Tips for getting the most out of your camera?

[Betheigh]

I just purchased a FZ20, and have been playing with it. I love it, but of course I'm quite the newbie when it comes to using it.

I was curious if anyone had any tips for getting the best pictures out of my camera. Right now, I'm taking mostly indoor shots (didn't have the time this weekend to get out) of my pets and family. Since I am a newbie, I have basically been shooting all my pictures on "P" mode (which I read was automatic).

Any help is appreciated!

[genece]

When you get to use the FZ20 in the daylight you are going to love it.

These are some setting I like to use and no way am I saying you should also use them..Just something to try.

I use Program mode 90% of the time and like these settings with it.

Center or spot focus and meter.
-1/3 Exposure compensation
Stabilizer Mode 2
Continuous auto focus ... off
ISO set on Auto (I will set that to 200 or 400 to get a faster shutter speed
But I never lock it on 80)


I am sure other have their favorites and they can be quite different than mine.

[eddie_dane]

If you do a lot of indoor shots, I encourage you to take advantage of the hotshoe on the 20 and get a flash. The Sunpak 383 comes highly recommended for both power and the swivel head. I couldn't find the Sunpak when I was in the market for one (actually, I did buy a used one on ebay that turned out flakey). So I went to a local wolf camera store and got a pretty good deal on a Quantaray 383 which is the same flash.

My indoor images have dramatically improved since I got the flash and I couldn't be happier with it.

[tim11]

Betheigh, pardon me for cutting in your thread for my question might not interest you.

........ The Sunpak 383 comes highly recommended for both power and the swivel head. .........

So I don't have to fit genuine Panasonic flash? Does the flash have its own battery? How much does Sunpak 383 cost?

[genece]

This is as good as the Panasonic flash
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=52799&is=REG&addedTroughType=search




Betheigh, pardon me for cutting in your thread for my question might not interest you.



So I don't have to fit genuine Panasonic flash? Does the flash have its own battery? How much does Sunpak 383 cost?

[tim11]

Thanks Genece.