Total zoom vs. Smart Zoom: If you're taking a picture from a distance is Sony suggesting using the regular zoom first, and then use the smart zoom to crop the picture?
251728
Missy, Please see: http://www.digitalsecrets.net/Sony/AdvancedKnow5-SZ.html It's a bit complicated, but the simple version is that Sony's Smart Zoom tries to limit your digital zoom to a level that doesn't degrade the image quality significantly. Please note that this doesn't have anything to do with optical zoom. It's simply making sure that you don't over-do the digital zoom to the detriment of the image (which is easy to do with some cameras). I don't use digital zoom as I do that cropping in PhotoShop Elements (not too expensive) or Picasa (free).
335127
No, there's a tele zoom in it's accesories buy I don't recommend it, if you want to play with lenses buy a DSLR, they're pricier but it's worth it.
308097
The focus is manual in still and movie. The zoom and focus are combined. You just turn the dial until you get the zoom and focus you like. It works great. We really love this camera. BTW, we have had multiple Kodak and Sony cameras and we like the Fuji camera the best. Hope this helps with your purchase.
14997
Sharon, by default, when you turn on the camera, the camera is already in a regular picture taking mode. However, when you use your finger to turn the zoom control slider switch which is directly below the shutter button, then the camera goes into the zoom (telephoto) feature. Just slide this zoom control switch all the way to the left for regular picture taking. Anyhow, go to the Panasonic support web site and download the instructions manual. Also, in the camera menu setup features, there is a option for turning off digital zoom. I think that is what you mean (?????). Sharon, please take the time to read and really play (experiment) with all the camera features. I plan on selling this model because the images are not up to my standards. Instead, I just purchased the Sony HX200V and the images are way better than the Panasonic FZ60K. Chuck
88548
I am assuming you mean the Sony A 7 - if the olympus lens you are using is a 35 mm it will render a full frame image - no crop
1254148
All I can say is that if you are looking at a picture you took, and you zoom in on it, and press the menu button, it will ask you if you want to save the image. If you click yes, it will save a separate cropped image.
312927
I've recently purchased a Sony A6000. I've added, in this order, the 16mm-70mm zoom, and the 12mm, 32mm Touit lenses. The 16mm-70mm impressed me so much that I decided that the Touit prime lenses would probably offer even better picture quality. I can only say that I have not been disappointed. I do find that the 12mm and the 32mm do sometimes "hunt" a little on focusing. I understand that they do not take full advantage of the Sony A6000's focusing technology. There have been some long term promises that firmware upgrades would be coming, but from what I understand Zeiss has not come up with any. The 16mm-70mm does not "hunt" on focusing nearly as much. From the many e-mount reviews I have read there are of course less expensive options by sticking with Sony brand, or Sigma brand lenses. I suppose it all depends how deep your pocket is, and what kind of photography you are pursuing. All I can say that the pictures I've taken with the three Zeiss or Zeiss/Sony (16-70mm) have great contrast and sharpness. If the kit lens is satisfactory then of course stick with that. But, for me I probably would have just stuck with my Fujifilm X20 or new X30 as the standard lens on those cameras do a great job and offer decent speed and photo quality.
814961
I had a Canon PowerShot SD800, which also has a wide angle lens. In my opinoin, WIDE ANGLE is WAY MORE VALUABLE than higher zoom. I find that I often "can't back up far enough" to get the shot I want ... for many situations, wide angle is super useful. Zoom doesn't help nearly as much.. you're likely to get blur, etc. I'm now searching for a reaplacement and I will ONLY buy one with wide angle. I'd recommend the same for you. thx
2030994
Never use digital zoom unless you really want your photos and video to look horrible. Get a telephoto lens instead. Particularly with this camera, if you're shooting video and not using one of the virtually silent STM lenses you really should have saved your money and bought a T3 instead.Otherwise, think about using a smartphone or learn to zoom with your feet.
1158269
Nope- its a horrible camera. I had the same problem. The only way to zoom is move the camera itself.
1950936
Your responses have been very helpful! I have always used Sony cameras and when looking to upgrade to a good zoom, I find Sony does not have a date stamp on any of their higher end cameras :-( so I'm looking to Panasonic. My question to you is - will this Panasonic FZ18 do well when just set to automatic when used for zooming? I like GOOD pictures...but don't like fiddling with the camera and losing the "moment." Also, what is the difference between OPTICAL zoom and DIGITAL zoom? Thank you.
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....
1409849
The zoom adjustment is manual which is located on the back of the camera. Remote zoom works for other models, but not this one.
838856
I found that, when I touch the camera to zoom, it wobbles and moves. So for I found it easier to use the remote that came for my camera for zooming. Panning I place my thumb on the bottom of the camera and pan the camera. There are a couple videos on YouTube that show how to do that. Hope this helps.
871930
You need to use auto focus if you don't want to manually focus in and out on close ups or long distance shots. It sounds like you zoomed to fast and it couldn't adjust fast enough or you have it set to some weird manual setting. This happened to me that's why I am trying to offer advice.
766525
There is a manual mode on the camera, as well as auto-focus. The zoom is done manually.
881159
I dont believe you can use digital zoom if you're in the AI (auto intelligence) mode...maybe that is why? Otherwise if you're in normal or any of the scene modes, you should be able to use it (and the menu will let you turn it on).