Panasonic FZ1000 II Walkthrough

[@brucegraner5901]

A very worthwhile introduction to the FZ 1000 Mk 2. Thanks for producing this video.

[@AnnieIrving]

This is so useful. I was a little overwhelmed with this new camera but your walkthrough explained everything so well. Thanks!

[@nickisaunders3726]

After purchasing this camera I was so relieved to find this tutorial, so easy to follow. I'll be referring to it a lot! Thank you.

[@sharylkriete7953]

Thank you for creating this video. I recently purchased my first Panasonic lumix camera and finding your video, saved the day!

[@liverbrist1]

Being a bit overwhelmed with this camera, was very happy to find this video. Thank you

[@JP-1962]

Just got one of these. Great job for a quick run-through of where to find everything. Thanks.

[@chriswilliams999]

What an impressive and useful video. So much more useful than any manual. Thank you very much for the time and effort you put into making this.

[@sandraroll9349]

Thank you!! I just purchased this camera as a birthday present for myself and was overwhelmed with all of the buttons. Thank you for this thorough and easy to understand tutorial. I'm excited to go out to take pictures!

[@Shutterbug101]

Happy belated birthday! 😁

[@larainebengis1745]

Loved this walkthrough. Very thorough and cleared up questions I had and were not answered with other videos. Superb!

[@marianvanuffelen3850]

Last saturday, I bought this camera, I’am so glad with your explanation of this camera, thank very much. I think, that I shall use this movie for several times.

[@kattick87]

I just wanted you to know that these walkthrough videos are so insightful. It helped me make an informed decision for my next bridge camera! Thank you so much 🙂

[@carolevans5125]

This video was so helpful. I've recently purchased my new FZ10002 and this video has been a godsend. Keep up the good work

[@parikshitgoel5073]

I applaud your efforts so much here. Just when I could not understand the manual, this video came to the rescue. Thank you mam

[@Jimcortez365]

Glad I pound this channel. Just purchased the FZ1000 II. Read the manual which helped but your explanation of camera was great and easy to follow along. I'm sure I'll come back to it often :) thx.

[@pierrearchambault5637]

Thank you for this major help , after viewing many times I will for sure understanding my new toy...

[@MyStepps]

Panasonic is very complicated, you have made it look at lot easier, great job thank you

[@petereastment]

Fab video. Very inspiring and Much better Than reading the manual and not understanding it. Well-presented and easy to understand.

[@juliefleming1993]

Thank you so much! I learned so much more than reading the Basic Owner’s Manual! Excellent Instruction and visual walkthrough of the camera!

[@jw-ce5rn]

Great detailed walk through. Wish every camera had such an instructive video. Thanks.

[@Shutterbug101]

I am working on covering every camera out there, so let me know if you have any special requests!

[@marlarkin1090]

Thanks just bought the camera and this presentation answered a lot of questions

[@frankcrowcroft1656]

A very useful video which I'm sure that I will return to often.

[@justalanjones]

Thanks for the walk through. I am waiting for my camera to arrive and wanted to get a little understanding before I open the box. This was very helpful!

[@lynnfosnaught286]

You have a gift for explaining very simply what this camera’s functions are and circumstances that you would use it for. I’ve taken photos for about 10 years total always on auto. I tried a high tech wonderful camera but couldn’t deal with the tech. I’m techie deficient person even after much effort. I’m saving this video for later when I get this camera. I can deal with how this camera works. My first digital camera was a Panasonic Lumix and I loved having a compact camera. I honestly took some of my best photos content wise with that camera. That was years ago so I’m anticipating a.much improved camera. I just can’t work with a high tech camera. I also love love love having a compact lens that can zoom out to 400 equivalent!!! So easy! Easy to carry around. I always felt somehow more conspicuous with my larger camera and lens. Back to just having fun.

[@KellyB1512]

Just bought this camera and this video has been very helpful. Thanks so much!

[@kennethjeffery7457]

Outstanding overview of my new camera. Great job!

[@Rolf-oo3lk]

Thanks so much for all the information. and I wish you a happy and healthy new year !!!

[@freygallery]

I just wanted to thank you for this useful video as I keep coming back time and again when I screw things up. I was a Canon shooter for many years and this brand takes some getting used to. Thanks!

[@dustybookshelves2948]

Thank you so much for this video. I have a fair bit of dslr experience, but ~10 years of barely any photography means I'm relearning a lot, hence my decision to dive back in with a bridge camera. Having you explain each feature/where to access them helped me fix some broken links in my brain about how settings work together & get my bearings much more quickly.

[@mariannanewman8493]

Thank you so so much for this walkthrough! I am heading to Italy with this baby and hoped to learn as much as I could about it before the trip! let's hope I made the right decision!!!!

[@Lizerator]

Your videos are very helpful, thanks for creating them 😊

[@denniscraven8438]

Thank you so much I'm considering this camera and your review was just splendid thank you again!

[@johnnyretro1975]

Thankyou so much I’ve just bought this camera so really great to watch your video ❤️❤️

[@cathyann8093]

I had an FZ1000 that I took on a trip to Australia. I took some fabulous shots with it, an outstanding camera IMO, the least of which was its light weight. However, I gave the camera to a friend who couldn't afford a decent camera. Now, I want another FZ-1000, and fnd the M2 version which I have just ordered. I can hardly wait for it to arrive. I have a Nikon D750 that I use for closeups using Lensbabies and other effects lenses, but is too heavy for me to carry around when traveling. I had purchased a Sony RX10iii to take the place of the FZ1000, but it's a lot heavier, but it's a great camera. So, I'm getting the FZ1000 M2, the perfect travel camera. The resulting pictures are outstanding, and the weight won't wear me out. Besides the light weight, another compelling factor in getting another one of these cameras is the ease of use. The menu is very intuitive, easy to learn and use. The Sony is a nightmare IMO.

[@edregions]

Will be getting my new fz1000 ii soon and this was extremely helpful. Thanks.

[@mdriscoll4672]

Thanks. This is Very good general overview of the camera and all of its features.

[@caroltait9065]

Thank you for this video. Sooo helpful! I haven't used my camera yet as I was overwhelmed and had great difficulty following the manual that came with it.

[@MarleneBarnes-n6j]

I would just echo what everyone - the manuals are always so thick and at times somewhat confusing - Tank you so much for an excellent overview - Very Very helpful!

[@stephenkemp6870]

Clear and concise, great video, thanks!

[@kathydavidson5693]

great detailed video. Thank you for your thorough walkthrough.

[@schreiber-baum]

Great video!

[@johnhartman261]

Thank you! This is a great tutorial! Exactly what I needed to understand capability and function!😀

[@JEVPRO]

Thank you so much for this excellent and useful video! So much better than the manual. You saved my life.

[@AlainLePape]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge. I've just purshased this camera and you've been most helpful!👍

[@LarrySVAS]

WOW. Your presentation was so helpful. Perfect.

[@KennethNordin]

Superb walk trough! I'm waiting for this FZ-1000 II to arrive on monday. I got FZ-72, GX-80, LX-15 and G90 - total solid, great cameras, but i schrink my camera bag to in the future only use Fz-1000 II, Lx-15 and G90. I always love Lumix, and will always do it

[@Shutterbug101]

They are by far the best bang for your buck when it comes to small, compact cameras with great quality! :)

[@paul-emilegaudet9254]

Great walkthrough, thanks you very much from canada it help me a lot

[@carolevans5125]

Shutterbug is Fab. So informative, clear to understand and very easy to follow. You might want to correct the spelling at the top of the screen, which reads "Don't forget to subscibe, instead of 'subscribe'

[@peterdisbury6346]

Shutter Priority is your Exposure Mode for setting shutter speed and like Manual you can use both of these modes for just that. I typically just use Manual for wildlife, fast moving subjects and long exposure. A Mode for landscapes and Portraits.

[@karentiel]

Fantastic overview!! Thanks

[@margaretkane9192]

Do you have a tutorial for the DMC-FZ1000 for the first version? I LOVE how you cover everything but I find the II tutorial too different from my camera.

[@jillkempster4087]

Thank you...just purchased this camera..have 4 weeks to bond with it before Safari!

[@bobbiehanvey8452]

Best of the bunch. Excellent.

[@garyphilpott8755]

Awesome video! thanks for taking the time to produce it. the manual is unreadable but you made this so easy to understand 👏👏👏

[@donovanw.2943]

Thanks!

[@karenwalker810]

Very clear and helpful video! Thanks!

[@leroy9979]

Many thanks, very comprehensive review, I am sitting here with my MkII and wondering if I am capable of using it on any setting other than Auto.

[@Shutterbug101]

Don’t be afraid to explore the other modes! You can always go back to auto if you are overwhelmed!

[@coldweather3650]

Awesome video, I actually get my same camera tomorrow, this will help alot.....thanks 😀

[@Dnbusk]

Thank you for this walkthrough, I happened to buy the Leica V-Lux 5 and there are no walkthroughs, so this is greatly appreciated. Since there are no Reviews or Walkthroughs, you should rename the video to capture more people who may not know that the Panasonic and Leica are basically the same camera, thanks again

[@Shutterbug101]

Ill add it to the tag list for sure! Flad it was helpful!

[@workfasts]

But the price is totally different?

[@Shutterbug101]

That is correct, the Leica is more expensive than the Panasonic version with the Leica glass. You are essentially paying for the name and support, but it’s pretty much the same camera. All comes down to preference!

[@Dnbusk]

@@Shutterbug101 I bought it used from B&H for around $900 which worked out fine, except that the Leica Photo App is way too expensive for this camera but not if you can afford the M10, but I am not skilled enough to have that type of camera yet.

[@Shutterbug101]

Daniel Busk they charge you to use the photo app? That seems so odd that Panasonic’s is free. I will have to look into that!

[@jw-ce5rn]

The main competitor for the FZ1000 II is the Sony Cybershot DSC-RX10 IV. DPReview picked the Sony as its top 2020 bridge camera. Some say the Sony lens vastly outperforms the FZ1000/FZ1000II. So I am considering the Sony but I have read that the Sony interface and touchscreen are problematic/difficult to use.

[@Shutterbug101]

I am actually uploading the walkthrough and review of the Sony RX10 IV tomorrow! Feel free to watch and let me know if you have any questions! In my opinion, it really comes down to what the shooter wants to capture and what features are most important.

[@jw-ce5rn]

@@Shutterbug101 I will watch your walkthrough of the Sony. What a great service you provide! Your walkthoughs are unique and are unlike the many less detailed reviews I've seen on Ebay.

[@reubenwesek7079]

Thanks for the fabulous video

[@bobk7361]

Thanks for the video, very helpful. Have you got a video on long exposure for this camera?

[@Shutterbug101]

Not for this camera specially, but here is a video I did that should cover it! kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZuaeXeshZV1bLs

[@r2rhk]

@@Shutterbug101 Thank you

[@inekestofmeel8163]

Thanks for this great video! I just bought the camera, so I need to learn everything... But I have already one question: when I put the camera ON, I hear a sound as if the camera is continuously focussing or as if a small motor is 'running". Any idea why this is? MANY thank in advance.

[@TechTipVault]

I found a firmware update on the Panasonic website, but it is only shown under FZ1000 (Mk1), no mention of Mk2. Should I still attempt to install it for this newer version of the camera?

[@Shutterbug101]

Definitely not. If it is not listed, there has not been one developed.

[@raymondkongshumt4raymond128]

Hi Shutterbug 101, Thank you for your detailed walkthrough. I am very interested in the Lumix FZ1000II. I will be grateful if you would tell me: 1. what type of the shutter is equipped in this camera (well, I don’t find the information of shutter type in the user’s manual which I downloaded from web site!)? This is a ‘Iris / leaf shutter’ or ‘focal plane shutter’? 2. Can I use ordinary external TTL flash (the flash is not support high speed sync function) at all shutter speed (from Blub to 1/4000), since fill-in flash in day time is so important for me? I am looking forward to hearing from you very soon. Thank you!

[@Shutterbug101]

This camera offers a mechanical focal plane shutter and also an electronic shutter option. You can also use any flash that is compatible with the Panasonic system. Let me know if you have any other questions!

[@raymondkongshumt4raymond128]

@@Shutterbug101 Thank you for reply and I appreciated! Is that means if the external flash is compatible to Lumix system, I can use the flash with any shutter speed even up to 1/4000 sec? In short, may I say the flash sync (e.g. general highest flash sync for DLR / mirrorless camera is 1/250 sec) limitation is not applicable to Lumix FZ 1000II?

[@Shutterbug101]

I believe the flash is what will limit you to sync, and how much power you want to put out, but yes, even up to 1/4000 of a second you can fire a flash.

[@raymondkongshumt4raymond128]

@@Shutterbug101 Thank you for your advice!

[@jw-ce5rn]

That being said, your review of the FZ1000 II make a compelling case for buying the Panasonic.

[@sarah150496]

Hello! Thanks for the video! I just bought this camera and I noticed that the speaker emits a constant sound, like a "crackling". Do you also have this problem? Thank you

[@lc5320]

Thx for your great and clear explanation on this camera. I wonder if you can show us how to use the Bluetooth feature to send pictures to my iPhone? This is new but it should be more convenient than using the wifi feature.

[@Shutterbug101]

They kind of tie in together rather than one or the other. Here is a walkthrough using the app if this helps: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJ_MnGZ4bq1ggNU

[@workfasts]

I have this mark ii and really love it!

[@daveposte5042]

Any tips on setting the diopter on the camera?

[@Shutterbug101]

Look through the viewfinder and adjust the diopter until the settings at the bottom are clear and sharp for you.

[@roccomacri_stratocaster]

What is the best macro setting on the Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ1000 Mark II?

[@atv-com]

Very helpful video. thankyou. Is there a any way to reverse the direction when using the control ring for zooming o focusing?

[@ViperOneKo]

Excelent work!

[@christyanelarose1445]

bonjour j'ai acheté ce Bridge voilà 2 semaines et en français il n'y a pas beaucoup sur comment faire des réglages , serait 'il possible d'avoir un lien où je pourrais écouter et voir comment régler certaines fonctions , il est assez difficile à comprendre plusieurs , j'ai un Nikon et je n'ai pas eu de problème autant que ce petit Lumix et que j'aime beaucoup , différent d'un reflex

[@JamesBond-su7hj]

Thank you for your video, it is very useful. However, I still have a few questions. 1) The camera uses touch screen for taking picture. How do I not using touch screen to take picture? 2) When I use the round button at the back of the camera to change the iso, WB, AF micro and focusing points, it always changes the focusing locations only. How do I use the round button to change the iso? Thanks.

[@paulw3678]

I purchased the FZ1000m2 about a month ago & still trying to get used to all the controls. Your video was very helpful. A question about the Fn6 QMenu-- I followed along when you showed all the options displayed however my camera did not display all that yours showed. Is it possible I changed a menu option that would give me a limited QMenu display? Also, when I press the Display button or the left Navi wheel (focus points) I don't get any focus points on the display. Any help on this? thanks

[@Shutterbug101]

Hi Paul! What is your mode dial set to?

[@paulw3678]

@@Shutterbug101 Set to P, then tried on iAuto

[@Shutterbug101]

These cameras being as highly customizable as they are, one setting can turn a series of settings off. I would reset the camera settings in the menu, because if you are on P, you should have access to the full quick menu and the focus points

[@paulw3678]

@@Shutterbug101 Will do. Thanks

[@yanike]

Right now, I trying out the fz80 and plan on return it for the FZ1000 for concert photography. Seems like the sensor size and mic input is a worth upgrade. What is your input on this?

[@jeanetteruthsveiven8631]

Thank you so much for this useful video! May I ask if I want to take really good pictures of animals while they move, is it correct to use the iA and AFC in combination?

[@Shutterbug101]

If you are just starting out or not ready to move into manual options, iA (intelligent auto) will allow the camera to take full control, but doesn't always work the way you would like. If that is the case, try using your scene mode and set it to Sports. Otherwise, you would want to use your Shutter Speed mode to have more control over your settings.

[@jeanetteruthsveiven8631]

@@Shutterbug101 thank you!🙂

[@twxliight]

great walkthrough, very useful, but do you know why i can't control exposure with any dials? i have to go into quick settings every time to change it

[@Shutterbug101]

If you hold down the Fn4 button on top of the camera and use the dial at the same time, it should adjust the exposure

[@irihodgson804]

Awesome walkthrough thank you. I’ve learnt how to enlarge a photo on my SD card now how do I take a photo of it? Thanks

[@Shutterbug101]

So happy my video was of help to you! Are you attempting to crop a photo in camera or transfer it to your computer?

[@irihodgson804]

@@Shutterbug101 Oh, all ok. Thanks for your speedy reply 😅😀😂

[@charlesjohnson9662]

I recently purchased the FZ100 and your video has been so helpful and much appreciated. Unfortunately I have apparently and unknowingly done something to the settings that has disabled the shutter and when I depress the shutter button a orangish-red light on the right side of the camera body ne xt to the lens barrel comes on so, right now, my camera seems to be dysfunctional. HELP!!!

[@Shutterbug101]

Is the orange light blinking? Your timer may be on! Take a look on the top left dial on the camera and make sure it is set to the single rectangle symbol.

[@nellyhaines]

Good video I do have one question though. I may have missed it but does this camera feature Auto exposure bracketing?

[@Shutterbug101]

It does! You can find it while in Aperture mode and in the first tab in the menu.

[@VadimKupriyanov]

Thank you for review. And what about a time limit 30min for video rec, is it possible to turn it off by change a region in a crevice menu? This factor stopping me to buy this cam, if it,s not possible

[@Shutterbug101]

Go with the FZ2500. It won’t have a time limit like the FZ1000 II does (which is programmed into the software of the camera and cannot be changed).

[@Disturb4935]

I would like to understand the functions of the Quality Mode. Where there is the 6 box option 3 box option no box option in RAW or otherwise. What are these choices and how do they affect the shot? Thank you!

[@Shutterbug101]

The boxes you are seeing are referring to the compression in JPEG. What you want is the least amount of compression if your shooting in JPEG so you have more opportunities to edit or print later so you want the 6 box option.

[@pamtamas4528]

Is is possible to adjust the shutter speed when in A mode to override the automatic setting, and is it possible to adjust the aperture setting when in S mode to override the automatic setting?

[@Shutterbug101]

A mode is specifically to change the Aperture, S mode is specifically to change shutter speed. If you want the option and control to control both at the same time, that’s when you dial into your M for manual mode! :)

[@pamtamas4528]

Thank you so much for the quick reply. I thought that might be the case. Since both A and S scales appear, I thought maybe there was a means of adjustment. Your tutorial of the camera is excellent, one of the best I've found for any camera. It really helped me transition from my old FZ200. I will refer to it often. Thank you.

[@Naturasipescuitcu_Sebar]

Please tell me what the sealed box should look like, in what place? I ask you because I found both fz300-fz10002 // cameras on two sites, at different prices. The difference is about $ 150. And, of course, I have a suspicion, if the price at the lower price of the camera is New, as the respective website claims. Thanks a lot

[@Shutterbug101]

Panasonic DOES make the prices, so I would not trust a price difference. Look into Panasonic, Best Buy, B&H and see what they are selling it for, as they are approved sellers for the manufacturer.

[@davetaylor9321]

Hi can I change the af/ae button to be just a back button focus?

[@sharosa305]

I am a complete newbie with this camera and how to you access the digital zoom ?

[@Shutterbug101]

You can turn the digital zoom on and off in the camera tab in the menu, and to use it, you just keep holding your zoom tab to telephoto.

[@finight5863]

New week, new upload. I like how things turns out for you. Some compilation you can have. Just registered to your channel!

[@lsdpoet1]

Hi...appreciate your videos...perhaps you can answer a question: when trying to transfer photos to my Samsung phone, I get as far as "connected"; then when it says to open app,it says "connection failed"....it will connect once every 10 or so tries...Any ideas? Thanks

[@Shutterbug101]

Are you using it while your hooked up to your home wifi?

[@lsdpoet1]

Yes...also my work wifi

[@Shutterbug101]

That is more than likely the issue. When the camera has to fight a bigger wifi signal, it will more often than not lose. You will have to forget your wifi to assign it to the Panasonic directly so it’s not trying to fight a big signal provided by your work or home. I guarantee if you go to a random parking lot away from the wifi signals and try connecting, there will be far less issues. Technology is funny that way.

[@lsdpoet1]

@@Shutterbug101 not quite sure I understand, but thanks so much for your attempt to smarten a dummy

[@Shutterbug101]

See if this helps! kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJ_MnGZ4bq1ggNU

[@jadergomes235]

Hi! I tried to use self time mode but it didn't work. Can you explain how to use it, including how many seconds and how many pictures can I choose? I did it but it didn't work when I took the picture. My camera is FZ1000 II. Thanks.

[@Shutterbug101]

On the self timer, you will want to be in your auto, program, shutter speed or aperture mode. The timer is the last option on the left top dial. You can select 2 seconds or 10 seconds to take one photo. I believe from here you can chose bracketing options in the shooting menu, camera tab. Hope this helps!

[@jadergomes235]

Thank you very much, now it worked. I had set the timer before the last on the left top dial.

[@natiman9955]

Outstanding! Thank you

[@trbarton743]

Thanks for a great & detailed video. Is there a way to charge a battery separately?

[@Shutterbug101]

Yes you can purchase a separate battery charger. I recommend this one: amzn.to/36DWp3q

[@rach3kgc]

would love to get a run-through of the the flash function. the owner's manual is not really clear

[@Shutterbug101]

I will add it to my list! But until then, I am happy to answer any questions you might have!

[@Lizerator]

Very helpful, thanks!

[@67vix]

I am not expert atall with even tech talk. Today I have e pressed something that's changed a setting that I cannot find how to undo. At the screaming stage. You spoke of the white balance on the dial which is where my setting has changed. It was before when pressed, a sun symbol, cloud, night etc... but now it's a bar with colour chart??? I cannot get it back to what was. Plz help.

[@Shutterbug101]

It sounds like you changed your mode dial from a manual mode to iA for automatic. Auto gives you the bars, P/A/S/M modes give you the symbols.

[@67vix]

My iso & macro buttons initially showed on screen when I first got, but now dont. What have I done?

[@Shutterbug101]

When you press the shortcut buttons on the back of your camera they don’t pop up? You may need to reset the camera settings by going to the menu

[@Vurt72]

Great walkthrough, thanks a lot. Waiting for mine to charge + not a fan of reading manuals i have to say..

[@Shutterbug101]

Most people aren't, which is why I started my channel! Glad you found it helpful!

[@tpgorman77]

Any resources to better understand WiFi & Bluetooth connections? I am mostly interested in Remote Control, or Remote shooting and I always fumble around a bit before getting this set up.... Can I use either/or, the App wants me to set up photo transfer, not sure if this is necessary? Best educational KZbin on my Camera yet! Thanks!!

[@Shutterbug101]

This will help! kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJ_MnGZ4bq1ggNU

[@steveokane9478]

Hi. New owner here, thank you so much for this. Saved me months of efforts lost due to ignorance. Question. I am in "p" mode, and "afs". I aim at an object 12 feet away, and half depress the button. It comes into focus. If I then re-aim at an object about 3 feet away, I get a warning beep, the lens shuffles in and out, will not focus, and a red "1.00" appears. I changed from AFS to AFC , same result. I saw you say that iA automatically detects if macro is needed, so I change from "p" to "iA". same result. It simply will not focus on the item 3 feet away. It is now not just the button that is half depressed! Can you tell me what amateurish mistake I am making? thank you in anticipation, an dthanks again for the great video. Steve.

[@Shutterbug101]

Great question! Are you zoomed in at all or is it at its widest point? Typically that message appears when you are too close to the subject and that includes with zoom as well.

[@steveokane9478]

@@Shutterbug101 Thanks. I just experimented (in "1a" settng/afc) I zoomed in slightly on the item 12 feet away, half pressed the shutter button. Little green squares appeard and it came into focus. I then aimed at the item 2ft away, same process, and also got green squares and focussed. I repeated the routine, at 50, 75, 90, and 135 marks on the lens, no problem. Once I hit 200 I then got the same issue as before; i.e the 12 ft object focussed fine, but the 2ft one gave a red "1.00" , a warning beep, and would not focus. (does that make sense? ) From your reply you immediately spottted the cause, but I do not understand; excuse ignorance. I THOUGHT that "1a" automatically adjusted to what I was doing, , sensing if I was focussing on a close item" ("doing macro"?) but it doesn't seem to. Does that help ; I hope it is a clear explanation. Thank you. OR..IS there a different setting (not "ai" or perhaps not "afc" whereby I CAN zoom in something far away, an dthen re-aim at something close, and it WILL function as I want and just let me keep taking photos? Thank you.

[@Shutterbug101]

While this camera on iA can detect how close you are to a subject and focus accordingly, this being an all in one camera build means it doesn’t have a true macro ability as you would with a macro lens on a interchangeable lens camera. So it can get you close, but does indeed have a limit, and in testing the zoom ranges with your distances, it seems you have found those limits!

[@steveokane9478]

@@Shutterbug101 Ok, Thank you very much. Your video was a great help. Despite not being a "true macro", I am sure that the camera manal stipulated a much closer distance than I seem able to achieve though. I will explore it further and stop pestering you about that. My next question is for a recommended microphone that can put an end to that awful wind noise from the inbuilt one!!!. :) It occurs to me to put a little circlular corn laster over it, and glue on a tint little ball of wool! Like a "Dead Cat"..but more of a dead Flea beetle given the scale! Thanks for acknowledging my concerns! Have a great day.

[@Shutterbug101]

I would recommend getting the Rode Videomicro mic, it’s small, travel friendly and great quality! amzn.to/3ksLFvy

[@avik19071988]

Does it have unlimited video recording feature?

[@Shutterbug101]

This model, unfortunately, has the 29 minute limit, so you may have to do a couple videos if your trying to record over an hour. However, the fz2500 has only the limit of the card you put in so I would look into that one!

[@Juicexlx]

@@Shutterbug101 Ah, bugger! I was hoping it was able to record more than 30min, because the FZ2500 isn't available in Canada anymore. Probably bc people had extreme Winter climate problems with it, but Europeans are all saying that it's super awesome with even a headphone jack included & the cheapest/best solution for a Pro Journalist.