Digital cameras 101

[technovator]

Hi there,

I have recently purchased a Panasonic DMC-FZ5 digital camera so I can take some pictures of the birds in our garden. Unfortunately, being a bit of a novice I would greatly appreciate any suggestions as to what sort of settings I should be using especially when using the zoom from about 35ft from the target.
So far many of my pictures have been mostly blurred or out of focus.

many thanks

Martin

[ShutterbugGail]

Hi Martin and welcome to the Q&A Board!

Our feature article this month is on taking photos of birds with a digital camera. The author uses a few FZ cameras. I think you'll find it contains some of the information you're looking for.

http://www.digicamhelp.com/how-to-photograph-birds-with-digital-camera/index.htm

I believe the FZ5 has a fast-focus mode, so make sure you turn it on when birding. If it has a panning image stabilization mode, you may want to try it for certain shots. I often prefocus when taking photos of birds.

[technovator]

thanks for the help


Martin