Panasonic Dmc Fz50 Operating Instructions Manual

							Operating Instructions
Digital Camera
Model No. DMC-FZ50
VQT0X92
Before connecting, operating or
adjusting this product, please read
the instructions completely.
For USA assistance, please call: 1-800-272-7033 or send e-mail to : [email protected]         
For Canadian assistance, please call: 1-800-561-5505 or visit us at www.panasonic.ca
PP 
						

							Before Use
2VQT0X92
Before UseDear Customer,
We would like to take this opportunity to 
thank you for purchasing this Panasonic 
Digital Camera. Please read these 
Operating Instructions carefully and keep 
them handy for future reference.
Information for Your 
Safety
Carefully observe copyright laws.
Recording of pre-recorded tapes or 
discs or other published or broadcast 
material for purposes other than your 
own private use may infringe copyright 
laws. Even for the purpose of private 
use, recording of certain material may 
be restricted.• Please note that the actual controls and 
components, menu items, etc. of your 
Digital Camera may look somewhat 
different from those shown in the 
illustrations in these Operating 
Instructions.
• SDHC Logo is a trademark.
• Leica is a registered trademark of Leica 
Microsystems IR GmbH.
• Elmarit is a registered trademark of Leica 
Camera AG.
• Other names, company names, and 
product names printed in these 
instructions are trademarks or registered 
trademarks of the companies concerned. WARNING
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR 
SHOCK HAZARD AND ANNOYING 
INTERFERENCE, USE ONLY THE 
RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES 
AND DO NOT EXPOSE THIS 
EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR 
MOISTURE. DO NOT REMOVE THE 
COVER (OR BACK); THERE ARE NO 
USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. 
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED 
SERVICE PERSONNEL.
THE SOCKET OUTLET SHALL BE 
INSTALLED NEAR THE EQUIPMENT 
AND SHALL BE EASILY ACCESSIBLE.
CAUTION
Danger of explosion if battery is 
incorrectly replaced. Replace only with 
the same or equivalent type 
recommended by the manufacturer. 
Dispose of used batteries according to 
the manufacturer’s instructions.
A lithium ion/polymer battery that is recyclable powers the 
product you have purchased. Please call 1-800-8-BATTERY for 
information on how to recycle this battery.RBRC
Li-ion
TM 
						

							Before Use
3 VQT0X92
FCC Note: (U.S. only)
This equipment has been tested and 
found to comply with the limits for a 
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 
15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are 
designed to provide reasonable 
protection against harmful interference 
in a residential installation. This 
equipment generates, uses, and can 
radiate radio frequency energy and, if 
not installed and used in accordance 
with the instructions, may cause harmful 
interference to radio communications. 
However, there is no guarantee that 
interference will not occur in a particular 
installation. If this equipment does 
cause harmful interference to radio or 
television reception, which can be 
determined by turning the equipment off 
and on, the user is encouraged to try to 
correct the interference by one or more 
of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving 
antenna.
• Increase the separation between the 
equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet 
on a circuit different from that to which 
the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced 
radio/TV technician for help.
FCC Caution: To assure continued 
compliance, follow the 
attached installation 
instructions and use only 
shielded interface cables 
with ferrite core when 
connecting to computer or 
peripheral devices.
Any changes or modifications not 
expressly approved by the party 
responsible for compliance could void 
the user’s authority to operate this 
equipment.
Trade Name: Panasonic
Model No.: DMC-FZ50
Responsible party: Panasonic
Corporation of
North America
One Panasonic
Way, Secaucus, NJ
07094
Support Contact: Panasonic
Consumer
Electronics
Company
1-800-272-7033
This device complies with Part 15 of the 
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the 
following two conditions: (1) This device 
may not cause harmful interference, 
and (2) this device must accept any 
interference received, including 
interference that may cause undesired 
operation.
This Class B digital apparatus complies 
with Canadian ICES-003 
						

							Before Use
4VQT0X92
-If you see this symbol-
wCare of the camera
•Do not strongly shake or bump the 
camera. The camera may stop operating 
normally, pictures may not be recorded or 
the lens may be damaged.
• Sand or dust may cause the camera to 
malfunction. Make sure that sand or 
dust does not get into the lens or the 
terminals when using the camera on a 
beach etc.
• Make sure that water does not get into the 
camera when using it on a rainy day or on 
a beach.
• If water or seawater splashes on the 
camera, use a dry cloth to wipe the 
camera body carefully.wAbout the LCD monitor/Viewfinder
• Do not press the LCD monitor with 
excessive force. Uneven colors may 
appear on the LCD monitor and it may 
malfunction.
• Condensation may form on the LCD 
monitor in places with large temperature 
differences. Wipe the condensation with a 
soft, dry cloth.
• If the camera is cold when you turn it on, 
the picture on the LCD monitor/Viewfinder 
will be slightly darker than usual at first. 
However, the picture will return to normal 
brightness when the internal temperature 
of the camera increases.
• When rotating the LCD monitor, be 
careful not to use excessive force. This 
may result in damage.
• You may not be able to open, close or 
rotate the LCD monitor smoothly when 
using a tripod. In these cases, detach 
the camera from the tripod and then 
open, close or rotate the LCD monitor.
• When not using the LCD monitor or when 
using the Viewfinder, it is recommended 
that you close the LCD monitor with the 
screen facing inwards to prevent dirt and 
scratches. 
• If the camera is going to be stored for a 
prolonged period, it is recommended that 
the LCD monitor be stored inside the 
camera. Information on Disposal in other 
Countries outside the European 
Union
This symbol is only valid in the European 
Union.
If you wish to discard this product, please 
contact your local authorities or dealer 
and ask for the correct method of 
disposal.
Extremely high precision technology is 
employed to produce the LCD monitor/
Viewfinder screen. However there may 
be some dark or bright spots (red, blue 
or green) on the screen. This is not a 
malfunction. The LCD monitor/
Viewfinder screen has more than 
99.99% effective pixels with a mere 
0.01% of the pixels inactive or always lit. 
The spots will not be recorded on 
pictures on a card. 
						

							Before Use
5 VQT0X92
wAbout the Lens
• Do not press the lens with excessive 
for ce.
• Do not leave the camera with the lens 
facing the sun as it may cause the camera 
to malfunction. Also, be careful when you 
leave the camera outside or near a 
window.
• When there is dirt (water, oil, and 
fingerprints, etc.) on the surface of the 
lens, the picture may be affected. Lightly 
wipe the surface of the lens with a soft, 
dry cloth before and after taking pictures.
wAbout Condensation (When the lens 
or the Viewfinder is fogged up)
• Condensation occurs when the ambient 
temperature or humidity changes as 
described below. Be careful of 
condensation since it causes lens stains, 
fungus and camera malfunction.
– When the camera is taken from the cold 
outdoors to the warm indoors.
– When the camera is taken from outside 
to inside an air-conditioned car.
– When cool wind from an air conditioner 
etc. blows directly on the camera.
– In humid places
• To prevent condensation, put the camera 
in a plastic bag until the temperature of 
the camera is close to the ambient 
temperature. If condensation occurs, turn 
the camera off and leave it for about 
2 hours. The fog will disappear naturally 
when the temperature of the camera 
becomes close to the ambient 
temperature.wWhen not using the camera for a long 
period of time
• Store the battery in a cool and dry place 
with a relatively stable temperature.
[Recommended temperature:
15QC to 25QC (59QF to 77QF),
Recommended humidity: 40% to 60%]
• Always remove the battery and the card 
from the camera.
• If the battery is left inserted in the camera 
it will discharge even if the camera is 
turned off. If the battery continues to be 
left in the camera, it will discharge 
excessively and may become unusable 
even if charged.
• When storing the battery for a long period 
of time, we recommend charging it once a 
year. Remove the battery from the camera 
and store it again after it has completely 
discharged.
• We recommend storing the camera with a 
desiccant (silica gel) when you keep it in a 
closet or a cabinet.
• If you have not used the camera for a 
long period of time, check all the parts 
before taking pictures. 
						

							Before Use
6VQT0X92
About The Mode Dial
Adjust part  to the desired mode.
The mode dial can be rotated 360Q. Rotate 
it slowly and surely to adjust to each mode. 
: Program AE mode (P32)
The exposure is automatically adjusted by 
the camera.
: Aperture-priority AE mode (P57)
The shutter speed is automatically 
determined by the aperture value you set.
: Shutter-priority AE mode (P57)
The aperture value is automatically 
determined by the shutter speed you set.
: Manual exposure mode (P58)
The exposure is adjusted by the aperture 
value and the shutter speed which are 
manually adjusted.
:Custom mode (P63)
This mode allows you to save the preferred 
menu settings.
: Motion picture mode (P76)
This mode allows you to record motion 
pictures.
: Scene mode (P64)
This mode allows you to take pictures 
depending on the recording scenes.
: Auto mode (P36)
This mode is recommended for beginners.: Playback mode (P40)
This mode allows you to play back 
recorded pictures.
wAbout indications in these operating 
instructions
Modes indicated here allow you to use the 
functions or settings described on this 
page. Set the mode dial to any of the 
modes to use the functions or settings.
9æCustom mode
Convenient or helpful information for use of 
the camera is described.
wAbout illustrations in these operating 
instructions
Please note that the appearance of the 
product, the illustration or the menu screen 
are a little different from those in actual use.
wAbout illustrations of the cursor 
button
In these operating instructions, the 
operations on the cursor button are 
described as illustrated as shown below.
Cursor button
e.g.: When you press the  button
AM
CUSTOM
SCN
S
P
SET MENU
REV 
						

							Before Use
7 VQT0X92
wAbout the front dial and rear dial
Instructions for using these dials in the 
operating instructions are given with 
illustrations that match the screen icons.
• Rotate the front dial and rear dial slowly 
but surely.
: Front dial
: Rear dialwAbout the LCD monitor
At the time when this camera is purchased, 
the LCD monitor is stowed in the camera 
body. Move the LCD monitor in the 
directions shown in the figure below.
: LCD Monitor open knobs
Open the LCD monitor opening knob 
with your finger
Rotate the monitor 180Q toward the left
• The monitor rotates only 90Q toward 
the right.
Return the monitor to its original 
position
• For details on how to rotate the LCD 
monitor, refer to P24.


 
						

							8VQT0X92
Before Use
Information for Your Safety ....................... 2
About The Mode Dial ................................ 6
Preparation
Standard Accessories ............................. 10
Names of the Components ..................... 10
Quick Guide ............................................ 12
Screen Display........................................ 13
Charging the Battery with the Charger...... 16
About the Battery (charging/number of 
recordable pictures) ............................ 16
Inserting/Removing the Battery .............. 18
Inserting/Removing the Card .................. 19
About the Card........................................ 20
Attaching the Lens Cap/Strap ................. 21
Attaching the Lens Hood ........................ 22
LCD Monitor............................................ 24
Setting Date/Time (Clock Set) ................ 26
About the Setup Menu ............................ 27
Basic
Taking Pictures ....................................... 32
Taking Pictures in Auto Mode ................. 36
Taking Pictures with the Zoom ............... 37
• Using the Optical Zoom .................... 37
• Using the Extended 
Optical Zoom (EZ) ............................ 37
• Using the Digital Zoom 
Further extending the zoom ............. 38
Checking the Recorded Picture 
(Review) .............................................. 39
Playing Back Pictures ............................. 40
Deleting Pictures..................................... 41
Advanced
About the LCD Monitor/Viewfinder ......... 43
•
Changing the information displayed..... 43Taking Pictures using the 
Built-in Flash........................................ 47
Taking Pictures with the Self-timer ......... 51
Compensating the Exposure .................. 52
Taking Pictures using Auto Bracket ........ 53Optical Image Stabilizer .......................... 54
Taking Pictures using Burst Mode .......... 55
Taking Close-up Pictures........................ 56
Aperture-priority AE ................................ 57
Shutter-priority AE .................................. 57
Manual exposure .................................... 58
Aperture Value and Shutter Speed ......... 59
Taking Pictures with Manual Focus ........ 60
Registering Personal Menu Settings
(Registering custom settings).............. 62
Taking pictures in Custom mode ............ 63
Scene Mode............................................ 64
– [PORTRAIT] .................................. 65
– [SOFT SKIN] ................................. 65
– [SCENERY] ................................... 65
– [SPORTS]...................................... 65
– [NIGHT PORTRAIT] ...................... 66
– [NIGHT SCENERY] ....................... 66
– [PANNING] .................................... 66
– [FOOD] .......................................... 67
– [PARTY] ........................................ 67
– [CANDLE LIGHT] .......................... 68
– [FIREWORKS]............................... 68
– [STARRY SKY].............................. 68
– [BABY1]/[BABY2] .......................... 69
– [SNOW] ......................................... 70
– [HIGH SENS.]................................ 70
Recording which day of the vacation 
you take the picture ............................. 71
Displaying the time at the 
travel destination (World Time) ........... 73
• Location candidates for 
World Time settings.......................... 75
Motion Picture Mode ............................... 76
Displaying Multiple Screens 
(Multi Playback) ................................... 78
Displaying pictures by recording date 
(Calendar playback) ............................ 79
Using the Playback Zoom ....................... 80
Playing Back Motion Pictures/
Pictures with Audio.............................. 81
Menu Settings
Using the [REC] Mode Menu .................. 82
• [W.BALANCE]
Adjusting the hue for a more 
natural picture................................... 83 
						

							9VQT0X92
• [WB ADJUST.]
Finely adjusting the 
white balance ................................... 85
• [SENSITIVITY]
Setting the light sensitivity ................ 85
• [ASPECT RATIO]
Setting the aspect ratio of pictures ... 87
• [PICT.SIZE]/[QUALITY]
Setting a picture size and quality thatmatches your use of the pictures ..... 87
• [AUDIO REC.] 
Recording still pictures with audio...... 89
• [METERING MODE]
Deciding the method to measure 
brightness ......................................... 89
• [AF MODE]
Setting the focus method.................. 90
• [CONT.AF]
Continuously focusing 
on a subject ...................................... 91
• [AF ASSIST LAMP]
Focusing in low light conditions 
becomes easier ................................ 91
• [FOCUS/AE LOCK]
Fixing the focus and exposure ......... 92
• [DIREC. EX. COMP.]
For rapid exposure 
compensation ................................... 93
• [COL.EFFECT]
Setting color effects for 
the recorded pictures ........................ 94
• [PICT.ADJ.]
Adjusting the picture quality for the 
recorded pictures .............................. 94
• [FLIP ANIM.]
Connecting images to create 
a motion picture file .......................... 95
• [CONVERSION]
Using an optional lens ...................... 97
• [EXT.FLASH]
Using an optional flash ..................... 99
• [EX.FLASH BURST]
Taking pictures in burst mode 
while firing the flash ........................ 101
• [CLOCK SET]
Set the date, time and display ........ 101
Using the [PLAY] mode menu .............. 102
• [SLIDE SHOW]
Playing back pictures in order 
for a fixed duration .......................... 102
• [FAVORITE]
Setting your favorite pictures .......... 103• [ROTATE DISP.]/[ROTATE]
To display the picture rotated ......... 104
• [DPOF PRINT]
Setting the picture to print and 
the number of prints........................ 105
• [PROTECT]
Preventing accidental erasure of 
pictures ........................................... 107
• [AUDIO DUB.] 
Adding audio after taking pictures..... 108
• [RESIZE]
Making the picture smaller.............. 108
• [TRIMMING]
Enlarging a picture and 
trimming it ....................................... 109
• [ASPECT CONV.]
Changing the aspect ratio of a 16:9 
picture ............................................. 110
• [FORMAT] 
Initializing the card .......................... 111
Connecting to other equipment
Connecting to a PC ............................... 112
Printing the Pictures .............................. 115
Playing Back Pictures 
on a TV Screen ................................. 118
Others
Using the MC Protector/ND Filter ......... 119
Using the Remote Shutter .................... 120
Cautions for Use ................................... 121
Message Display .................................. 122
Troubleshooting .................................... 124
Number of recordable pictures and 
available recording time .................... 129
Specifications ........................................ 132
Digital Camera Accessory System........ 135
Digital Camera Accessory Order Form
(For USA Customers)........................ 136
Request for Service Notice 
(For USA Only) .................................. 137
Limited Warranty (For USA Only) ......... 138
Customer Services Directory 
(For USA Only) .................................. 140
Index ..................................................... 141
Spanish Quick Use Guide/
Guía rápida en español ..................... 143 
						

							Preparation
10VQT0X92
Preparation
Standard Accessories
Check that all the accessories are included 
before using the camera.
1SD Memory Card (32 MB)
(Indicated as “Card” in the text)
2Battery Pack
(Indicated as “Battery” in the text)
3Battery Charger
(Indicated as “Charger” in the text)
4USB Connection Cable
5AV  C a b l e6CD-ROM7Shoulder Strap
8Lens Cap9Lens Hood
• For information about optional 
accessories, refer to the “Digital Camera 
Accessory System”. (P135)
Names of the 
Components
1Lens (P5)
2 Front dial (P39, 40, 57, 78, 80 )
3 Self-timer Indicator (P51)
AF Assist Lamp (P91)
4 Flash (P47)
RP-SD032B
23
4
5
K1HA08CD0008
DE-993B
K1HA08CD0007
VFC4213
6
8
97
VYK1P30
VYQ3505
1
CGR-S006A
123 4
8
14 13 15 1611 9 56710
12
17