Just got my FZ20, What is the 1st thing to do?

I just got my FZ20 from the shop today.
Before i start using it, are there any things that i have to do first ?
eg. setting up this and that, etc ?

The only thing that the shopkeeper mentioned was, for the 1st charge, I have to charge the battery between 10 to 15 hours straight before using it.
after that, you can charge as normal (2 hours charge)
Are there any special reasons for that ?

Then obviously i have to set the time and date..

I also bought a Sandisk Ultra II 512MB one.

do i need to format the card using the camera first before using the card for the 1st time?

Or are there anything else to do ?

Thanks !
Albert.

The shop owner is incorrect..you can only charge the battery for 2 hours because the charger is timed, meaning it will shut itself off when fully charged. You do not have to format the card as it is formatted from the manufacturer. Just start shooting pictures....its that easy. Use 'p' if just beginning it is completely automatic in that mode.

dj_mocok said:

I just got my FZ20 from the shop today.
Before i start using it, are there any things that i have to do
first ?
eg. setting up this and that, etc ?

The only thing that the shopkeeper mentioned was, for the 1st
charge, I have to charge the battery between 10 to 15 hours
straight before using it.
after that, you can charge as normal (2 hours charge)
Are there any special reasons for that ?

Then obviously i have to set the time and date..

I also bought a Sandisk Ultra II 512MB one.
do i need to format the card using the camera first before using
the card for the 1st time?

Or are there anything else to do ?

Thanks !
Albert.

Click to expand...

If the charger indicates the battery is fully charged ... the battery is ready to use. 20 minutes, 1 hour, 5 hours or whatever on the charger.

Speaking of batteries ... you're going love taking pictures with your FZ so much one battery is NOT going to be sufficient! A second battery will be very handy. Panasonic brand is very expensive, but do go with a quality alternative like Lenmar, Digipower or Maha (all are less expensive).

Also think about getting a UV filter to protect that fine lense - one scratch and you'll be crying. Which means using either the supplied hood adapter or getting a non-panasonic adapter (which are physically smaller) and an appropriately sized UV filter. Search the forum on this topic.

Some people would die before putting a UV filter on their camera, and give a dozen reasons why they won't. It's CHEAP, CHEAP insurance and unless the laws of optics/physics have changed in their universe a decent (not super cheap nor ultra high $$) UV filter will NOT affect image quality ... or you can just take your chances.

dj_mocok said:

I just got my FZ20 from the shop today.
Before i start using it, are there any things that i have to do
first ?
eg. setting up this and that, etc ?

The only thing that the shopkeeper mentioned was, for the 1st
charge, I have to charge the battery between 10 to 15 hours
straight before using it.
after that, you can charge as normal (2 hours charge)
Are there any special reasons for that ?

Then obviously i have to set the time and date..

I also bought a Sandisk Ultra II 512MB one.
do i need to format the card using the camera first before using
the card for the 1st time?

Or are there anything else to do ?

Thanks !
Albert.

Click to expand...

Read the manual at some point ... yeah I know, BORING, but amazing what you learn by reading that little printed booklet thingy that comes with these cameras

Make sure IS is set to Mode 2, which ensures best stabilization (can't remember what the default is)

Turn Continous AF & AF Assist Light off - noticeably extends battery life when shooting. Use AF Assist Light only when truly needed (it has a short working range in low light anyway).

KenR said:

Speaking of batteries ... you're going love taking pictures with
your FZ so much one battery is NOT going to be sufficient! A second
battery will be very handy. Panasonic brand is very expensive, but
do go with a quality alternative like Lenmar, Digipower or Maha
(all are less expensive).

Also think about getting a UV filter to protect that fine lense -
one scratch and you'll be crying. Which means using either the
supplied hood adapter or getting a non-panasonic adapter (which are
physically smaller) and an appropriately sized UV filter. Search
the forum on this topic.

Some people would die before putting a UV filter on their camera,
and give a dozen reasons why they won't. It's CHEAP, CHEAP
insurance and unless the laws of optics/physics have changed in
their universe a decent (not super cheap nor ultra high $$) UV
filter will NOT affect image quality ... or you can just take your
chances.

dj_mocok said:

I just got my FZ20 from the shop today.
Before i start using it, are there any things that i have to do
first ?
eg. setting up this and that, etc ?

The only thing that the shopkeeper mentioned was, for the 1st
charge, I have to charge the battery between 10 to 15 hours
straight before using it.
after that, you can charge as normal (2 hours charge)
Are there any special reasons for that ?

Then obviously i have to set the time and date..

I also bought a Sandisk Ultra II 512MB one.
do i need to format the card using the camera first before using
the card for the 1st time?

Or are there anything else to do ?

Thanks !
Albert.

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

Thanks for all the replies..
so the shopkeeper was wrong?

i was wondering too, but once after 2 hours, the battery will stop charging, so whats the point of leaving them for another 10-13 hours straight ?
do you know any reasons why she mentioned this ?

about the UV filter ( to prevent scratches ), what does it look like and how much is it ?
sorry for the ****** question, but i dont know much about camera accessories.

thanks !

dj_mocok said:

Thanks for all the replies..
so the shopkeeper was wrong?
i was wondering too, but once after 2 hours, the battery will stop
charging, so whats the point of leaving them for another 10-13
hours straight ?
do you know any reasons why she mentioned this ?

Click to expand...

Yes because she was talking from her own limited past out of date experience with old slow trickle battery chargers, things have come a long way since them, li-ion battery charges are fast and intelligent, when the green light goes out the battery is charged, no point leaving it any longer as it is doing NOTHING.

dj_mocok said:

about the UV filter ( to prevent scratches ), what does it look
like and how much is it ?
sorry for the ****** question, but i dont know much about camera
accessories.

thanks !

Click to expand...

Wally OZ said:

Yes because she was talking from her own limited past out of date
experience with old slow trickle battery chargers, things have come
a long way since them, li-ion battery charges are fast and
intelligent, when the green light goes out the battery is charged,
no point leaving it any longer as it is doing NOTHING.

Click to expand...

i see... darn shopkeeper, almost got in the way between me and the camera for 13 hours... hehe..

anyway, i havent got a card reader yet, whats the best way to transfer files to computer ?

i only installed arcsoft and SD viewer and skipped the rest, since im using Windows XP, so i guess i wont need the USB drivers. (the rest of them, i already got them in my PC)

should i be careful when transfering data ? if i should, can someone be kind enough to explain the step by step process to me ?

with my older digicam, all i need to do was just plug the camera (doesn't need to be ON) to the computer, then a folder will pop up automatically, then i just need to cut and paste the files, and voila, all done.
can i do this method with FZ20, or its not a good idea ?

thanks!

dj_mocok said:

i see... darn shopkeeper, almost got in the way between me and the
camera for 13 hours... hehe..

Click to expand...

Many shopkeepers are not good camera operators. Don't count on their words.

dj_mocok said:

anyway, i havent got a card reader yet, whats the best way to
transfer files to computer ?

Click to expand...

IMO, the best way is via a good card reader. My preference, not necessarily the best, is the Lexar 6-in-1 reader for about $30, because I have so many different cards (e.g, CF, xD, SD, memory stick).

dj_mocok said:

i only installed arcsoft and SD viewer and skipped the rest, since
im using Windows XP, so i guess i wont need the USB drivers. (the
rest of them, i already got them in my PC)

Click to expand...

If you will use a card reader, it is likely a USB version. No, you don't need a USB driver for your Windows XP because once you plug the card in your XP will treat it as a removable disk. I would strongly suggest the consideration of an image editing software (e.g., Photoshop Element or PSP 9). They have a much better capability than the SD viewer provides,

dj_mocok said:

should i be careful when transfering data ? if i should, can
someone be kind enough to explain the step by step process to me ?

Click to expand...

If you use a card reader, it is almost hassle free. Just remember to reformat your card using your camera rather than by your XP.

dj_mocok said:

with my older digicam, all i need to do was just plug the camera
(doesn't need to be ON) to the computer, then a folder will pop up
automatically, then i just need to cut and paste the files, and
voila, all done.
can i do this method with FZ20, or its not a good idea ?

Click to expand...

Yes, you can do that. For me, it is easier to take the card out, plug it into the reader, and drag and drop.

CK
http://www.cs.mtu.edu/~shene/DigiCam
Nikon Coolpix 950/990/995/2500/4500/5700 and Panasonic FZ-10 User Guides

KenR said:

Also think about getting a UV filter to protect that fine lense -
one scratch and you'll be crying. Which means using either the
supplied hood adapter or getting a non-panasonic adapter (which are
physically smaller) and an appropriately sized UV filter. Search
the forum on this topic.

Click to expand...

Ken can you please help me on this. I consider to buy a Pemaraal PD 62 and a UV filter. Also i need a Nikon 6T closeup. Do i also need a step down ring or anything else ?

Thanks

--
Costas
My photo gallery: http://www.valueweb.gr/cziv/gallery/

surely that creates uneccessary wear on the card - if you have a usb connection, just use that?

i personally don't like to keep taking my memory card in / out as i know how twitchy they can be.

personal preference i guess

Ching-Kuang Shene said:

dj_mocok said:

i see... darn shopkeeper, almost got in the way between me and the
camera for 13 hours... hehe..

Click to expand...

Many shopkeepers are not good camera operators. Don't count on
their words.

Member said:

anyway, i havent got a card reader yet, whats the best way to
transfer files to computer ?

Click to expand...

IMO, the best way is via a good card reader. My preference, not
necessarily the best, is the Lexar 6-in-1 reader for about $30,
because I have so many different cards (e.g, CF, xD, SD, memory
stick).

Member said:

i only installed arcsoft and SD viewer and skipped the rest, since
im using Windows XP, so i guess i wont need the USB drivers. (the
rest of them, i already got them in my PC)

Click to expand...

If you will use a card reader, it is likely a USB version. No, you
don't need a USB driver for your Windows XP because once you plug
the card in your XP will treat it as a removable disk. I would
strongly suggest the consideration of an image editing software
(e.g., Photoshop Element or PSP 9). They have a much better
capability than the SD viewer provides,

Member said:

should i be careful when transfering data ? if i should, can
someone be kind enough to explain the step by step process to me ?

Click to expand...

If you use a card reader, it is almost hassle free. Just remember
to reformat your card using your camera rather than by your XP.

Member said:

with my older digicam, all i need to do was just plug the camera
(doesn't need to be ON) to the computer, then a folder will pop up
automatically, then i just need to cut and paste the files, and
voila, all done.
can i do this method with FZ20, or its not a good idea ?

Click to expand...

Yes, you can do that. For me, it is easier to take the card out,
plug it into the reader, and drag and drop.

CK
http://www.cs.mtu.edu/~shene/DigiCam
Nikon Coolpix 950/990/995/2500/4500/5700 and Panasonic FZ-10 User
Guides

Click to expand...

dj_mocok said:

The only thing that the shopkeeper mentioned was, for the 1st
charge, I have to charge the battery between 10 to 15 hours
straight before using it.

Click to expand...

I've mentioned that too... but then the people in here chopped my head off for it.

dj_mocok said:

after that, you can charge as normal (2 hours charge)
Are there any special reasons for that ?

Click to expand...

The first charge is to wake up the battery. After that you can 2 hour charge it.

A second battery is a good investment.

dj_mocok said:

I also bought a Sandisk Ultra II 512MB one.
do i need to format the card using the camera first before using
the card for the 1st time?

Click to expand...

I think it will work fine.

F

A timed charger? Never heard about that ever.

Normal chargers trickle the battery when they reached a limit.

F

klswanky said:

dj_mocok said:

I just got my FZ20 from the shop today.
Before i start using it, are there any things that i have to do
first ?
eg. setting up this and that, etc ?

The only thing that the shopkeeper mentioned was, for the 1st
charge, I have to charge the battery between 10 to 15 hours
straight before using it.
after that, you can charge as normal (2 hours charge)
Are there any special reasons for that ?

Then obviously i have to set the time and date..

I also bought a Sandisk Ultra II 512MB one.
do i need to format the card using the camera first before using
the card for the 1st time?

Or are there anything else to do ?

Thanks !
Albert.

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

Wally OZ said:

Yes because she was talking from her own limited past out of date
experience with old slow trickle battery chargers, things have come
a long way since them, li-ion battery charges are fast and
intelligent, when the green light goes out the battery is charged,
no point leaving it any longer as it is doing NOTHING.

Click to expand...

I can hear the li charger hissing when it charges and after the green light is on.

Surely it is doing something.

F

dj_mocok said:

should i be careful when transfering data ? if i should, can
someone be kind enough to explain the step by step process to me ?

Click to expand...

Just use the sd card or the card reader as another hard drive.

You can store other files there aswell like a usb memory.
drag and drop.

F

PaulMcG said:

surely that creates uneccessary wear on the card - if you have a
usb connection, just use that?

Click to expand...

Wear on the card? Hmm..

But it does have 5, 10 or a life time guarantee.
Wear away. It saves battery time for your cam.

F

PaulMcG said:

surely that creates uneccessary wear on the card - if you have a
usb connection, just use that?

i personally don't like to keep taking my memory card in / out as i
know how twitchy they can be.

personal preference i guess

Click to expand...

We - along with most professional photographers - take cards in and out of cameras many, many times a day (we use the same dozen or so cards for every camera we test to ensure we're comparing like for like in speed tests etc). I've been doing this for years, and have yet to see any problems from repeatedly taking them from camera to camera to card reader. Cards do fail occasionally (become corrupt), but it is very very rare and seems to be nothing to do with wear on the contacts.

I wouldn't worry about wear on an SD card - it will be built to withstand decades of such use. Just be careful not to take it out when it's written to or you risk losing data.
--
Simon Joinson, dpreview.com

oh well, whether i really have to charge for 10-15Hrs or not, its too late now anyway... hehe...

since some members (or most) just spent 2 hours for the initial charge and didnt do that long, over extended charge, so did i..

the charger light was off around 1.5 hrs, then i took it out and started to play with the camera..

so far, its a great camera, even though i dont know much yet..

everything is very straight forward, and the menu system cant be anymore simpler/well-laid as what it is now..

but since im new to photography, i dont really understand some of the stuff yet, especially aperture, ISO, and shutter speed and the interconnecting link between those 3... and how to use them in real life.

i took some indoor picture using P mode, and it surely beat the quality of my old olympus P&S for miles away... FZ20 still somehows maintains more natural colour indoor when my olympus makes everything yellowish...

the flash is great too... not that i'll be using it that much anyway... i think flash makes the picture look unnatural... and i probably dont know how to use the flash properly anyway...

and coming from my old, sluggish OLY P&S, this camera is very responsive to me, and shutter lag is non existant during pre-focus, which is great.

one funny thing though, ive been to used to my little P&S with no lens cap (retractable lens), i always turn on the FZ20 and wonder why the screen is black and i start to check around only to find out i havent removed the lens lid.
and this happened many times in just within 2 hours playing with it, hehe..

i'll be going out tomorrow and try to take some outdoor pic (which this camera excels), and if i can, i will post some.

thanks!

dj_mocok said:

one funny thing though, ive been to used to my little P&S with no
lens cap (retractable lens), i always turn on the FZ20 and wonder
why the screen is black and i start to check around only to find
out i havent removed the lens lid.

Click to expand...

I bought a grey suede photobag which allows me to store the camera without a lens lid. It feels like a holster. Very nice not having to care for that lid.

F

ok, well you're the experts i'll take your word for it )

my field of expertise is PC's - so all camera related advise is really appreciated as i've got a lot to learn in this area.

cheers

Simon Joinson said:

PaulMcG said:

surely that creates uneccessary wear on the card - if you have a
usb connection, just use that?

i personally don't like to keep taking my memory card in / out as i
know how twitchy they can be.

personal preference i guess

Click to expand...

We - along with most professional photographers - take cards in and
out of cameras many, many times a day (we use the same dozen or so
cards for every camera we test to ensure we're comparing like for
like in speed tests etc). I've been doing this for years, and have
yet to see any problems from repeatedly taking them from camera to
camera to card reader. Cards do fail occasionally (become
corrupt), but it is very very rare and seems to be nothing to do
with wear on the contacts.
I wouldn't worry about wear on an SD card - it will be built to
withstand decades of such use. Just be careful not to take it out
when it's written to or you risk losing data.
--
Simon Joinson, dpreview.com

Click to expand...

dj_mocok said:

Thanks for all the replies..
so the shopkeeper was wrong?
i was wondering too, but once after 2 hours, the battery will stop
charging, so whats the point of leaving them for another 10-13
hours straight ?
do you know any reasons why she mentioned this ?

about the UV filter ( to prevent scratches ), what does it look
like and how much is it ?

Click to expand...

I don't use tele or macro adapters on my FZ so no suggestions there.

UV Filter:

Also referred to as a "Haze" filter, blocks a narrow spectrum of light (UV = ultra violet), and only a small portion of this wavelength at that. It slightly (and in most cases we're talking VERY slightly) reduces the "blue haze" seen when taking landscape shots where great distances are involved.

If you held one up to the light you'll find it's almost totally clear to the human eye. That's why it's commonly used as protection for a lense. Again ... some people swear it "degrades" image quality blah, blah, blah and that they can visibly see it doing so.

Then there is another group who insist only the MOST expensive UV filters produce no adverse affects! As an engineer by training and after 20 years of picture taking I still don't buy into either of their parallel universes.

The exception may be if you use SUPER cheap, no-name, filters. Stick to a decent mid-priced one and you'll have no problems. Filter prices vary according to diameter, the Pana adapter uses 72mm which is toward the larger sider. The non-Pana adapters are smaller, which means a little less $ for filters, but then you do have to buy the adapter.

Since you can buy filters sized to fit your adapter a step down/up ring is not necessary. Go to any of the major/reputable online photo shops (BH Photo, Adorama etc) to check out filter pricing.

In one of your posts you mentioned something about "noises" coming from the battery charger even after the "full charge" light was on. That is not uncommon and can be ignored. That little green "full charge" light is all one needs to know.

LASTLY, DPreview has "Learn" and "Glossary" sections. Spend time regulary browsing there.