The best default setting

[Ilan]

Hi all,

I am new here and recently replaced my old 3MP camera to FZ-15, a great camera.

To make pictures better I would like to know the recommended settings, something like a default setting for the following:
1. EV – I leave it on –1/3, is that recommended?
2. WB – auto?
3. ISO – auto or when shooting in good light condition to set it to 100 or less?
4. Noise reduction, std or low?
5. Contrast and sharpness?
6. Flash setting, I found the EV 0 somewhat weak how much to add?

I know that for each picture taken you should adjust the camera for best results, but I find it hard enough to remember to remove the lens hood when using the flash :)

Thanks.

[genece]

I have a FZ10 and 20 and I will tell you my choices

Hi all,

I am new here and recently replaced my old 3MP camera to FZ-15, a great camera.

To make pictures better I would like to know the recommended settings, something like a default setting for the following:
1. EV – I leave it on –1/3, is that recommended?
-1/3 on the fz20 and - 2/3 on the FZ10

2. WB – auto?
Yes

3. ISO – auto or when shooting in good light condition to set it to 100 or less?
I leave it on auto unless I know I need a higher ISO and will then set on 200 or 400

4. Noise reduction, std or low?
Low

5. Contrast and sharpness?
I have tried all the settings and think standard on contrast and low on everything else, But I do not mind PP if needed.

6. Flash setting, I found the EV 0 somewhat weak how much to add?
I really believe an external flash is a good investment (Sunpak383)

I know that for each picture taken you should adjust the camera for best results, but I find it hard enough to remember to remove the lens hood when using the flash :)

Thanks.

You get lots of great photos just by shooting in program mode.
A couple other settings I use are
1. stabilizer --mode 2
2. Continuous auto focus-- off
3. Do not be afraid to use ISO 400 when the situation calls for it you may be pleasantly surprised. A well exposed shot at ISO400 is better than an underexposed shot at a lower ISO. AN underexposed shot promotes noise.

[farqwar]

nice tips! :p

[Tangomango]

Genece -- does the above apply for FZ20 too?
Secondly, what are the variables that require/suggest use of a higher IS), say ISO 400?
Thanks!

[Ilan]

Gene,

Thank you for the great tips, only one issue, the fz-15 does not have a hot shoe.

When using the flash what is slow sync good for? I tried it and its seems a tripod is a must?

[emalvick]

I think everything that Genece said fits what I do now. However, I do have a FZ-15 and I typically set the EV to -2/3. Based on Genece's post, and from what I remember, it is probably because the FZ-15 is just an FZ-10 with a flash.

As for the flash. Genece is right about buying an external flash, but I haven't done it yet. So as for the onboard flash; I haven't found any setting that works consistently well. It is strongly dependent on the distance the subject you are shooting is. I typically leave it at the standard -0- setting, and then adjust it when I see it needs to be adjusted (after taking a shot that I can see needs more or less flash).

I've had the FZ-15 now for about 6 weeks. I find that I take most of my shots in P mode. I only switch modes when I am looking for a specific effect that a different shutter or aperture setting can help with. I also find that I am getting better at changing the settings on the fly and don't forget things as much as when I first got the camera. I especially find that changing the metering mode is useful in some situations. I default to the first option the center weighted one (*) rather than the average or spot metering mode. I don't think I've ever used the average mode and the spot metering can be useful for shots when it is dark and the object of interest is brighter. It'll help prevent overexposure of the spot of interest.

[genece]

Genece -- does the above apply for FZ20 too?
Yes it does .. I think it has a lot to do with the way each of us frame and meter the shot. My system may not be best for you but its worth checking out.

Secondly, what are the variables that require/suggest use of a higher IS), say ISO 400?
When the lighting is not great and you want a faster shutter speed to freeze the action. and that happens a lot when people are not posing for you such as candid shots of the kids indoors.
Thanks!

a Couple other things I do but am not sure every one would like is I use spot focus a lot and I also use spot meter a lot as that was the best way with the FZ10 but the FZ5 - 15 and 20 have improved on that but I am use to that system.

[Ilan]

I agree regarding the spot focus meter, the three areas focus is fast but is seems that some times it will focus on the wrong subject.

As I am looking for the default mode - what focus system do most of you use?

[gary_hendricks]

I agree with emalvick. I own a Panasonic Lumix FZ-20 (http://www.basic-digital-photography.com/panasonic-lumix-dmc-fz20-review.html) and usually use it in Program mode. I only change modes to aperture priority, shutter priority or full manual if I wish to capture a specific kind of photo.

[emalvick]

a Couple other things I do but am not sure every one would like is I use spot focus a lot and I also use spot meter a lot as that was the best way with the FZ10 but the FZ5 - 15 and 20 have improved on that but I am use to that system.

On the focus, I use the spot focusing too because I am used to it. I have used the other focusing options, but I don't like them much. I'm used to spot focusing from my old digital camera and from my manual SLR. I also find that with spot focus, I can guarantee that the object I want to focus on is in focus. I've had a few problems with the 3 spot and full screen (9 spot) focusing on the wrong parts of the image. Granted, it is not very often, but then I don't use them very often either.

Again, it is really a matter of what works. I do find your posts useful as they always make me think and often provide a starting point.

[genece]

Gene,

Thank you for the great tips, only one issue, the fz-15 does not have a hot shoe.

When using the flash what is slow sync good for? I tried it and its seems a tripod is a must?


And I do not know what that slow sync is for I do know I can not use it.
I really do know what its for (I think) it keeps the shutter open longer to light up the background but It really needs a tripod or at least I do.

I did forget I was responding to a FZ15 question but there are slave Flashes that will work with the FZ15 If you want to try that.
This is a good one but you need a bracket also
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?A=details&Q=&is=REG&O=productlist&sku=240849

I think this would work well and its a complete package
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=311151&is=REG


There are many others available.



.

[Ilan]

Thank you very much for the information.

I tried the spot focus tonight with the new settings per the suggestion above and bingo a great pictures.

[jaynads]

And I do not know what that slow sync is for I do know I can not use it.
I really do know what its for (I think) it keeps the shutter open longer to light up the background but It really needs a tripod or at least I do.

.

Slow sync basically retains the slower shutter speed, but fires the flash either at the beginning of the exposure or at the end (I believe the FZ's flash at the start of the exposure). This has two results; one is that it brightens the subject and captures dark background detail. The other is that it allows for motion blur (with the longer exposure) with a sharp portion of the image - when the flash fires, it freezes the motion, thus giving you the appearance of detail and movement in the same frame.

[Ilan]

Jason,

Thank you for the information. Makes sense.

I am getting much better pictures now:

[genece]

I am getting much better pictures now:

Boy I'll say.... nice photos and that Chevy brings back a lot of memories..That was my second car.