FZ20 focusing issue

[slitman]

I am still learning on there is to know about my new FZ20, but I have come across something odd.

The majority of the pictures I have taken so far are on the "P" setting, and for indoor pictures when I don't have the flash popped up (so it can go off), the pictures blur to the extent as if the still shot were an action pic. I have set the ISO to 80 and 400, and 400 is a bit better, but still not good. So it is as if they will only be clear or even legible if the flash is used.

Any ideas?

[FZ20knowitall]

I remember reading something, and I believe it was in the Panasonic instruction manual, how the image stabilizer might not work well in low light. This really pissed me off, b/c one of the reasons that I bought that camera was so I could shoot handheld in low light, like my former Olympus 2100. Unfortunately, that isn't the case. If you zoom in, it makes it harder for you to hold the camera steady. So stay fully wide, try to use a tripod, and curse Panasonic. Write to them. Seriously, hopefully they can correct these "problems" so their next model will be better. I mean, if we are all going to buy accessories and spend a lot of money (my accessories at least doubled the price that I paid for the camera), then chances are if our camera breaks down we might opt to buy the next model up, and lets tell Panasonic how we want this camera improved! Also try propping yourself against a wall, or a supporting beam when taking the photo, stay very still. What a lot of people do is use that 2 second timer, so that way they aren't pressing the shutter (which causes image blur). I do think Panasonic could have done a better job, though. This camera isn't as good (esp. w/IS) as the Olympus 2100.

[PixChick]

I am still learning on there is to know about my new FZ20, but I have come across something odd.

The majority of the pictures I have taken so far are on the "P" setting, and for indoor pictures when I don't have the flash popped up (so it can go off), the pictures blur to the extent as if the still shot were an action pic. I have set the ISO to 80 and 400, and 400 is a bit better, but still not good. So it is as if they will only be clear or even legible if the flash is used.

Any ideas?

...the shutter speed the cam is using? If you are shooting in low light with no flash, it just may be that the camera is choosing a shutter speed that is too slow for you to handhold--even with IS. Everyone is different, but I can pretty much get by with handholding at speeds no slower than 1/20 sec. Without IS, I believe most people can only handhold at 1/60 sec or more (but like I said, it varies from person to person, depending on their skill in the hand steadiness area). I have heard of people that say they can handhold at 1/4 sec, but I wouldn't count on that being the norm. So the bottom line here for you is--look at your shutter speed. You can see it once the trigger is at the half press mark, and if it is slower than 1/20 sec, most likely that is your problem.

[genece]

I disagree some here, there is no IS that works if the shutter speed gets too slow. IS can only do so much.
You can get some help by using mode 2 for the IS.
Also you will probably get better pictures using spot meter and focus, at least I do.
I also think untill you get a little more familiar with the camera you use auto ISO.
It also helps to post the photo along with the exif so we can try to tell what went wrong.
The reason I feel so stong about this is over the last 10 years or so when my wife took pictures at school plays or parties ,if we got 2 out of 50 pictures ,she was doing good. Sinnce getting the FZ10 almost every photo is a keeper. Believe me the IS works.

[PixChick]

I disagree some here, there is no IS that works if the shutter speed gets too slow. IS can only do so much.



Hey Gene--you are right! IS can only do so much. I think some people are expecting to handhold at 1 sec with IS (not necessarily the original poster, if he is thinking that is who I mean). Just not going to happen. But the thing is, where is the cutoff?? That varies from person to person--IS or no IS-- because different people have different abilities when it comes to holding the cam rock steady at the slower speeds. Some have "techniques" to aid them, like one time I was sitting, I could put my elbows on my knees and that made me more steady so I could take the pic I wanted hand held. If I didn't put my elbows on my knees, then it was wobble city! Using the viewfinder as opposed to the LCD helps some as well.

But no disagreements here--you are correct for sure!

[slitman]

Yes, seems like I was have to slow of a shutter which was causes the blurring effect.