B []:This is used when you want to position the subject at the exact centre of the screen.
C []:Position of the guide line can be set. It is used to take well balanced pictures of

well-balanced composition.

subjects off the centre of the image.

∫ Set the position of the guide line with [ ]

•

Set the [GUIDE LINE] in the [CUSTOM] menu to [ ].

Touch [ ] above the guide line, and drag it to the position
you want to move it to (P16).

•

You can also set the position of the guide line with the cursor button
in the Quick Menu (P57) while in button operation or [CUSTOM]
menu.

• When it is difficult to move the guide line on the screen edge by touch

operation, use the cursor button to set the position.

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65

Recording

PPP

99

AWBAWBAWB

STD.STD.STD.

3.53.53.5

100100100

AFSAFSAFS

××

PP

99

AWBAWBAWB

STD.STD.STD.

3.53.53.5

200200200

AFSAFSAFS

××

STD.STD.STD.

PP

3.53.53.5

505050

99

AWBAWBAWB

AFSAFSAFS

××

00 00 00

AU

TOTOAUTOAUTO

AU

TOTOAUTOAUTO

AU

TOTOAUTOAUTO

∫ About the Histogram

A histogram is a graph that displays brightness along the horizontal axis (black to white)
and the number of pixels at each brightness level on the vertical axis.
It allows you to easily check a picture’s exposure.

Examples of histogram

1 Properly Exposed
2 Under Exposed
3 Overexposed

¢ Histogram

∫ Set the position of the histogram

•

Set the [HISTOGRAM] in the [CUSTOM] menu to [ON].

Touch the histogram and drag it to the position you want to
move it to (P16).

•

You can also set the position of the histogram with the cursor button
in the Quick Menu (P57) while in button operation or [CUSTOM]
menu.

Note

When the recorded picture and the histogram do not match each other under the

•

following conditions, the histogram is displayed in orange.

– When the manual exposure assistance is other than [n0] during Exposure Compensation or

in the Manual Exposure Mode

– When the flash is activated
– When the flash is closed

• When the brightness of the screen is not correctly displayed in dark places

• When the exposure is not adequately adjusted

• The histogram is an approximation in the Recording Mode.

• The histogram displayed in this camera does not match histograms displayed by picture editing

software used in PCs etc.

66

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Recording

[REC] Mode:

Taking Pictures with the Zoom

Using the Optical Zoom/Using the Extra Tele Conversion (EX)/

Using the Digital Zoom

[You can only use the Optical Zoom in [ ], and the Optical Zoom, the Extra Tele
Conversion in [¿], [ ], [ ] and [ ] mode.]

You can zoom-out to record landscapes etc. in wide angle (Wide) or zoom-in to make
people and objects appear closer (Tele) by turning the zoom ring.
To enlarge further, set the [EX. TELE CONV.] to [ON] or the [DIGITAL ZOOM] to [2k] or
[4k] in the [REC] Mode menu or the [MOTION PICTURE] Mode menu. Then you can take
larger photos.
When [EX. TELE CONV.] (max. 2k) is used in still picture recording, set each image
aspect ratio (X/Y/W/ ) to a picture size other than [L] [picture size with

].

(P120)

∫ Types of zooms

Feature Optical Zoom

When the 14– 140 mm/F4.0 – 5.8 lens supplied in DMC-GH2H is used

10k

Recording
magnification

Picture
quality

¢1 When a picture size of [S] (4 M), aspect ratio of [X] is selected.

The magnification level differs depending on [PICTURE SIZE] and [ASPECT RATIO] setting.

¢2 When recording quality setting [ ] or [ ] is selected.

When Recording Mode [AVCHD(1080i)] is selected, Extra Tele Conversion factor will change
to 2.6.
When Recording Mode [AVCHD(720p)] is selected, or Recording Mode [MOTION JPEG] is
selected with recording quality setting [ ] or [ ], Extra Tele Conversion factor will
change to 3.9.

When the 14– 42 mm/F3.5– 5.6 lens supplied in DMC-GH2K is used

3k

No deterioration No deterioration

Extra Tele Conversion

when taking still
pictures: 2k
when recording motion
pictures: 4.8k

when taking still
pictures: 2k
when recording motion
pictures: 4.8k

(EX)

¢1

¢2

¢1

¢2

Digital Zoom

[2k]

[4k]

[2k]

[4k]

The higher the magnification
level, the greater the
deterioration.

Example: When the 14–42 mm/F3.5–5.6 lens supplied with the DMC-GH2K is used, you
can achieve 24k magnification by 3k Optical Zoom i 2k Extra Tele Conversion i 4k
Digital Zoom.

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67

Recording

Note

•

With the Extra Tele Conversion, for example, when it is set to [ ] (equal to 4 million pixels), it
will take the picture using the 4 million pixels in the centre out of the 16 million pixels of the
imaging device, resulting to be more of a telephoto picture.

• When the Extra Tele Conversion is used, angle of view for still pictures will be different from the

angle of view for motion pictures because the zoom factor is different between them. Angle of
view for recording can be checked beforehand by matching the [ REC AREA] (P134) setting
to the mode you wish to record in.

• If you use the zoom function after focusing on the subject, focus on the subject again.

• When using the Digital Zoom, [STABILIZER] may not be effective.

• If camera shake (jitter) is a problem during Digital Zooming, it is recommended that

[STABILIZER] be set to [MODE1].

• When using the Digital Zoom, we recommend using a tripod and the self-timer (P81) for taking

pictures.

• The AF Mode is fixed to [Ø] when using the Digital Zoom.

• The Extra Tele Conversion and Digital zoom cannot be used in the following cases.
– When [QUALITY] is set to [ ], [ ] or [ ]

68

VQT3A48

[REC] Mode:

Taking Pictures using the Built-in Flash

A To open the flash

Slide the flash open lever.

B To close the flash

Press the flash until it clicks.

•

Be sure to close the flash when not in use.

• The flash setting is fixed to [Œ] while the flash is

closed.

Note

Be careful not to catch a finger when closing a flash bulb.

•

Switching to the appropriate flash setting

Applicable modes:

Set the built-in flash to match the recording.

Open the flash.

•

1 Select [FLASH] in the [REC] Mode menu. (P55)
2 Press 3/4 to select a mode and press [MENU/SET].

•

For information about flash settings that can be selected, refer to “Available flash settings
by Recording Mode

”. (P71)

Recording

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69

Recording

Item Description of settings

‡: AUTO

:
AUTO/Red-Eye
Reduction

‰: Forced Flash ON

Forced ON/Red-Eye
Reduction

¢

:

¢

The flash is automatically activated when the recording conditions make
it necessary.

The flash is automatically activated when the recording conditions make
it necessary.
It is activated once before the actual recording to reduce the red-eye
phenomenon (eyes of the subject appearing red in the picture) and then
activated again for the actual recording.

• Use this when you take pictures of people in low lighting

conditions.

The flash is activated every time regardless of the recording conditions.

• Use this when your subject is back-lit or under fluorescent light.

The flash is activated every time regardless of the recording conditions.

Simultaneously it reduces the red-eye phenomenon.

•

Use this when your subject is back-lit or under fluorescent light.

When taking pictures against a dark background landscape, this
feature will slow the shutter speed when the flash is activated. Dark

: Slow Sync.

:
Slow Sync./
Red-Eye
Reduction

Œ:

Forced Flash

OFF

¢

background landscape will appear brighter.

•

Use this when you take pictures of people in front of a dark
background.

• Using a slower speed can cause motion blur. Using a tripod can

enhance your photos.

When taking pictures against a dark background landscape, this feature
will slow the shutter speed when the flash is activated. Dark background
landscape will appear brighter.

Simultaneously it reduces the red-eye phenomenon.

Use this when you take pictures of people in front of a dark

•

background.

• Using a slower speed can cause motion blur. Using a tripod can

enhance your photos.

The flash is not activated in any recording conditions.

• Use this when you take pictures in places where the use of the

flash is not permitted.

• Close the flash to turn it off when the built-in flash is used.

The flash is activated twice. The interval between the first and second flash is
longer when [ ], [ ] or [ ] is set. The subject should not move until the
second flash is activated.

¢ [RED-EYE REMOVAL] on the [REC] Mode menu is set to [ON], [ ] appears on the

flash icon.

∫ About the Digital Red-Eye Correction

When [RED-EYE REMOVAL] on the [REC] Mode menu has been set to [ON] and
Red-Eye Reduction ([ ], [ ], [ ]) is selected, Digital Red-Eye Correction is
performed whenever the flash is used. The camera automatically detects red-eye and
corrects the picture. (Only available when the AF Mode is set to [š] and Face Detection is
active)

•

Under certain circumstances, red-eye cannot be corrected.

70

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∫ Available flash settings by Recording Mode

The available flash settings depend on the Recording Mode.
(±: Available, —: Not available, ¥: Initial setting of Advanced Scene Mode and Scene Mode)

‡ ‰ Œ ‡ ‰ Œ

¢

ñ

³
±
´
²

*
+

,

¢ [ ] is displayed. [ ], [ ], [ ] or [ ] is set depending on the type of subject and

brightness.

• The flash setting may change if the Recording Mode is changed. Set the flash setting again if

necessary.

—————± ——————¥

±

±±±±±±± ¥— ± ——— ±

±±±±±±±
±±±±——±¥— ± ———±

——±±——±¥— ± ———±
——————± ¥±±———±
——————±

±¥±———±
±¥±———±
¥±±———±
±¥±———±

±¥±—— ±±

——————¥
——————¥
——————¥

¥ — ± ———±

1

—————¥±

.

——————¥

/

——————¥

ï

———± — ¥±

2

¥ — ± ———±

-

±¥±———±

:

±¥±———±

;

¥ — ± ———±

í

• The flash setting is memorised even if the camera is turned off. However, the Advanced Scene

Mode or the Scene Mode flash setting is reset to the initial setting when the Advanced Scene
Mode or the Scene Mode is changed.

• Flash will not be activated when recording motion picture.

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71

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∫ The available flash range to take pictures

•

The available flash range is an approximation.

When the 14 – 140 mm/F4.0 – 5.8 lens supplied in DMC-GH2H is used

ISO sensitivity

Available flash range according to focal length of lens

(When the aspect ratio is [X] or [ ].)

Wide to 21 mm 22 mm Tel e

AUTO

ISO160

ISO200

ISO400

ISO800

ISO1600

ISO3200

ISO6400

ISO12800

Vignetting effect occurs
due to the light of the
flash.

1.0 m (3.28 feet) to

4.8 m (15.7 feet)

1.0 m (3.28 feet) to

3.0m (9.84feet)

1.0 m (3.28 feet) to

3.4 m (11.2 feet)

1.0 m (3.28 feet) to

4.8 m (15.7 feet)

1.0 m (3.28 feet) to

6.9 m (22.6 feet)

1.0 m (3.28 feet) to

9.7 m (31.8 feet)

1.0 m (3.28 feet) to

13.8 m (45.3 feet)

1.2 m (3.94 feet) to

14.5 m (47.6 feet)

1.7 m (5.58 feet) to

27.6 m (90.6 feet)

¢

50 cm (1.64 feet) to

3.7 m (12.1 feet)

50 cm (1.64 feet) to

2.3 m (7.55 feet)

50 cm (1.64 feet) to

2.6 m (8.53 feet)

50 cm (1.64 feet) to

3.7 m (12.1 feet)

50 cm (1.64 feet) to

5.3 m (17.4 feet)

50 cm (1.64 feet) to

7.5 m (24.6 feet)

60 cm (1.97 feet) to

10.7 m (35.1 feet)

90 cm (2.95 feet) to

15.1 m (49.5 feet)

1.3 m (4.27 feet) to

21.4 m (70.2 feet)

When the 14–42 mm/F3.5–5.6 lens supplied in DMC-GH2K is used

ISO sensitivity

Available flash range

Wide Te le

AUTO

45 cm (1.48 feet) to 6.2 m
(20.3 feet)

¢

30 cm (0.99 feet) to 3.9 m
(12.8 feet)

¢

ISO160 45 cm (1.48 feet) to 3.9 m (12.8 feet) 30 cm (0.99 feet) to 2.4 m (7.87 feet)
ISO200 45 cm (1.48 feet) to 4.4 m (14.4 feet) 30 cm (0.99 feet) to 2.7 m (8.85 feet)
ISO400 45cm (1.48feet) to 6.2m (20.3feet) 30cm (0.99feet) to 3.9m (12.8feet)
ISO800 50cm (1.64feet) to 8.8m (28.9feet) 30cm (0.99feet) to 5.5m (18.0feet)

ISO1600

ISO3200

ISO6400

ISO12800

80 cm (2.62 feet) to 12.5 m
(41.0 feet)

1.1 m (3.61 feet) to 17.7 m
(58.1 feet)

1.6 m (5.25 feet) to 25.1 m
(82.3 feet)

2.2 m (7.22 feet) to 35.5 m
(116.5 feet)

50 cm (1.64 feet) to 7.8 m (25.6 feet)

70 cm (2.29 feet) to 11.1 m
(36.4 feet)

1.0 m (3.28 feet) to 15.7 m
(51.5 feet)

1.4 m (4.59 feet) to 22.2 m
(72.8 feet)

¢ When the [ISO LIMIT SET] (P124) is set to [OFF]

¢

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Recording

• At the time of flash photography, when distance with the subject is near, the flash light is

interrupted with the lens and a part of the picture being taken becomes dark. Check the
distance between the camera and the subject when taking a picture. The distance from which
the subject blocks the flash light differs according to the lens used.

– When the 14– 140 mm/F4.0–5.8 lens supplied in DMC-GH2H is attached:

When the aspect ratio is [X] or [ ].

Vignetting effect occurs due to the light of the flash. (Wide to 21 mm)/

1.0 m (3.28 feet) or less (22 mm)/50 cm (1.64 feet) or less (Tele)

When the aspect ratio is [Y].

Vignetting effect occurs due to the light of the flash. (Wide to 17 mm)/

1.0 m (3.28 feet) or less (18 mm)/50 cm (1.64 feet) or less (Tele)

When the aspect ratio is [W].

2.5 m (8.20 feet) or less (Wide)/1.0 m (3.28 feet) or less (15 mm)/50 cm (1.64 feet) or
less (Tele)

– When the 14– 42 mm/F3.5–5.6 lens supplied in DMC-GH2K is attached:

45 cm (1.48 feet) or less (Wide)/30 cm (0.99 feet) or less (Tele)

∫ Shutter speed for each flash setting

Flash setting Shutter speed (Sec.) Flash setting Shutter speed (Sec.)

‡

¢1

1/60

to 1/4000th 1 to 1/4000th

‰

¢1 This becomes 60 seconds in Shutter-Priority AE Mode.
¢2

This becomes 60 seconds in Shutter-Priority AE Mode and B (Bulb) in the Manual Exposure Mode.

¢3 This becomes B (Bulb) in the Manual Exposure Mode.

¢2

1/60

to 1/160th Œ 60¢3 to 1/4000th

• When the flash is activated, the shutter speed cannot be set to faster than 1/160th of a second.

• In Intelligent Auto Mode, shutter speed changes depending on the identified scene.

Note

Do not bring the flash too close to objects or close the flash while it is activated. The

•

objects may be discoloured by its heat or lighting.

• Do not close the flash soon after the flash is activated prior to taking pictures due to AUTO/

Red-Eye Reduction etc. It causes a malfunction.

• When you take a picture beyond the available flash range, the exposure may not be adjusted

properly and the picture may become bright or dark.

• When the flash is being charged, the flash icon blinks red, and you cannot take a picture even

when you press the shutter button fully.

• When you take a picture beyond the available flash range, the White Balance may not be

properly adjusted.

• When you use certain lenses, light from the flash may be blocked or fail to cover the lens

field of view, causing dark areas to appear in the resulting pictures.

• 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.

• It may take time to charge the flash if you repeat taking a picture. Take a picture after the

access indication disappears.

• The Red-Eye Reduction effect differs between people. Also, if the subject was far away from

the camera or was not looking at the first flash, the effect may not be evident.

• When you attach an external flash, it takes priority over the built-in flash. Refer to P171 for the

external flash.

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Adjust the flash output

Applicable modes:

Adjust the flash output if the recorded pictures are too bright or too dark.

1 Select [FLASH ADJUST.] in the [REC] Mode menu. (P55)
2 Press 2/1 to set the flash output and then press

[MENU/SET].

You can adjust from [j2 EV] to [i2 EV] in steps of [1/3 EV].

•

• Select [0 EV] to return to the original flash output.

Note

[i] or [j] is displayed on the flash icon in the screen when the flash

•

level is adjusted.

[REC] Mode:

Optical Image Stabilizer

Using one of these modes, jitter during picture taking is detected, and the camera
automatically compensates the jitter, enabling jitter-free images to be taken.

The lens supplied in DMC-GH2H/DMC-GH2K has a stabilizer function.

•

There is an [O.I.S.] switch on the 14– 140 mm/F4.0–5.8 lens supplied in DMC-GH2H.

• There is no [O.I.S.] switch on the 14–42 mm/F3.5– 5.6 lens supplied in DMC-GH2K. Set the

[STABILIZER] settings in the [REC] Mode menu.

When using a lens with an [O.I.S.] switch, it is
possible to set to enable the Optical Image Stabilizer
by switching the [O.I.S.] switch on the lens to [ON].
(It is set to [MODE1] at the time of purchase.)

Example when a lens with the
[O.I.S.] switch is mounted.

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∫ Setting the Stabilizer in the [REC] Mode menu

1 Select [STABILIZER] in the [REC] Mode menu. (P55)
2 Press 3/4 to select the setting and then press [MENU/SET].

[OFF]: [STABILIZER] does not work.

[MODE1]: Jitter is always compensated during [REC] Mode.
[MODE2]: The jitter is compensated for when the shutter button is pressed.
[MODE3]: Camera shake is corrected for up/down movements. This mode is ideal

When recording a motion picture, [STABILIZER] will be fixed to [MODE1] even if it is set to

•

[MODE2] or [MODE3].

• [STABILIZER] cannot be selected when a lens without Stabilizer function is used.

∫ Preventing jitter (camera shake)

When the jitter alert [ ] appears, use [STABILIZER], a tripod, the self-timer (P81) or the
remote shutter (DMW-RSL1; optional)

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.
– Slow Sync./Red-Eye Reduction
– [NIGHT PORTRAIT], [NIGHT SCENERY] and [PARTY] in Scene Mode (P99)
– When you set to a slow shutter speed

Note

It is recommended to disable the Optical Image Stabilizer when using a tripod. [ ] is

•

displayed on the screen at that time.

• The stabilizer function may not be effective in the following cases.
– When there is a lot of jitter.
– When the zoom magnification is high.
– When using the Digital Zoom.
– When taking pictures while following a moving subject.
– When the shutter speed becomes slower to take pictures indoors or in dark places.

Be careful of camera jitter when you press the shutter button.

• The panning effect in [MODE3] is more difficult to achieve in the following cases.
– In brightly lit places such as in broad daylight on a summer’s day
– When the shutter speed is faster than 1/100th of a second.
– When you move the camera too slowly because the subject is moving slowly. (The

background will not become a blur.)

– When the camera does not keep up with the subject satisfactorily

• We recommend taking pictures with the viewfinder when panning in [MODE3].

(This can be selected only when using a lens without the [O.I.S.]
switch.)

for panning (a method of taking pictures which involves turning the
camera to track the movements of a subject which continues to move in
a fixed direction).

(P172).

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A B

[REC] Mode:

Compensating the Exposure

Use this function when you cannot achieve appropriate exposure due to the difference in
brightness between the subject and the background. Look at the following examples.

Underexposed

Properly
exposed

Overexposed

Compensate the exposure
towards positive.

Compensate the exposure

towards negative.

Press the rear dial to switch to Exposure Compensation operation.

Rotate the rear dial to compensate the
exposure.

A Exposure Compensation value
B [EXPO.METER]

• The Exposure Compensation value can be set within

a range of j5EV to i5 EV. When recording motion
pictures, the Exposure Compensation value can be
set within a range of j3EV to i3EV.

• Select [0] to return to the original exposure.

• Rotate the rear dial to display the [EXPO.METER]. (P133) (However, it does not appear

in

ñ//¿// / Mode.)

Note

•

When the exposure value is out of the j3EV to i3 EV range, the brightness of the recording
screen will no longer change. It is recommended to record by checking the actual brightness of
the recorded image in the Auto Review or playback screen.

• The set exposure value is memorised even if the camera is turned off. However, the exposure

value during the Intelligent Auto Mode is not memorised.

•

The compensation range of the exposure will be limited depending on the brightness of the subject.

• When the aperture and shutter speed values are displayed in the screen in the Programme AE

Mode, Programme Shift operation and Exposure Compensation operation is switched every
time the rear dial is pressed.

• In the Aperture-Priority AE Mode, Aperture Setting operation (P93) and Exposure

Compensation operation is switched every time the rear dial is pressed.

• In the Shutter-Priority AE Mode, Shutter Speed Setting operation (P93) and Exposure

Compensation operation is switched every time the rear dial is pressed.

• Operation method can be changed with [EXPO. SETTINGS] in the [CUSTOM] menu. (P133)

• Exposure compensation can be performed by touching the exposure compensation display,

and then using the slide bar in the Quick Menu (P56) while in touch operation.

• In the Quick Menu (P57) while in button operation, if set to [ ] (LCD monitor style), exposure

compensation can be set with 3/4 after selecting to display exposure compensation with
2/1 or the rear dial.

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Recording

A

• In the Quick Menu (P57) while in button operation, if set to [ ] (viewfinder style), after

selecting the Exposure Compensation display using the rear dial or 2/1, pressing the rear dial
or [MENU/SET] will allow you to compensate the exposure with the rear dial or 2/1.

[REC] Mode:

Taking Pictures using Burst Mode

Pictures are taken continuously while the shutter button is pressed.
Select the ones you really like from among the pictures you have taken.
Pictures taken with a burst speed of [SH] will be recorded as a single burst group (P137).

Set the drive mode lever to [ ].

Focus on the subject and take a picture.

A When Burst Mode is set to high speed [H].

• Hold down the shutter button fully to activate the

Burst Mode.

∫ Changing the burst speed

1 Select [BURST RATE] in the [REC] Mode menu. (P55)
2 Press 3/4 to select the burst speed and then press [MENU/SET].

[SH]

(Super high

speed)

Burst speed

(pictures/second)

Live View during Burst

¢1

¢1 Number of recordable pictures
¢2 When quality is set to [ ], [ ] or [ ], burst speed is 4.5 pictures/second.
¢3 Pictures can be taken until the capacity of the card becomes full. However the burst speed

Mode

With RAW files —

Without RAW files Max. 40

will become slower halfway. The exact timing of this depends on the aspect ratio, the picture
size, the setting for the quality and the type of card used.

40 5

None None Available Available

[H]

(High speed)

¢2

Depends on the remaining capacity of the card

[M]

(Middle speed)

32

¢3

4 to 7

[L]

(Low speed)

¢3

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• First burst speed has no relation with the transfer speed of the card.

• The burst speed values given above apply when the shutter speed is 1/60 or faster and when

the flash is not activated.

• The Burst Mode speed may become slower depending on the following settings.
– [SENSITIVITY] (P91)/[PICTURE SIZE] (P120)/[QUALITY] (P121)/[FOCUS PRIORITY]

(P131)/Focus Mode

• The picture size will be fixed to [S] when [SH] is set.

• Refer to P121 for information about RAW files.

∫ Focusing in Burst Mode

The focus changes depending on the setting for [FOCUS PRIORITY] (P131) in the
[CUSTOM] menu and the Focus Mode setting.

Focus Mode Focus Priority Focus

AFS

AFC

¢1

ON

OFF

ON

OFF

At the first picture

Normal focusing

Predicted focusing

¢2

¢3

MF — Focus set with Manual Focus

¢1 When the subject is dark or the burst speed is set to [SH], the focus is fixed on the first

picture.

¢2 The burst speed may become slower because the camera is continuously focusing on the

subject.

¢3 Burst speed takes priority, and focus is estimated within possible range.

Note

•

We recommend using the remote shutter (DMW-RSL1; optional) when you want to keep the
shutter button pressed fully while taking pictures in Burst Mode. Refer to P172 for information
about the remote shutter.

• When the burst speed is set to [SH] or [H] (when the Focus Mode is [AFS] or [MF]), the

exposure and White Balance are fixed at the settings used for the first picture for the
subsequent pictures as well. Depending on the brightness of the subject, the second picture
and subsequent pictures may be brighter or darker. When the burst speed is set to [H] (when
the Focus Mode is [AFC]), [M] or [L], they are adjusted each time you take a picture.

• If you are following a moving subject while taking pictures in a place indoors, outdoors etc.

where there is a large difference between the light and shade (landscape), it may take time until
the exposure is stable. If burst is used at this time, the exposure may not become optimal.

• Since the shutter speed becomes slower in dark places, the burst speed (pictures/second) may

become slower.

• When set to [SH] or [H], the Auto Review function is activated regardless of the Auto Review

setting. (Will not hold) You cannot set the Auto Review function in the [SETUP] menu.
When set to [M] or [L], Live View is displayed between burst frames.

• When the flash is activated, you can take only 1 picture.

• Maximum of 3 films will be recorded depending on the Multi Film Bracket setting during

the Multi Film Bracket recording (P119).
It will automatically switch to [H] when set to [SH].

• The Burst Mode is disabled when White Balance Bracket or Aspect Bracket is set.

• The Burst Mode is disabled during recording of the motion pictures.

• The following functions cannot be used when the burst speed is set to [SH].
– [EX. TELE CONV.]/[DIGITAL ZOOM]/[LONG SHTR NR]/[MODE2] of [STABILIZER]/[ ],

[ ] or [ ] of [QUALITY]

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Recording

A

[REC] Mode:

Taking Pictures using Auto Bracket

Maximum of 7 pictures will be recorded with different exposure settings following the
Exposure Compensation range every time the shutter button is pressed.
You can select the picture with the desired exposure among different exposures.

With Auto Bracket
[STEP]: [3•1/3], [SEQUENCE]: [0/s/r]

1st picture 2nd picture 3rd picture

d0EV j1/3 EV i1/3 EV

Set the drive mode lever to [ ].

Focus on the subject and take a picture.

A Auto Bracket indication (When burst is set.)

• If you press and hold the shutter button, the number

of pictures that you set is taken.

• The Auto Bracket indication blinks until the number of

pictures that you set is taken.

• The picture count is reset to [0] if you change the

Auto Bracket setting, change the setting on the drive
mode lever or turn the camera off before all the pictures that you set are taken.

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Recording

∫ Changing the settings for [ / SETTINGS], [STEP] and [SEQUENCE] in Auto

Bracket

1 Select [AUTO BRACKET] in the [REC] Mode menu. (P55)
2 Press 3/4 to select [ / SETTINGS], [STEP] or

[SEQUENCE] and then press 1.

3 Press 3/4 to select the setting and then press [MENU/SET].

Item

[ / SETTINGS]

[STEP]

You can take one picture at a time when set to [ ].

•

Settings

[] (single)

[ ] (burst) [`/0/_]

[3•1/3] (3 pictures)

[3•2/3] (3 pictures)

[3•1] (3 pictures)

[5•1/3] (5 pictures)

[5•2/3] (5 pictures)

[5•1] (5 pictures)

[7•1/3] (7 pictures)

[7•2/3] (7 pictures)

[7•1] (7 pictures)

• You can continuously take pictures up to set numbers when set to [ ].

Item

[SEQUENCE]

Settings

[0/`/_]

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

Note

•

When taking pictures using Auto Bracket after setting the Exposure Compensation range, the
pictures taken are based on the selected Exposure Compensation range.

• The exposure may not be compensated with Auto Bracket depending on the brightness of the

subject.

• The Auto Review function is activated regardless of the Auto Review setting. (Will not hold) You

cannot set the Auto Review function in the [SETUP] menu.

• When the flash is activated, you can take only 1 picture.

• Auto Bracket is disabled when Multi Film Bracket, White Balance Bracket, or Aspect Bracket is

set.

• The Auto Bracket will be disabled during recording of the motion pictures.

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VQT3A48

[REC] Mode:

A

Taking Pictures with the Self-timer

Set the drive mode lever to [ë].

Press the shutter button halfway to focus
and then press it fully to take the picture.

A When self-timer is set to [ ].

• A picture is not taken until the subject is brought into

focus.

Focus and exposure will be set when the

shutter button is pressed halfway.

•

If you want to press the shutter button fully to take a
picture even when the subject is not focused, set [FOCUS PRIORITY] in the [CUSTOM]
menu to [OFF]. (P131)

• The self-timer indicator B blinks and the shutter is activated after

10 seconds (or 2 seconds).

• If you press [MENU/SET] while taking a picture with the self-timer, it

is cancelled.

• When [ ] is selected, the self-timer indicator blinks again after the

first and the second pictures are taken and the shutter is activated
2 seconds after it blinks.

∫ Changing the time setting for the self-timer

1 Select [SELF-TIMER] in the [REC] Mode menu. (P55)
2 Press 3/4 to select the mode and then press [MENU/SET].

Item Settings

10 seconds

After 10 seconds the camera takes 3 pictures at about 2 second intervals.

2 seconds

Recording

Note

When using a tripod etc., setting the self-timer to 2 seconds is a convenient way to avoid the

•

jitter caused by pressing the shutter button.

• We recommend using a tripod when recording with the self-timer.

• Depending on the recording conditions, the recording interval may become more than

2 seconds when [ ] is selected.

• The flash output may not be constant when [ ] is set.

• Up to 3 films are recorded automatically, depending on the Multi Film Bracket setting, when the

shutter button is pressed once during the recording with Multi Film Bracket.

• Use the Quick Menu (P56) to set when in Intelligent Auto Mode.

• It cannot be set to [ ] in Intelligent Auto Mode or when White Balance Bracket or Aspect

Bracket is set.

• The self-timer will be disabled during recording of the motion pictures.

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81

Recording

MF

AFC

AFS

[REC] Mode:

Setting the Method used to Focus (AF Mode)

This allows the focusing method that suits the positions and number of the subjects to be
selected.
Also, it is possible to set the focus and exposure to the subject specified on the touch panel.
Select the mode that matches the recording conditions and the composition.

Set the focus mode lever to [AFS] or [AFC].

Switching the auto focus mode dial.

Note

It is not possible to set [š] in the following cases.

•

– In [FOOD] in [CLOSE-UP]
– In [NIGHT SCENERY] in Scene Mode

• The AF Mode is fixed to [Ø] when using the Digital Zoom.

• AF area will be fixed to a small point in [PERIPHERAL DEFOCUS] in Scene Mode.

• It will be set to [Ø] when a recording is performed with the Touch Shutter function (P38).

About [š] (Face Detection)

The camera automatically detects the person’s face. The focus and
exposure can then be adjusted to fit that face no matter what portion
of the picture it is in. (max. 15 areas)
When the camera detects a person’s face, the AF area is displayed.
Yellow:
When the shutter button is pressed halfway, the frame turns green
when the camera is focused.
White:
Displayed when more than one face is detected. Other faces that are the same distance
away as faces within the yellow AF areas are also focused.

Note

Position and size of the AF area can be changed. (P84)

•

• When [š] is selected and [METERING MODE] is set to multiple [C], the camera will adjust

the exposure to suit the person’s face. (P122)

•

Under certain picture-taking conditions including the following cases, the facial recognition
function may fail to work, making it impossible to detect faces. The AF Mode is switched to [ ].

– When the face is not facing the camera
– When the face is at an angle
– When the face is extremely bright or dark
– When there is little contrast on the faces
– When the facial features are hidden behind sunglasses, etc.
– When the face appears small on the screen
– When there is rapid movement
– When the subject is other than a human being
– When the camera is shaking

• The camera may detect the subjects other than a person as the face. In this case, switch the

AF Mode to any modes other than [š] and then take a picture.

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A

Setting up [ ] (AF Tracking)

Focus and exposure can be adjusted to a specified subject. Focus and exposure will keep
on following the subject even if it moves. (Dynamic tracking)

∫ When operating the touch panel

You can lock the subject by touching it.

•

The AF area turns yellow while the subject is locked.

• Lock is cancelled when [CANCEL] is touched.

∫ When operating buttons

Place the subject in the AF tracking frame, and press the shutter
button halfway to lock the subject.

A AF tracking frame

• AF area will turn green when the camera detects the subject.

• The AF area turns yellow when the shutter button is released.

• Lock is cancelled when [MENU/SET ] is pressed.

Note

•

If it fails to lock, AF area will flash in red, and disappear. Try to lock again.

• AF Tracking will not operate when it has failed to AF track. AF Mode will be switched to [Ø] in

that case.

• In the following cases, [ ] operates as [Ø]
– When the Film Mode is [STANDARD] ( ), [DYNAMIC] ( ), [SMOOTH] ( )
– When My Colour Mode is [MONOCHROME]

– When recording motion pictures

• Dynamic tracking function may not work in the following cases:
– When the subject is too small
– When the recording location is too dark or bright
– When the subject is moving too fast
– When the background has the same or similar colour to the subject
– When jitter is occurring
– When zoom is operated

About [ ] (23-area-focusing)

Up to 23 points for each AF area can be focused. This is effective when the subject is not
in the centre of the screen.
(AF area frame will be same as image aspect ratio setting)

Note

•

The 23 AF areas can be divided into 9 areas and the area to be focused can be set. (P84)

• AF area is not displayed until it is in focus. Also, when the Focus Mode is set to [AFC], the AF

area is not displayed even if it is in focus.

• The camera is focusing on all the AF areas using [ ] when multiple AF areas (max. 23 areas)

light at the same time. If you want to determine the focus position to take pictures, switch the
AF Mode to [Ø].

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About [Ø] (1-area-focusing)

The camera focuses on the subject in the AF area on the screen.

Note

Position and size of the AF area can be changed. (P84)

•

• When the subject is not in the centre of the composition in [Ø], you can bring the subject into

the AF area, fix the focus and exposure by pressing the shutter button halfway, move the
camera to the composition you want with the shutter button pressed halfway, and then take the
picture. (Only when the focus mode lever is set to [AFS])

Setting up position of the AF area/changing size of the AF area

When selecting [š], [Ø]

Position and size of the AF area can be changed.

1 Touch the subject.

•

AF area setting screen is displayed.

• It is also possible to move the AF area using the cursor

button after pressing and holding the [Q.MENU] button
until the AF area setting screen is displayed.

• The AF area returns to the centre when [‚] is pressed.

2 Touch the slide bar to change the size of AF area

frame.

It can be changed to 4 different sizes.

•

• It is also possible to rotate the rear dial to the right to

make it larger. Rotate it to the left to make it smaller.

3 Touch [SET].

•

AF area with the same function as [Ø] is displayed in
the touched position, when the [š] is selected. Setting of the AF area is cleared when
[CANCEL] is touched.

When selecting [ ]

The 23 AF areas can be divided into 9 areas and the area to be focused can be set.

Touch the screen to display the AF area setting
screen, and select the AF area frame as shown in the
figure on the right.

•

After releasing you finger from the touch panel for a while,
AF area frame will disappear, and only [i] display (centre
point of selected AF area frame) will remain on the screen.

• Press and hold the [Q.MENU] button until the AF area

setting screen is displayed. The AF area frame can then also
be selected by pressing the cursor button or by rotating the rear dial.

• Setting of the AF area frame is cancelled when [CANCEL] is touched.

∫ Move the AF area easily with button operations

When the [DIRECT FOCUS AREA] in the [CUSTOM] menu is set to [ON] while [š], [ ]
or [Ø] is selected, it is possible to move the AF area directly with the cursor button.

• Use the Quick Menu (P56) to set the functions assigned to the cursor button, such as

[SENSITIVITY] (P91), [WHITE BALANCE] (P88), etc.

Note

The spot metering target can also be moved to match the AF area when using [Ù]. (P122)

•

• Change the size of the AF area when there is trouble focusing with a small AF area.

• [DIRECT FOCUS AREA] is fixed to [OFF] in My Colour Mode.

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B

A

[REC] Mode:

Taking Pictures with Manual Focus

Use this function when you want to fix the focus or when the distance between the lens
and the subject is determined and you do not want to activate Auto Focus.

Set the focus mode lever to [MF].

Rotate the focus ring to focus on the subject.

• When the [MF ASSIST] in the [CUSTOM] menu is set to [ON],

screen will be enlarged about 5 times as MF Assist. A

• MF guide B is displayed on the screen when the focus ring is

rotated if the [MF GUIDE] in the [CUSTOM] menu is set to
[ON]. You can check the direction of rotation of the focus ring is
toward the near side or the far side.

MF ASSIST

∫ Displaying the MF Assist

•

It is displayed by rotating the focus ring or touching the screen.

• It can also be displayed by pressing and holding the [Q.MENU] button to display the setup

screen for the enlarged area, deciding the area to enlarge using the cursor button, and
then pressing [MENU/SET].

• It will switch to the setting screen for the enlarged area by pressing the cursor button when

the [DIRECT FOCUS AREA] in the [CUSTOM] menu is set to [ON].

∫ Moving the enlarged area

•

The enlarged area can be moved by dragging the screen (P16), or pressing the cursor
button.

• The following will return the MF assistance to the original position.
– When the Focus Mode is set to other than [MF]
– Changing [ASPECT RATIO] or [PICTURE SIZE]
– Turning the camera off

∫ Changing the magnification

•

It is enlarged to 10 times by touching [ ]. It will return to 5 times by touching [ ].

• MF Assist is enlarged from 5 times to 10 times when the rear dial is rotated right. It will

return to 5 times by rotating the rear dial left.

∫ Closing the MF Assist

•

It will close when the shutter button is pressed halfway.

• It will also close by touching the [CANCEL] on the screen or pressing [MENU/SET].

• When displayed by rotating the focus ring, it is closed approximately 10 seconds after the

operation is stopped.

Note

•

The MF Assist does not appear when using the Digital Zoom or recording motion pictures.

• MF Assist or MF guide may not display depending on the lens used, but you can display MF

Assist by direct operation of the camera, using the touch panel or a button.

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Technique for Manual Focus

1 Rotate the focus ring to focus on the

subject.

2 Rotate it a little more.
3 Finely focus on the subject by rotating the

focus ring slowly in reverse.

Note

If you use the zoom function after focusing on the subject, focus on the subject again.

•

• After cancelling Sleep Mode, focus on the subject again.

• If you are taking close-up pictures
– We recommend using a tripod and the self-timer (P81).
– The effective focus range (depth of field) is significantly narrowed. Therefore, if the distance

between the camera and the subject is changed after focusing on the subject, it may become
difficult to focus on it again.

– The resolution of the periphery of the picture may decrease slightly. This is not a malfunction.

About the focus distance reference mark

The focus distance reference mark is a mark used
to measure the focus distance.
Use this when taking pictures with Manual Focus
or taking close-up pictures.

A Focus distance reference mark
B Focus distance reference line
C 0.5 m (1.64 feet) (When the

F4.0–5.8 lens supplied in DMC-GH2H is used)

D 0.3 m (0.99 feet) (When the

86

F3.5–5.6

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lens supplied in DMC-GH2K is used)

14–140 mm/

14–42 mm/

Focus range

Recording

B

[REC] Mode:

Fixing the Focus and the Exposure (AF/AE Lock)

This is useful when you want to take a picture of a subject outside the AF area or the
contrast is too strong and you cannot achieve appropriate exposure.

Align the screen with the subject.

Press and hold [AF/AE LOCK] to fix the focus or
exposure.

A [AF/AE LOCK] button

• If you release [AF/AE LOCK], AF/AE Lock is cancelled.

While pressing [AF/AE LOCK], move the camera
as you compose the picture and then press
shutter button fully.

B AE lock indication

• When [AE] is set, after pressing the shutter button halfway to

focus, press the shutter button fully.

∫ AF/AE Lock

Locking of the focus and exposure can be set in [AF/AE LOCK] in the [CUSTOM] menu.

[AE]: Only the exposure is locked.

[AF]: Only the focus is locked.

[AF/AE]: Both focus and exposure are locked.

Note

If you set [AF/AE LOCK HOLD] in the [CUSTOM] menu to [ON], you can fix the focus and the

•

exposure even if you release [AF/AE LOCK] after pressing it. (P131)

• The brightness of the image displayed on the LCD monitor/viewfinder (Live View) will be also

locked when the AE lock is performed.

• AF Lock only is effective when taking pictures in Manual Exposure Mode.

• AE Lock only is effective when taking pictures with Manual Focus.

• AE/AF lock cannot be performed again during motion picture recording. During motion picture

recording only cancellation of AE/AF lock can be performed.

• The exposure is set, even if the brightness of the subject changes.

• The subject can be focused again by pressing the shutter button halfway even when AE is

locked.

• Programme Shift can be set even when AE is locked.

[AEL], aperture value, the shutter speed light when the exposure is set.

•

[AFL], the focus indication, aperture value, the shutter speed light when the

•

subject is focused.

[AFL], [AEL], the focus indication, aperture value and the shutter speed light

•

when the subject is focused and the exposure is set.

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1223

4

1)

2)

3)

4)

5)

6)

7)

8)

9)

[REC] Mode:

Adjusting the White Balance

In sunlight, under incandescent lights or in other such conditions where the colour of white
takes on a reddish or bluish tinge, this item adjusts to the colour of white which is closest
to what is seen by the eye in accordance with the light source.

Press 1 ().

Touch the White Balance to select.

Touch [SET].

Item Recording conditions

[AWB] Automatic adjustment
[V] When taking pictures outdoors under a clear sky
[Ð] When taking pictures outdoors under a cloudy sky
[î] When taking pictures outdoors in the shade
[Ñ] When taking pictures under incandescent lights

¢

[]
[]/[]/[]/[]
[] When using the preset colour temperature setting

¢It will operate as [AWB] during motion picture recording.

∫ Auto White Balance

Depending on the conditions prevailing when pictures are taken, the pictures may take on
a reddish or bluish tinge. Furthermore, when a multiple number of light sources are being
used or there is nothing with a colour close to white, Auto White Balance may not function
properly. In a case like this, set the White Balance to a mode other than [AWB].

1 Auto White Balance will work within this range.
2 Blue sky
3 Cloudy sky (Rain)
4 Shade
5 Sunlight
6 White fluorescent light
7 Incandescent light bulb
8 Sunrise and sunset
9 Candlelight
KlKelvin Colour Temperature

When taking pictures with the flash only

When

using the preset White Balance

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123

1

2

3

Note

•

The optimal White Balance will differ depending on the type of fluorescent lighting being
recorded under so use [AWB], [], [], [] or [].

4

• When the flash is used, if you take a picture beyond the available flash range, the White

Balance may not be properly adjusted.

• The White Balance is memorised even if the camera is turned off, but [WHITE BALANCE] for

the Advanced Scene Mode or the Scene Mode is set to [AWB] when the Advanced Scene
Mode or the Scene Mode is changed.

• White Balance is fixed to [AWB] in following conditions.
– In Intelligent Auto Mode
– In [OUTDOOR PORTRAIT] and [INDOOR PORTRAIT] in [PORTRAIT]
– In [SCENERY]
– In [FOOD] in [CLOSE-UP]
– In [NIGHT PORTRAIT], [NIGHT SCENERY], [SUNSET] or [PARTY] in Scene Mode
– My Colour Mode

• When [DIRECT FOCUS AREA] (P84) is set to [ON], the operations on the cursor buttons

translate to movements of the AF area. Set using the Quick Menu (P56).

∫ Setting the White Balance manually

Set the White Balance value. Use to match the condition when taking photographs.

1 Select the white set icon (such as [ ]), and then touch [SELECT WHITE SET].

•

The white set selecting screen can also be displayed by pressing the cursor button toward

3.

2 Select [ ], [ ], [ ] or [ ] and then touch [WHITE SET].

•

1

The White Balance setting screen can also be displayed by pressing the cursor button
toward 3.

4

3 Aim the camera at a sheet of white paper etc. so

that the frame in the centre is filled by the white
object only and then touch [SET].

Note

White Balance may not be set when the subject is too bright or too dark. Set the White Balance

•

again after adjusting to appropriate brightness.

∫ Setting the colour temperature

You can set the colour temperature manually for taking natural pictures in different lighting
conditions. The colour of light is measured as a number in degrees Kelvin. As the colour
temperature increases, the picture becomes more bluish. As the colour temperature
decreases, the picture becomes more reddish.

1 Select [ ] and then touch [WB K SET].

•

The colour temperature setting screen can also be
displayed by pressing the cursor button toward 3.

2 Touch the colour temperature setting bar.

•

It is also possible to set the values by touching [3]/[4]
or pressing

• You can set a colour temperature from [2500K] to

3/4 of the cursor button.

[10000K].

3 Touch [SET].

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4

∫ Finely adjusting the White Balance

You can finely adjust the White Balance when you cannot acquire the desired hue by
setting the White Balance.

1 Select the White Balance and then touch [ADJUST.].

•

The White Balance adjust screen can also be displayed by pressing the cursor button
toward 4.

2 Touch within the frame to finely adjust.

•

You can finely adjust also by touching [G_]/[M`]/[A]/
[B], or pressing 3/4/2/1 of the cursor button.

2 : A (AMBER: ORANGE)
1 : B (BLUE: BLUISH)

G_ (GREEN: GREENISH)

3 :
4 : M` (MAGENTA: REDDISH)

3 Touch [SET].

Note

•

If you finely adjust the White Balance to A (amber), the White Balance icon on the screen will
change to orange. If you finely adjust the White Balance to B (blue), the White Balance icon on
the screen will change to blue.

• If you finely adjust the White Balance to G_ (green) or M` (magenta), [_] (green) or [`]

(magenta) appears beside the White Balance icon on the screen.

• Press [DISPLAY] to return to the centre point.

• Select the centre point if you are not finely adjusting the White Balance.

• The White Balance fine adjustment setting is reflected in the picture when using the flash.

• You can finely adjust the White Balance independently for each White Balance item.

• The White Balance fine adjustment setting is memorised even if the camera is turned off.

• The White Balance fine adjustment level returns to the standard setting (centre point) in the

following cases.

– When you reset the White Balance in [ ], [ ], [ ] or [ ]
– When you reset the colour temperature manually in [ ]

∫ White Balance Bracket

Bracket setting is performed based on the adjustment values for the White Balance fine
adjustment, and 3 pictures with different colours are automatically recorded when the
shutter button is pressed once.

1 Finely adjust the White Balance in step 2 of the “Finely

adjusting the White Balance” procedure, and touch [ ]/
[ ] to set the bracket.

Bracket settings can also be made by rotating the rear dial.

•

[ ] or rear dial right: Horizontal (A to B)
[ ] or rear dial left: Vertical (Gi to Mj)

2 Touch [SET].

Note

•

[ ] is displayed in White Balance icon in the screen when the White Balance Bracket is set.

• The White Balance Bracket setting is released when the power has been turned off (including

Sleep Mode).

• You will only hear the shutter sound once.

• [ ], [ ] or [ ] for [QUALITY] cannot be set.

• White Balance Bracket does not work when recording motion pictures.

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[REC] Mode:

Setting the Light Sensitivity

This allows the sensitivity to light (ISO sensitivity) to be set. Setting to a higher figure
enables pictures to be taken even in dark places without the resulting pictures coming out
dark.

Press 3 ().

Touch the ISO sensitivity to select.

Touch [SET].

ISO sensitivity

Recording location
(recommended)

Shutter speed Slow Fast

Noise Less Increased

ISO sensitivity

¢

AUTO

¢

(Intelligent)
160/200/250/320/400/500/640/

800/1000/1250/1600/2000/2500/
3200/4000/5000/6400/8000/
10000/12800

¢ When the [ISO LIMIT SET] of [REC] Mode menu (P124) is set to anything except [OFF],

it is set automatically within the value set in [ISO LIMIT SET].

It is set as following when the [ISO LIMIT SET] is set to [OFF].
[When the 3D interchangeable lens (optional) is attached, it may become higher than the
following settings.]

When it is light (outdoors) When it is dark

The ISO sensitivity is automatically adjusted according to the
brightness.

The ISO sensitivity is adjusted according to the movement of
the subject and the brightness.

The ISO sensitivity is fixed to various settings.

160 12800

Settings

• When [AUTO] is selected, ISO sensitivity is adjusted automatically depending on

brightness within a maximum setting of [ISO400].

• When setting to [ ], ISO sensitivity will adjust automatically depending on brightness

within the maximum setting of [ISO800]. ([ISO400] when the flash is used)

• The ISO sensitivity will be set to [AUTO] (for motion pictures) when recording motion pictures.

Also, the [ISO LIMIT SET] will not operate.

• Setting items below will be selectable in Creative Motion Picture Mode.

[AUTO]/[160] to [3200]

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∫ About [ ] (Intelligent ISO sensitivity control)

The camera automatically sets the optimum ISO sensitivity and shutter speed to suit the
movement of the subject and brightness of the scene to minimise the jitter of the subject.

• The shutter speed is not fixed when the shutter button is pressed halfway. It is continuously

changing to match the movement of the subject until the shutter button is pressed fully. Confirm
the actual shutter speed on the information display for the picture being played back.

Note

•

The higher the value set for the ISO sensitivity, the more the jitter is reduced but the greater the
amount of picture noise.

• Refer to P72 for the flash range.

• Depending on the brightness and how fast the subject is moving, jitter may not be avoided even

if [ ] is selected.

• Movements may not be detected when a moving subject is small, when a moving subject is at

the edge of the screen or when a subject has moved at the very moment when the shutter
button was pressed fully.

• The setting is fixed to [ ] in the following cases.
– In [SPORTS], [BABY1]/[BABY2] and [PET] in Scene Mode
– In [INDOOR PORTRAIT] in Advanced Scene Mode

• Programme Shift cannot be activated when the ISO sensitivity is set to [ ].

• You cannot select [ ] in Shutter-Priority AE Mode and Manual Exposure Mode. Also, you

cannot select [AUTO] in Manual Exposure Mode.

• To avoid picture noise, we recommend reducing the ISO sensitivity, setting [NOISE

REDUCTION] in [FILM MODE] towards [_] or setting the items except [NOISE REDUCTION]
towards [`] to take pictures. (P118)

• When [DIRECT FOCUS AREA] (P84) is set to [ON], the operations on the cursor buttons

translate to movements of the AF area. Set using the Quick Menu (P56).

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[REC] Mode: ±´

Taking Pictures by Specifying the Aperture/
Shutter Speed

[ ] Aperture-priority AE

Set the aperture value to a higher number when you want a sharp focus background. Set
the aperture value to a lower number when you want a soft focus background.

Set the mode dial to [ ].

Rotate the rear dial to set the aperture
value.

• It will switch between aperture setting operation and

Exposure Compensation operation every time the
rear dial is pressed.

• Rotate the rear dial to display the [EXPO.METER].

(P133)

[ ] Shutter-priority AE

When you want to take a sharp picture of a fast moving subject, set with a faster shutter
speed. When you want to create a trail effect, set to a slower shutter speed.

Set the mode dial to [ ].

Rotate the rear dial to set the shutter
speed.

• It will switch between shutter speed setting operation

and Exposure Compensation operation every time
the rear dial is pressed.

• Rotate the rear dial to display the [EXPO.METER].

(P133)

Note

It will be a normal motion picture recording when recording a motion picture.

•

• How the Exposure Compensation is switched can be changed by [EXPO. SETTINGS] (P133)

in the [CUSTOM] menu.

• In the Quick Menu (P56) while in touch operation, setting of the aperture value or shutter speed

can be set by touching the aperture value or shutter speed, and then touching the exposure
meter bar.

• The brightness of the LCD monitor/Viewfinder and the recorded pictures may differ. Check the

pictures on the playback screen.

• Set the aperture value to a higher number when the subject is too bright in Aperture-Priority AE

Mode. Set the aperture value to a lower number when the subject is too dim.

• When you use a lens with an aperture ring, the setting for the rear dial becomes effective if you

rotate the aperture ring to the [A] position and the aperture ring setting takes priority if you
rotate the aperture ring to a position other than [A] in Aperture-Priority AE Mode.

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A

• The aperture value and the shutter speed displayed on the screen turn red and blink when the

exposure is not adequate.

• We recommend using a tripod when the shutter speed is slow.

• When the flash is activated, the shutter speed cannot be set to faster than 1/160th of a second

in Shutter-Priority AE Mode. (P73)

• If you press the shutter button fully when the shutter speed is slow, the shutter speed on the

screen counts down in Shutter-Priority AE Mode.

• [ ] and [ ] cannot be set for Shutter-Priority AE Mode.

• The [SENSITIVITY] is automatically set to [AUTO] when you switch the Recording Mode to

Shutter-Priority AE Mode while the [SENSITIVITY] is set to [ ] (Intelligent).

[REC] Mode: ²

Taking Picture by Setting the Exposure Manually

Determine the exposure by manually setting the aperture value and the shutter speed.
The Manual Exposure Assistance appears on the lower portion of the screen to indicate
the exposure.

Set the mode dial to [²].

Rotate the rear dial to set the aperture and
shutter speed.

• It will switch between aperture setting operation and

shutter speed setting operation every time the rear
dial is pressed.

• Rotate the rear dial to display the [EXPO.METER].

(P133)

• You can also set the focus manually by setting the focus mode lever to [MF]. (P85)

Press the shutter button halfway.

A Manual Exposure Assistance

• Set the aperture value and the shutter speed again

when the exposure is not adequate.

∫ Manual Exposure Assistance

The exposure is adequate.

Set to faster shutter speed or larger aperture value.

Set to slower shutter speed or smaller aperture value.

The manual exposure assistance is an approximation. We recommend checking the pictures

•

on the playback screen.

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∫ About [B] (Bulb)

If you set the shutter speed to [B], the shutter stays open while the shutter button is
pressed fully (up to about 120 seconds).
The shutter closes if you release the shutter button.
Use this when you want to keep the shutter open for a long time to take pictures of
fireworks, a night scene etc.

•

We recommend using a tripod or the remote shutter (DMW-RSL1; optional) when you take
pictures with the shutter speed set to [B]. Refer to P172 for information about the remote
shutter.

• If you set the shutter speed to [B], [B] is displayed on the screen.

• When you take pictures with the shutter speed set to [B], use a sufficiently charged battery.

(P24)

• When you take pictures with the shutter speed set to [B], noise may become visible. To avoid

picture noise, we recommend setting [LONG SHTR NR] in the [REC] Mode menu to [ON]
before taking pictures. (P124)

• The manual exposure assistance does not appear.

• It can only be used with Manual Exposure Mode.

∫ Constant preview

In Manual Exposure Mode, when [CONSTANT PREVIEW] in the [CUSTOM] menu is [ON],
you will be able to confirm the effects of aperture and shutter speed on the screen. (P96)

Close the flash.

•

• It can only be used with Manual Exposure Mode.

Note

•

It will be a normal motion picture recording when recording a motion picture.

• It is possible to change the switching method of aperture and shutter speed settings with the

[EXPO. SETTINGS] (P133) in the [CUSTOM] menu.

• In the Quick Menu (P56) while in touch operation, setting of the aperture value or shutter speed

can be set by touching the aperture value or shutter speed, and then touching the exposure
meter bar.

• The brightness of the LCD monitor/Viewfinder and the recorded pictures may differ. Check the

pictures on the playback screen.

• If the exposure is not adequate, the aperture value and the shutter speed turn red and blink

when the shutter button is pressed halfway.

• [‡], [ ], [ ] and [ ] for flash cannot be set.

• The [SENSITIVITY] is automatically set to [ISO160] when you switch the Recording Mode to

Manual exposure while the [SENSITIVITY] is set to [AUTO] or [ ] (Intelligent).

• If you press the shutter button fully when the shutter speed is slow, the shutter speed on the

screen counts down.

• When you use a lens with an aperture ring, the aperture ring setting takes priority.

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[REC] Mode:

Confirm the Effects of Aperture and Shutter Speed

(Preview Mode)

Confirm the effects of aperture

You can check the depth of field (effective focus range) before taking a picture by closing
the leaf shutter to the aperture value you set.

Press [ ] A (preview button).

• Preview screen is displayed. It will return to

previous screen when [ ] is pressed.

∫ Depth of field properties

Aperture value Small Large

¢1

Depth of field (effective focus range) Shallow (Narrow)

¢1 Recording conditions
¢2 Example: When you want to take a picture with a blurred background etc.
¢3 Example: When you want to take a picture with everything in focus including the background

etc.

Focus length of the lens Tel e Wide

Distance to the subject Near Distant

¢2

Deep (Wide)

¢3

Confirm the effects of shutter speed

Movement can be confirmed by displaying the actual picture that will be taken with that
shutter speed.
When the shutter speed is set for high speed, display in the shutter speed preview will be
displayed like a time-release film. It is used in cases such as stopping the movement of
running water.

Press [DISPLAY] while displaying the preview screen.

• Shutter speed preview screen is

displayed. It will return to previous
screen by pressing [DISPLAY]
again.

Note

•

Operation method of [ ] can be changed with [PREVIEW HOLD] of [CUSTOM] menu
(P133).

• It is possible to record while in Preview Mode.

• Range for shutter speed effect check is 8 seconds to 1/1000th of a second.

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[REC] Mode:

Taking Expressive Portraits and Landscape
Pictures

You can take high-quality pictures of such subjects as people, scenery and flowers in
accordance with the surrounding conditions.

Set the mode dial.

Press 2/1 to select the Advanced Scene Mode.

• Description of the selected mode is displayed when [DISPLAY]

is pressed. (It will return to the previous screen when pressed
again.)

Press [MENU/SET] to set.

• The menu screen is switched to the recording screen in the selected Advanced Scene

Mode.

Note

To change the Advanced Scene Mode, press [MENU/SET], and return to above step 2 by

•

pressing 1, while selecting the Advanced Scene Mode menu [ ] by pressing 3/4/2/1.

• The Advanced Scene Mode flash setting is reset to the initial setting when the Advanced Scene

Mode is changed and then used.

• When you take a picture with a Advanced Scene Mode that is not adequate for the purpose,

the hue of the picture may differ from the actual scene.

• The following items cannot be set in Advanced Scene Mode because the camera automatically

adjusts them to the optimal setting.

– [SENSITIVITY]/Items other than [STANDARD] and [STANDARD] ( ) in Film Mode/

[METERING MODE]/[FLASH SYNCHRO]/[I.RESOLUTION]/[I.DYNAMIC]/[ISO LIMIT SET]/
[DIGITAL ZOOM]

∫ About the aperture value and the shutter speed when you select a creative setting

•

You can change the aperture value and the shutter speed if you select
a creative setting in Advanced Scene Mode. If you cannot get an
adequate exposure when you rotate the rear dial, the aperture value
and the shutter speed or the selection cursor will turn red.

• You can also press 2/1 to set.

• It will switch between aperture setting or shutter speed setting

operation and Exposure Compensation operation when the rear dial is
pressed.

∫ [PORTRAIT]

[NORMAL PORTRAIT] [INDOOR PORTRAIT]
[SOFT SKIN] [CREATIVE PORTRAIT]
[OUTDOOR PORTRAIT]

∫ Technique for Portrait Mode

To make this mode more effective:

1 Rotate the zoom ring as far as possible to Tele.
2 Move close to the subject to make this mode more effective.

(Advanced Scene Mode)

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Recording

Note

•

In motion picture recording, [NORMAL PORTRAIT], [SOFT SKIN], [OUTDOOR
PORTRAIT] and [INDOOR PORTRAIT] produce motion pictures using corresponding
settings. [CREATIVE PORTRAIT] produces motion pictures using settings suitable for
recording people.

• In [INDOOR PORTRAIT], the Intelligent ISO sensitivity control operates, and the maximum ISO

sensitivity level becomes [ISO400].

• The initial setting for the AF Mode is [š].

• When [SOFT SKIN] is selected, if a part of the background etc. is a colour close to skin colour,

this part is also smoothed.

• When [SOFT SKIN] is selected, this mode may not be effective when there is insufficient

brightness.

∫ [SCENERY]

[NORMAL SCENERY] [ARCHITECTURE]
[NATURE] [CREATIVE SCENERY]

Note

In motion picture recording, [NORMAL SCENERY], [NATURE] and [ARCHITECTURE]

•

produce motion pictures using corresponding settings. [CREATIVE SCENERY]
produces motion pictures using settings suitable for recording scenery.

• The flash setting is fixed to [Œ].

• The initial setting for the AF Mode is [ ].

∫ [CLOSE-UP]

[FLOWER] [OBJECTS]
[FOOD] [CREATIVE CLOSE-UP]

Note

During motion picture recording, the motion picture will reflect the settings for each

•

mode with [FLOWER], [FOOD] and [OBJECTS]. [CREATIVE CLOSE-UP] is suitable for
near distance motion picture recording.

• We recommend using a tripod and the self-timer.

• We recommend setting the flash to [Œ] (close the flash) when you take pictures at close range.

• Refer to “About the focus distance reference mark” on P86 for the focus range.

• When a subject is close to the camera, the effective focus range is significantly narrowed.

Therefore, if the distance between the camera and the subject is changed after focusing on the
subject, it may become difficult to focus on it again.

• Close-up Mode gives priority to a subject close to the camera, so it takes longer to focus on the

further subjects.

• When you take pictures at close range, the resolution of the periphery of the picture may

decrease slightly. This is not a malfunction.

• If the lens becomes dirty with fingerprints or dust, the lens may not be able to focus on the

subject correctly.

• The initial setting for the AF Mode is [Ø].

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Recording

[REC] Mode: ¿

Taking Pictures that match the Scene being
recorded

When you select a Scene Mode to match the subject and recording situation, the camera
sets the optimal exposure and hue to obtain the desired picture.

Set the mode dial to [ ].

Press 3/4/2/1 to select the Scene Mode.

• Description of the selected mode is displayed when [DISPLAY]

is pressed. (It will return to the previous screen when pressed
again.)

Press [MENU/SET] to set.

• The menu screen is switched to the recording screen in the selected Scene Mode.

Note

To change the Scene Mode, press [MENU/SET], and return to above step 2 by pressing 1,

•

while selecting the Scene Mode menu [ ] by pressing 3/4/2/1.

• The Scene Mode flash setting is reset to the initial setting when the Scene Mode is changed

and then used.

• When you take a picture with a Scene Mode that is not adequate for the purpose, the hue of the

picture may differ from the actual scene.

• The following items cannot be set in Scene Mode because the camera automatically adjusts

them to the optimal setting.

– [SENSITIVITY]/Items other than [STANDARD] and [STANDARD] ( ) in Film Mode/

[METERING MODE]/[FLASH SYNCHRO]
[DIGITAL ZOOM]

¢ Can be set only when [PERIPHERAL DEFOCUS] is set.

( : Scene Mode)

¢

/[I.RESOLUTION]/[I.DYNAMIC]/[ISO LIMIT SET]/

[PERIPHERAL DEFOCUS]

This mode makes it easy to pick out the subject on which to focus and blurs the
background to make the subject stand out.

∫ Setting the AF area

1 Touch the subject to move the AF area.

•

AF area can also be moved by pressing the cursor button.

2 Touch [SET].

Note

•

It will be a normal motion picture recording during the motion picture recording.

• Quick AF is performed automatically.

• Set the [WHITE BALANCE] (P88) using the Quick Menu (P56).

• AF area setting screen is displayed by pressing the cursor button. Press [‚] to return the AF

area to the centre of the screen.

• The obtained effects will differ depending on factors such as the distance to the subject and

background, and the type of lens used. For best results, we recommend getting as close as
possible to the subject when taking pictures. (P86)

• AF Mode will be fixed to a small point.

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Recording

. [NIGHT PORTRAIT]

This allows you to take pictures of a person and the background with near real-life
brightness.

∫ Technique for Night Portrait Mode

•

Open the flash. (You can set to [ ].)

• We recommend using a tripod and the Self-timer for taking pictures.

• When [NIGHT PORTRAIT] is selected, keep the subject still for about 1 second after taking the

picture.

Note

During motion picture recording, low light settings [ ] are used, which will provide

•

better pictures in dimly lit rooms or at nightfall.

• The shutter may remain closed after taking the picture. This is due to signal processing and is

not a malfunction.

• Noise may become visible when you take pictures in dark places.

• The initial setting for the AF Mode is [š].

/ [NIGHT SCENERY]

This allows you to take vivid pictures of the nightscape.

∫ Technique for Night Scenery Mode

•

We recommend using a tripod and the Self-timer for taking pictures.

Note

•

During motion picture recording, low light settings [ ] are used, which will provide
better pictures in dimly lit rooms or at nightfall.

• The flash setting is fixed to [Œ].

• The shutter may remain closed after taking the picture. This is due to signal processing and is

not a malfunction.

• Noise may become visible when you take pictures in dark places.

• The initial setting for the AF Mode is [ ].

ï [SUNSET]

Select this when you want to take pictures of a sunset view. This allows you to take vivid
pictures of the red colour of the sun.

Note

•

The flash setting is fixed to [Œ].

• The initial setting for the AF Mode is [ ].

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