vbbeck

Thanks, guys. That all makes sense. I'll start playing around with the flash and bounce

card and see what I can do.

I just got my first pro gig and need some help figuring out how to light it. I have no lighting equipment

whatsoever except a brand-new hotshoe flash. (Natural light has been my friend for a long time.)

I use a Panasonic FZ30. I'd like to keep things as inexpensive as possible but am willing to buy any basic

stuff that I'll be likely to use again.

Subjects are kids at the county 4-H show. They are mostly pretty little, from 10 to 13 or so. The animals

range from rabbits to big goats and giant beef heifers. I want to stay away from anything spooky, like

reflectors or umbrellas. I'd also like to keep the area as safe as possible, without a lot of cords or lights on

the ground.

The space is an outdoor shed arena, with a high pitched tin roof and no walls. Not a lot of light, and no

white ceiling to bounce from. I have a dark cloth backdrop.

Any ideas? The client standards are pretty low here--all the parents want is a shot of the kid with animal

and ribbon. But I'd really like to do the best job possible.

Thanks!

Virginia

Thanks, you all. I have discovered that I can use Disk Utility to erase the disk after

importing. That's something. But I haven't had to time to work with images at all. Guess

it's time to check out some new software. Oh, what a pain in the rear.

I am having a strange problem getting RAW files off a 2GB SD card and my FZ30. First the facts:

--I am not having this problem with any other file type. TIFFs and JPEGs import just fine.

--I have tried a variety of SD cards and the same problem recurs across different sizes and brands. I am

certain the card is not locked and that the camera is off each time I remove the card.

--I just got the camera (used).

--I am using the latest version of iPhoto on a new Mac with an Intel Duo Core processor and a ton of

memory.

--The same problem happens on an older Mac running an older version of iPhoto.

--This problem happens regardless of whether or not I ask iPhoto to delete images from the card after

importing.

Today I went out and took 63 test RAW shots. When I imported them, iPhoto told there were 126

images on the card. All my test shots imported with no trouble. But at the end of the import, I got an

error message saying that 63 of my images were unreadable. The file names listed in the error message

were the same as the file names of the images that imported. When I put the card back in the camera,

the display told me there were 63 images still on the card (with the card's storage capacity

proportionately diminished). Each of the 63 images is black. None of them can be deleted.

When I take more RAW shots and try to import those off the card, iPhoto hangs for quite awhile,

apparently going through all those 63 nonexistent files. Then it imports my new shots and I get the

same error message for those--plus the original 63.

In short, after I import RAW files, I am left with ghost images on the SD card that cannot be read or

deleted.

Sorry for the long explanation--maybe this is common, I just don't know what terms to use to describe

the phenomenon or how to search for solutions.

What am I doing wrong?

Thanks for your help,

Virginia

Thanks, everybody! I got it from the Panasonic UK site (Don's link worked).

Luckily it is grey and rainy here for the first time in months. A good day for manual

reading without the temptation to go out and play with the lovely new camera.

V.

Thank you, Meryl. But this is the manual for using the camera with your computer (rather

than the camera manual itself).

I have emailed Panasonic, no luck so far. Guess I"ll keep trying.

Looking good, David!

What did you use before the FZ50? I'm in the process of upgrading from my FZ15, which I

have loved well (and the FZ10 and FZ1 before it). I just got a good deal on a used FZ30 but

can't stop thinking that maybe I should go ahead and spring for the latest model, for once.

I'd be glad to hear of your comparative experience and will look forward to seeing more

shots.

Yours,

Virginia

Got mine used without one. The file on the Panasonic site appears to be corrupt or at least won't download

for me.

Anybody have this in PDF that they'd be willing to email?

I hadn't thought of the baby chasing. The FZ30 is lovely and new; it has given me dreams of

going back to quiet mornings alone with the camera. Hmmmm--in reality, those are long

gone. Maybe I will just keep going with my trusty Bogen and not worry so much about the

tripod for now.

I'm finally planning to purchase this combo, which I've been eyeing for years. Back in the day I did mostly

macro stuff; now with a new baby I'm doing a lot more people shots. Is this still a good tripod/head setup?

I use a Panasonic FZ30 and often the wide-angle or tele conversion lenses--nothing heavy at all, just

looking for convenience and versatility.

Thanks!!

Virginia

Should also have noted that the FZ1 fogged despite a lack of temp diff--that is, outside

temp was no different from inside. Fogging also happened only after some time out in the

mist, about 90 minutes.

Also resolved the FZ10 problem very satisfactorily through KEH. Even though warranty was

expired, they gave me full trade-in credit on another FZ10 or other camera of choice. Very

nice.

I'm having problems with my Panasonic FZs. My FZ1 is just back from 5 weeks

at the repair facility to fix a bad lens-fogging issue (fogged up like a madman in any kind

of humidity). Now my FZ10's zoom control is

sticky and the aperture is making threatening noises. Movement from

one level of magnification to the next is jerky (it stops at 2X, 3X, 4X, etc., instead of

moving smoothly through the range), and the aperture buzzes like a

rattlesnake when it finishes opening or closing. This just started happening today in the

middle of a

shoot--no physical trauma, weird weather, dirt or water damage, or any other cause I can

identify.

Any other problems out there among FZ fans? I love those lenses and am happy with my

shots. But man, right now I can't say I think a lens repair investment inthe FZ10 is a wise

move at all.

Corellary question: if you had to ditch your FZ10 and couldn't buy another Panasonic to

replace it,

what would you get? Within the same budget, approx.

Thanks for the help.

I third the Panasonic DMC-FZ10 or 20. The FZ10 is difficult to find, new or used. The FZ20

is available new from Adorama or B&H for $499.95. For the money, and given that it's a

point-and-shoot, it's an absolutely super camera in every regard. I don't think you can

beat that 12x Leica optical zoom in this price range. I am no pro, having just moved into

the digital realm a few months ago, but thanks to this camera am totally hooked.

Had to mention the FZ10 as I am completely smitten with it. It has truly been a

revelation to me. I use it mostly up close and in natural outside light on plants, insects,

snakes and frogs, etc. Try as I might, I can never get that dang tripod to bend or reach in

just the right way for that perfect shot. I don't mind the weight or the time it takes to set

up, but I hate the way it limits angle options and thus hardly use it. So while I might get

that tricky angle, I also get a lot of shake, blur, etc. I am wondering whether anybody has

rigged a Steadycam sort of device for still photos--counterweighted for stability, but

harnessed to your body so it goes where you do. Or what about monopods or anything

else people have used to get that lens into that tight/high/low/prickly spot?