More Digital Photography Talk

[FancyLady]

I've just purchased this camera and it's taking a little to get used to.  I'm impressed with all the features.

I'm intrested in the filters.  I have several 55 mm closeup lens and uv and polarizing filters from my "non digital days".

Can I buy an adaptor that would allow me to use these or do I have to use Panasonic's filters, etc.?

[admin]

Hi FancyLady and welcome to the Q&A Forum,

You can use a 46mm - 55mm step-up ring.

If you're using the UV filter for lens protection, you'll probably keep it on all the time except when using your more specialized filters. If that's the case, consider getting a separate 48mm UV filter. It won't protrude and you won't even know it's on the camera.

[FancyLady]

Do I need to get the optional adaptor that Panasonic sells?  I was under the impression that the camera was 46 mm or am I completely out to lunch"

The camera is taking a bit to get used to but when I compare it to my other digital camera it does a superior job.

Thanks again.

Jeri

[admin]

My apologies. I meant to type 46mm (I made the correction in my original post).

You will need the 46mm-55mm step-up ring, such as these:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?ci=0&sb=ps&pn=1&sq=desc&InitialSearch=yes&O=jsp%2FRootPage.jsp&A=search&Q=*&bhs=t&shs=46mm+-+55mm+step-up+ring&sb=ps&pn=1&sq=desc&InitialSearch=yes&O=jsp%2FRootPage.jsp&A=search&Q=*&bhs=t&Go.x=14&Go.y=12

Since the lens has a screw mount, the adapter should screw right onto the front of the lens. An adapter is needed for add-on converter lenses.

The FZ18 is a great camera and I very much enjoy using mine. You may find some of my comments helpful in my FZ18 blog. It contains practical information about using it:

http://www.digicamhelp.com/camera-logs/9/

[FancyLady]

Thanks for the quick reply.  I'm wondering if it would be better to use 49 mm filters.  I see from my camera bag from my SLR days that I have both 55 and 49 mm filters.  I guess when had a couple of different cameras.

What do you suggest for combating the glare from bright skies and mountain lakes?  I was a little disappointed because my pictures underexposed  the dark green trees when I was taking pictures of the mountain lakes.

I do really like my camera.  I was out this am taking pictures in my backyard.

I've already had a quick look at your blog.  It has some wonderful tips on it and I'm trying out your settings.  They see to work great.

I'm used to a Canon with its brighter images and at first I was disappointed with my FZ18 pictures.  But I soon adjusted the exposure and they were a lot better.

Jeri

[admin]

>> I'm wondering if it would be better to use 49 mm filters.

Personally, I'd use the 49mm; it's smaller and closer t the original filter size. Take some test shots with the polarizer. You can get some vignetting at some focal lengths with a standard size polarizer. Many use a "slim" polarizer for the FZ18 but they can be hard to get in that size.

Regarding the mountain lake scene you describe, the polarizer should help a lot. You could also get a color graduated neutral density filter. Here are some info and photos showing the results.

http://www.tiffen.com/color_grad_filters_pics.htm


Things you can do when using the camera:

- Bracket

- Set it to -1/3 or -2/3 Exposure Compensation

- Use AE/AF Lock - if you haven't yet learned to use the AE/AF Lock button, it's well worth doing.


A summary of these techniques are here (follow the links):

http://www.digicamhelp.com/learn/toptips/exposure-tips.php

I use the focus/exposure lock and recompose technique very often. It is discussed here, with illustrations:

http://www.digicamhelp.com/taking-photos/basic-techniques/fe-lock.php

Generally, it's better to slightly underexpose a photo for scenes like you mentioned. You avoid blown highlights, which contain no detail. When you edit, you can bring out detail in underexposed areas.

[mikerx]

My apologies. I meant to type 46mm (I made the correction in my original post).

You will need the 46mm-55mm step-up ring, such as these:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?ci=0&sb=ps&pn=1&sq=desc&InitialSearch=yes&O=jsp%2FRootPage.jsp&A=search&Q=*&bhs=t&shs=46mm+-+55mm+step-up+ring&sb=ps&pn=1&sq=desc&InitialSearch=yes&O=jsp%2FRootPage.jsp&A=search&Q=*&bhs=t&Go.x=14&Go.y=12

Since the lens has a screw mount, the adapter should screw right onto the front of the lens. An adapter is needed for add-on converter lenses.

The FZ18 is a great camera and I very much enjoy using mine. You may find some of my comments helpful in my FZ18 blog. It contains practical information about using it:

http://www.digicamhelp.com/camera-logs/9/

I am confused I have a 46mm filter that is what I was told to use with the fz18.  It does screen on into the housing.  Do I need an adapter to use the 46mm filter,  Did I screw it on wrong?

[ShutterbugGail]

Hi mikerx and welcome to the Q&A Forum,

Do I need an adapter to use the 46mm filter,  Did I screw it on wrong?

No, you don't need an adapter to use the filter.

The step-up ring adapters mentioned are only needed if you have a filter larger than the thread on the camera.

The original poster has some 55mm filters used on other cameras. Rather than buy brand new filters, the 55mm filters can be used with an inexpensive step-up ring.

If you have further questions, please let us know.

[itptech]

Hello Everyone,

I have a Panasonic FZ18 for quite some time. I've pretty much enjoyed the camera as it has everything I need and use. I have been practicing taking some telephoto shots of the moon and sun. My shots do come out great, but I want further zoom.

Does anyone know of any add on lenses for this camera or have any reviews. I have found one Panasonic DMW-LT55 but could not find reviews of how this fits, the quality, etc.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[ShutterbugGail]

Hello itptech and welcome to the Q&A Board,

Sorry for the delay in responding.

There are some user reviews of the DMW-LT55 at Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-DMW-LT55-Conversion-Digital-Cameras/dp/B000F6Y686

Many digital camera owners say good things about Rayonex Conversion lenses:

http://www.raynox.co.jp/english/digital/fz18/index.htm

Although this site doesn't sell lens converters for the FZ18, it does have sample photos so you can get an idea of the quality as well as any distortion there might be.

http://www.lensmateonline.com/newsite/S2tele.html

Don't forget you need a lens adapter for any converter lens.

I love the FZ18, and have taken some of my best ever shots with mine.

[itptech]

Thank you for your response. I feel the same way. This camera was my first step in learning about professional photography. I was always using a regular point and click up until I decided that I have the ability and want to do better. I studied and reviewed for months prior to choosing this camera. Once I got it, I already knew everything about it. I am still very satisfied with every feature and the quality of the shots and the screen. Now, I feel am I ready to take it one step further by adding a lens and just as before, I am now in the study of this new topic. In the future, I am looking to eventually switch to a DSLR. Once again, thank you for your response. The information will very helpful.