Advanced (Recording pictures)

[CONT.AF]

Continuously focusing on a subject

Press [ MENUSET ] to display the [REC] mode menu and select the item to set. (P71) This mode allows you to compose a picture more easily by always focusing on the subject.

The time required for focusing when the shutter button is pressed halfway will be reduced when the AF mode is set to

[ ], [ ] or [ ].

The [ ] indication appears when it is set to [ON].

The battery will be consumed faster than usual.

It may take time to focus on the subject if you rotate the zoom lever from Wide to Tele or suddenly change the subject from a distant one to a nearby one.

Press the shutter button halfway again when it is difficult to focus on the subject.

The [CONT.AF] setting is fixed to [ON] in

the intelligent auto mode [] and fixed to [OFF] when either [NIGHT PORTRAIT] mode, or [PANNING], [STARRY SKY] or [FIREWORKS] in scene mode, as well as during manual focusing.

[AF ASSIST LAMP]

Focusing in low light conditions becomes easier

Press [ MENUSET ] to display the [REC] mode menu and select the item to set. (P71) Illuminating the subject makes it easier for the camera to focus when recording in low light conditions that make focusing difficult.

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• If the AF assist lamp is set to [ON], an AF area with a size wider than usual is displayed and the AF assist lamp ￿ turns

on when you press the shutter button halfway in dark places etc.

 

 

 

 

 

The AF assist lamp turns on in low

 

 

 

 

 

light conditions. At this time, the

[ON]

 

AF assist lamp icon [

 

 

 

 

] appears

 

 

 

 

on the screen. The effective range

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

of the AF assist lamp is 1.5 m

 

 

 

 

 

(4.92 feet).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[OFF]

 

The AF assist lamp does not turn

 

 

 

 

 

on.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Be careful about the following when using the AF assist lamp.

Do not look at the AF assist lamp at close range.

Detach the lens hood.

Do not cover the AF assist lamp with your fingers or other objects.

When you do not want to use the AF assist lamp (e.g. when taking pictures of animals in dark places), set the

[AF ASSIST LAMP] to [OFF]. In this case, it will become more difficult to focus on the subject.

The setting for [AF ASSIST LAMP] is fixed

to [ON] in intelligent auto mode [].

A vignetting effect may appear on the circumference of the AF assist lamp because the AF assist lamp may be obscured by the lens, however, this does not cause a problem with the performance of the camera.

The setting for the [AF ASSIST LAMP] is fixed to [OFF] in [SCENERY] mode, [NIGHT SCENERY], [ILLUMINATIONS] or [CREATIVE NIGHT SCENERY] in [NIGHT PORTRAIT] mode, and [SUNSET], [PANNING], [FIREWORKS] or [AERIAL PHOTO] in scene mode.

The initial setting for [PET] in scene mode is [OFF].

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Panasonic DMC-FZ18 operating instructions Cont.Af, AF Assist Lamp, Continuously focusing on a subject

DMC-FZ18 specifications

The Panasonic DMC-FZ18 is a versatile bridge camera that has gained recognition for its impressive blend of advanced features and user-friendly design. Introduced in 2007, this model falls under the Lumix series and is celebrated for its compact size while offering the capabilities typically found in larger DSLR cameras.

At the heart of the DMC-FZ18 is a 8.1-megapixel CCD sensor, which delivers sharp images with a remarkable level of detail. This sensor is complemented by an impressive 18x optical zoom lens, with a focal length range equivalent to 28-504mm in 35mm terms. This extensive zoom range allows photographers to capture everything from wide landscapes to distant subjects without needing additional lenses.

The camera is equipped with Panasonic's Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S.) technology, which helps reduce the effects of camera shake, particularly important when shooting at longer focal lengths or in low-light situations. This feature enhances the overall usability of the camera by allowing handheld shooting with reduced motion blur.

The DMC-FZ18 also boasts a high-performance Venus Engine III, which enables fast continuous shooting at up to 3 frames per second and quick autofocus. This engine plays a significant role in processing images efficiently, ensuring that the camera responds swiftly to a variety of shooting conditions.

One of the standout features of the FZ18 is its advanced image processing capabilities, which provide excellent low-light performance and vibrant color reproduction. The camera supports shooting in various modes, including manual, aperture priority, and shutter priority, catering to both beginners and experienced photographers alike.

For those interested in video recording, the FZ18 offers the ability to capture high-quality motion in 720p resolution, making it a solid choice for casual videographers. Additionally, the camera features a 2.5-inch LCD screen, which provides a clear view for composing shots and navigating through the camera's menu.

In terms of connectivity, the DMC-FZ18 includes options for easily transferring images to computers or printers, although it lacks some of the modern wireless capabilities found in newer models. Despite being an older model, the Panasonic DMC-FZ18 remains a reliable option for photography enthusiasts looking for a capable and compact camera that delivers quality performance across a wide range of shooting scenarios.