The Panasonic DMC-ZS1 is a members of the new ZS-Series, the successor to the acclaimed Lumix TZ-Series and one of Panasonic’s newest ultimate compact and powerful digital cameras.

The ZS1 features a 25mm ultra-wide angle, 12x powerful optical zoom, plus a 10.1-megapixel CCD, a standard iA mode (no Face Recognition) for still image recording and a 2.7-inch, 230,000-dot Intelligent LCD. New this year to the ZS-Series, iA mode is also available in Movie Mode. It (more…)

Video review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 10MP Digital Camera

Test video of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 10MP Digital Camera

Panasonic’s new Lumix DMC-TS1 is the world’s first waterproof, shockproof and dustproof digital camera to also feature AVCHD Lite High Definition (HD) video recording capabilities.

The TS1’s tough and rugged design makes it the ideal choice for active users needing the ultimate hybrid for capturing both still and motion images during outdoor activities.

The Lumix TS1, with a 12.1-megapixel resolution, features a 28mm wide-angle Leica DC Vario-Elmar lens, a 4 (more…)

Video review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1 12MP Digital Camera

Underwater video test of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1 12MP Digital Camera

The new Lumix ZS3 features 10.1-megapixels, a 25mm ultra-wide-angle lens and 12x optical zoom, meaning it has added 2x optical zoom to the award-winning TZ-series camera, yet reduced its size.

The ZS3 also features a Leica DC Vario-Elmar lens and High Definition (HD) video recording ability, known as AVCHD Lite. The ZS3 is the world’s first digital camera to feature HD video recording in “AVCHD Lite.” Compared with the conventional Motion JPEG format, AVCHD (more…)

Video test and video review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 10MP Digital Camera

The 12.1-megapixel Lumix DMC-FS15 features a 29mm wide-angle Leica DC Vario-Elmar lens with a 5x optical zoom.

Panasonic has enhanced the Intelligent Auto Mode (iA) on the DMC-FS15 from the previous FS models to now include AF tracking and Intelligent Exposure functions in addition to Mega O.I.S., Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent Scene Selector and Face Detection.

AF Tracking enables the user to “lock” the focus onto a moving subject. The camera then automatically takes the shot Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS15 12MP

A video review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS15 12MP

A video test of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS15 12MP

The ZS3 records HD motion images at a smooth 60 frames per second with 1280×720-pixel resolution.

It uses the AVCHD (MPEG-4/H.264) format via AVCHD Lite, which stores less data than other formats and thus lets you shoot more minutes of HD motion images before running out of memory.

The ZS3 is equipped with an HDMI output terminal for direct transmission of digital picture and sound signals. Just connect the camera to an HDTV using a single HDMI mini cable (purchased separately), and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3

Video review for this digital camera:

Video test for this digital camera:

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35 features AVCHD Lite, High Definition (HD) video recording capability, combined with a powerful 27mm wide-angle, 18x optical zoom Leica DC lens.

A successor to the popular FZ28, the FZ35 packs enhanced creative features combined with the power to shoot HD videos, including motion zoom capabilities to take full advantage of the 18x zoom. The operational layout of the FZ35 includes a dedicated video record button, making it a true hybrid. 

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35 12.1MP

Video review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35 12.1MP

Video test of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35 12.1MP

Family reunions, little league teams, birthday parties, and class field trips are just a few scenarios when many of us have tried and failed to get the perfect group shot that reflects the mood of the occasion. Where did we go wrong and how can we get the photographs we want with our own digital camera?

One option, although a bit pricey for “everyday” purposes, is to hire a professional photographer. I am assuming however that most people reading on this topic are hoping to learn the tips they need for getting better group shots with their own camera. Thus, here are some hints that can help:Get set up.

People get impatient, tired, children begin to wander and fidget, and everyone’s smile begins to wither if they have to wait around while you select the perfect location, get your camera set up, rearrange your subjects, and so forth.

Be sure to find a spot that is large enough to accommodate the number of people you will be photographing.

Be sure there is adequate lighting. Open blinds, turn on lamps, and use additional light sources indoors. Outdoors, be sure that the sun is not directly in front of your subjects to eliminate squinting. Also be sure that the sun t is not directly behind subjects shining into the camera. The sun should be at a 45 to 90 degree angle to your subjects.

Know how you want to pose the group. More about this in a moment, but for now suffice it to say; figure out how you want to do it before the people arrive to be photographed. Get your camera ready.

The camera should be on, set up on a tripod, and any settings selected. Take charge.

Tell the subjects how you want them to pose. Arrange them and coach them through the process. Tell them where to face. Should they be looking at the guest of honor, the coach, the bride and groom, or the camera? Should they smile or be more relaxed? It depends on the type of look you want the photograph to have.Get everyone arranged.

This will vary by the group size and the type of event. To assure the faces of both tall and short people alike can be seen, you will need to arrange carefully. Generally you want taller people in back and in the center. For large groups you may need to vary heights more: have some seated in front, some kneeling, and then those further back from the camera should be standing.

Pulling the group together will allow you to step closer and assure that faces can be seen. Having the group stand shoulder to shoulder, all facing the camera can look very stiff and also makes it difficult to get close enough to see any detail. It is better to curve the rows and use various heights to bring the group in to a narrower range and allow faces to be seen in the photograph as you get closer to the group.

Arranging groups on stairs and shooting from above the group looking down are two ways of fitting the group into a tighter pattern. Another technique is to angle everyone 45 degrees facing slightly in toward the center of the group to get very large groups organized in a smaller pattern.Know how and when to shoot.

With groups you will definitely want to take multiple shots to be sure you get at least one or two pictures that are “good” of each individual. Take these rapidly; pros use burst mode. One way to improve your chances of eliminating shots with closed eyes is to instruct subjects to close their eyes and then on the count of 3 to open their eyes and smile. Another important consideration is to take the group shot before the very end of any event (excluding, of course, group shots such as a game victory, etc.) This will assure that everyone is present and not exhausted.One camera, one photographer technique

One final consideration involves an issue I frequently encounter when family reunions occur or multiple parents are involved with an event. A group shot is orchestrated but it takes a half an hour for everyone to get the shot they want with their camera. There is time involved in both setting up each camera in the preferred location and, in some instances, time for the person taking the photograph to run to and from the group as the photographer/subject role changes.

The best method is to allow one person to take all photographs with a single camera and then, thank goodness for digital cameras, e-mail all photographs to everyone present. If you have a digital camera or camcorder and want to get better images learn more by reviewing additional information at homemedias.info, the author’s home electronics store.

Panasonic’s new Lumix DMC-TS1 is the world’s first waterproof, shockproof and dustproof digital camera to also feature AVCHD Lite High Definition (HD) video recording capabilities.

The TS1’s tough and rugged design makes it the ideal choice for active users needing the ultimate hybrid for capturing both still and motion images during outdoor activities. The Lumix TS1, with a 12.1-megapixel resolution, features a 28mm wide-angle Leica DC Vario-Elmar lens (more…)

Video review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1 12MP Digital Camera

Underwater test video using the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1 12MP Digital Camera

The Panasonic DMC-ZS1 is a members of the new ZS-Series, the successor to the acclaimed LUMIX TZ-Series and one of Panasonic’s newest ultimate compact and powerful digital cameras.

The ZS1 features a 25mm ultra-wide angle, 12x powerful optical zoom, plus a 10.1-megapixel CCD, a standard iA mode (no Face Recognition) for still image recording and a 2.7-inch, 230,000-dot Intelligent LCD. New this year to the ZS-Series, iA mode is also available in Movie Mode (more…)

The new Lumix ZS3 features 10.1-megapixels, a 25mm ultra-wide-angle lens and 12x optical zoom, meaning it has added 2x optical zoom to the award-winning TZ-series camera, yet reduced its size.

The ZS3 also features a Leica DC Vario-Elmar lens and High Definition (HD) video recording ability, known as AVCHD Lite. The ZS3 is the world’s first digital camera to feature HD video recording in “AVCHD Lite.” Compared with the conventional Motion JPEG format, AVCHD is much better (more…)

Video review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 10MP Digital Camera

Test video using the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 10MP Digital Camera