Panasonic Lumix FZ...

[NickMorgan]

Thank you Jack. I will certainly try to get myself an achromatic lens. I have found the macro setting, but it is the options on the main dial that I still have to master! I hope that we get a few more sunny days soon so I can experiment some more. It is a remarkably good camera, and it is just the operator that has to improve!
I haven't had a chance to try out much close up macro photography with it yet, as the only two sunny days were also quite windy.

[Jack Harrison]

NickMorgan

it is the options on the main dial that I still have to master!

What's the expression? 100 ways to skin a cat (or something like that). Intelligent auto is perhaps the simplest, but I prefer more direct control. I learnt things like aperture and exposure and ISOs (called Scheiner then), depth of field, etc, some 60 years ago. It was a good apprenticeship. My usual operating mode today is aperture priority but that is my method and wouldn't be everyone's preferred option. There are 99 other ways to do it.

Jack

[NickMorgan]

I have been having fun experimenting with the FZ150. I am very impressed with what it can do. As I said in my diary I am able to observe the butterflies far better by not having to chase after them and get close to them. It is so much easier being able to stand 1 - 2 metres away to take the pictures. I am amazed with the depth of field that it produces.

My little Canon compact wouldn't manage to have all of this Speckled Wood in focus.
I have also been playing with exposure compensation and the Auto Bracket is a very handy feature.

I'm still not 100% with this, though. I have always found that my compact camera over-exposed white butterflies and I am pleased with these pictures, although I am not sure about the dark backgrounds. I have still got a lot to learn and need to practice more, too!

[NickMorgan]

Maybe I went a little too far with that male Orange Tip. Now I think this one is better!