I like digital cameras with programmable function buttons, such as the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 superzoom bridge camera, that enable the user to customize the camera to work better for their needs.
The FZ300 features four function buttons (e.g., Fn1) plus five more icons displayed on-screen. All nine (9) buttons are programmable. There are also four default functions around the “Cursor” button that aren’t programmable, as far as I know.
It’s worth noting there’s a non-programmable button on the side of the lens barrel that’s labeled “AF-flower(icon)/FOCUS.” The “Macro Mode” menu is shown when this button is pressed. Menu options include: AF-flower(icon); an icon for macro zoom mode (grayed out); and flower(icon)OFF. I selected the first option. This option enables me to shoot photos with the camera as close as 1 cm from the subject.
After a long period of experimentation, I settled on a configuration of the function buttons that is close to ideal for me. Just to be clear I’m talking about the four physical buttons on the camera body, not including the five on-screen icons.
Fn1 = Focus Area Set
The FZ300 features a touch screen that can cause more headache/heartache than it’s worth. Although I set my camera so that touch screen operation is enabled, I use it only when absolutely necessary. During photowalks, the touch screen is facing toward the camera body so that I don’t change settings accidentally when I look through the EVF.
In order to set the Auto Focus “Focus Area” I prefer using the “Cursor” to move the focus area around the screen rather than touching a point on the LCD screen.
Caution: There is a Menu item for “Focus Area Set.” When that menu item is selected, the default functions of the “Cursor” buttons are disabled. But when a function button is reprogrammed for “Focus Area Set” the default functions of the “Cursor” buttons are still enabled.
Note: Exposure Compensation is the default setting for Fn1. This function can be accessed quickly via the Fn3 button Q.MENU.
Fn2 = Monochrome Live View
This function is useful when using Manual Focus mode and “Peaking.” Monochrome Live View changes the display from color to black-and-white. When “Peaking” is set for High Red it’s easy to see the areas that are in focus.
Note: “Wi-Fi” is the default setting for the Fn2 button; Wi-Fi can be enabled from a Menu setting too. Since I don’t use Wi-Fi often when I’m photowalking I think it’s better to reprogram the Fn2 button. [In order to enable Wi-Fi press the Menu/Set button (on the back of the camera), select Setup (wrench-icon), p. 1/5 Wi-Fi.]
Fn3 = Q.MENU [default]
“Quick Menu” is the default setting for the Fn3 button. This menu can be used to set most frequently used camera settings.
It’s worth noting that by pressing the “Display” button on the back of the camera repeatedly, a version of the “Quick Menu” is one of several screens that can be displayed.
I prefer using the Fn3 button to access the “Quick Menu” because it’s easier to navigate using the Cursor buttons.
Fn4 = Post Focus
I usually shoot photographs using an external flash unit. “Post Focus” is a function that I don’t use often because it doesn’t work with camera flash. Click Posts tagged ‘Panasonic “Post Focus”‘ to see the results of my experimentation with this function.
I need to test “Post Focus” in bright, sunny light and would like to be able to set the camera for that function quickly so I reprogrammed the Fn4 button.
Note: LVF is the default setting for Fn4.
Cursor ↑ = ISO [default]
Cursor → = White Balance [default]
Cursor ↓ = Drive Mode (including 2 s and 10 s timers) [default]
Cursor ← = AF Mode [default]
Related Resources
Press the Menu/Set button (on the back of the camera), select Custom (wrench-C icon), p. 7/9 Fn Button Set. Choose Setting in REC mode and select a function button to reprogram. There are 14 pages of options from which you can select a new function to assign to a given button.
p. 1/14
- Exposure Comp. ← default setting for Fn1 button, as labeled on camera body
- Wi-Fi ← default setting for Fn2 button, as labeled on camera body
- Q.MENU
- LVF/Monitor Switch ← default setting for Fn4 button, as labeled on camera body
p. 2/14
- AE/AE LOCK
- AF-ON
- Macro Mode
- Preview
p. 3/14
- One Push AE
- Touch AE
- Level Gauge
- Focus Area Set ← reprogram Fn1 button for this function
p. 4/14
- Cursor Button Lock
- Dial Operation Switch
- Photo Style
- Filter Select
p. 5/14
- Aspect Ratio
- Picture Size
- Quality
- AFS/AFF
p. 6/14
- Metering Mode
- Burst Rate
- 4K PHOTO
- Auto Bracket
p. 7/14
- Self Timer
- Highlight Shadow
- i.Dynamic
- i.Resolution
p. 8/14
- Post Focus ← reprogram Fn4 button for this function
- HDR
- Shutter Type
- Flash Mode
p. 9/14
- Flash Adjust.
- Wireless Setup (Flash)
- i.Zoom
- Digital Zoom
p. 10/14
- Stabilizer
- Snap Movie
- Motion Pic. Set
- Picture Mode
p. 11/14
- Silent Mode
- Peaking
- Histogram
- Guide Line
p. 12/14
- Zebra Pattern
- Monochrome Live View ← reprogram Fn2 button for this function
- Rec Area
- Zoom Lever
p. 13/14
- Side Lever
- Touch Screen
- Sensitivity
- White Balance
p. 14/14
- AF Mode/MF
- Drive Mode
- Restore to Default
See also …
Copyright © 2022 Walter Sanford. All rights reserved.
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