Very clear, concise and useful video - beats reading the manual! Thank you very much, Graham. I inherited this camera recently and despite its age, it still appears to pack a decent punch.
Just to say thank you for the tutorial. I bought the TZ30 today, it is still charging! Found your video very informative and helpful and will be watching the others.
Graham, you are a little legend. I have the tz20 but I'm still learning so much. You've really help me discover how to use it to its full potential. Cheers.
Thank you! This is very helpful. I've been looking for a class on point-and-shoot cameras, but now can just play and replay your tutorials about using the DMC-ZS20. Your help is greatly appreciated.
Just got mine home and have it on charge - won't be ready for another four hours. In the meantime, I am enjoying your videos in preparation for using it for the first time.
Thank you this was an excellent overview of how my new camera works. Much better than reading the manual which leaves out the small details which you cover.
Hi Graham~ Thank you a million times! I have been looking all over YT for help w my new ZS19. I need HANDS ON to learn and I am having such trouble learning about the settings. Almost all my pics pixlelate when trying to crop.THIS video is EXACTLY what I've been looking for.I learned alot from you but still need to learn more. I want to fully understand my camera - I am going to Maui in Feb and I must learn by then!! I will look for more of your vids as they are most helpful.You're my hero! :))
Thank you so much I bought the camera only recently and frankly I was overwhelmed with all the options. Now I start to understand ans I am sure will make even better photos
Just got this camera and seeing I havent a bulls notion about how to use a camera I found this great.Im looking forward to the other vids.Thanks a lot.
I've looked at several videos for this camera, and this is the first one to give me the user information for which I am looking. Thank Yo!!. Now to find your other videos!
Thank you so much! I sat here with my camera and did everything that you did. I dislike going through the pages of a manual and your instruction fit the bill.
Thanks so much this useful and high quality presentation--such visually beautiful and verbally articulate videos are rare here. You've restored my faith in RUclips! And coincidentally, I've been recently taking photos for Find A Grave, so I loved that you used the cemetery setting.
I am really looking forward to this series, Having recently bought this camera. I have no clue how the Program Auto mode works. So eagerly waiting for next video. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!
Hi thanks for the comment, appreciated. The wind cit feature is found in the video set up menu. It's either auto or off. It just tries to eliminate gentle rumbling of air passing over the mic ports on the camera, however outdoors it is very unlikely it will cut out any but the slightest breeze. There are some solutions on the market which basically add some fur material over the mic port to help reduce the effect. I don't know how effective these are with the tz30
Graham, many thanks for your quick & prompt reply. Appreciate that very much. Anyway I still intend to purchase the TZ30 for my family trip to China next month. Thanks again!
Thanks very much for the positive feedback, much appreciated. I have just bought the HX20v ( the HX30v without wi-fi). My opinion so far. Screen is clearer than the TZ30, however the touch screen of the TZ is of more use to me. Video quality looks slightly better and stills are slightly better. It does lack the A and S modes and the M mode only has 2 apertures (for the fact it uses an ND filter rather than actual aperture blades) So if you want more manual control, the TZ is the one to go for./2
Stabiliser is either on or off and is set on page 5 of the REC menu in PASM modes. It is on by default in iA and cannot be turned off. HDR is ihdr in IA mode page 2 of rec menu It is also available in the SCN menu
Very useful video Graham. I have a TZ10, which I picked especially because of its manual modes, but keep finding that iAuto usually seems to produce more vibrant images than I can get manually (and I always thought I knew what I was doing, having been brought up with external exposure meters and Kodachrome 25...). Your video seems to explain why that might be, so, as always, many thanks. Hope you are having a great day too (the sun has appeared here for the first time in goodness knows how long!
Thanks for your comment. The camera should help you produce some nice HD productions for your YT page and images for your blog. You are very creative with your work, well done.
Hi thanks Martin for the feedback, I will ensure that there is ample time to read captions in future videos. The histogram is covered in the manual mode as it gives a good indication of the distribution of the dark and light tones in an image and by experience you can then get exposures set with more accuracy.
Hi Pamela, the Photofunstudio only give syou the option to upload a whole clip to youtube via the network, upload to youtube, option. Unfortunately it doesn't allow any editing at all. The create movie is a bit of a joke as you cannot, without a LOT of effort assemble clips as you want them and you have to have a music background exactly as long as your video. Edit video allows you to trim clips but that's all. The slideshow option works but you can't include video clips. Sorry cant help more.
Hi, thanks for the comment. Yes ISO 25 Kodachrome gave some beautiful images full of rich, vibrant colours. It's difficult to get that with our new 'digital negatives' and very few cameras will actaully permit less than iso 100 and newer ones with high speed cmos sensos seem to start at 160. I tend to use vibrant colour mode on dull days to put more punch into images and always shoot at 100 or 200 max ISO. I hate digital noise, the detail killer.
Hi, as with all camera purchases it is down to personal needs and intended use. You have picked the main benefits of the ZS19 and identified the HX20 for its colour rendition and it is especially good for video as the IS is superb ( turn off active mode though) it just lacks the manual controls to make it the winning choice for me.
/2. The TZ creative modes also work in the video mode so sepia, miniature effect, toy camera and high dynamic are all available with exposure compensation as well. I haven't found a way of doing this with my HX9v and now the HX20v. It's a much thicker and taller camera than the TZ30 so you need a bigger case or trouser pocket. I guess in the end it comes down to personal choice. The HX9v had many failings, only 2 of them have been addressed with the HX20 but I haven't fully tested it out yet.
Hi Richard, I would advise against splitting the TZ30 lens, it is a fairly complex jig saw of parts.If the lens frames have become stuck because of sand/dust/lint etc then there is always some movement ( even a slight tilt) of the lens whilst it is retracted. If there is no movement at all it is probably a failure of the sensors within the zoom motor or drive. On my blog site under download is the complete service manual for the TZ30 so you can for yourself the stages in removing the motor/lens
if you are in iA mode you need to switch to playback mode, press the menu/ok button go to setup and then use the up navigation pad of the jog wheel to get to page 6 of the menu, there you will see format. Alternatively switch to P mode and follow the same procedure ( no need to go to the playback mode). Hope that helps.
With motion blur it suggests the camera is using long exposures. I assume you are in the iA mode, have you got the flash enabled? This should engage to stop this happening as you are taking pictures in low light.
Very nice and well composed video tutorial. I have a TZ20, so, as you say, some functions on the TZ30 aren't available on the TZ20. I have just watched your TZ30 iA mode video, but can't seem to find the P (Program) tutorial. Is it available yet, please?
That's right the letterboxing is top/bottom. If you create a HD project and use 4:3 then you get letter boxing left and right. It's best to shoot in the intended output format, which today is usually 16:9 for HD video on youtube and of course HDTV. If you shoot for standard definition (SD) at 720x 480 then shoot 3:2. Might consider a canon SX tutorial after I conclude the panasonic travel zoom tutorial I'm doing now.
There is a plastic film on the lcd when new but it is obvious and very easy to remove. A finger nail at the edge of the screen will tell you if it has been removed.
In this version there is no longer the option to resize/crop any of the images. The only option now is to apply the art filters through creative retouch operation. You can still divide video clips however.
you can use the micro hdmi port to play the camera video to your TV or if you have a pc load the photofunstudio software ( came with your camer) it has a video player for these files
thanks graham very clear explanations. i can make much more sense of the camera now having watched your videos. I'm a little unclear how to interpret the histogram, and what to adjust for. Perhaps one of your other videos explains how to use the histogram? If i have one bit of constructive criticism to make it would be that i'd prefer to see the text slides displayed a little longer by default. i find i have to pause the video to take in what is written.
Thank you Graham - great tutorial! Would you please tell me how I get the video from the camera DMC TZ20 to RUclips? I have Photofun 6.1 and although I download all the still pix and the video I cannot get the video in to Movavi to convert. Takes hours to put them in to Movie Maker - look forward to your reply.
It will be used by wife primarily, but I want to have fun with it as well. For example indoor pictures without flash so the high ISO noise is a concern. I played with both of them and I can see that Sony can easily go to 1600-3200 where as ZS19's ISO 1600 is pushing it. Just make it clear you were suggesting to get HX20. For ZS19 touch screen focus, I can go old style spot metering and recompose. I can see myself having fun with either of them. Thanks
I waiting to see review by cameralabs as I think the new higher density sensor might mean more noise on still images. Why they keep going higher in resolution when they have reduced density on more serious cameras?
Hi Mr. Graham! I must firstly congratulate you for operating such an excellent channel! Your videos are of much help to all of us watching them. Now, I have a question for you. Can you tell me which camera between Panasonic Lumix DMC TZ30 and Sony Cybershot DSC-HX30 would you prefer/suggest and why? I am really confused between these two and would like to know your point of view. Your suggestion will be of great help. :)
........ fully, so I can wait until you do so. :) But I want my conflict to be resolved before going ahead to purchase one. The shopkeepers keep pressing for Sony HX20, perhaps due to its higher price. I am slightly biased towards TZ30, particularly since I've awaited it for 1 year! I'll await your judgement, in case you feel you need to explore HX20 fully to recommend one of them! Thankyou very much, Mr. Graham!
More and more cameras are now being enabled with touch screens. The panasonic ones are still "resistive" and need a stylus to operate whereas canon have now employed capacitive ones more like smartphones. At first it is non intuitive to use but they can be useful menu additions.
I shall watch all your tutorials on this camera, I agree with others that you are doing Panasonic's work for them as they do little in their Manuals to help to explain how to use this camera to get its best performances.The initial start up leaflet is a disgrace for such an expensive camera.
Hey Graham thanks covering this amazing camera. What are your concerns about Intelligent Resolution Mode? What does it do? Should I leave it always on?
I haven't done a specific video but you will notice I use teh 2 second timer with all my tripod mounted shots to prevent any camera shake due to depressing the shutter button. The 10 second delay is ok for self portraits etc.
Thanks for the comment, appreciated. I wish Panasonic would spend more time putting a better user manual together as the basic manual really teaches you nothing. Enjoy the camera. Graham
As always, Graham, your reviews and instructional videos are top notch. I found this one to be very useful and very nicely done with the very clear screen shots and pointing out the features. Keep up the excellent work. Do you ever work with brands other than Panasonic?
I've had this camera for years! Finally learning how to use it. Thanks for this helpful video.
Very clear, concise and useful video - beats reading the manual! Thank you very much, Graham. I inherited this camera recently and despite its age, it still appears to pack a decent punch.
Just to say thank you for the tutorial. I bought the TZ30 today, it is still charging! Found your video very informative and helpful and will be watching the others.
Graham, you are a little legend. I have the tz20 but I'm still learning so much. You've really help me discover how to use it to its full potential. Cheers.
Thank you! This is very helpful. I've been looking for a class on point-and-shoot cameras, but now can just play and replay your tutorials about using the DMC-ZS20. Your help is greatly appreciated.
FANTASTIC - Thank you so much for taking the time to do this.Far better than the manual - Lumix should pay you !
Just got mine home and have it on charge - won't be ready for another four hours. In the meantime, I am enjoying your videos in preparation for using it for the first time.
very extensive and clear review. This is the best i have seen so far, very well rounded! Bravo!
Thank you this was an excellent overview of how my new camera works. Much better than reading the manual which leaves out the small details which you cover.
Hi Graham~ Thank you a million times! I have been looking all over YT for help w my new ZS19. I need HANDS ON to learn and I am having such trouble learning about the settings. Almost all my pics pixlelate when trying to crop.THIS video is EXACTLY what I've been looking for.I learned alot from you but still need to learn more. I want to fully understand my camera - I am going to Maui in Feb and I must learn by then!! I will look for more of your vids as they are most helpful.You're my hero! :))
Thank you so much I bought the camera only recently and frankly I was overwhelmed with all the options. Now I start to understand ans I am sure will make even better photos
Just got this camera and seeing I havent a bulls notion about how to use a camera I found this great.Im looking forward to the other vids.Thanks a lot.
I ordered this camera and it's coming in the mail tomorrow. It's nice to see what to expect while I wait!
Graham, your video enabled me to reset settings to better suit my usage, both stills and video. Great work great information at a good pace. Thanks
I've looked at several videos for this camera, and this is the first one to give me the user information for which I am looking. Thank Yo!!. Now to find your other videos!
thank you, hopefully they are all grouped into the TZ30 playlist on my home page. thanks for your comment.
Thank you so much! I sat here with my camera and did everything that you did. I dislike going through the pages of a manual and your instruction fit the bill.
Glad the tutorial helps.
Thanks a lot. This is the best explanation that I´ve seen about how to use a camera. Very helpfull
Thanks so much this useful and high quality presentation--such visually beautiful and verbally articulate videos are rare here. You've restored my faith in RUclips! And coincidentally, I've been recently taking photos for Find A Grave, so I loved that you used the cemetery setting.
Omg thank you so so much it was so much of the help !!! ❤🎉
Thank you for your comment on the video, appreciated
I am really looking forward to this series, Having recently bought this camera.
I have no clue how the Program Auto mode works. So eagerly waiting for next video.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!
Thanks for the comment, always good to get a good review.
Thank you for the kind comment, appreciated.
Hi thanks for the comment, appreciated. The wind cit feature is found in the video set up menu. It's either auto or off. It just tries to eliminate gentle rumbling of air passing over the mic ports on the camera, however outdoors it is very unlikely it will cut out any but the slightest breeze. There are some solutions on the market which basically add some fur material over the mic port to help reduce the effect. I don't know how effective these are with the tz30
Wow Graham, you have done it again! Great instructional video and beautiful still shots with this camera!
Many thanks, look forward to bringing the more interesting modes which the camera can offer.
Graham, many thanks for your quick & prompt reply. Appreciate that very much. Anyway I still intend to purchase the TZ30 for my family trip to China next month. Thanks again!
many thanks for taking the time to comment, appreciated.
Thank you for the feedback on the video, appreciated.
Thanks very much for the positive feedback, much appreciated.
I have just bought the HX20v ( the HX30v without wi-fi).
My opinion so far.
Screen is clearer than the TZ30, however the touch screen of the TZ is of more use to me. Video quality looks slightly better and stills are slightly better. It does lack the A and S modes and the M mode only has 2 apertures (for the fact it uses an ND filter rather than actual aperture blades) So if you want more manual control, the TZ is the one to go for./2
Hi, thanks for the comment, glad the video helped
Thank you very much, Graham! Your series of videos have helped me to get to grips with my relatively new Panasonic Lumix TZ55 :-)!
Thanks Graham. This is just what I needed to get the most out of the camera - Panasonic should put you on the payroll.................
Thanks a lot. Didn't know the camera did so much. Getting much better photo's now.
A very clear and instructive video. I've always used IA mode but this will help me better understand the camera.
Thanks
Thank you for this very helpful video in plain well explained english! Very helpful and look forward to the next one!
Thank you Roger for the kind comment. Maybe the G5 from Panasonic might be of interest to you?
Stabiliser is either on or off and is set on page 5 of the REC menu in PASM modes. It is on by default in iA and cannot be turned off. HDR is ihdr in IA mode page 2 of rec menu It is also available in the SCN menu
That was a great walk-through. Thank you for taking the time to make and share this video!
Very useful video Graham. I have a TZ10, which I picked especially because of its manual modes, but keep finding that iAuto usually seems to produce more vibrant images than I can get manually (and I always thought I knew what I was doing, having been brought up with external exposure meters and Kodachrome 25...). Your video seems to explain why that might be, so, as always, many thanks. Hope you are having a great day too (the sun has appeared here for the first time in goodness knows how long!
You are amazing. Thanks again. Learning more and more about my little camera. It's always in my pocket.
Thanks for your comment. The camera should help you produce some nice HD productions for your YT page and images for your blog. You are very creative with your work, well done.
Good video. You're better than the instructions that came with the camera.
thanks for making the video, it was very informative and easy to understand. keep up the great work!
Hi thanks Martin for the feedback, I will ensure that there is ample time to read captions in future videos. The histogram is covered in the manual mode as it gives a good indication of the distribution of the dark and light tones in an image and by experience you can then get exposures set with more accuracy.
Hi Pamela, the Photofunstudio only give syou the option to upload a whole clip to youtube via the network, upload to youtube, option. Unfortunately it doesn't allow any editing at all. The create movie is a bit of a joke as you cannot, without a LOT of effort assemble clips as you want them and you have to have a music background exactly as long as your video. Edit video allows you to trim clips but that's all. The slideshow option works but you can't include video clips. Sorry cant help more.
Hi, thanks for the comment. Yes ISO 25 Kodachrome gave some beautiful images full of rich, vibrant colours. It's difficult to get that with our new 'digital negatives' and very few cameras will actaully permit less than iso 100 and newer ones with high speed cmos sensos seem to start at 160. I tend to use vibrant colour mode on dull days to put more punch into images and always shoot at 100 or 200 max ISO. I hate digital noise, the detail killer.
Than you glad you enjoyed the videos.
By the way, your reviews are very clear and extremely helpful !!!
Hi David, yes the tutorial will cover the same shooting modes on the TZ40, the only change is the wi-fi really
Graham - you are absolutely right !!
Im so pleased I found this site. I'm going to be using it - a lot !
Liz
Thanks for getting back to me and letting me know, appreciated.
Thank you I appreciate the comment on the tutorials
Thanks for the comment, appreciated
got this today for christmas! thanks for these videos
Hi thanks for the favourable comment. The next video should be up later today.
Thanks for the comment, enjoy the camera
thank you, I appreciate your comment
Hi, as with all camera purchases it is down to personal needs and intended use. You have picked the main benefits of the ZS19 and identified the HX20 for its colour rendition and it is especially good for video as the IS is superb ( turn off active mode though) it just lacks the manual controls to make it the winning choice for me.
Thanks for the comment, enjoy the excellent camera
Thank you Graham. I have a better a better understanding of my camera and look forward to trying it out.
Best
/2. The TZ creative modes also work in the video mode so sepia, miniature effect, toy camera and high dynamic are all available with exposure compensation as well. I haven't found a way of doing this with my HX9v and now the HX20v. It's a much thicker and taller camera than the TZ30 so you need a bigger case or trouser pocket. I guess in the end it comes down to personal choice. The HX9v had many failings, only 2 of them have been addressed with the HX20 but I haven't fully tested it out yet.
Hi Richard, I would advise against splitting the TZ30 lens, it is a fairly complex jig saw of parts.If the lens frames have become stuck because of sand/dust/lint etc then there is always some movement ( even a slight tilt) of the lens whilst it is retracted. If there is no movement at all it is probably a failure of the sensors within the zoom motor or drive. On my blog site under download is the complete service manual for the TZ30 so you can for yourself the stages in removing the motor/lens
Very interesting. I have this cam since 2004 and did not know how to use it. 🤦👅
Thank you for the instructions. 🇧🇷
if you are in iA mode you need to switch to playback mode, press the menu/ok button go to setup and then use the up navigation pad of the jog wheel to get to page 6 of the menu, there you will see format. Alternatively switch to P mode and follow the same procedure ( no need to go to the playback mode). Hope that helps.
Great intro, looking forward to the follow ups.
With motion blur it suggests the camera is using long exposures. I assume you are in the iA mode, have you got the flash enabled? This should engage to stop this happening as you are taking pictures in low light.
many thanks for the comment
Very nice and well composed video tutorial. I have a TZ20, so, as you say, some functions on the TZ30 aren't available on the TZ20. I have just watched your TZ30 iA mode video, but can't seem to find the P (Program) tutorial. Is it available yet, please?
Really usefull review. Thank You Mr Graham. Great work.
That's right the letterboxing is top/bottom. If you create a HD project and use 4:3 then you get letter boxing left and right. It's best to shoot in the intended output format, which today is usually 16:9 for HD video on youtube and of course HDTV. If you shoot for standard definition (SD) at 720x 480 then shoot 3:2.
Might consider a canon SX tutorial after I conclude the panasonic travel zoom tutorial I'm doing now.
Many thanks for the response graham. Here's hoping you decide to do one! Itll get a cornacopea of thumbs up from me anyhow...
Nicely done tutorial with proper timing and sound level. How do you activate the "wind noise cut filter" for video?
Thank you for your help in understanding my new camera!
There is a plastic film on the lcd when new but it is obvious and very easy to remove. A finger nail at the edge of the screen will tell you if it has been removed.
Thank you very much for your comprehensive reply - great help
You will find you have purchased a great camera with the TZ30, thank you for watching the videos and for the comment
Enjoy the camera and I hope you fibd the series useful in getting you confident with the camera quickly
In this version there is no longer the option to resize/crop any of the images. The only option now is to apply the art filters through creative retouch operation. You can still divide video clips however.
you can use the micro hdmi port to play the camera video to your TV or if you have a pc load the photofunstudio software ( came with your camer) it has a video player for these files
thanks graham very clear explanations. i can make much more sense of the camera now having watched your videos. I'm a little unclear how to interpret the histogram, and what to adjust for. Perhaps one of your other videos explains how to use the histogram? If i have one bit of constructive criticism to make it would be that i'd prefer to see the text slides displayed a little longer by default. i find i have to pause the video to take in what is written.
Yes teh flash power can be adjusted via a second press of the exposure compensation button ( the +/- key)
and thank you for the comment, appreciated
Thanks for sharing a great ‘how to’ video it was really helpful
I'm sure you will enjoy the camera, thanks for your comment
Thank you Graham - great tutorial! Would you please tell me how I get the video from the camera DMC TZ20 to RUclips? I have Photofun 6.1 and although I download all the still pix and the video I cannot get the video in to Movavi to convert. Takes hours to put them in to Movie Maker - look forward to your reply.
It will be used by wife primarily, but I want to have fun with it as well. For example indoor pictures without flash so the high ISO noise is a concern. I played with both of them and I can see that Sony can easily go to 1600-3200 where as ZS19's ISO 1600 is pushing it. Just make it clear you were suggesting to get HX20. For ZS19 touch screen focus, I can go old style spot metering and recompose. I can see myself having fun with either of them. Thanks
I waiting to see review by cameralabs as I think the new higher density sensor might mean more noise on still images. Why they keep going higher in resolution when they have reduced density on more serious cameras?
Hi Mr. Graham!
I must firstly congratulate you for operating such an excellent channel! Your videos are of much help to all of us watching them.
Now, I have a question for you. Can you tell me which camera between Panasonic Lumix DMC TZ30 and Sony Cybershot DSC-HX30 would you prefer/suggest and why? I am really confused between these two and would like to know your point of view. Your suggestion will be of great help. :)
........ fully, so I can wait until you do so. :)
But I want my conflict to be resolved before going ahead to purchase one. The shopkeepers keep pressing for Sony HX20, perhaps due to its higher price. I am slightly biased towards TZ30, particularly since I've awaited it for 1 year!
I'll await your judgement, in case you feel you need to explore HX20 fully to recommend one of them!
Thankyou very much, Mr. Graham!
More and more cameras are now being enabled with touch screens. The panasonic ones are still "resistive" and need a stylus to operate whereas canon have now employed capacitive ones more like smartphones. At first it is non intuitive to use but they can be useful menu additions.
I shall watch all your tutorials on this camera, I agree with others that you are doing Panasonic's work for them as they do little in their Manuals to help to explain how to use this camera to get its best performances.The initial start up leaflet is a disgrace for such an expensive camera.
Hey Graham thanks covering this amazing camera.
What are your concerns about Intelligent Resolution Mode? What does it do?
Should I leave it always on?
I haven't done a specific video but you will notice I use teh 2 second timer with all my tripod mounted shots to prevent any camera shake due to depressing the shutter button. The 10 second delay is ok for self portraits etc.
I hope you get to grips with the functions of the camera through these tutorials as you say the manuals leave a lot to be desired.
Hope you find the rest of the series helpful in understanding the functions of your new camera.
Thanks for the comment, appreciated. I wish Panasonic would spend more time putting a better user manual together as the basic manual really teaches you nothing. Enjoy the camera. Graham
Yes it has been posted, it was the second video of the series.
Hello Graham.Walk throughs much appreciated.Could you please tell me what the numbers relate to top left of the LCD Screen?
Many thanks. JP
Hi. Geneous videos. Do you know if the flash is adjustable is brightness?
As always, Graham, your reviews and instructional videos are top notch. I found this one to be very useful and very nicely done with the very clear screen shots and pointing out the features. Keep up the excellent work. Do you ever work with brands other than Panasonic?