Mastering Manual Focus With The Lumix 300Fz

The Lumix FZ300 camera has three focus modes: AFS (Auto Focus Single), AFF (Auto Focus Flexible), and AFC (Auto Focus Continuous). To set up manual focus, you can either use the lens focus lever or the camera's focus mode dial. The exact method of selecting focus modes and the options available may vary depending on the specific Lumix camera model.

To select the manual focus mode, follow these steps:

1. Locate the AF Mode or Focus Mode button/switch on your camera.

2. Navigate through the focus modes until you reach the desired mode: AFS for stationary objects, AFF for objects that may move occasionally, and AFC for capturing moving subjects.

3. Adjust the focus manually by rotating the focus ring on the lens.

It is recommended to refer to your camera's manual for detailed instructions tailored to your specific Lumix FZ300 model.

Set up focus modes and focus area

To set up focus modes and focus area on your Lumix FZ300 camera, follow these steps:

Selecting the Focus Mode:

• Press the "AF Mode" or "Focus Mode" button on your camera.
• Cycle through the available focus modes by repeatedly pressing the button or flipping the switch until you reach your desired mode:
• AFS (Auto Focus Single): Locks focus on stationary subjects when you press the shutter button halfway down.
• AFF (Auto Focus Flexible): Hybrid mode that switches between AFS and AFC depending on subject movement.
• AFC (Auto Focus Continuous): Continuously adjusts focus to track moving subjects as long as the shutter button is held halfway down.
• MF (Manual Focus): Allows you to manually adjust the focus ring on the lens.

Setting Up the Focus Area Mode:

• Press the DISP button on your camera until you see the focus area mode screen.
• Using the touchscreen, select AFS and then choose the 1-Area focus area mode.
• Adjust the area of focus by pinching your fingers on the screen to make it larger or smaller, then select the "Set" option.
• You can also change the position of the focus area using the touchscreen or the buttons on the camera.

Additional Tips:

• When starting, set the focus area to Single for more precise focusing on a single point.
• For static shots, consider switching to Manual Focus and using a tripod to ensure accurate focus.
• In the AFF mode, pinpoint AF is not available on the FZ300/330/1000 cameras; it can only be used with the AFS mode.

Choose between Auto and Manual focus

The Lumix FZ300 camera offers three focus modes:

• AFS (Auto Focus Single): This mode is designed for capturing still subjects. The camera focuses on a subject when the shutter button is pressed halfway and locks the focus until the picture is taken. It is suitable for situations where you want to focus on a stationary subject.
• AFF (Auto Focus Flexible): AFF is a hybrid mode that combines elements of AFS and AFC. It continuously focuses on the subject as long as the shutter button is held halfway down. If the subject starts moving, it automatically switches to AFC. This mode is useful when photographing subjects that may be stationary but also move occasionally.
• AFC (Auto Focus Continuous): This mode is intended for capturing moving subjects. The camera continuously adjusts the focus as long as the shutter button is held halfway down, allowing you to track and capture subjects in motion.

To switch between automatic and manual focus modes, you can use either the lens focus lever or the camera's focus mode dial.

When using a compatible lens, such as the LEICA 12-60 mm, you can switch the lens focus lever between AF (Automatic Focus) and MF (Manual Focus).

The camera's focus mode dial usually offers three different focus modes:

• AFS/AFF: This is the default preference and can be set from the camera's menu.
• AFC: Auto Focus Continuous is recommended when the subject is in continuous motion, such as sports events or traffic.
• MF: Manual Focus is recommended when you want to set the focus manually by using the lens focus ring.

To set the AFS/AFF switch preference, you can rotate the mode dial to set the camera to P, A, S, or M modes. Then, press the Menu/Set button to access the camera's menu, navigate to the Photo Settings page, and set your desired default mode.

Understand the three common focus modes

Understanding the Three Common Focus Modes

The three common focus modes found on Lumix cameras are:

AFS (Auto Focus Single):

AFS is used for capturing still subjects. When the shutter button is pressed halfway, the camera locks its focus on the subject until you take the photo. This mode is ideal when you want to focus on a stationary object and capture a single shot. To select AFS, locate the "AF Mode" or "Focus Mode" button/switch on your camera and cycle through the available focus modes.

AFF (Auto Focus Flexible):

AFF is a hybrid mode that combines elements of AFS and AFC. It continuously focuses on a subject as long as you hold the shutter button halfway down. If the subject starts moving, AFF automatically switches to AFC. This mode is useful for photographing subjects that may be stationary but occasionally move. To select AFF, access the "AF Mode" or "Focus Mode" button/switch and cycle through the available focus modes.

AFC (Auto Focus Continuous):

AFC is designed for capturing moving subjects. The camera continuously adjusts its focus as long as the shutter button is partially pressed, allowing you to track and capture subjects in motion. To select AFC, locate the "AF Mode" or "Focus Mode" button/switch and navigate to this mode.

These three focus modes are available on Lumix cameras, but the exact method of selecting them may vary depending on the specific model. Always refer to your camera's manual for detailed instructions specific to your Lumix camera.

Adjust the focus ring

To adjust the focus ring on your Lumix FZ300 camera, you must first switch to manual focus mode. This can be done by locating the "AF Mode" or "Focus Mode" button on your camera and cycling through the available focus modes until you reach MF (Manual Focus). Once you're in manual focus mode, you can adjust the focus by rotating the focus ring on the lens.

It's important to note that the Lumix FZ300 has three common focus modes: AFS (Auto Focus Single), AFF (Auto Focus Flexible), and AFC (Auto Focus Continuous). In Manual Focus mode, you can fine-tune the focus to your desired setting by rotating the focus ring. This allows you to have precise control over the focus of your image.

When adjusting the focus ring, you may notice that the focus adjusts in large, unpredictable leaps. This is a known issue with the Lumix FZ300 camera. One technique to overcome this is to roll the focus wheel back and forth until you find the sweet spot. With practice, you'll be able to achieve spot-on focus easily. Additionally, you can use the quick focus button below the focus wheel as a starting point for your adjustments.

The Lumix FZ300 also offers a Manual Focus Assist mode, which can be helpful when manually focusing. To activate this mode, go to [MENU] → [Custom] → [Focus / Release Shutter] → [MF Assist]. In this mode, you can make coarse adjustments by rotating the focus ring approximately half a turn, and the camera will then automatically fine-tune the focus.

Set up exposure modes

Setting up the exposure modes on your Lumix FZ300 is a crucial step in configuring your camera. The exposure modes determine how your camera captures light and influences the overall look of your photos. The Lumix FZ300 offers several exposure modes, including Manual, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Programmed Auto. Each mode provides different levels of control over the camera's settings, allowing you to achieve the desired effect in your images.

Manual Mode (M)

In Manual Mode, you have full control over both the aperture and shutter speed settings. This mode is ideal for experienced photographers who want complete control over their camera. To use Manual Mode, set the Mode dial to "M". You can then adjust the aperture and shutter speed according to the lighting conditions and your creative vision.

Aperture Priority Mode (A)

Aperture Priority Mode allows you to set the aperture value, while the camera automatically selects the appropriate shutter speed. The aperture controls the depth of field, or how much of your image is in focus. This mode is useful when you want to have precise control over the depth of field, such as when photographing portraits or landscapes. To select Aperture Priority, rotate the Exposure mode dial until "A" appears on the display screen. You can then adjust the aperture using the dial on your camera.

Shutter Priority Mode (S or TV)

Shutter Priority Mode gives you control over the shutter speed, allowing you to freeze or blur motion in your images. The camera will automatically choose an aperture setting that results in proper exposure. This mode is ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects or creating creative motion blur effects. To use Shutter Priority, set the Mode dial to "S" or "TV". You can then adjust the shutter speed to achieve the desired effect.

Programmed Auto Mode (P)

Programmed Auto Mode is a semi-automatic mode that lets you adjust certain settings while the camera handles the rest. In this mode, you can choose the ISO and white balance, while the camera automatically sets the aperture and shutter speed to ensure correct exposure. Programmed Auto is a good starting point for beginners as it offers a balance between control and ease of use. To select this mode, set the Mode dial to "P".

Custom Settings (C1, C2, C3)

The Lumix FZ300 also offers three Custom settings (C1, C2, and C3) that allow you to save specific camera configurations for quick recall. To save a Custom setting, first set the camera to your desired mode (e.g., Aperture Priority) and make all the preferred camera settings. Then, press the Menu/Set button, select Custom (wrench-C icon), and choose one of the three Custom settings (C1, C2, or C3) to save. To use the Custom settings, set the Mode dial to "C" and select the desired Custom setting using the Cursor buttons.

Frequently asked questions