Thank you for this reply. You confirmed my theory that the shutter speed was too long. And YES, the camera was hand held. I think I have a long learning curve ahead of me.
Starting to seriously read the Basic and then the advanced manual now.
fcg1936 wrote:
I think I have a long learning curve ahead of me. Starting to seriously read the Basic and then the advanced manual now.
Don't become discouraged for not as difficult as you think. Besides obviously knowing where your controls are concentrate on understanding shutter speed, aperature and focusing and you can take good photos. Then you can spend the next 50 years perfecting the craft like me. I still learn on every outing. Enjoy your new camera and this site is a wonderful resource if you get stuck.
Thanks for the encouragement and good advice.
For backup, I too have a Lumix, it is a TZ80 camera. I've read the manuals on the camera which convinced me to never use the "Intelligent" features. Stop using them. Select aperture priority or shutter priority, rotate the dial around the lens, and select your option from there. I have yet to capture a blurred image.
Thank you. I tend to agree with your findings. I will stay away from the "Intelligent" modes and concentrate on using the other modes.
I like using the aperture priority, especially in low light or low illumination as you'd expect in zoom mode. What I like is that I can see both the exposure combination and the resultant-view through the eye viewer. Don't depend on the LCD screen, use the eye viewer and you will see the anticipated effect. I think you will like it.
While I do most of my photography with my Canon 5DII, I'm still going to learn more of the details of the small (almost pocket size) Lumix camera so that I can be comfortable with both. There really IS an application for a small mirror-less camera, although I'm not sure yet just what that would be. I'm still learning.
I have been using the LCD screen but will start using the eye viewer. Thanks for that hint.
elliott937 wrote:
For backup, I too have a Lumix, it is a TZ80 camera. I've read the manuals on the camera which convinced me to never use the "Intelligent" features. Stop using them. Select aperture priority or shutter priority, rotate the dial around the lens, and select your option from there. I have yet to capture a blurred image.
I have a ZS50 and a ZS40. Wife uses her's on Auto or Intelligent Auto and gets excellent photos out of it. I use mine for a walk-around, street camera and often use Auto modes with excellent results. I don't see anything in the manuals for these cameras that would convince me to never use "Intelligent" modes. I'm wondering what you see in the manual that would convince you to not use the Intelligent modes?? I think the OP's problem is the result of low shutter speed and motion. When you zoom way out with these cameras you almost always need a tripod and a very high shutter speed.
Can I adjust Shutter Speed while in "Intelligent" Mode?
Iamontcranston, I printed all of the online, 300+ pages, for the TZ80. There was nothing there that told me that the Intelligent modes were bad. And if you and your wife are happy with them, then continue to go with it. Being a life long photographer (film in a Pentex) since teen years, I always wanted to be in total control of what I'm doing. I continue that philosophy now, and the reason why I don't use the Intelligent mode. I will never criticize anyone who does. Each should do what they like to do.
I'm glad that fcg1936 is going to switch to the eye-viewer, so he will see far better what he is capturing. And while he's at it, he can switch to A, S, or even P mode. Then in the viewfinder he will see what his settings are doing for him, even show him if he goes 'over' or 'under' exposed. Hey, I'm also a life-long teacher. I enjoy seeing people learn new things.
Just a little more jargon that might help. The focal length of 129 is the greatest telephoto your camera is capable of. It is the equivalent of a 720mm lens on a 35 mm film camera. The greater the telephoto, the harder it is to hand hold the camera and get a sharp result. As you move from wide angle to telephoto the shutter speed becomes more critical. Your camera has very good image stabilization which helps but at 720mm you probably need a speed of 1/200 sec or faster. If your telephoto is not full out, you will get sharp pictures at slower speeds. When it is at full wide angle, you will get good results at 1/60 second or perhaps even slower.
The programmed modes work well for situations where the zoom is between full wide and half telephoto.
I hope this makes sense and helps.
fcg1936 wrote:
Any advice on what setting to change?
When posting a photo, select "(store original)" and "Add Attachment" so we can see the EXIF. The EXIF is data on camera settings the camera attaches to the file.
I agree, shutter needs to be much faster for hand held, let alone zoomed out. I have the same camera. Usually keep mine on A.
Yes. your post does make sense. I guess I have a lot to learn.
Thank you.
fcg1936 wrote:
Yes. your post does make sense. I guess I have a lot to learn.
Thank you.
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