when taking a picture, can you zoom in and focus on objects by turning the sides of the lenses like other cameras or do you only use the side buttons?
1504250
Side buttons, the mechanics are such that you probably would ruin the mechanism if you were able to "force turn" the lens
1504251
I only do by the side button - don't think you can use the lens as you would with regular camera. I bought this for a special trip where I knew I'd want the zoom. Bought it with plenty of time to practice. My pictures are amazing and even folks around me at during my trip who had huge lenses and fancy cameras were watching my photos. BUT you need practice time - and it is point and shoot camera....
1291549
Yes it can zoom. it's more of a push and pull type of zoom instead of moving the lens side to side.
1709228
There are set screw on the camera that have to be adjusted manual. For focus and zoom
1304988
Yes you can but it's awkward and heavy. It's difficult to hold the camera/lens and adjust the focal range. I got one of those pistol grip camera handles with shutter release. Screw it into the lens bracket instead of bottom of the camera. This way you can hold the camera/lens and press the shutter button with one hand while using the other hand to steady the lens and adjust the focal range. Requires some practice but is workable.
1043560
One feature not mentioned so far is the ability to adjust the side lever for either "fast" or "slow" zoom. I use the lever at the shutter release button for coarse zoom and have set the lever for "slow." I use it for fine adjustment. Great system!
1871893
You have to focus by moving the camera back and forth. Focus ring doesn't work. Also have to get close to object.
1721670
You adjust to focus (turn lens). Zoom only via phone and tap first to get best focus.
2069583
You can control auto-focus. Portrait mode defocuses the background, which you can avoid by shooting in another mode.
981419
You can zoom in and out while recording movies. This is a function of the lens, alone and has no bearing on camera function. Thanks, Joe Virgil Product Specialist
1922338
It has a setting for manual or auto-focus on the side. I love the camera and kit. Great value!
201800
The lens has no focus switch. Most lenses don't. Camera settings are used to control auto vs manual focusing on both Panasonic and Olympus bodies. What you may have read is that the lens has no OIS switch. That's a switch to turn on or off the Optical Image Stabilization which is built into the lens. Some lenses have a switch to turn that off, but buttons or menus on camera bodies will also allow you to turn on or off this feature. Panasonic typically uses OIS in their lenses to help you to get a stable shot at slow shutter speeds. Olympus has Sensor Stabilization to do the same thing in the camera body, not the lens. The lens has no focus switch. Most lenses don't. Camera settings are used to control auto vs manual focusing on both Panasonic and Olympus bodies. What you may have read is that the lens has no OIS switch. That's a switch to turn on or off the Optical Image Stabilization which is built into the lens. Some lenses have a switch to turn that off, but buttons or menus on camera bodies will also allow you to turn on or off this feature. Panasonic typically uses OIS in their lenses to help you to get a stable shot at slow shutter speeds. Olympus has Sensor Stabilization to do the same thing in... » Read More The lens has no focus switch. Most lenses don't. Camera settings are used to control auto vs manual focusing on both Panasonic and Olympus bodies. What you may have read is that the lens has no OIS switch. That's a switch to turn on or off the Optical Image Stabilization which is built into the lens. Some lenses have a switch to turn that off, but buttons or menus on camera bodies will also allow you to turn on or off this feature. Panasonic typically uses OIS in their lenses to help you to get a stable shot at slow shutter speeds. Olympus has Sensor Stabilization to do the same thing in the camera body, not the lens. « Show Less
2063670
Yes, but this camera just has auto focus. So, just select the thing or person that you want to focus on and just move or zoom the focus.
1182434
You can if you wish, however, if you hold the shutter button down just a bit, the camera will auto focus (a green square will appear in the center, beep) and you're good to go. It's a great camera, love my pics with it.
229628
No, autofocus doesn't work. You have to set the camera to manual mode and manually focus. However, it's not that difficult once you activate the zooming mode to help you focus.
239162
Yes by turning the focus ring on the lens. I got a deal on this camera. I love it it does so much for the price.
13322
I think there should be a mounting button, like on your regular lens, that you need to push while turning. But I had to send mine back, as it didn't work with my camera.
763842
Yes, you can switch to an electronic view finder with a button and use it as a normal SLR. Great feature!