Copyright © 2015-19 Clive Dyson Version 4.5 1
Stills Photography with the Lumix G6
Modern digital cameras are marvellous pieces of technology that are capable of capturing wonderful
images. However, most are needlessly complex. We typically face four exposure modes, three metering
modes, at least three focus modes and several auto-focus modes. And that is before considering ISO
(sensitivity), white balance, exposure compensation, drive mode and a host of other settings!
Lumix G cameras are highly configurable, have a relatively user-friendly interface and (most) have a
number of programmable buttons and other controls. However, this adds yet another level of complexity.
It has taken me years of use to find effective ways of using and configuring Lumix G cameras. Having
done so, I find them a delight to use. Features and capabilities hidden in the menus and documentation
can be programmed onto buttons and the QUICK MENU (Q.MENU) and made directly accessible and
highly usable.
This manual attempts to distil this experience into a relatively short document. It is directed at stills
photographers who mainly use RAW format. It does not cover many JPEG-only features, intelligent auto
mode or taking video. Don’t let this put you off using intelligent auto mode: it does work well. However,
the techniques in this manual let you make full use of your camera’s capabilities and are no harder, once
mastered.
Please refer to the official Panasonic manuals, which can be downloaded from Panasonic’s web site, for
the basic details of camera operation.
The manual is organised as follows:
• The first chapter gives an overview of the controls, so you can follow the rest of the manual.
• The second chapter covers taking photos, using recommended custom modes. The setup of the
custom modes in described in chapter 4.
• The third chapter summarises the technical capabilities of the camera. It provides details of additional
capabilities for you to refer to as needed.
• Chapter four summarises the functions and settings of the cameras and describes how to set up
(program) your camera. This should be the first thing you do.
I hope you enjoy using your camera.
1. Controls on the G6
This chapter provides a brief overview of the controls: see the photographs on page 2. Note the name or
function of each control. Some buttons have the function embossed on or by them. The functions
programmed on other buttons, which only have an icon or Fn number on them, are shown on the
photographs.
Insert a charged battery and memory card, following the instructions in the camera manual. Turn on your
camera using the ON / OFF switch. It’s obvious how to turn it off again.
Before proceeding further with this manual, please set up your camera as instructed in chapter 4, which
also describes the functions in the menu system. The setup makes the frequently-used features of your
camera readily accessible. The functions used most frequently are allocated to the dials, programmable
function buttons and screen function icons
. For example, the FOCUS AREA SET button lets you enable
use of the touch screen and cursor keys to position the AF (auto-focus) area. The use of the other buttons
and dials is discussed below.
The next most frequently-used functions are allocated to the Q.MENU, where they can be quickly
accessed. You have to access other functions through the full MENU system.
Use the dioptre adjustment, beside the viewfinder, to focus the viewfinder image.
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