Graham thanks for your advices, I used my LUMIX FZ 200 in the Galapagos islands it worked a treat - thanks for the hints and techniques. Now I need to get the composition right I think this is the hard part of photography, getting that memorable shot
Graham, thanks a lot, I bought this camera last week and as a botanist I need close ups of plants! But I was not happy with my first efforts at close up, this is just what I needed! Will let you know how I get on using your tips...
Good tips on macro photography and its good to see you don't need TTL flashes, purpose made back drops, diffusers , macro lenses ect to get some great macro shots, it's all about being creative. I use to do a lot of macro photography with dslrs and macro lenses and the results were fasanating, but when they go into a competition , the judges always wanted more depth of field, which was hard on a macro lens, now it's the opposite. Lol. Many thanks, keep up the great vids.
Tim, thanks for your comment and I was on the Great Orme on Monday and could have done with a bit of wind to drive off the fog! The #1 and #2 lenses do allow you to get a decent working distance without loss of f-stop. I use the #2 in nearly all situations but the #1 allows you to move out a little and still get great sharpness in the background to show the habitat as well as the plant.
Thankyou Graham for such a informative video. I've had my FZ200 for a few years now and have never been happy with my macro shots. With the knowledge i have gained buy watching your videos my macros have improved dramatically. Can't wait till my achromatic close up lens arrive. Thanks again from Adelaide South Australia.
If you want to use the camera for moving objects the easiest way is to use Shutter priority mode. Turn the top control dial to S position. You can now adjust the shutter speed with the small control wheel to the desired speed. If the subject is moving across the camera and quite close try 1/500 to start with. If the image is still blurred goto 1/1000 sec. You can either have auto ISO set or choose iso 400 to give you enough exposure control. See how you get on with that mode first before using P
Hi Graham. Thanks, as ever, for a very useful video. I photograph wild flowers quite often, and always via the macro route - encountering all the snags you mentioned. the telephoto method looks much more interesting (but then I'll be in the f6.3 area on my camera...). Will look into the additional close-up lens approach; you got some lovely images that way. Wind (the meteorological kind) is always a problem on the hills of Mid-Wales. Thanks for the hints, and the great pictures. Tim
I loved this video. Especially the part outside with that lovely nature all around is salubrious. I like this video more than a Pink Floyd concert. Thank you!
I can't make your decision however there are some advantages that bridge camera have and that is why so many people now are purchasing these cameras over DSLR's or CSC's. Size, weight and convenience in shooting coupled with full range of lenses without the need to swap lenses make these cameras so attractive. Image quality is usually pretty good for most peoples needs. If you do need large format prints over A4 size then dslr will be better. I have 4 dslr and the FZ200 is the camera of choice
Hi, thanks for the comment. You are right the macro works great and in this video I show the wide angle (macro mode) and the advantage of a close up lens to decrease the telephoto minimum focus distance to provide for a blurred background to help isolate the subject. I would normally do a wide shot to show a plants habitat and then an isolated shot of the bloom to show the intricate detail with the background out of focus. ND filters increase exposure times or cut down light in order to use f2.8
Thanks for the comment, as you say humming birds don't migrate to us, pity. I guess the answer is to use the high speed burst mode in this situation with the camera set to manual focus at about the distance you require. With 5.5fps using autofocus it may not acquire focus before the bird backs off. Using the 60fps mode then maybe 1 or 2 images may be work. High speed video at 100fps may also allow a still to be grabbed from the footage if the image is for web only.
Thanks for the comment, the opportunities of course decrease at this time of year to capture wild flowering plants but gives the chance to practice indoors with house plants and floral bouquets
Although the close up mode allows you to get very close at wide angle it may not be enough for macro work. I tend to use the #1 or #2 close up lenses (52mm filter threaded) and work at the telephoto end (600mm). For much higher magnification you will need something like the raynox 250. DOF is very shallow so you need to shoot at f8. Ideally off camera flash and a diffuser will give you better shots with no camera shake as this is the biggest spoiler of macro shots outdoors.
Brilliant video as always.. Planning to upgrade my camera from point and shoot to DSLR but it seams that bridge cameras can do fine job too. Please keep those tutorial clips coming.
Thank you Graham. As always, highly informative & very well presented. Macro photography doesn't really impact on my photographic work but I may experiment a bit more now! I can remember one time though where I had to do some food photography for a restaurant advert when I had been briefed to shoot the premises & staff. Must have worked out OK as one shot appeared in a book!
Raynox is the one which is most readily available now. Sigma used to do a great achromat lens but have now discontinued it. Sometimes they appear on ebay but watch for yellowing of the balsam which is used to glue the 2 elements together. The Panasonic DMW-LC55E is also achromatic and you can use a 52mm to 55mm step up ring to attach rather than use the recommended extension tube
Hi thanks for the comment, appreciated. I got the roll from the "Range" a UK chain of home/garden/craft supplies. Just search for "the range" and you will see if their is a local store to you.
Thanks Graham, another great video, I'm learning to get the most out of my FZ200 since finding your youtube videos. and I will say its also better than anything on the television down here too. I cant wait for the next video one to come out mate. I'm throwing the TV out :) Thanks again Graham , much appreciated . Phil.
Thanks for the great videos. I am thinking of getting this camera. My previous camera almost caught fire, it was a Fujifilm HS20EXR. Loved it, but not made anymore. This camera, with the exception of having to use close up lenses for "super" macro. Has all the qualities of my former camera. I love really close up macros, and ultra zoom birds and nature. Thanks again for helping me decide on what camera I will purchase next.... Larry
Great video, i am thinking of getting this camera, i been into photography for 30 yrs and i had thousands of dollars in 35 MM SLR equipment, but it got stolen yrs ago, and i have financial probs now, so i thought this would be a great camera to get back into it, TY again for doing these videos,Harry
There is the facility to use 2x digital zoom for both stills and video. Panasonic claim no loss of image quality in this mode. For most situations this is true however there is quality loss in stills mode but less so in video mode as the conversion process to 1920x1080 from the full sensor (16:9) accommodates this extra reduction. It beats enlarging in photoshop or video editing program
I think you refer to the lens hood and it helps to reduce lens flair due to light striking the glass elements - it also gives some physical protection to the lens
You can fit directly to the lens of the FZ200 as the universal mount covers the 52mm filter thread of the fz200. It's a better option than the conversion tube
Great video as usual Graham. One request if you still have the canon or even kodak camera's you had previously used do some videos featuring them. Thanks.
Hi Graham - another fascinating and informative video. May I ask where you obtained the blue paper roll that you used to photograph the flower head indoors.
You will need to get something like the Raynox 250 lens which allows you to get to 0.5 metre from your subject. Higher magnification will need more specialist lenses and closer working distance. Raynox lenses are very widely available on from Amazon and Ebay retailers so you should have no problems getting one to the Netherland
Thank you so much for being so generous with your tips & how to's. I ordered some lenses today, so this video will be very helpful when they come in. I can still use my old Olympus camera for great macro shots, but that would also mean carrying two cameras. I want to get the good macro shots from my Lumix too. Again, thanks!
Do check out the Nikon D5100 which is about the same price as the FZ200 at the moment, has an articulated screen and offers considerably better performance, if less flexability. Don't get me wrong, I love the Panasonic FZ series and will be getting an FZ200 before too long (having already owned the FZ100 and FZ150). But for macro work the D5100 is outstanding value, even with the kit 18-55mm lens.
Hi Graham, Thank you very much for this video and for teaching us more about this camera, images are wonderful. Are you an artist. I have not bought my FZ200 because I'm thinking of buying the GH2 because I'm interested in the topic of the video. Do you think that really worth? Thanks and best regards.
Thanks a lot for both "close up" explanations. I just got my FZ200 and started practicing with your UA-cam channel on side ;-) I'm trying macro with Red Cherry shrimps (about 2 inches wide). For now, I do set zoom between 1x-2x and use macro mode focus. The whole shrimp body fits in the frame. Can't zoom more as focus won't work and can't get closer because of the tank glass. Will DMW-LC55 or Kood 52mm Close Up set allow me to get "closer" to the shrimps and get more details of the body ? Thx!
Hello Sergio, they refer to the number 1 and 2 of a set of 52mm screw in close up lenses which are easily available on amazon or ebay and are very inexpensive if you want to try close up photography without investing in the more expensive raynox or panasonic lt55 lens
Thanks for all your videos on the Fz200. I found them to be straight forward and easy to understand. I looked forward to each new video. How does one gain access to the other section of your site? Has the book come out yet? I would like to purchase a copy!
Hi Linda, the privileged download section is there by nature of the website, there is no information in there at the moment, I will be making a announcement, this week, about the free ebook and how to download it when it becomes available 2nd week in December
Another great Graham, thanks. I have on order the official Panasonic close up lens, the LC-55, which requires the adapter barrel. I was worried about attaching a close up lens directly to camera as the manual specifically says not to, but I see that you are doing that. Do you think Panasonic are just after selling their own products, or is there some logic in their recommendation?
Thanks Graham, which brand did you buy? I ask as i may buy the same brand as you, incase any other brands would cause vignetting? if thats possible with those kind of filters, which i guess is a possibility?
Noemi, if you're considering a Canon DSLR to shoot flowers, start off by checking out and reading reviews on the 100mm lens (the affordable one without image stabilization and the L Series with IS). But as Graham aptly points out, you'll find out the cost of those lens surpasses the entire cost of the FZ200 !
Graham, your videos are so helpful! I have a FZ80 and am learning so much more about my bridge camera. Question: I love taking macro shots. Can I use the +1 and +2 filters with the fz80?
Thanks, for the video. I find that many of the techniques I used with film cameras I had lost going digital, your series is showing me how they can apply again. One thing I have noticed when using closeup mode (FZ150) is that the max zoom goes to 32x and you can use this extra zoom if you need it, is there a disadvantage to this I am not aware of?
Hello Graham, Being relatively inexperience with cameras, my observation that by adding Panasonic's 1.7x Magnification lens for example lowers your f/4.0 but that is at a 40x zoom range. This should produce very sharp photos at this range in lower light level compare to other mega zoom cameras with f-stops at higher levels. Most other mega zoom bridge cameras have an f-stop around f/5.6 at 40x zoom. What your thoughts on combining this bridge camera with a telephoto magnification lens? TIA
Im just starting out...and have a Panasonic DMC-FZ35(38)...is this ok for some macro shooting...??? I want to do some flowers...and just about anything small...nice video..thanks.
hi Graham if im going to used raynox 250 macro lens for fz200 should i need the extension tube for fz200 or directly attach macro lens to fz200 lens? thank you..
Hi Graham. Firstly thanks for posting these videos, I've found them incredibly useful! I have the FZ200 and was looking at macro lenses, willing to spend up to $120. Is there anything you can reccommend?
Graham, If I want to focus on a bug on a flower from 4 feet away, the camera seems impossible to get a focus in auto or manual mode. Getting close to a bug and have it not fly away for instance is impossible. How does this camera take extreme close ups using the telephoto from a distance?
At 4 feet away the macro AF mode will focus if you select a small single point target, or in manual mode you can focus. The trouble will be the image size is small. To get bigger image at this distance you need 3 things a number 2 close up lens, the LTE55 teleconverter lens and the LA7 conversion tube ( for the FZ200) this way you can get 1 cm long bugs filling the frame at 4ft.
Graham Houghton Hi Graham. Sometimes you suggest close up lenses only, and just now you've also suggested a teleconverter lens and a conversion tube. When do you need the extra converters? I am enjoying taking close ups of flowers at the moment (no extra lenses) but do hope to take pictures of snowflakes, (if we get any snow in the UK this year!!). Thanks
Lorna G Hi Lorna, it's all to do with the amount of background blur (or defocus as some call it). Using a close up lens is a great way to magnify the image size and as a result gives a nice out of focus background which isolates the subject quite nicely. Sometimes you need to be further way to capture your shot (insects and butterflies etc) so the only way to get this magnified image is to use a tele conversion lens and its associated mounting tube. It allows you to use a longer focal length ( usually x1.8) and this means you can either bring objects nearer or through the backgrounds even more of of focus. Hope that helps.
Hello Graham, Can you tell me where I can buy a lens for de fz200. I want to mak really close-ups from insects, but if I zoom in en stand away a meter, it will not be sharp (maybe I do it not good, tell me then how). But I need to ship the lens to the Netherlands, which one do I need and where can I buy them? Greetings Mathijs.
I guess because it is 55mm they needed to adapt this to the 52mm lens of the fz200 - why not use a step up ring? I have no problems with using the supplementary lenses as they are fairly lightweight and give better control of my image zoom where the convertor tube sets the mag to x4 to stop the adaptor tube vignetting.
I love the Fz300 but a friend is asking me to help him decide between FZ300 or FZ 80 which is cheaper with more zoom and MP as well... please can you advice?
good video thank you. I have the FZ72 and I'm trying to do some timelapse but can't work out the best way to use the camera and control the timelapse and intervals. would you have any thoughts? thank you
The beginning of the video said, Lumix FZ200. Everyone is talking about the cameras doing great video, but I want one to do great macro without having to change lenses on a DSLR. There's not many demonstrations of those, so thanks for doing them!! I was looking at the FZ200 or the 1000. Haven't decided yet. I like the idea of a fixed 2.8 lens, but it costs almost twice as much.
Sheila C The FZ200 has recently dropped in price and is under 1/2 of the original retail price. Using a raynox 150 close up lens or a #2 achromatic close up lens you will get some very good results. As the camera has a lot more depth of field due to the lens design on the small sensor it gives better opportunities even at f2.8 compared to entry level dslr's when it comes to this type of picture. I've found the FZ1000 doesn't behave too well with macro lens attachments but I am still working on this.
I have panasonic f2300 if I shot video 4k 30fp appear f2.8 shutter speed 100 Iso 100 background it's not clear i want clear background can you tell tips please
my bridge camera doesn't have lenses and I was wondering if you can buy lenses to fit it? its a Fujifilm finepix S. thanks for all your advice, its really inspirering. grace {12}
If the lens has a filter thread then you can get close up lenses which will screw into it. The size is usually engraved inside the lens cap. If it is one of these models then these will work www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Macro-Close-Up-Lenses-Lens-Kit-for-Fuji-FinePix-S9600-S9500-S6500-S9100-S9000-/271262214374
Hello Sir .this is Rudra from India . I've purchased fz200 after watching ur excellent upload. Can you pls upload a video on how to shoot 3D images with this camera. It will be of great help
It is easy enough to shoot 3D images using the scene mode however to see the effects you will need a 3D enabled TV or monitor. I could show the technique but obviously could not show the images here in a video.
Hi Graham, I have been given a FZ200 but I find that it has two vertical and two horizontal lines on the LCD screen, but look as I may at your very fine videos I cant see a way of removing these, any help would be very much appreciated. Colin.
I followed the instructions (I'm in aperture priority, ISO set to 100) but every time I go to take the shot the shutter speed is at least 1 second meaning bad camera shake. It won't let me change the shutter speed in AP mode and in Manual it's just a black image. Any ideas? My camera is the FZ45
Yes you are correct, as RAW uses the image data from the sensor I guess Panasonic decided that digital zoom wasn't a feature you would want when trying to output the best image quality from a RAW file.
oh, in the next video, no flash (but would also work), but shadow . . i do have a 100mm but ive been using a 135mm and 7O-2OOmm-7O-3OOMM . . thank you for the bamboo trick!!!! . . especially in mar-apr-may! . . a yardstick instead of bamboo (cut down to size) here in the us
Graham thanks for your advices, I used my LUMIX FZ 200 in the Galapagos islands it worked a treat - thanks for the hints and techniques.
Now I need to get the composition right I think this is the hard part of photography, getting that memorable shot
Well produced Graham, clear and concise, just the job!
Graham, thanks a lot, I bought this camera last week and as a botanist I need close ups of plants! But I was not happy with my first efforts at close up, this is just what I needed! Will let you know how I get on using your tips...
Good tips on macro photography and its good to see you don't need TTL flashes, purpose made back drops, diffusers , macro lenses ect to get some great macro shots, it's all about being creative. I use to do a lot of macro photography with dslrs and macro lenses and the results were fasanating, but when they go into a competition , the judges always wanted more depth of field, which was hard on a macro lens, now it's the opposite. Lol. Many thanks, keep up the great vids.
Hi Graham great video very useful when taking flower shots, thanks Brian
Thanks for your quick response. There is a Range store quite close to me so that is a great result for me.
Tim, thanks for your comment and I was on the Great Orme on Monday and could have done with a bit of wind to drive off the fog! The #1 and #2 lenses do allow you to get a decent working distance without loss of f-stop. I use the #2 in nearly all situations but the #1 allows you to move out a little and still get great sharpness in the background to show the habitat as well as the plant.
Thank you Graham for your informed and clear videos on LUMIX bridge cameras
I'll greatly appreciate a video or a series dedicated to the FZ 80 as well
It would be nice to have a view of what you are doing on the menu screen for the beginners amongst us.
Raw jpg
Thankyou Graham for such a informative video. I've had my FZ200 for a few years now and have never been happy with my macro shots. With the knowledge i have gained buy watching your videos my macros have improved dramatically. Can't wait till my achromatic close up lens arrive. Thanks again from Adelaide South Australia.
Fantastic as ever. FZ200 on its way. Thank you so much for this and your other videos. This genre is my particular favourite. Keep them coming.
If you want to use the camera for moving objects the easiest way is to use Shutter priority mode. Turn the top control dial to S position. You can now adjust the shutter speed with the small control wheel to the desired speed. If the subject is moving across the camera and quite close try 1/500 to start with. If the image is still blurred goto 1/1000 sec. You can either have auto ISO set or choose iso 400 to give you enough exposure control. See how you get on with that mode first before using P
Hi Graham.
Thanks, as ever, for a very useful video. I photograph wild flowers quite often, and always via the macro route - encountering all the snags you mentioned. the telephoto method looks much more interesting (but then I'll be in the f6.3 area on my camera...). Will look into the additional close-up lens approach; you got some lovely images that way.
Wind (the meteorological kind) is always a problem on the hills of Mid-Wales.
Thanks for the hints, and the great pictures.
Tim
I loved this video. Especially the part outside with that lovely nature all around is salubrious. I like this video more than a Pink Floyd concert. Thank you!
I can't make your decision however there are some advantages that bridge camera have and that is why so many people now are purchasing these cameras over DSLR's or CSC's. Size, weight and convenience in shooting coupled with full range of lenses without the need to swap lenses make these cameras so attractive. Image quality is usually pretty good for most peoples needs. If you do need large format prints over A4 size then dslr will be better. I have 4 dslr and the FZ200 is the camera of choice
Hi, thanks for the comment. You are right the macro works great and in this video I show the wide angle (macro mode) and the advantage of a close up lens to decrease the telephoto minimum focus distance to provide for a blurred background to help isolate the subject. I would normally do a wide shot to show a plants habitat and then an isolated shot of the bloom to show the intricate detail with the background out of focus. ND filters increase exposure times or cut down light in order to use f2.8
Thanks for the comment, as you say humming birds don't migrate to us, pity. I guess the answer is to use the high speed burst mode in this situation with the camera set to manual focus at about the distance you require. With 5.5fps using autofocus it may not acquire focus before the bird backs off. Using the 60fps mode then maybe 1 or 2 images may be work. High speed video at 100fps may also allow a still to be grabbed from the footage if the image is for web only.
Thanks for the comment, the opportunities of course decrease at this time of year to capture wild flowering plants but gives the chance to practice indoors with house plants and floral bouquets
Although the close up mode allows you to get very close at wide angle it may not be enough for macro work. I tend to use the #1 or #2 close up lenses (52mm filter threaded) and work at the telephoto end (600mm). For much higher magnification you will need something like the raynox 250. DOF is very shallow so you need to shoot at f8. Ideally off camera flash and a diffuser will give you better shots with no camera shake as this is the biggest spoiler of macro shots outdoors.
Brilliant video as always.. Planning to upgrade my camera from point and shoot to DSLR but it seams that bridge cameras can do fine job too. Please keep those tutorial clips coming.
Thank you Graham. As always, highly informative & very well presented. Macro photography doesn't really impact on my photographic work but I may experiment a bit more now! I can remember one time though where I had to do some food photography for a restaurant advert when I had been briefed to shoot the premises & staff. Must have worked out OK as one shot appeared in a book!
Raynox is the one which is most readily available now. Sigma used to do a great achromat lens but have now discontinued it. Sometimes they appear on ebay but watch for yellowing of the balsam which is used to glue the 2 elements together. The Panasonic DMW-LC55E is also achromatic and you can use a 52mm to 55mm step up ring to attach rather than use the recommended extension tube
Hi thanks for the comment, appreciated. I got the roll from the "Range" a UK chain of home/garden/craft supplies. Just search for "the range" and you will see if their is a local store to you.
Thanks Graham, another great video, I'm learning to get the most out of my FZ200 since finding your youtube videos. and I will say its also better than anything on the television down here too. I cant wait for the next video one to come out mate. I'm throwing the TV out :) Thanks again Graham , much appreciated .
Phil.
Thanks for the great videos. I am thinking of getting this camera. My previous camera almost caught fire, it was a Fujifilm HS20EXR. Loved it, but not made anymore. This camera, with the exception of having to use close up lenses for "super" macro. Has all the qualities of my former camera. I love really close up macros, and ultra zoom birds and nature. Thanks again for helping me decide on what camera I will purchase next.... Larry
Great video, i am thinking of getting this camera, i been into photography for 30 yrs and i had thousands of dollars in 35 MM SLR equipment, but it got stolen yrs ago, and i have financial probs now, so i thought this would be a great camera to get back into it, TY again for doing these videos,Harry
Hi, thanks for the comment, the 52mm lens set will allow you to get some great shots, just use the #1 or #2 for best results.
There is the facility to use 2x digital zoom for both stills and video. Panasonic claim no loss of image quality in this mode. For most situations this is true however there is quality loss in stills mode but less so in video mode as the conversion process to 1920x1080 from the full sensor (16:9) accommodates this extra reduction. It beats enlarging in photoshop or video editing program
I think you refer to the lens hood and it helps to reduce lens flair due to light striking the glass elements - it also gives some physical protection to the lens
You can fit directly to the lens of the FZ200 as the universal mount covers the 52mm filter thread of the fz200. It's a better option than the conversion tube
thanks, Graham!
People need to come watch your videos and learn you don't need the most expensive gear to take stunning photos.
nicely presented piece grahjam !
Great video as usual Graham. One request if you still have the canon or even kodak camera's you had previously used do some videos featuring them. Thanks.
Hi Graham - another fascinating and informative video. May I ask where you obtained the blue paper roll that you used to photograph the flower head indoors.
You will need to get something like the Raynox 250 lens which allows you to get to 0.5 metre from your subject. Higher magnification will need more specialist lenses and closer working distance. Raynox lenses are very widely available on from Amazon and Ebay retailers so you should have no problems getting one to the Netherland
Hi Kevin they are 52mm close up lenses - available in sets of 3 from amazon or ebay and cost under £10
Thank you so much for being so generous with your tips & how to's. I ordered some lenses today, so this video will be very helpful when they come in. I can still use my old Olympus camera for great macro shots, but that would also mean carrying two cameras. I want to get the good macro shots from my Lumix too. Again, thanks!
thank you, close ups offer hours of enjoyment in creating lovely images from all kinds of everyday objects - enjoy
Do check out the Nikon D5100 which is about the same price as the FZ200 at the moment, has an articulated screen and offers considerably better performance, if less flexability. Don't get me wrong, I love the Panasonic FZ series and will be getting an FZ200 before too long (having already owned the FZ100 and FZ150). But for macro work the D5100 is outstanding value, even with the kit 18-55mm lens.
Hi Graham,
Thank you very much for this video and for teaching us more about this camera, images are wonderful. Are you an artist.
I have not bought my FZ200 because I'm thinking of buying the GH2 because I'm interested in the topic of the video. Do you think that really worth?
Thanks and best regards.
Do you have any tips for macro photography on the Canon sx240 ? Really enjoying your vids.
Thanks a lot for both "close up" explanations. I just got my FZ200 and started practicing with your UA-cam channel on side ;-)
I'm trying macro with Red Cherry shrimps (about 2 inches wide). For now, I do set zoom between 1x-2x and use macro mode focus. The whole shrimp body fits in the frame. Can't zoom more as focus won't work and can't get closer because of the tank glass. Will DMW-LC55 or Kood 52mm Close Up set allow me to get "closer" to the shrimps and get more details of the body ?
Thx!
Hello Sergio, they refer to the number 1 and 2 of a set of 52mm screw in close up lenses which are easily available on amazon or ebay and are very inexpensive if you want to try close up photography without investing in the more expensive raynox or panasonic lt55 lens
Thanks for all your videos on the Fz200. I found them to be straight forward and easy to understand. I looked forward to each new video. How does one gain access to the other section of your site? Has the book come out yet? I would like to purchase a copy!
Hi Linda, the privileged download section is there by nature of the website, there is no information in there at the moment, I will be making a announcement, this week, about the free ebook and how to download it when it becomes available 2nd week in December
Graham, thks for the great videos. What are the macro lenses one and two that you mention on the video?
Another great Graham, thanks. I have on order the official Panasonic close up lens, the LC-55, which requires the adapter barrel. I was worried about attaching a close up lens directly to camera as the manual specifically says not to, but I see that you are doing that. Do you think Panasonic are just after selling their own products, or is there some logic in their recommendation?
Thanks Graham, which brand did you buy? I ask as i may buy the same brand as you, incase any other brands would cause vignetting? if thats possible with those kind of filters, which i guess is a possibility?
ah close up lenses ...thought you were thinking interchangeable lens...great videos
Hi Graham hope you are doing well.
The #1 & #2 lens adapter where did you buy them from and they will fit the fz150 aswell right?
i want to try my fz200 shoot macro on bugs/insects... any advice?
good day!
Thanks again for viewing and commenting, appreciated.
Noemi, if you're considering a Canon DSLR to shoot flowers, start off by checking out and reading reviews on the 100mm lens (the affordable one without image stabilization and the L Series with IS). But as Graham aptly points out, you'll find out the cost of those lens surpasses the entire cost of the FZ200 !
Graham, your videos are so helpful! I have a FZ80 and am learning so much more about my bridge camera. Question: I love taking macro shots. Can I use the +1 and +2 filters with the fz80?
Thanks, for the video. I find that many of the techniques I used with film cameras I had lost going digital, your series is showing me how they can apply again. One thing I have noticed when using closeup mode (FZ150) is that the max zoom goes to 32x and you can use this extra zoom if you need it, is there a disadvantage to this I am not aware of?
Hello Graham, Being relatively inexperience with cameras, my observation that by adding Panasonic's 1.7x Magnification lens for example lowers your f/4.0 but that is at a 40x zoom range. This should produce very sharp photos at this range in lower light level compare to other mega zoom cameras with f-stops at higher levels. Most other mega zoom bridge cameras have an f-stop around f/5.6 at 40x zoom. What your thoughts on combining this bridge camera with a telephoto magnification lens?
TIA
Many thanks for viewing and the comment, appreciated.
I'd love to be there to give this a try!
Hi Graham, i really need your help in deciding what camera to buy, i have a choice of a bridge camera or a manual slr camera
Im just starting out...and have a Panasonic DMC-FZ35(38)...is this ok for some macro shooting...??? I want to do some flowers...and just about anything small...nice video..thanks.
thank you for sharing beauty with us!!!! :-) . . when you shoot, i think you shoot natural light, right?? . . or do you shoot with flash??
hi Graham if im going to used raynox 250 macro lens for fz200 should i need the extension tube for fz200 or directly attach macro lens to fz200 lens? thank you..
Hi Graham. Firstly thanks for posting these videos, I've found them incredibly useful! I have the FZ200 and was looking at macro lenses, willing to spend up to $120. Is there anything you can reccommend?
Nice ! Very usefull, also for my TZ30
Graham,
If I want to focus on a bug on a flower from 4 feet away, the camera seems impossible to get a focus in auto or manual mode. Getting close to a bug and have it not fly away for instance is impossible. How does this camera take extreme close ups using the telephoto from a distance?
At 4 feet away the macro AF mode will focus if you select a small single point target, or in manual mode you can focus. The trouble will be the image size is small. To get bigger image at this distance you need 3 things a number 2 close up lens, the LTE55 teleconverter lens and the LA7 conversion tube ( for the FZ200) this way you can get 1 cm long bugs filling the frame at 4ft.
Awesome advice. Thank you.
Graham Houghton Hi Graham. Sometimes you suggest close up lenses only, and just now you've also suggested a teleconverter lens and a conversion tube. When do you need the extra converters? I am enjoying taking close ups of flowers at the moment (no extra lenses) but do hope to take pictures of snowflakes, (if we get any snow in the UK this year!!). Thanks
Lorna G Hi Lorna, it's all to do with the amount of background blur (or defocus as some call it). Using a close up lens is a great way to magnify the image size and as a result gives a nice out of focus background which isolates the subject quite nicely. Sometimes you need to be further way to capture your shot (insects and butterflies etc) so the only way to get this magnified image is to use a tele conversion lens and its associated mounting tube. It allows you to use a longer focal length ( usually x1.8) and this means you can either bring objects nearer or through the backgrounds even more of of focus. Hope that helps.
Hi, i have a powershot sx 70hs, can i adapt my camera to make macro extreme photography?
thanks! ... raynox .. gotta check that out, ive seen a video as well which the uploader used raynox 250. good day graham thanks again.
Hello Graham, Can you tell me where I can buy a lens for de fz200. I want to mak really close-ups from insects, but if I zoom in en stand away a meter, it will not be sharp (maybe I do it not good, tell me then how). But I need to ship the lens to the Netherlands, which one do I need and where can I buy them? Greetings Mathijs.
what does the bit at the end of the leans called and what does it do ?
I guess because it is 55mm they needed to adapt this to the 52mm lens of the fz200 - why not use a step up ring? I have no problems with using the supplementary lenses as they are fairly lightweight and give better control of my image zoom where the convertor tube sets the mag to x4 to stop the adaptor tube vignetting.
I love the Fz300 but a friend is asking me to help him decide between FZ300 or FZ 80 which is cheaper with more zoom and MP as well... please can you advice?
Is your book on Amazon called Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200 User's Manual Is this book a good choice if I have the FZ72 ?
thanks, please do let me know how you progress.
Hi graham , ive got the panasonic FZ82 , but i can't find the macro on my camera , where will it be ?
what do you mean by number two close up lens for the fz200
..and thank you for the comment
good video thank you.
I have the FZ72 and I'm trying to do some timelapse but can't work out the best way to use the camera and control the timelapse and intervals. would you have any thoughts? thank you
I just got a FZ72 as my first camera today, can you give me any tips?
Nice video Graham. Would you mind tell me what camera was used for the video?
Panasonic Lumix GH3 I believe this one was.
The beginning of the video said, Lumix FZ200. Everyone is talking about the cameras doing great video, but I want one to do great macro without having to change lenses on a DSLR. There's not many demonstrations of those, so thanks for doing them!! I was looking at the FZ200 or the 1000. Haven't decided yet. I like the idea of a fixed 2.8 lens, but it costs almost twice as much.
Sheila C The FZ200 has recently dropped in price and is under 1/2 of the original retail price. Using a raynox 150 close up lens or a #2 achromatic close up lens you will get some very good results. As the camera has a lot more depth of field due to the lens design on the small sensor it gives better opportunities even at f2.8 compared to entry level dslr's when it comes to this type of picture. I've found the FZ1000 doesn't behave too well with macro lens attachments but I am still working on this.
Graham Houghton Why do people spend big money on a camera purposely for a shallow DOF and then layer the picture in post for a deeper DOF
Thanks for the video.
Thank you for the effort.
I have panasonic f2300 if I shot video 4k 30fp appear f2.8 shutter speed 100 Iso 100 background it's not clear i want clear background can you tell tips please
Thanks, glad you understood in the end.
my bridge camera doesn't have lenses and I was wondering if you can buy lenses to fit it? its a Fujifilm finepix S. thanks for all your advice, its really inspirering.
grace {12}
If the lens has a filter thread then you can get close up lenses which will screw into it. The size is usually engraved inside the lens cap. If it is one of these models then these will work
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Macro-Close-Up-Lenses-Lens-Kit-for-Fuji-FinePix-S9600-S9500-S6500-S9100-S9000-/271262214374
Hello Sir .this is Rudra from India . I've purchased fz200 after watching ur excellent upload. Can you pls upload a video on how to shoot 3D images with this camera. It will be of great help
It is easy enough to shoot 3D images using the scene mode however to see the effects you will need a 3D enabled TV or monitor. I could show the technique but obviously could not show the images here in a video.
Hi Graham, what is the brand of close up lenses you use for this?
These are just generic ones from amazon, These were KOOD 52mm closeup lenses, a set of 3
Hi Graham, I have been given a FZ200 but I find that it has two vertical and two horizontal lines on the LCD screen, but look as I may at your very fine videos I cant see a way of removing these, any help would be very much appreciated. Colin.
These are guidlines. Go in to menu. SETUP. Guide line. (page 3) can turn off or change. It is a good tool for using rule of thirds. Read about that.
I followed the instructions (I'm in aperture priority, ISO set to 100) but every time I go to take the shot the shutter speed is at least 1 second meaning bad camera shake. It won't let me change the shutter speed in AP mode and in Manual it's just a black image. Any ideas? My camera is the FZ45
Hi Graham. I only seem to be able to get full zoom (including digital) when I knock off the RAW and just use JPEG. Is this the case?
Yes you are correct, as RAW uses the image data from the sensor I guess Panasonic decided that digital zoom wasn't a feature you would want when trying to output the best image quality from a RAW file.
oh, in the next video, no flash (but would also work), but shadow . . i do have a 100mm but ive been using a 135mm and 7O-2OOmm-7O-3OOMM . . thank you for the bamboo trick!!!! . . especially in mar-apr-may! . . a yardstick instead of bamboo (cut down to size) here in the us
Im still going. :-) Lots to go still. lol Enjoying the journey. ;-)
How to change FZ200 viewfinder from LCD style to viewfinder style?
Thank you for the video
What zoom setting did you use for the macro please ? Don't think you mentioned it.
I'm sorry i do not understand your question here!
is a good option to buy this camera for dental macro photography?
It has good depth of field which might be what you want, just ensure you have enough light to illuminate the subject
than you i bought it :D
Great. Thank you.
Great, thanks for that!
The ones I bought are marked Kood and from ebay retailer.
You're welcome.
Thank you so much xxx