Tips & Tricks

Tips & Tricks give you the inside track on how to get the best out of  your Lumix G camera.

High / Low Level Work, Turn the Auto LCD function off. (G1/GH1/G2)

High / Low Level Work, Turn the Auto LCD function off. (G1/GH1/G2)

When using the LCD screen for either low or high level shots, turning the auto EVF function to off is very beneficial. If this function is ‘ON’ the LCD screen can turn off as you change a setting or are moving the camera for framing, as your hand or body may trigger the sensor.

You will find this option in the custom menu.

Plan your lens changes where possible (All models)

Plan your lens changes where possible (All models)

If you have the 14 -45mm and 45–200mm lens it’s nice to carry both lenses – ‘just in case’ you need them. It’s a good idea however to think about what and where you will be taking photos of, before leaving and fix the most appropriate lens to the camera.

For example:

If you are going to an outdoor party, the 45-20mm is a great lens to use. So before you go outside, make sure this lens is already fitted to the camera.

Later on if people move indoors, when you get inside put the 14–45mm lens on straight away.

This means when you want to take a photo, the camera is ready to go and your subjects are not waiting for you to change the lens, or worse that you miss a shot because you are changing lenses.

Self timer shots, Take 3… (All Models)

Self timer shots, Take 3… (All Models)

When taking group shots of family or friends using the self timer, set the camera up to take 3 shots. This option is available in the Record Mode menu. You can then decide whether to tell your subjects to get 3 posed photos, from which you can select the best one, or don’t tell them to try and get a candid shot!

Taking lots of portraits? Turn off the Auto Rotate function (All Models)

Taking lots of portraits? Turn off the Auto Rotate function (All Models)

If you’re taking a lot of pictures in portrait mode, you may find it easier to check the photos with the ‘Auto Rotate’ feature turned off.

This allows you to press the play button whilst still holding the camera to your eye using the Viewfinder to quickly proof previous shots without having to rotate the camera. It also allows the camera to display the image larger on the screen.

Capturing a perfect smile (All Models)

Capturing a perfect smile (All Models)

When taking photos of subjects that either moves quickly or unpredictably, for example pets or children, it’s better to pre-focus the shot looking through the viewfinder or LCD screen. Then whilst continuing to hold the shutter button down and keeping the camera in the same position, look above the camera at your subject. When you see the moment you wish to capture fully press the shutter. This helps in 2 ways:-

1.    It allows you to have a better view of the subject
2.    It eliminates any delay of you seeing the moment you want to capture such as a baby smiling

Things to remember: This technique only works for subjects that remain in the same place.

Taking long exposures without a remote shutter release. (All Models)

Taking long exposures without a remote shutter release. (All Models)

If you are taking photos using long exposure times, and the camera is on a tripod, the action of pressing the shutter button can cause the camera to move slightly. Depending on the exposure time and subject this may cause the picture to become blurred.

The Ideal solution is to use a remote shutter control such as the DMW-RSL1.

However, if you do not have one of these or forget to take it with you, you could use the self timer mode. Usually 2 seconds is enough to let the camera settle after pressing the shutter button.