quick query: how do you preset focus to infinity?

[meillana]

pardon the ignorace but can this be done on the fz's?
(this question is in light of jeff's tips for taking fireworks shots)

Here are some tips for taking shots:

Use a tripod. It's a must.
A remote control or remote shutter release cable is helpful. If you can't do that, maybe use the self-timer. Anything to prevent camera shake.
I've found that an aperture of around F6.7 (± 1 stop) and shutter speeds of 6-8 are best. When the finale or very bright displays begin, you need to crank the shutter speed down to 1 second or less.
If possible, set the focus to infinity before the show, to cut down on AF lag

[bracko]

for the FZ20, there's a fireworks setting on the scene menu... I haven't looked it, but i assume it would automatically do this.

but to answer your question, there's no one button (that i know of) that will set it to max focal length

[meillana]

hmm.... i'l test it out later. perhaps the landscape mode would do the same?
tnx bracko.

[jcon]

I had no luck with the fireworks mode! I used 1/6 shutter speead and F/4. ISO was at 100, I cant remember if the camera chose the ISO or if I locked it in, and I used the infinite burst mode and had good results, here is one example.....

[meillana]

thanks to all, couldn't give this a go yet as its monsoon here.
no fireworks for now. :(

[sprocket87]

Hmm, I would think that you could just aim at something beyond the point of infinite focus (not sure what the exact length is - isn't it like 16ft at full wide angle?). Even without the exact range you could find a building or skyline or whatever that is far enough away to be considered 'infinity', hold the shutter halfway, and then re-aim with that infinity focus locked.

The only thing I'm not sure about then would be the automatic settings as far as aperture, ISO, shutter speed, etc - which in P(rogram) mode are also locked with the prefocus. You would have to shoot an AE, SE, or M mode I would imagine (correct me if I'm way off please).


Jesse