Moon Pictures...

[purpsurfer]

I saw Gene's spectacular moon pictures and last night the clouds were illuminated and the moon was bright so I thought I would snap a picture or two. Yeah right. I fiddled with setting but could NOT get it clear. It was just a fuzzy bright spot. What was I doing wrong?

[ktixx]

I would guess you weren't using a tripod?
When you shoot the moon you have to use a tripod and you should underexpose the shot by 1/2 to 1 Stop.
Ken

[Steve B]

Sara,
The autofocus was maybe having problems with this subject. If the FZ 30 has a manual focus option then set this to infinity. Also, set your exposure meter to spot metering. This should give perfect results with a tripod.
Steve B

[Mike63]

I used someone's ( Gene's maybe) advice from earlier this year and tried my luck. The result was OK just a little blur (hand held shot). The smudge through the middle was a jet that I just missed. The exif should be included to show the settings I used.

[purpsurfer]

thanks! just got back from out of town and will try this on the next clear night!

[Donte]

Here is my moon pic

http://donte.smugmug.com/photos/48994538-L.jpg

[Cichlidfreak1]

wow that is one awesome picture what settings did you use i am new to digital i have a fz20 would i be able to take pictures like that or do you hava special lens and flash wow amazing

[Donte]

wow that is one awesome picture what settings did you use i am new to digital i have a fz20 would i be able to take pictures like that or do you hava special lens and flash wow amazing

No special lens just the one it comes with. Setting are below.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ30
Exposure time 1/250 s
f-number f/3.7
ISO 80
420mm
Jpeg