Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200 User manual

Panasonic Lumix
DMC-FZ200
User’s Manual
by Graham Houghton
UPDATED VERSION

1
The reference to any manufacturer’s product is done purely to illustrate an example
and does not imply that I endorse, or have been sponsored by them to promote the
product!
The opinions expressed within this booklet are my own and derived through extensive
use with this camera. There may be some areas that may contain references which
may generate some discussion however I hope that these don’t detract from the
overall aim of the book which is to offer sensible reference material for this camera.
All images are from my own FZ200 library (except where stated otherwise) and used to
illustrate particular functions or settings etc.
Copyright © Graham Houghton 2014
All Rights Reserved.
All Feedback Welcomed on [email protected]
All illustrations for this book were photographed using the
Panasonic Lumix GH3 with 12-35mm F2.8 X series lens.
All other examples of image effects etc., were photographed
using the Panasonic Lumix FZ200.

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Acknowledgements
This eBook is dedicated to all my friends and subscribers on YouTube®
who have given me great feedback on the video tutorials that I have
produced for this camera, and many others. Your encouragement and
constructive comments have helped to develop the idea to create this
book and other tutorial material. A special thanks to those who helped to
preview, submitted typos and gave guidance in the format of the book.
About The Author
With more than 40 years experience in the
photographic industry, teaching photography at a
local adult education college and as a product
specialist and European trainer with Kodak Limited I
have been fortunate to learn many aspects of
photography and photographic science.
I have been passionate about my own photography
for many years striving always to achieve the highest
standards at photographic club level and with my
own private images.
I have evolved with this as a hobby, developing my own black and white
and transparency material and then migrating to digital photography as
the first of the digital cameras were commercially available. I was
fortunate to see the first hybrid camera with the Eastman Kodak sensor in
a Nikon F3 body, the Kodak DCS100 digital professional camera with a
massive 1.3 mega-pixel KAF1300 sensor. This camera had a CCD back
where the traditional film plane would be and a tethering cable to a
display and digital storage unit. How technology has developed since
1991.
By way of my YouTube® channel www.youtube.com/user/ghough12 and
this book I hope to be to pass on some of this information and hopefully
encourage others to take more rewarding images with their FZ200
camera.
Graham Houghton , Manchester,
December 2013

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Preface
You don't really want excellent pictures from your Panasonic Lumix
FZ200 –you demand outstanding pictures, after all your Panasonic
Lumix FZ200 is one of the most advanced digital bridge cameras that
Panasonic have produced.
The Panasonic Lumix FZ200 boasts many features like the 12.1 mega-
pixel MOS high sensitivity sensor, the constant f2.8 aperture 25mm –
600mm (35mm equivalent) lens and 12 frames per second shooting
mode. The Panasonic Lumix FZ200 has enough customisable features to
satisfy the most avid of amateur photographers. This fantastic piece of
optomechatronics is only let down by the abysmal documentation that
comes with the camera in the form of the basic user’s manual or the
advanced guide found on the accompanying CD-ROM.
You know what you want to find out is in there, however it is so hard to
find and you don't know where to start. Furthermore the “official” manual
doesn't offer very much information regarding the basics of digital
photography or photography in general.
This is where this guide book about the Panasonic Lumix FZ200 will help.
It explains the purpose of each of the Panasonic Lumix FZ200 functions
and controls, how you should use them and, more importantly, why.
From the start there should be some information regarding the file
formats, aspect ratios, image size, the priority shooting and autofocus
modes. Many like to dash out with their new camera and shoot off a few
hundred pictures and then come back at a later date to review these
things. So why isn't there a section in the official manual which
summarises this important, foundational, knowledge in its opening
chapters and presenting lots of illustrations showing what your results will
look like when you alter each of these settings?
So if you can't understand what basic settings to set up your camera with,
because you don't understand, for example, how changing ISO or focus
default method will affect your images, then you need this guide.
I don't assume any superior knowledge and won't talk down to you,
either. This guide isn't packed with pages and pages of check lists on
how to take travel picture, wedding pictures, sports pictures etc., but will
endeavour to give you the information that you will need to take great
images on your own!

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Table of Contents
Acknowledgements..................................................................................................2
About The Author.....................................................................................................2
Preface .....................................................................................................................3
Table of Contents.........................................................................................................4
Chapter 1......................................................................................................................7
Introduction .............................................................................................................7
About You the Reader ..............................................................................................9
Getting Started with the Panasonic Lumix FZ200...................................................11
Memory Cards........................................................................................................14
Lithium-ion Battery Care ........................................................................................16
Fitting the Lens Hood .............................................................................................19
Memory Card Capacity...........................................................................................20
For Stills Photography ........................................................................................20
For Videography .................................................................................................20
AVCHD Format Specifications.................................................................................21
Camera Tour...........................................................................................................23
Description of Controls and Switches.....................................................................25
Top of camera.....................................................................................................25
Front/sides of camera ........................................................................................26
Back of camera...................................................................................................27
Mode Control Dial ..................................................................................................29
Some Things You Should Understand.....................................................................29
Camera Sensor, ISO and Light Sensitivity ...............................................................35
Does Size Matter? ..................................................................................................36
The Exposure Triangle ............................................................................................44
Chapter 2....................................................................................................................46
Intelligent Auto Mode Shooting (iA).......................................................................46
Menu Systems........................................................................................................47
Using the Scene Modes......................................................................................58
Using the Creative Control Mode...........................................................................64
Examples of Creative Control Effects .....................................................................66
Choosing Image Format and Quality......................................................................70
Exposure Metering Modes.....................................................................................72
Autofocus Modes and Styles..................................................................................75
Number, Position and Type of Autofocus Points ....................................................77
Autofocus Styles.....................................................................................................81
Manual Focus.........................................................................................................84
Continuous shooting modes ..................................................................................89

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Auto Exposure and Auto Focus Lock......................................................................91
Semi-automatic Exposure Modes ..........................................................................92
Aperture Priority Mode..........................................................................................94
Shutter Priority Mode ............................................................................................95
Manual Exposure Mode.........................................................................................95
Other REC Mode Functions..................................................................................102
Quick AF. ..........................................................................................................102
i.Resolution. .....................................................................................................103
i.Dynamic..........................................................................................................105
Chapter 3..................................................................................................................106
How Photo Styles Change Image Quality.............................................................106
About photo styles...........................................................................................106
Photostyle Setup ..............................................................................................107
In Camera Post Processing of Images ..................................................................111
Auto retouch ....................................................................................................111
Creative retouch ..............................................................................................113
Post Processing JPEG Image Files.........................................................................117
Development of Camera RAW Files.....................................................................123
Comparison of RAW versus JPEG Images ............................................................125
Exposure Bracketing (Auto Bracketing) ...............................................................127
Taking Pictures With On Camera Pop Up Flash ...................................................130
Manual and Pre-Set White Balance .....................................................................135
Setting Manual White Balance.........................................................................136
Face detection and recognition ...........................................................................139
Recording Video...................................................................................................141
Creative Video Mode recording.......................................................................143
Programming the camera function buttons ........................................................146
Custom Setups .....................................................................................................147
How to photograph anything...............................................................................148
Low Light Photography ........................................................................................153
Close-Up & Macro Photography ..........................................................................155
Accessories...........................................................................................................160
Filters:...............................................................................................................160
Tripods and other support systems .................................................................165
External Flash ...................................................................................................168
Tilt and swivel ..................................................................................................169
TTL exposure mode..........................................................................................169
Auto exposure mode........................................................................................170
Using non-TTL Flash Units ................................................................................171
Wireless Flash Triggers.....................................................................................172
Wide Angle and Telephoto Conversion Lenses....................................................174

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Wide Angle conversion ....................................................................................174
Telephoto Conversion......................................................................................178
Lighting for Video and Stills Photography............................................................181
Using External A/V monitors for live View in Recording mode .......................185
External Microphones Used For Video Recording ...........................................186
Wi-Fi Cards .......................................................................................................189
Tools Menu Setup Options...................................................................................192
Reading Histograms .........................................................................................194
The End Of The Book But Just The Beginning!.....................................................202
Image Gallery .......................................................................................................203

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Chapter 1
Introduction
Congratulations Panasonic you have done it again! You have packaged
some of the most technologically advanced features into a bridge camera
and brought easy image capture which will satisfy all but the most
discerning of serious amateurs in the consumer market place. It provides
a superb entry into digital photography for those who want to transition
from traditional film based cameras and for those users who may
perhaps have a compact digital camera but would wish to get a little bit
more creative in their digital image making. The Panasonic Lumix FZ200
isn't a snapshot camera –it’s a serious point and shoot (if you prefer to
leave the camera in the iA mode) device for the photographer who wants
to do more.
Now you have purchased this wonderful piece of technology and
marvelled at all those switches and buttons and deeply nested menus the
inevitable question will arise in your mind, how do I use this thing? All
these great features can be overwhelming and seem impossible to
remember, especially if you don't use the camera frequently.
Fear not, help is on its way in the form of this guide book. I really believe
that this guide will be your best resource for learning all of the Panasonic
Lumix FZ200 features and how to embrace digital photography to the full.
I know I've produced a whole set of tutorials based upon the Panasonic
Lumix FZ200 which are freely available on my YouTube® video channel
www.youtube.com/user/ghough12 and produced a number of “hints and
tips cards” which are also freely available on my photoblog site at
http://www.grahamhoughton.com/download-section/
However the most successful way to learn about photography with the
Panasonic Lumix FZ200 is to go out and take pictures with your camera
based upon the information you will learn in this guide.
All the technical information is available within the advanced manual
supplied with the camera on the CD-ROM but what it lacks is the “what
settings you should be using in different situations”.

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I've tried to make this book more organised and through large, detailed,
color images show you where all the buttons and dials are and the
accompanying explanations as to what they do. I've purposely avoided
giving detailed information on how to take specific types of images such
as “travel pictures”, “sports pictures”. Instead I have tried to concentrate
on giving you the tips and techniques for using the features of the
Panasonic Lumix FZ200 to take any kind of image you want.
If you are looking for specific instructions on how to take a particular type
of picture of say a racing car hurtling down the pit straights then there are
literally tens of books out there which will teach you just that. This guide
will concentrate on teaching you how to select the best ISO, autofocus
mode, shutter speed, aperture to take an image of any sports in any
lighting conditions.
This guide is not just a technical rewrite of the advanced user manual that
came with the camera on the CD-ROM. I know some people will just
spend a few minutes browsing through this guide and see maybe some
similarity of the entries and decry it as such without really understanding
the differences. Yes you will see similar entries as in the advanced user
manual but these will be the generic, or basic, instructions for entering
menus etc. After all there are not many ways of expressing for example
“hold down the shutter button half way to lock the focus and exposure”.
This guide is truly aimed at Panasonic Bridge camera veterans who have
upgraded their camera and also to complete newcomers to digital
photography. Both of these can be overwhelmed by the sheer complexity
the Panasonic Lumix FZ200 can offer, yet underwhelmed by the total lack
of instructions contained within the user manuals.

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About You the Reader
Whilst I was in the process of putting this guidebook together I tried to
consider exactly who would be benefiting from its contents. Indeed I
made repeated visits to the comments section of the featured videos on
my YouTube® channel to see the sort of questions being asked. It is by
reviewing those which led me to the style and format of this guide book.
From a skills level you may fall broadly into one of the following
categories:
►A professional photographer who already knows all the photographic
science needed to take great pictures and simply wants to use the
Panasonic Lumix FZ200 as a simple “out and about”camera without the
need to carry a huge bag of lenses needed to fulfil his or her needs.
►Individuals who want to get better images than can be afforded from
just basic compact digital cameras.
►Those who want to strive to get better, professional looking images for
their business or website and feel the Panasonic Lumix FZ200 will give
them that facility.
►Corporate workers who may want to produce higher quality images for
inclusion in some of their company presentations, reports or other
applications.
Considering the very different skills levels was a more difficult decision as
the Panasonic Lumix FZ200 is such a fantastic camera that it covers a
huge spectrum of potential people who will buy and use it, from absolute
beginners who have never owned a digital camera before to the
professional with years of shooting experience who may be using the
Panasonic Lumix FZ200 as a backup camera.
I decided it was a pretty tough assignment to provide something for
everybody, so I will be trying to cover the needs of each of the following
groups and their skill levels:
►Complete beginners to digital photography: if you have only used
the basic of compact cameras, or have worked only with film based
cameras in the past then you are to be congratulated on the choice of
camera you have made. This guide to the Panasonic Lumix FZ200 will

10
help you to understand the controls and features that this camera
provides and help you to progress into digital photography with the
minimum of concerns. If you really get hooked then you may find that
additional research into some of the topics that I will explore will help
speed this journey.
►Advanced point and shooter who is upgrading: There are many
technically well specified cameras out there in the market place.
Panasonic has an extensive range of models to suit consumer lifestyles.
Models like the LX series and TZ (ZS) series do have many user
definable options and settings and it is quite possible you have a lot of
technical expertise with these cameras. You may have recognised some
of the inherent problems associated with this class of camera like slow
autofocus or shutter lag and sometimes the restricted aperture or zoom
range available on them. The possibility of using more powerful, external
flash units, external microphones to record better sound for your video
clips and simple things like the facility to employ filters to modify the light
entering the camera or provide creative effects may be another reason
you have decided to purchase the Panasonic Lumix FZ200.
►Traditional Silver halide (film emulsion) users new to the digital
era: You probably know all about photography, you understand f-stops,
shutter speed and ISO which make up the components of the “exposure
triangle”. You may even have had one of the more sophisticated film
cameras which also employ some pretty slick electronics like autofocus
and metering modes. All you really need is the relevant information on
using the digital specific features of the Panasonic Lumix FZ200 and how
to match, or exceed the capabilities of your previous film based camera.
►Professional Users: I expect you to be the most discerning readers
who have already extensive working knowledge of digital photography
and the associated digital work flow. I cannot teach you much more about
digital photography but hopefully allow you to experience the joys of
shooting digital images with the Panasonic Lumix FZ200. You might feel
like I do that the Panasonic Lumix FZ200 will provide a tool to capture
great images in a variety of situations without the added hassle of a
DSLR and lens systems providing you with a very quick, lightweight and
feature rich machine to do it with.

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Getting Started with the Panasonic Lumix FZ200
Panasonic's Lumix FZ200 provides a reward winning entry into the
rapidly growing bridge camera market. This remarkable camera
possesses many of the same attributes of the much bigger and bulkier
DSLR cameras yet maintains some of the advantages of the smaller and
lightweight compact cameras. Go out and try it. Just insert a SDHC
memory card and a charged lithium-ion battery into the respective
compartments in the base of the camera and switch it on by turning the
power switch (located to the bottom right of the top mode dial)
The green power LED illuminates and the lens extends, now turn the
control dial so that the red iA position is opposite the index mark.
The Panasonic Lumix FZ200 is now awaiting you! Point the camera at an
interesting subject and press the shutter release button and hey the
camera returns a pretty good image on the back of the camera LCD.
Wasn't that easy!
The chances are though you're probably not going to be happy with the
pretty good images this camera can deliver. You will want to shoot
fantastic images.
The Panasonic Lumix FZ200 can do that too. All you need is this guide
book and a little practice.
The first step is to familiarise yourself with the camera, the first three
chapters of this guide will ensure you will do that. As you gain more
experience and new skills you'll be eager to know how to improve your
exposures, fine tune the color balance and use some of the essential
tools of photography such as using the pop up electronic flash correctly
and how to use the camera in a wide range of photographic lighting
conditions. The Panasonic Lumix FZ200 is not only very easy to use, it's
also easy to learn to use as long as you have my little guide book to help
you along the way!
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position the text box anywhere
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Slide to switch on the
power and in less than
1 second the camera is
ready!

12
In this guide book the first section will cover what you absolutely need to
know just to get started using the camera and you will find this
information in the rest of this chapter.
Secondly I will take a more in depth look at what you should know about
the camera and its associated controls to use its features effectively.
Finally you will learn how to make key settings using the menu system,
so you will be able to fine tune the Panasonic Lumix FZ200 to operate
exactly as you want it to do for your style of photography (or make
multiple set ups easily accessible from the mode dial via the C1 and C2
settings).
Whilst you will probably master most things in the first two chapters, you
can take more time to explore the possibilities described in the third
chapter –mainly because you won't need to use them straight away. I've
included all the menu structure here in one place so you will find what
you need, when you need it, and all in one place.
Some of you may have had previous FZ cameras, so if you fall into this
category you will be able to skip through these chapters more quickly and
move onto the two which follow.
The following few pages are designed to get you up and running with the
camera as quickly as possible. If you are completely new to digital
photography or digital cameras, you may want to read through this
section more slowly and have the camera by your side in order to “follow
along” with the instructions given.
After all the Panasonic Lumix FZ200 is not a point and shoot camera,
though you can easily set it up to be one using the fully automatic iA
mode or by using the semi-automatic Program exposure mode (P mode)
and using just a basic autofocus mode and autofocus style.
However if you want more control over your shooting you will need to
understand more. I'm just going to tell you here what you absolutely must
know and understand to get fully proficient with your Panasonic Lumix
FZ200.
I'll go into more depth in later chapters and even repeat some of the
earlier chapter information so you don't have to remember absolutely
everything that you see written down here. So just pick up your camera,
follow a few easy steps and then go out and begin to take your best shots
–ever.

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Let's begin the journey into your quest for more knowledge with a look at
the Panasonic Lumix FZ200 in some detail. I'm not going to replicate
what is already in the basic user guide with a complete breakdown of
what's inside the box and how to attach the camera strap. I'm sure you
just want to know how to use it, right?
The Panasonic Lumix FZ200
The first area of this remarkable camera is to look at the recording media
options and some hints and tips on battery charging to extend the number
of shots you can get from it.
Typical SDHC cards which can be used with the camera
Although the Panasonic Lumix FZ200 has a built in 70MB of memory this
is hardly sufficient for everyday shooting and does not allow you to use
the full potential of the video capabilities of the Panasonic Lumix FZ200.

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Memory Cards
Let's begin by taking a look at what you will need to consider when
purchasing additional memory cards.
The memory card that the Panasonic Lumix FZ200 utilises is referred to
as the SD standard. This “secure digital” card format is an industry
standard in terms of size and shape but unfortunately the way in which
the memory “write” speeds are disclosed, leaves some room for
improvement and causes a great deal of confusion with buyers. Often
cards are purchased on the advice of camera shop sales persons who, in
many cases, do not understand this system either!
Let me break this down as simply as I can to prevent you making
expensive buying mistakes with future purchases.
Basically the SD format card is available in two packages, one is the first
generation card and referred to as SD and is generally available in
capacities of 8MB to 2GB. Although these cards can be used I would
persuade you not to use them as they usually have a slower “write” time
and with video recording limit, the time you have available considerably.
It is better to start your collection of addition memory with the second
generation of card the SDHC (secure digital high capacity). You can tell
the difference by the logo on the card
The capacity of these new cards extends from 4GB
to 32GB and there are several pros and cons for
selecting either a lower capacity or higher capacity
card. If you are shooting video it makes sense to
utilise the higher capacities as this gives you the
most benefits of having all the days’ clips on one
storage card. If you are shooting stills, with perhaps
just a few minutes of video clips mixed in, then it
A sdhc
card
may be more cost advantageous to purchase either 8GB or 16GB cards.
Using this approach also limits the loss of images if for some reason a
memory card gets corrupted or fails totally. I generally use 16GB cards
for this reason. If you have real demand for video clip storage or plan on
doing an extensive photo shoot with both RAW and JPEG files then you
do have the option to utilise the latest generation of these cards the
SDXC (secure digital extended capacity).

15
These are available in capacities from 32GB to 2TB (maximum capacity,
up to 128GB available at the moment). However the Panasonic website
recommends cards up to 64GB only for use in the Panasonic Lumix
FZ200.
These new generation cards have a lot more
technological advantages for serious amateur or
professional customers, they have a much longer
data archival life (claimed up to 10 times longer than
SDHC), they incorporate power failure protection
which help to safeguard data loss and they have an
intelligent data write controller which varies the
sections of memory used within the card to prevent
premature failure through constantly writing to the
same blocks of memory. In addition the new cards
use an advanced MLC (multi level cell) technology
which increases the data write rate, can withstand
A SDXC
card
higher and lower operating temperatures and ambient magnetic and
static electricity fields and also things like x-ray machines and are also
more resilient to physical shock. These features come at a premium price
however if your business requires protection against image loss then this
investment is really worthwhile. For general use there is no real reason to
choose SDXC over SDHC, better to have a few higher capacity SDHC
cards in my opinion.
The other consideration apart from capacity is the speed at which the
card will write data to the memory structure. Universal standards use the
CLASS system. The higher the class number the higher the data rate the
card will achieve.
Panasonic specifies a memory card with a minimum class rating of 4 for
use with the Panasonic Lumix FZ200 if you intend to shoot video. If you
are primarily interested in shooting still images with this camera then you
may consider less expensive class 2 cards but the saving is very
minimal.
My recommendation is to use at least class 6 to ensure
you have more data writing speed capacity as some
cards do write slower than claimed on the label!
A class 6
sdhc card

16
A new card is normally pre-formatted with FAT32 but does not have the
file structure the Panasonic Lumix FZ200 uses. When you take your first
shot with the new card the camera creates the necessary file structure for
you. Formatting in the camera is preferable to formatting in a PC as this
erases the whole card and creates the required file structure. We will look
at these directory structures later in the book but for now you have the
basic knowledge about them.
Finally a word about a suggested work flow with your SDHC cards to
prevent you overwriting cards that you have used previously without
copying the data from them to your computer
The write protect switch
When a card is full and you remove it from the
camera slide the write protect switch down
(often labelled lock) as this has the two fold
benefit of write protecting your data should you
inadvertently put the card back into the camera
and secondly signifies that you have still to
sdhc write
protection
transfer the data from this card to your computer. Once you have done
this you can slide the switch back to the unlocked position. There are
various methods of card storage available and I prefer to keep the cards
in a small metal holder which has foam cut outs for the cards, this affords
maximum protection and is large enough that it can be located easily in
the camera bag.
Lithium-ion Battery Care
The lithium-ion battery used with the Panasonic Lumix FZ200 is the
(DMW-BLC12E), 7.2v 1200mAH battery. It comes with a mains (outlet)
charger unit (DE-A80A) and, if needed, the appropriate power cord for the
country of use. Also available are third party chargers with the additional
facility of being able to charge the battery from an automotive power
socket, a feature which I use continuously and wonder why Panasonic do
not implement this feature on their chargers.

17
The battery is equipped with short circuit and overload protection and
integrated circuits which are used to monitor the battery power level and
can communicate this with the camera to give you an accurate battery
remaining percentage indicator.
You may have noticed that Panasonic have gone to great lengths to warn
you about the use of counterfeit or third party batteries because of the
risk of fire or explosion within the camera and have introduced a method
of establishing if the inserted battery has the Panasonic safety check
mechanism warning you that “this battery cannot be used”if a non-
approved battery is inserted. It didn't take long for the third party
manufacturers to crack this code and offer fully compatible batteries for
the Panasonic Lumix FZ200.
Whether you use them or not is a decision that you will make alone, but
given the attractive price of these substitutes and the level of risk
involved I am sure a lot of you have used these batteries without incident.
I am not advocating use either way, just be aware of the potential
consequences.
The battery itself comes only partially charged and requires a full
charging cycle to prepare it for use. Insert the battery in the charger unit
and plug the charger into the mains (or 12v power outlet in your vehicle if
using a third party charger with this facility). The green charging led will
illuminate and the battery will commence the charging process. It is
recommended to charge the battery at temperature of between 10 and 30
degrees Centigrade (50 to 86 Fahrenheit). Once the battery has
completed the charge cycle the led will go out.
(Tip: if you allow the battery to cool for about 30 minutes and put it
back on charge you will get an extra few minutes of power as the
charge is temperature dependant)
If there is a problem with the battery the led will blink continuously. This
could be due to the fact that the battery temperature may be too high or
too cold to charge. Battery charging from completely exhausted can take
up to 140 minutes.
Although lithium-ion batteries do not suffer any “memory effect” if
charging is done from partially exhausted batteries, it is recommended to
allow the battery to have a complete discharge/charge cycle to keep the
battery condition optimal. Frequent, top up charges, has been cited as
bad for the battery formulation.

18
Again for safety reasons it is best to keep spare batteries in the protective
case in which they are supplied to prevent short circuit on metal objects in
your pocket, or camera bag with the risk of fire or explosion.
During continuous use the battery (and the camera) might become quite
warm however this is normal and should not be considered as a
malfunction. (Unless the battery is so hot to touch that it causes personal
injury then the battery may be showing signs of failure).
As the battery is used and goes through discharge/charge cycles, the
battery will eventually lose its full capacity and the recording time or
number of shots will begin to diminish.
The “official” data for the recording time or pictures being able to be shot
is quoted to be 540 pictures or 270 minutes of recording in controlled
conditions and is only meant as a comparison guide between models.
Realistically the number of shots and recording time will be much lower
however this will be influenced by a host of factors like zoom used or flash
enabled etc., so be prepared!
BATTERY
RELEASE CLIP
The Battery and memory card compartment
The battery will only insert correctly one way, with the small notch on the
battery base being aligned to the release clip. The memory card is
inserted contacts first and the logo facing the front of the camera. To
release the memory card from the camera, press down on the card.
MEMORY CARD

19
It is recommended not to release the memory card whilst the camera is
powered on and especially if the camera is still writing data to the card
(as indicated by the red write to card symbol on the LCD screen) as data
will be lost and there is the potential to damage the camera and/or
memory card.
There is a small residual current used by the camera, even with the
power switch in the off position, after an extended period of non use the
battery may become exhausted through the process of self discharge and
this residual current. It is recommended that if you will not be using the
camera for a month or so to remove the battery completely from the
camera. Again good practice would be to store it in its protective plastic
case.
Fitting the Lens Hood
Fitting the lens hood on the Panasonic Lumix FZ200 is essential.
It helps to prevent damage to the front element of the lens but, more
importantly, it helps to reduce flare from light which may otherwise fall
directly onto the front surface of the lens.
This flare is more noticeable with bright light sources like the sun and can
produce quite obvious colored streaks on your images. This flare also
reduces the contrast of your images and, if the lens isn’t perfectly clean
you will see much more dust artefacts on your images as well –
especially on wide angle shots where the lens can focus right down to a
few centimetres.
The hood is fitted to a circular groove on the front of the lens and is
installed with the index mark on the lens hood rear flange positioned at
around 10 o’clock and then turned clockwise until the lens hood “clicks”
in place –a new hood will be quite stiff but it will locate correctly with firm
pressure (a little furniture polish on the hood tracks will help). It is best to
do this with the power off to prevent damage to the zoom motor.
At this point the index mark will be at the 12 o’clock position.
When you want to store your camera in a camera bag leave the hood in
place. If you need to remove the hood turn it anticlockwise to disengage
it from the fixing ring.
The hood can then be reversed and fitted to the lens. Position one of the
smaller petal shaped parts of the hood at the 12 o’clock position and
rotate the hood clockwise. It will click again this time and the hood will be
attached securely. The lens cap can then be placed over the lens to
protect it.