Lumix FX8 - refused to increase shutter speed

Hi guys,

Sequence of events:

trying to shoot a neon signage (my subject) at around 11:30pm (very dark). The signage take up about 60% of the total frame. Shots taken w/o flash, handheld, with IS switched on mode1.

1. Shot using "program" mode = overexposed
I think it was 1/8th sec
2. Shot using "program" with -2 E.V. = overexposed
I think it was 1/15th sec
3. Switched to "scene" mode, "sports", retain the -2 E.V. = overexposed
I think it was 1/30th sec

Question: Why doesn't the FX8 shoot at higher shutter speed?

Anybody got an idea?

regards,
Lance
Cyberjaya, Malaysia
Thanx guys.

Anybody with an FX8 who can help to check?

Thanx in advance!

Most likely you are experiencing this problem because the camera was probably either in center-weighted or average metering mode. The camera has no idea that you are trying to take a picture of a scene in which most of the picture is SUPPOSED to be dark--it thinks the scene should average out to being somewhere near 18% gray all around, and thus chooses a shutte speed that results in the overexposure of the brightest element in your scene--the neon lights. This is one of those situations where the photographer needs to be 'smarter' than the camera.

I can't contribute any FX8-specific advice, but if your camera has a "spot-metering" mode, I'd suggest learning to use it. Actual FX8 users will point out a more specific approach.

---Joe

Hi Joe,

Thanx for your revert.

No, as far as I know, there's no spot/center weighted metering on this point & shoot camera. I did my best to zoom in on the subject, leaving only

Ahhh, another case where either manual control or at least shutter priority would do what you want. Next time you buy a camera, be sure it has manual control...

--

God Bless America!

Bob the Printer

Hi bob,

Ha ha ha....


I guess the Lumix LX1 is the only option (pocketable in a jeans, barely!) then...

Metering Intelligent multi-segment, Spot

This piece of information is from the spec sheet on your camera at this website. So I think you should have a spot-meter option in there, so keep poking around!

Best,

Joe

Whoa! this is new information... thanx. Yes, will check it out...

Hmm... I've downloaded the operating instructions from Panasonic.

Only available options are:
1. White Balance
2. ISO
3. Aspect Ratio
4. Picture size
5. Quality
6. Audio Rec.
7. AF mode
8. AF Assist Lamp.
9. Slow shutter
10. Digital Zoom
11. Color effect
12. Picture Adjustment.

No "metering" settings available ... or did I miss it somewhere?

Hi, I have an FX7, which is pretty similar to the FX8. You cannot select the metering mode on the FX7. The only way to "tell" the camera that the photo should be dark (underexposed more than -2.0) is by using the night scenery mode. Shutter speeds can be quite slow, so a tripod may be required. Another, less accurate method is to half press the shutter while the camera is pointed at an (approximately) equally distant and brighter object, then re-compose and press the shutter fully. It's amazing what these little cameras are actually capable of producing.

Björn

http://www.pbase.com/viztyger

Hi there.

Thanx for the idea.

Didn't thought about using "Night Scenery" since it normally means the camera wants to take a longer time to capture the dim night lights. I opted for "Sports" to "trick" the camera into setting a higher shutter speed to "freeze the action". Of course, I'm only looking to "underexpose" the shot more than -2 E.V.

Hi everybody,

Over the weekend, managed to conduct further test on this. Used an FX7 to shoot a closeup of a flourescent tube using -2 E.V. using AUTO mode - managed to get a 1/100th shot.

conclusion? well, in the absence of spot metering, I need to make sure the whole frame average out to the right exp. ... hmm... tricky...

thanx everybody.