DMC-FZ18K

Effective Pixels

Slightly less than the total number of pixels normally stated for an image sensor (CCD, CMOS, etc.), this term represents the actual number of pixels used to record an image.

Optical Image Stabilizer

Definition:
O.I.S. stands for Optical Image Stabilizer. MEGA O.I.S. technology helps solve the problem of unintentional hand movement that can result in blurry images, particularly with telephoto shots.

How does it work?
In the event that hand movement is detected by the built-in gyrosensor, a signal is relayed to a microcomputer, which instantly calculates the amount of compensation needed. A linear motor then shifts the lens as necessary to guide incoming light from the image straight to the CCD. The entire process takes just tenths of a second!

Benefit(s):
Panasonic insists on using an optical image stabilizer rather than an electric one because there is no image degradation with optical processing. MEGA O.I.S. lets you expand your shooting possibilities. For example, using the MEGA O.I.S. and a slow shutter speed lets you capture a sunset scene or shots in dim indoor lighting without losing the mood or atmosphere.

MEGA O.I.S.

Definition:
O.I.S. stands for Optical Image Stabilizer. MEGA O.I.S. technology helps solve the problem of unintentional hand movement that can result in blurry images, particularly with telephoto shots.

How does it work?
In the event that hand movement is detected by the built-in gyrosensor, a signal is relayed to a microcomputer, which instantly calculates the amount of compensation needed. A linear motor then shifts the lens as necessary to guide incoming light from the image straight to the CCD. The entire process takes just tenths of a second!

Benefit(s):
Panasonic insists on using an optical image stabilizer rather than an electronic one because there is no image degradation with optical processing. MEGA O.I.S. lets you expand your shooting possibilities. For example, using the MEGA O.I.S. and a slow shutter speed lets you capture a sunset scene or shots in dim indoor lighting without losing the mood or atmosphere.

Mode 1

In this mode, image stabilization is continuously on. It helps you to compose shots in the LCD monitor and to see the focusing condition more clearly.

Mode 2

This mode corrects the image the instant that you press the shutter button. It maximizes the compensating capability of the lens in all directions for more effective correction.

Optical Zoom

As the focal length of a zoom lens is changed, the subject is magnified. When an image is magnified via the lens, the resulting image looks natural.

CCD

A mega-pixel CCD (charged coupled device) converts optical data into digital information. It lets you capture crisp, clear images in high resolution, and helps bring out a full range of expressive color and detail.

Digital Zoom

(for Camcorders)
Through the use of digital technology, the zoom ratio on select Panasonic camcorders can be increased to an amazing 700:1 or greater, depending on the model. After the highest optical zoom setting is reached, the digital zoom automatically takes over, magnifying the image by blowing up the pixels to give you an incredibly close shot.

(for Digital Cameras)
A feature found in many digital cameras that takes a portion of the image's data and displays it at full size, producing an enlargement (magnification) of the original image, similar to the effect of using a telephoto lens. This process, however, is different from the magnification produced using the camera's optical zoom, and the stronger the digital zoom, the more the image will degrade.

Focal Length

The distance from the middle point of the lens to the focus point. Assuming that the camera's position is fixed, the larger this value becomes, the larger the subject appears (telephoto). Conversely, the smaller this value becomes, the smaller the subject becomes (wide angle).

Leica DC Vario-Elmarit Lens

The top compact lens in the world-renowned Leica family, the DC Vario-Elmarit lens combines comfortably small size with superb image rendering.

Aspherical

Normally, a portion of the spherical front surface of a lens contains aberrations. Lens designers, as they strove to create a perfectly curved lens face, ultimately created a non-spherical, or aspherical lens.

Aspherical

Normally, a portion of the spherical front surface of a lens contains aberrations. Lens designers, as they strove to create a perfectly curved lens face, ultimately created a non-spherical, or aspherical lens.

Aperture

Working much like the pupil of the eye, the movement of the lens' internal aperture blades closes or opens the aperture to adjust the amount of light passing through the lens. The value inscribed on the aperture ring of the lens (F1.4, F2, F2.8, etc.) represents the size of the aperture and is called the "aperture value" or "f-stop." As this value increases, the aperture narrows, or is "closed," and as it decreases, the aperture widens, or is "opened."

AF Assist Lamp

Provides extra lighting as a focusing aid for slightly dark situations where AF focusing would ordinarily be difficult.

ISO Sensitivity

A value used to indicate a film's sensitivity to light. ISO also stands for the International Standards Organization. Since no similarly defined standard exists for digital cameras, the term "ISO 100 equivalent" is used. A larger ISO value indicates that the camera can take a better picture in dimly lit locations (such as indoors).

White Balance

Definition:
Provides color temperature correction when taking photographs at different times on a sunny day, or in different types of artificial lighting.

How does it work?
White Balance adjusts automatically. However, depending on the scene or light condition, the Automatic White Balance may not be able to bring out natural colors. In such cases, the White Balance can be adjusted manually. While differences exist between Auto White Balance and Manual White Balance types, this feature is found on every digital camera.

Exposure

The amount of light that strikes the image sensor or film. If the exposure period is too long, the image is "overexposed" and if it is too short, the image is "underexposed."

Exposure Compensation

Depending on the subject's degree of reflectance or lighting condition, AE photography can easily produce exposures that are either over or under the optimum. To compensate for this type of error, plus or minus compensation can be added to correct the exposure, which is called exposure compensation.

Auto Bracketing

Automatically takes multiple pictures with a single press of the shutter, each using a different exposure. (Usually average, over and under exposed) This reduces the chance of an incorrect exposure. After shooting, you can look at the results and keep the best shot.

AE

Abbreviation for Automatic Exposure. The camera's exposure sensor measures the brightness of the subject and automatically calculates an exposure. Generally, there are three types of AE: Program AE, Aperture Priority AE and Shutter Priority AE.

Intelligent Multiple

Measures the light at points across the entire image to achieve a balanced exposure setting.

Center-weighted

This metering system places greatest importance on the central part of the image and measures the average overall brightness of the scene. Very commonly used, this system is found in most digital cameras.

Spot

Uses a small point in the center of the screen to meter exposure. Useful in many situations, such as when the subject and background have extreme light and shadow differences, such as with stage or back lighting.

Shutter

One of the camera's most important mechanisms, the shutter controls the light exposure by opening for a precisely determined time and then closing. With film cameras, it can be a piece of black cloth or articulating steel in the center of the film chamber. It is designed to prevent light from striking the film surface while the shutter button is not pressed, and to regulate the amount striking the surface when the shutter button is pressed.

Self Timer

An automatic feature that provides a delay after the photographer presses the shutter until the shutter actually opens, to allow the photographer to take a self-portrait or pose in a family group picture, and to reduce hand-shake.

Pixels

Synonymous with an "image pixel" or a "dot," "pixel" is used to describe the smallest element (square) of a digital image. Often used to describe imaging device resolution.

Unlimited Consecutive Shooting

Allows Unlimited Consecutive Shooting up to the capacity of the SD Memory Card.

Real-time Histograms

This graph, which can be displayed in the LCD monitor as you line up the shot, shows the status of the exposure and contrast in real-time.

Composition Guide Lines

Displayed in the viewfinder and LCD, these thin horizontal and vertical lines make it easy for you to compose your shots or to hold the cameral level.

Flip Animation

Allows you to create your own animations frame-by-frame.

Viewfinder

Allows the photographer to confirm the image's angle of view, which in turn allows adjustment (trimming, etc.) of the image's layout and composition.

Microphone

The microphone allows you to record audio when using the motion and still image recording features.

Speaker

The speaker allows you to listen to the audio recorded on your motion and still image recording segments as you play them back on the LCD screen.

PictBridge

The PictBridge standard lets you print directly on a compatible digital printer. Print size, layout, date and other settings can be made with the camera.

Battery Life

Shooting conditions: 73.4°F with 50% humidity;LCD On; Using an SD Memory Card; Starting to shoot 30 seconds after turning on the power; Shooting once every 30 seconds with the flash in full operation for every other shot; Changing the zoom setting from telephoto to wide, or wide to telephoto, for each shot; Temporarily turning the power off after each 10 shots (long enough to lower the battery temperature. For DMC-LC1: Shooting once every 30 seconds, flash in operation for every shot, 77°F(25°C) ambient temperature.

Panorama Maker

Automatically "stitch" separate photos together to create a single, wide panorama-like image.