My progress with bird pictures with the Lumix FZ-80 (FZ-82)

Follow me on instagram: @southtxphotos
The Lumix FZ-80 got me into photography. My first pictures were shot in auto mode with no real knowledge of photography. In this video I go over my earliest bird photos with the FZ-80 and show my progression over the last year and a half. I've upgraded my gear over the last year but I apply and share the knowledge I've gained to get decent bird photos with the FZ-80

[@michaellyne8773]

Thank you for sharing your tutorial with this model, your photographs are excellent, I have just purchased the Panasonic fz82 primarily for my daughters wedding in March, I'm hoping to get some good results, thank you again.

[@billw7286]

Great video. My experience with this camera has been very different. Lots of hours spent trying to master all the weaknesses. Glad you have more persistence than I do.

[@headwestphotos9615]

thanks! Definitely a lot of limitations, but with such a zoom range, it's a lot of fun!

[@kevinjustiin7004]

nice shots,love it !!!

[@headwestphotos9615]

Thank you!

[@naz7840]

Love the intro music!!!

[@rocu406]

Nice results. I am considering this camera for birding so this is very helpful for me. What software are you using to display your pictures?

[@headwestphotos9615]

Thanks! -- I was using Adobe Lightroom for editing

[@Appleita]

Hi, sugar... The critters at 22:41 are a Coot and the white and yellow one is a goose, not a duck. I love the improvements you are making. I have to learn more about what the aperture and shutter speed and ISO settings do for your photo. I'm getting an education on KZbin. Thanks for your photos of birds. I love them and I am learning with the Lumix FZ-80.

[@SB-hg5sq]

Great photo's what mode do you normally use. I've recently got this camera and only used IA mode so far.

[@headwestphotos9615]

Thank you! I usually shoot in manual mode, or for bird, manual with auto ISO so I can keep the shutter speed up high enough to freeze the motion

[@SB-hg5sq]

@@headwestphotos9615 Thank you, I'm still learning but I must get out of IA mode!

[@TheGalonator]

Where did you buy it? I'm not sure where to buy it as different sites say the camera they're selling have different video resolutions, etc.

[@headwestphotos9615]

I got mine at Precision Camera in Austin, TX. Check 'em out online, they're good people. As far as I know, there's only one version of the FZ-80, you can record in different resolutions up to 30p 4k. I'd definitely recommend not buying this camera used unless it's in like new condition and only if you can buy a replacement warranty with it. The motors for the zoom tend to give out easily so you'll definitely want a replacement warranty if bought used or new.

[@mickcalvert4514]

Hi, are the prints you have for sale taken with the Lumix FZ82? They are some really good prints

[@headwestphotos9615]

Thanks, Mick! I don't have any with the FZ80/82 at the moment. Maybe I'll throw some of these up on my Etsy, though. I'll be posting a video showing how the FZ82 prints at some point (likely in May once I'm done with my semester).

[@Ozmulki]

I use this camera. Please tell me if you use the P setting and his do you set the shutter speed to high and iso to 80.

[@headwestphotos9615]

I shot most of these in M mode. For birds, I set the ISO pretty high so I can get the shutter speed up to 1000-2000 to freeze the action. ISO causes a lot of noise on this camera above 800, so try not to go much past that. But I'd rather have more noise and a crisp shot than worrying about keeping the ISO at the minimum settings.

[@Ozmulki]

@@headwestphotos9615 thank you but I’m not that good just a novice moving from iA to P. So your help with basic settings for P option shooting still birds would be helpful. I find blurring even at 10 feet if I use P. What am I doing wrong?

[@headwestphotos9615]

@@Ozmulki either missing focus or too slow of a shutter speed. less likely that camera shake is causing it b/c it has such solid vibration control. Make sure your auto focus is set to tracking for wildlife and use the touchscreen to try to lock onto the subject. the tracking auto focus works decently in bright situations, but it does miss quite frequently so it is wise to have camera in burst mode while using the tracking auto focus

[@Ozmulki]

@@headwestphotos9615 focus is the problem. Trouble us when you are trying to shoot birds you can’t fiddle with settings or you risk losing the shot. I’ll keep persevering. Thank you.

[@cathymcleod87]

You are not telling us how to set the camera to the various speeds you mention.

[@rolling.reggie]

1.5 years later and this video is so helpful for me! the FZ80 is still the best budget option I have found and I am considering grabbing v soon, thank you! P.S that picture of "seagulls" early is actually a squadron of pelicans :)