For more information on how to adjust focus and exposure, select your model from the list below
For model DC-FZ1000M2
Applicable Shooting modes
Fixing the Focus and the Exposure (AF/AE Lock)
This is useful when you want to take a picture of a subject outside the AF area or the contrast is too strong and you cannot achieve appropriate exposure.
- Point the camera at the subject.
- Press and hold [AF / AE LOCK] to fix the focus or exposure.
- If you release [AF / AE LOCK], AF / AE Lock is cancelled.
- Only the exposure is locked in the default setting.
- While pressing [AF / AE LOCK], move the camera as you compose the picture and then press shutter button fully to take the photo.
Setting the functions of [AF/AE LOCK] button
Press [MENU] → [
Custom Settings] → [
Focus / Release Shutter] → [AF / AE LOCK]
| Setting | Information |
|---|---|
| [AE LOCK] | Only the exposure is locked. Is only effective when taking pictures with Manual Focus.
|
| [AF LOCK] | Only the focus is locked. Is only effective when taking pictures with Manual Exposure Mode.
|
| [AF / AE LOCK] | Both focus and exposure are locked.
|
| [AF-ON] | Auto Focus is performed. |
Program Shift can be set even when AE is locked. | |
To view more AF / AE Lock information for this model, please click here to view the Operating Manual
For model DC-FZ80
Applicable Shooting modes
AF / AE Lock is useful when you want to take a picture of a subject outside the AF area or the contrast is too strong and you cannot achieve appropriate exposure.
Fixing the focus and exposure (AF / AE Lock)
- Align the screen with the subject.
- Press and hold [AF / AE LOCK] to fix the focus or exposure.
- If you release [AF / AE LOCK], AF / AE Lock is canceled.
- Only the exposure is locked in the default setting.
- While pressing [AF / AE LOCK], move the camera as you compose the picture and then press the shutter button fully.
How to set AF / AE Lock Functions
Press [MENU] → [
Custom] → [AF / AE LOCK]
| [AE LOCK] | Only the exposure is locked.
|
|---|---|
| [AF LOCK] | Only the focus is locked.
|
| [AF / AE LOCK] | Both focus and exposure are locked.
|
| [AF-ON] | Auto Focus is performed |
Notes:
- AF Lock is only effective when taking pictures in Manual Exposure Mode.
- AE Lock is only effective when taking pictures with Manual Focus.
- The subject can be focused again by pressing the shutter button halfway even when AE is locked.
- Program Shift can be set even when AE is locked.
To view more AF / AE Lock information for this model, please click here to view the Operating Manual
For model DC-G100
Applicable Shooting modes
Press [MENU] → [How to set AF / AE Lock Functions
Custom] → [Focus / Release Shutter] → [AF / AE LOCK]
To view more AF / AE Lock information for this model, please click here to view the Operating Manual
For model DC-G9
Applicable Shooting modes
To view more AF / AE Lock information for this model, please click here to view the Operating Manual
For model DC-G95
Applicable Shooting modes
To view more AF / AE Lock information for this model, please click here to view the Operating Manual
For model DC-GH5
To view more AF / AE Lock information for this model, please click here to view the Operating Manual
For model DC-GH5S
To view more AF / AE Lock information for this model, please click here to view the Operating Manual
For model DC-GH6
Applicable Shooting modes
Applicable Recording modes
Lock the focus and exposure in advance to take pictures with the same focus and exposure settings while changing the composition. This is useful when you want to bring an edge of the screen into focus or there is a backlight, for example.
| Setting | Information |
|---|---|
| [AE LOCK] | The exposure is locked. |
| [AF LOCK] | The focus is locked. |
| [AF / AE LOCK] | Both focus and exposure are locked. |
- Register[AE LOCK], [AF LOCK], or [AF / AE LOCK] to the Fn button.
- These cannot be registered to [Fn4] to [Fn8].
- Lock focus and exposure.
- Press and hold the Fn button.
- If focus is locked, then the AF lock icon will be displayed (AFL).
- If exposure is locked, then the AE lock icon will be displayed (AEL).
- You can maintain lock even without pressing and holding the Fn button. View page 552 in the Owner's Manual for more information
- You can make fine manual adjustments to the focus during AF lock. View page 553 in the Owner's Manual for more information
- Hold the Fn button to decide on the composition and then perform recording.
- Press the shutter button fully.
To view more AF / AE Lock information for this model, please click here to view the Operating Manual
For model DC-GX850
Applicable Shooting modes
Fixing the Focus and the Exposure (AF/AE Lock)
This is useful when you want to take a picture of a subject outside the AF area or the contrast is too strong and you cannot achieve appropriate exposure.
- Assign [AF / AE LOCK] to a function button.
- You can assign [AF / AE LOCK] only to [Fn1], [Fn2], or [Fn3].
- Point the camera at the subject.
- Press and hold the function button to fix the focus or exposure.
- If you release the function button, AF/AE Lock is cancelled.
- Only the exposure is locked in the default setting.
- While pressing [AF / AE LOCK], move the camera as you compose the picture and then press shutter button fully to take the photo.
Setting the functions of [AF/AE LOCK] button
Press [MENU] → [Custom Settings] → [AF / AE LOCK]
| Setting | Information |
|---|---|
| [AE LOCK] | Only the exposure is locked. Is only effective when taking pictures with Manual Focus.
|
| [AF LOCK] | Only the focus is locked. Is only effective when taking pictures with Manual Exposure Mode.
|
| [AF / AE LOCK] | Both focus and exposure are locked.
|
| [AF-ON] | Auto Focus is performed. |
| |
To view more AF / AE Lock information for this model, please click here to view the Operating Manual
For model DC-GX9
To view more AF / AE Lock information for this model, please click here to view the Operating Manual
For model DC-LX100M2
Applicable Shooting modes
Fixing the Focus and the Exposure (AF/AE Lock)
This is useful when you want to take a picture of a subject outside the AF area or the contrast is too strong and you cannot achieve appropriate exposure.
- Point the camera at the subject.
- Press and hold [AF / AE LOCK] to fix the focus or exposure.
- If you release [AF / AE LOCK], AF/AE Lock is cancelled.
- While pressing [AF / AE LOCK], move the camera as you compose the picture and then press shutter button fully to take the photo.
Setting the functions of [AF/AE LOCK] button
Press [MENU] → [Custom Settings] → [
Focus / Release Shutter] → [AF / AE LOCK]
| Setting | Information |
|---|---|
| [AE LOCK] | Only the exposure is locked. Is only effective when taking pictures with Manual Focus.
|
| [AF LOCK] | Only the focus is locked. Is only effective when taking pictures with Manual Exposure Mode.
|
| [AF / AE LOCK] | Both focus and exposure are locked.
|
| [AF-ON] | Auto Focus is performed. |
| |
To view more AF / AE Lock information for this model, please click here to view the Operating Manual
For model DC-ZS70
Applicable Shooting modes
The AF/AE Lock function is convenient, for example, when there is too much contrast with the subject and you cannot get appropriate exposure (AE Lock) or when you want to take a still picture composed with the subject outside the AF area (AF Lock).
To execute the AF/AE Lock function, it is necessary to register [AF / AE LOCK] to the function button.
- Point the camera at the subject.
- Lock the focus and/or exposure while you press and hold the function button.
- When you release the function button, the focus and/or exposure lock is cancelled.
- While you press and hold the function button, move the camera to compose the picture you want to take and fully press the shutter button.
To view more AF / AE Lock information for this model, please click here to view the Operating Manual
For model DC-ZS80
To view more AF / AE Lock information for this model, please click here to view the Operating Manual
For model DC-ZS200
Applicable Shooting modes
To view more AF / AE Lock information for this model, please click here to view the Operating Manual
For model DC-S1
Applicable Shooting modes
Applicable Recording modes
Lock the focus and exposure in advance to take pictures with the same focus and exposure settings while changing the composition. This is useful when you want to bring an edge of the screen into focus or there is a backlight, for example.
| Setting | Information |
|---|---|
| [AE LOCK] | The exposure is locked. |
| [AF LOCK] | The focus is locked. |
| [AF / AE LOCK] | Both focus and exposure are locked. |
- Register[AE LOCK], [AF LOCK], or [AF / AE LOCK] to the Fn button.
- These cannot be registered to [Fn3] to [Fn7].
- Lock focus and exposure.
- Press and hold the Fn button.
- If focus is locked, then the AF lock icon will be displayed (AFL).
- If exposure is locked, then the AE lock icon will be displayed (AEL).
- You can maintain lock even without pressing and holding the Fn button by pressing: [MENU] → [
Settings] → [AF Menu] → [AF/AE Lock Hold]
- Hold the Fn button to decide on the composition and then perform recording.
- Press the shutter button fully.
Exposure Tools for Video - DC-S1H Tutorial
To view more AF / AE Lock information for this model, please click here to view the Operating Manual
For model DC-S1H
To view more AF / AE Lock information for this model, please click here to view the Operating Manual
For model DC-S1R
To view more AF / AE Lock information for this model, please click here to view the Operating Manual
For model DC-S5
To view more AF / AE Lock information for this model, please click here to view the Operating Manual
For model DMC-CM1
Applicable Shooting modes
This is useful when you want to take a picture of a subject outside the AF area or the contrast is too strong and you cannot achieve appropriate exposure.
Setting the functions of [AF/AE LOCK] button
Press [MENU] → [Custom Settings] → [AF / AE LOCK]
| Setting | Information |
|---|---|
| [AE LOCK] | Only the exposure is locked. Is only effective when taking pictures with Manual Focus.
|
| [AF LOCK] | Only the focus is locked. Is only effective when taking pictures with Manual Exposure Mode.
|
| [AF / AE LOCK] | Both focus and exposure are locked.
|
| [AF-ON] | Auto Focus is performed. |
| [OFF] | - |
| |
- Point the camera at the subject.
- Tap [AF / AE LOCK] to fix the focus or exposure.
- If you tap [AF / AE LOCK] once again, AF / AE Lock is cancelled.
- While pressing [AF / AE LOCK], move the camera as you compose the picture and then press shutter button fully to take the photo.
Not available in the following case:
- When recording motion pictures.
To view more AF / AE Lock information for this model, please click here to view the Operating Manual
For model DMC-FZ1000
DMC-FZ1000 Applicable Shooting modes
To view more AF / AE Lock information for this model, please click here to view the Operating Manual
For model DMC-FZ2500
To view more AF / AE Lock information for this model, please click here to view the Operating Manual
For model DMC-FZ300
Applicable Shooting modes
To view more AF / AE Lock information for this model, please click here to view the Operating Manual
For model DMC-G7
To view more AF / AE Lock information for this model, please click here to view the Operating Manual
For model DMC-G85
To view more AF / AE Lock information for this model, please click here to view the Operating Manual
For model DMC-GF7
Applicable Shooting modes
This is useful when you want to take a picture of a subject outside the AF area or the contrast is too strong and you cannot achieve appropriate exposure.
Fixing the Focus and the Exposure (AF/AE Lock)
Note: [AF / AE LOCK] can only be assigned to [Fn1].
- Point the camera at the subject.
- Adjust the focus and/or exposure while you press the function button.
- AF/AE Lock is canceled by pressing function button again.
- Only the exposure is locked in the default setting.
- While you press the function button, move the camera to compose the picture you want to take and then press the shutter button fully.
To view more AF / AE Lock information for this model, please click here to view the Operating Manual
For model DMC-GH4
Applicable Shooting modes
Press [MENU] → [Maintaining / Removing the lock when [AF/AE LOCK] is released
Custom] → [AF / AE LOCK HOLD] → [ON] / [OFF]
To view more AF / AE Lock information for this model, please click here to view the Operating Manual
For model DMC-GX85
Applicable Shooting modes
To view more AF / AE Lock information for this model, please click here to view the Operating Manual
For model DMC-LX10
Applicable Shooting modes
This is useful when you want to take a picture of a subject outside the AF area or the contrast is too strong and you cannot achieve appropriate exposure.
Fixing the Focus and the Exposure (AF/AE Lock)
- Point the camera at the subject.
- Adjust the focus and/or exposure while you press the function button.
- Press and hold the function button to lock the focus and / or exposure.
- Only the exposure is locked in the default setting.
- While you press the function button, move the camera to compose the picture you want to take and then press the shutter button fully.
To view more AF / AE Lock information for this model, please click here to view the Operating Manual
For model DMC-LX100
Applicable Shooting modes
To view more AF / AE Lock information for this model, please click here to view the Operating Manual
For model DMC-ZS50
Applicable Shooting modes
To view more AF / AE Lock information for this model, please click here to view the Operating Manual
For model DMC-ZS60
Applicable Shooting modes
To view more AF / AE Lock information for this model, please click here to view the Operating Manual
For model DMC-ZS100
Applicable Shooting modes
To view more AF / AE Lock information for this model, please click here to view the Operating Manual
FAQs
How do you lock a focus and exposure setting? ›
To lock the focus and exposure point, simply tap and hold on that part of the screen for a few seconds. When you see AE/AF Lock in a yellow box at the top of the screen, release your finger. When AE/AF Lock is activated, the focus is locked on that part of the scene.
What is AE lock AF lock on a camera? ›Google Camera, like most camera apps has an AF/AE lock feature. This feature lets you lock automatic and flash exposure. If you have a DSLR camera lying around, it probably has a dedicated button(s) for this setting.
How do you use exposure lock? ›Just about all DSLR cameras have an auto exposure lock button. When you press the AE-L button, the current exposure settings are fixed (locked) so that they can't change as you recompose the shot—even if the level of light alters as you aim the camera elsewhere.
What three ways can you adjust your camera to control exposure? ›- Shutter speed — How fast the shutter opens and closes. Faster shutter speeds allow less light to reach the sensor but can reduce blur in your pictures.
- Aperture — How much light is allowed into the lens. ...
- ISO — Your camera's sensitivity to light.
- Know your focal points. ...
- Focus first, then recompose. ...
- Find a line. ...
- Use the correct focus mode for your situation. ...
- If in doubt, focus on the foreground subject. ...
- Use aperture priority mode. ...
- Avoid shooting in low light. ...
- Watch how you stand.
Continuous autofocus (AF continuous) modes are the best AF modes for moving subjects. Once you've set your focus, your camera will continue to track the subject, even if they move around within the frame.
Why is my Lumix camera blurry? ›Unwanted hand-shake is the most common cause of blurry images in digital cameras and can be effectively reduced with the use of an optical image stabilizer (MEGA O.I.S.). Blurry images, due to subject movement, can be compensated by increasing shutter speed.
What is AF AE lock Lumix? ›Lock focus and exposure. Press and hold the Fn button. If focus is locked, then the AF lock icon will be displayed (AFL). If exposure is locked, then the AE lock icon will be displayed (AEL).
Should I use AE Lock? ›AEL (aka AE Lock) is a function that can be used when you want to reframe the scene, but keep the current exposure from changing. It allows the camera to maintain the same brightness between shots. The AEL function is useful when shooting a number of pictures that you want to stitch together later into a panorama.
Should my camera be on AF or MF? ›Manual focus (MF) is the function to let the photographer adjust the focus manually instead of the camera. Although autofocus (AF) shooting is more typical in digital cameras, MF is effective when focusing is difficult with autofocus, such as in macro shooting.
What is the best exposure setting? ›
- Aperture — How wide your lens is. The wider your aperture (that is, the lower the f-stop), the more light is let in. ...
- Shutter speed — How quickly your shutter opens and closes. Fast shutter speeds let in less light.
- ISO — Your camera's sensitivity to light.
The three basic ways of controlling exposure to harmful radiation are: 1) limiting the time spent near a source of radiation, 2) increasing the distance away from the source, 3) and using shielding to stop or reduce the level of radiation.
What are the 3 most important camera settings? ›Three of the most important settings are shutter speed, ISO, and aperture — otherwise known as the exposure triangle, or the three pillars of photography.
What are the two most important exposure controls? ›The two most important exposure controls are the shutter speed and aperture because both affect the total amount of light reaching the image sensor. However, they do more than just control the exposure.
How do you improve autofocus accuracy? ›- Know when to – and when not to – focus and recompose. ...
- Use particularly wide apertures cautiously. ...
- Fine-tune your AF. ...
- Dig out your manual. ...
- Use your customisable buttons. ...
- Limit your focusing points.
- Focus On The Subject. ...
- Use A Fast Shutter Speed. ...
- Use The Right ISO Setting. ...
- Find Your Lens' “Sweet Spot” ...
- Use Remote Shutter Release Or Timer. ...
- Use Mirror Lock-Up. ...
- Use Image Stabilization. ...
- Make Sure Your Lens Is Clean.
The most common reason for a blurry photo is an incorrect use of shutter speed. The faster your shutter speed is, the less chance there is for camera shake. This is particularly true when shooting handheld. There is no way that anyone will be able to handhold a camera steady enough at slow shutter speeds.
Do professionals use autofocus? ›Most professional photographers continue to forego using an autofocus system because manual focusing allows them maximum control over their images.
What are the three basic focus modes? ›The most common autofocus modes options are : AF-S (single point), AF-C (Continuous) or AF-A (automatic). The basic option is the AF-S. With it selected, you focus using one focus point. The camera will allow you to choose the focus point (probably using some arrow buttons or a dial).
Which focus mode to use for portraits? ›Focusing: Set the camera to Single Area AF, to ensure that the area you focus on is sharp. For a portrait, the eyes should be the sharpest part of the image. If your final image will have the subject off-center in the frame, you will have to make sure the focus point is set correctly.
How do you make a blurry camera clear? ›
If your phone has a manual camera mode, enable it and look for the manual focus setting. Now try moving the slider left and right to see whether this changes the focus.
How do I get rid of extreme blur? ›Looking for a fast and simple way to unblur images on your phone? Fotor's photo enhancing app can help you fix blurry images and make them clear with ease. Just open your picture in Fotor app, select the “One-Tab Photo Enhancing” tool and let it run. It will automatically adjust and unblur picture for you in a snap.
How do you fix blurry pictures? ›- Snapseed.
- Photo Editor & Collage Maker by BeFunky.
- PIXLR.
- FOTOR.
- Lightroom Moblie App.
- Enhance Photo Quality (Android and iOS)
- Lumii (Android)
- Photo Director.
What is AE photography? After manually deciding either the aperture value or the shutter speed, the camera then automatically calculates the appropriate exposure. Program AE is when the camera calculates both the aperture value and the shutter speed. The shutter speed is set according to the type of image desired.
How do you turn off AE AF lock? ›The message “AE/AF LOCK” will appear on your screen and means that your focus and exposure have automatically been locked. To turn this off, tap your finger on the screen again. You may tap and hold your finger on the screen to focus and hold it there for a few seconds.
What is lock on auto focus? ›Description: AF Lock (Autofocus Lock) is an advanced function on professional and semi-professional cameras that allows the photographer to lock or stop autofocus at any time. This also allows them to capture a picture at any time, even if the camera has not confirmed that the subject is in-focus.
Should I use auto exposure? ›If you're in a scenario where the light is changing drastically from shot to shot, leaving your ISO in auto mode is a good idea. This way, when in shutter priority, your camera can adjust aperture and ISO to maintain a good exposure.
What is AF and AE in camera? ›AF stands for autofocus, while AE stands for auto exposure . The AE-L and AF-L are button locks that preserve specific camera settings.
Does AE lock work in manual mode? ›AE-L only operates in P, S, or A modes, which are the only auto-exposure modes. You can't lock an automatic exposure (AEL) if you're not in an auto-exposure mode. Once you are manually controlling both shutter speed and aperture (and are thereby in M mode), the AEL button does nothing.
How do you use focus and exposure lock on iPhone? ›Tap the screen to show the automatic focus area and exposure setting. Tap where you want to move the focus area. up or down to adjust the exposure. To lock your manual focus and exposure settings for upcoming shots, touch and hold the focus area until you see AE/AF Lock; tap the screen to unlock settings.
How do you lock automatic exposure? ›
- Hold: When this option is selected, the AEL button must be pressed and held down to use AEL.
- Toggle: When this option is selected, simply press the AEL button to enable AEL. When you are finished shooting, press the AEL button again to disable AEL.
Android. Hold the shutter button on the screen. It will beep when it's focused. Now the AE/AF is locked.
What is the AE AF lock button Nikon? ›AE/AF lock – the default behavior of the AE-L/AF-L button. Will lock both camera exposure (shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and white balance) and lens focus. The feature will only be active while you hold down the button. Once you release it, the lock will be released as well.
What button locks the focus and exposure when pressed halfway down? ›Focus and/or exposure can also be locked using the [AF-L] or [AE-L] button. Focus and/or exposure will remain locked while the button is pressed, regardless of whether or not the shutter button is pressed halfway. The [AF-L] button locks focus only. The [AF-L] button locks both focus and exposure.
When should you use AF-S and AF C? ›To recap, photographers use different autofocus modes depending on their subject. They use AF-S to shoot subjects that do not move, while moving subjects are usually shot using AF-C.
How do you lock focus single AF mode? ›AF-S – Auto Focus Single Shot
This focus mode works by locking the focus point when you push the shutter button halfway down. If you move the camera while still holding the button down, it will not continue to hunt for focus. Rather, it will stay at the same focus as it was before.