“Soft” images

Don’t confuse image softness with incorrect focusing or shallow depth of field. Most images produced by digital cameras need sharpening, particularly when displayed on the web. Some are sharper than others right “out-of-the-box” because of the factory default settings. However, most well-exposed images between 4×6″ and 8X10″ don’t appear “soft” when printed.

Out of focus images

Initially disappointed with the lack of sharpness of my first photos, particularly wide-angle shots. I now use Single or Spot Area focus to control where focus locks and get excellent results.

Electronic viewfinder

I primarily use the Electronic viewfinder because, by bracing the FZ3 against my face, it helps steady the camera. Yup, you need to be concerned about this at times when shutter speeds are very low even with Image Stabilization. Both viewfinder and LCD are useful in getting a general idea of how an image will be exposed since you can see changes as you move the camera around a scene.

When reviewing an image on the LCD screen, the 4X zoom setting gives the “truest” indication of actual focus and detail.

Macro mode

The FZ3 can take macro shots in any record mode (except Program and Scene modes). When the lens is at wide angle, the macro distance is 1.95 inches (5 cm).

Image Stabilizer

Mode 2 it offers a greater degree of stabilization than Mode 1 (page 77 in the manual). Mode 1, which also stabilizes an image on the LCD, is most effective in good light and when shooting video.

Panasonic recommends that image stabilization is shut off when using a tripod.

Zoom Auto Review

Review a recorded image at 1x, then enlarges it to 4x. Useful to check if image is in focus.

Picture (Atmosphere) Adjust

The FZ3 has three levels of image adjustment, not just two as mentioned in the current manual: Standard, Natural (softer), Vivid (sharper).