I don’t care for the factory default settings of most digital cameras, so I change them as soon as I get a camera. These are the settings I generally use for the Panasonic FZ18.
- Shooting mode: P
- Image quality: 8MP/fine (or 5MP if I want to use the Extended Optical Zoom)
- Focus mode: single area (center)
- Metering: Multiple
- Image Stabilization: Mode 2 (Mode 1 when when shooting at long tele)
- Sensitivity: ISO 100
- Exposure Compensation: -2/3
- Picture Adjust: Contrast -2, Sharpness -1, Saturation 1, Noise Reduction -2
- Continuous Auto Focus: OFF (I like to control where the camera focuses)
- Auto focus assist lamp: ON
- White balance: AUTO
- AF/AE Lock: AE
- MF Assist: MF1
- Play on LCD: ON
- Mode Dial display: ON
- Dial Display: ON
- Power Save: 5 minutes
- Digital Zoom: OFF
- Auto LCD Review: One second; turn OFF when taking photos in rapid succession
The filter size for the FZ18 is 46mm. If you buy a polarizer, a “slim” one is recommended to avoid vignetting.
Important: I use these settings most of the time but change them as needed. Changes are made according to the subject, quality and direction of light and whether photos are taken inside or out.
Photos by Gail taken with the Panasonic FZ18
I must say, this is a very useful resource of information for FZ18 user.
Thanks for the tips and hints.
Gail
When you use af/ae lock, does it really lock so I can take finger off shutter until needed.
Gene, yes when you use AE or AF lock, it stays locked until you press the shutter button, so you can lock focus or exposure then recompose the photo before taking the shot. On most cameras, AF/AF Lock must be reset again after taking the photo. When the flash is on, use the same technique to lock flash exposure.
Leave a comment
Panasonic FZ28
Get Latest PriceIn Panasonic FZ18
Most Commented
Gallery Images
Recent Comments