Lumix DC-ZS80 Large Group Photos Not Clear/Vivid When Using Self Timer

[Healthy2024]

I'm new to the forum (thank you) and am looking to have a solution to shooting with my DC-ZS80.

When I take a large group photo (20-25 people) using the self timer (I like to be in the photos), they appear to be out of focus or blurry - not crisp and vivid. And that is inside and outside.

Any advice of what camera setting I should use as well as flash, no flash when using self timer and when not using timer. Thank you.

 

[alcelc]

with full EXIF might allow us to know your problem better

Before everything, a soft (not sharp) output would normally caused by focusing.

So when you said you used self timer and take the period of time of delay firing to return to the group for a shot, how do you do focusing?

I have not taken group photo for a long time after retirement. Recalling the old experience (on film camera, MF or AF), I had to first line up the group, left a room for myself later to join them, then lock focus on a fixed face (normally the one in the middle), hit the shutter button to activate the self timer, rush to my own position, smile and wait for the firing. Normally I would hardly miss a shot.

So, had you pre focused on a specific face before starting the self timer shooting? As AF could be affected by many factors such that if you would give too much freedom for the camera's AF system to pick a focus, it might not always focus on the best part of the frame. AFS or AFF plus pre lock focusing (half hit shutter button, confirm focus has locked correctly on the right place, then full release to activate the self timer) could be very useful for this sort of application.

Vivid, I guess you are speaking of the overall lightness distribution, saturation and color of the output. Had you set the right exposure setting before taking the shot? The Live View of you camera permits you to set the exposure to your taste. Had you just let the auto exposure system of your camera to do the job by itself?

Finally, do you use an external flash gun? Is it TTL compatible?

 

[Jon_T]

.... Finally, do you use an external flash gun? Is it TTL compatible?

Alcec,

Before posting suggestions I truly wished you just take around five seconds and do a quick search here on DPR if you're not familiar with the camera; e.g. ...

ZS80 the small pocket travel zoom camera; has not no hot-shoe. :-(

Agree 100% the OP needs to post a out-of-camera JPG sample with the EXIF Data.

With the small 18-20 MP 1/2.3" sensor the OP's images that "... appear to be out of focus or blurry - not crisp and vivid ..." could be due to using 400+ ISO and the in-camera's noise reduction that obliterates fine details.

 

[alcelc]

I joined the thread simply because 5 hours without any response might not looking good for some people asking for help.

I am not familiar with this model, and not wish to research on it for just a very primitive head up ATM without knowing OP's real problem, hence merely a general question for next step. I wish this might have not offended you.

To me, it is always nice to have some members knowing the gear better to join the conversation and make proper correction. I just concern could any discussion benefit OP which might eventually help the growth of Panasonic product.

--
Albert
** Please forgive my typo error.
** Please feel free to download my image and edit it as you like **
About my
G85: https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/63025800
GX850/GF9: https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/65326127
GX9: https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/67648667

 

[Jon_T]

• Obviously you do not understand what "Truly wished ..." means, if you did would've know I was not being critical.


• My reply was quite clearly "ONLY" in reference to telling the OP to use a flash, when the OP's camera does not have the ability to use an external flash unit. You've been long enough on this forum to at least be aware that the "TZ" and "ZS" cameras are small compact travel zooms that do not have hot-shoe. :-|

IMO one should not tell others to do things unless they 'KNOW' 100% what they are posting is correct. Posting incorrect/ misleading information is 'NOT' helpful.

 

[juvdm]

I'm new to the forum (thank you) and am looking to have a solution to shooting with my DC-ZS80.
When I take a large group photo (20-25 people) using the self timer (I like to be in the photos), they appear to be out of focus or blurry - not crisp and vivid. And that is inside and outside.
Any advice of what camera setting I should use as well as flash, no flash when using self timer and when not using timer. Thank you.

Hiii ! I would try to use the manual focus: adjust the focus manually then use the retarder like 10 sec.+3 pictures, it will take 3 pictures so you have more chance to have everybody with opened eyes

 

[Healthy2024]

I'm new to the forum (thank you) and am looking to have a solution to shooting with my DC-ZS80.
When I take a large group photo (20-25 people) using the self timer (I like to be in the photos), they appear to be out of focus or blurry - not crisp and vivid. And that is inside and outside.
Any advice of what camera setting I should use as well as flash, no flash when using self timer and when not using timer. Thank you.

Hiii ! I would try to use the manual focus: adjust the focus manually then use the retarder like 10 sec.+3 pictures, it will take 3 pictures so you have more chance to have everybody with opened eyes

Thank you juvdm - will give that a try!

 

[Jon_T]

I'm new to the forum (thank you) and am looking to have a solution to shooting with my DC-ZS80.
When I take a large group photo (20-25 people) using the self timer (I like to be in the photos), they appear to be out of focus or blurry - not crisp and vivid. And that is inside and outside.
Any advice of what camera setting I should use as well as flash, no flash when using self timer and when not using timer. Thank you.

As posted by alcelc, it would greatly helpful to others to help you by posting an out-of-camera (no edits) image.

It would greatly reduce the need for redundant recommendations/ questions. ;-)

What shutter speed(s) were used?
What ISO was used for the pictures?
Are you using a sturdy tripod?
etc. ....

Rather than manual focus I would recommend using the AF Face/Eye Detection, and verify one of the AF Boxes are on face(s); e.g.;

Screen-shot from FZ80 manual, ZS80 should be similar