[RedSox2007]

I have set my panasonic lumix dmc-tz3 but I would likes to know how did you set up your tz3 digital camera even better to improve my picture taking. I'm going to take the camera to Boston to take picture but I need to know what is the best setting? So what setting do you use that make your picture come out great. I have taking great picture but would like to have someone who has this camera what setting did he or she is using?

[linskyjack]

The best setting depends on the image you are trying to capture. It really requires an understanding of basic photographic rules. My suggestion is that you learn that and then worry about best settings.

[ferrija1]

Auto will be fine for most pics, try reading some of the manual, I learned a lot about my Kodak from it.

[RedSox2007]

i did read the manual....but there are other setting on the camera that the manual does not tell you what are their function are. I am looking not for someone that has this camera the panasonic dmc-tz3 not a kodak. I could put it in auto but I want someone who has put the setting on this camera and got great picture. Until I get someone who does have this camera..your advise stink!

[buck52]

wow what an ignorant post

linskyjacks was spot on and you should read it very carefully

[Cookiegal]

RedSox2007,

I've edited your post and suggest that you read the forum rules before posting again. Being rude and name calling will not be tolerated.

[Raised Grain]

WWJD or think.

[ferrija1]

Originally Posted by RedSox2007

i did read the manual....but there are other setting on the camera that the manual does not tell you what are their function are. I am looking not for someone that has this camera the panasonic dmc-tz3 not a kodak. I could put it in auto but I want someone who has put the setting on this camera and got great picture. Until I get someone who does have this camera..your advise stink!

Sheesh...

I had know way of knowing that you've already read the manual. Also, good luck trying to find someone with the same camera here, I was just trying to help because most point-and-shoots are the same.

Like linskyjack said it depends on what you are shooting and how you want it to look. There's no one rule/setting/tip to make every picture good. It all depends.

Now if you don't mind, I'm still going to try to help you:
-Rule of Thirds: Make a tic-tack-toe board on what your going to shoot, put the subject on one of the intersecting lines.


-When taking landscape shots, but something like a tree branch on the top or bottom of it to frame it.
(upper right)


-Try to have something in the foreground and background, as well as your subject. This gives he photo more depth.

-Try to find different perspectives, like taking a picture of a tree from it's base.

[Raised Grain]

Look at these two websites. I'm sure you can find out what you want there. Just because you buy a Lear jet doesn't mean you can fly it.

http://www.dpreview.com/

http://www.steves-digicams.com/

[Guyzer]

Originally Posted by Raised Grain

Just because you buy a Lear jet doesn't mean you can fly it.

No offense but anyone could get it to leave the ground.... it's the landing that usually presents great difficulty. Kinda like a camera... anyone can turn it on but taking a great picture does present it's own set of problems.

[Raised Grain]

No offence taken but you have substantiated my statement.

[buck52]

originally posted by Raised Grain WWJD...

[slipe]

So many settings are conditional that it is hard to give a setting that will work all the time. And a lot has to do with how much attention you want to pay to what is going on.

That you have even asked, I would avoid “Simple” exposure mode (red heart). You want the “Normal” mode (red camera).

I can’t think of many situations where you wouldn’t want the stabilization on. There are limited situations like panning that stabilization isn’t recommended, but you normally just leave it on. Mode 1 runs all the time and makes your viewfinder less jiggly. Mode 2 just works when you take the picture and is a little more effective. I prefer mode 2 because it reminds me to hold the camera more steady and is stronger stabilization. But if you are having problems seeing the viewfinder mode 1 might be better for you.

If you choose any focus mode other than center focus make sure to always check the LCD to see what the camera decided to focus on. I prefer to use center focus and recompose holding a half-press.

Go into the menu and limit the Intelligent ISO mode to ISO800. ISO800 is poor but will give you an acceptable 4 X 6 print.

If your main use is to have 4 X 6 prints made you can use the 3:2 mode and the photofinisher won’t be cropping your images. If you don’t mind cropping yourself or your main use is the computer the 4:3 mode is better. Get a large enough memory card and always shoot at best resolution and quality.

I’ve never had a camera set for auto flash. I either want flash or I don’t. Stabilization isn’t magic and high ISO will ruin most photos more than flash, so plan on using it indoors. Use flash for outdoor photos of people unless they are over 10 feet away. Flash keeps people from having to squint into the sun and smoothes shadows.

I find most of the scene modes useless, but there are a few that are handy. Portrait and sports mode opens the lens all the way. You get the maximum shutter speed and most possible background blurring. Beach and snow will increase your exposure. Night scene probably requires a tripod. The camera will give you a brief description of what the mode does if you press the Display button.

I use spot metering often. You can pre-meter on what you want exposed with a half-press, recompose and shoot. For something like a sunset I pre-meter on different parts and get a variety of exposures and white balance. I always use it if something is backlighted.

Photos are free. Take a LOT of photos playing with the different settings and modes. The camera records some of the things you did in EXIF information that is stored with the photo. Use a viewer like Irfanview that will let you look at the EXIF when you review your photos.

[RedSox2007]

I know was rough on the board here and got a spanking...I have read the manual from page one to the end. It does tell you how to set up and how to take different setting for certain picture. I have to say that the Panasonic lumix dmc-tz3 is the best camera out their. I have try
the olympus and kodak is good but t does not beat the panasonic. I have taken great picture with my camera all over my city. My question was if you has this camera and when you take certain shot where to you set the iso, the white, aspect ratio, af assist lamp, the shutter,or any setting for different picture from landscape, building, people, or sport. Please don't tell what would wwjd. I know what he would do ok! If you don't have this camera to not reply. If you say goes to school and learn how to use this camera to not reply. I am looking for someone who know digital camera not someone who is a just want to put something here...Ok
I when to a blog and found out that she has setting on this camera so I took her setting. it was good for some picture but not all. So i am going to put it in the setting until I am happy with the result. so again thank for your reply...If I was out of line Sorry

[Guyzer]

Originally Posted by RedSox2007

If I was out of line Sorry

In a way you are because many people are trying to help you and you don't want to listen because they don't have the specific camera you are talking about. In the end the camera model doesn't mean anything because camera settings are camera settings regardless of what you use. That's lesson number 1. Number two is you need to do is educate yourself to the basics of photography and then learn what each setting does and what will happen if you make changes. There are may free sites available that will inform you of those actions and when you master it all please tell me how you did it because after all these years I'm still learning. I truly want to know it all right now.... no short cuts cuz I'm sick of them and want to be just like Ansel Adams. One thing I have learned is not to fiddle with the settings to much.