Simple Shooting Modes

• The Lumix DMC-FZ18 has 11 shooting modes, including a scene mode that has more sub-modes, which is quite a lot for a point-and-shoot digital camera. Each mode is appropriate for a certain photographic scenario, but when you first start out with the camera there's no need to go spinning the mode dial to master each setting immediately. Instead, shoot in the simple modes in simple settings to get a feel for the camera. Use the intelligent auto mode -- marked by a camera icon on the mode dial -- or the program AE ("P") mode in daylight. These modes automatically adjust exposure and the shutter and aperture values on the camera.
  
  

Flash Clues

• When shooting in auto mode, the flash will fire when necessary. Take note of when the flash comes on, as this is the camera telling you there isn't enough light in the scene to take the picture as you see it through the viewfinder or on the LCD. Learning to recognize when the flash comes on is part of mastering the DMC-FZ18. In low light, photography gets tricky because subjects begin to blur with movement, and colors don't appear on photos as they do to your eye. The flash is a warning that you need to adjust your settings, and the FZ18 has lots of settings you can master.
  
  

Semi-Manual Modes

• Just like a DSLR camera, the Lumix FZ-18 has two half-automatic, half-manual modes: "S" for shutter preferred and "A" for aperture preferred. Every time you take a shot, your camera finds a balance between the shutter speed -- how long the shutter opens and closes to allow light in -- and the aperture value -- how wide the aperture opens to allow light in. A wide aperture and slow shutter let in more light than a narrow aperture and a fast shutter. When your flash fires, switch from auto mode to "S" mode by rotating the mode dial on top. Tilt the joystick forward and back to adjust the shutter value and snap a shot. If the shot is too dark, decrease the shutter speed. If too bright, increase the shutter. The FZ-18 has a maximum shutter speed of 1/2000 of a second. You can also manipulate the aperture, widen it by decreasing the number to allow more light.
  
  

Bracketing

• If you are finding it difficult to get the exposure correct on your shots, turn on the Lumix DMC-FZ18's auto bracketing feature. In any of the non-automatic shooting modes, press up on the control pad a few times until "auto bracket" appears. Choose an exposure compensation value depending on the light: 1/3 steps for bright settings; 2/3 steps for dim light or indoors; and 1 step for dark settings. When you press the shutter release button, the FZ-18 will take three shots simultaneously, one with the exposure you've set and one each with a step brighter and darker. You can choose the best shot of the three later, when you copy the files to your computer.