Favorite Settings for D-Lux 2/3

[rick123]

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Hi everyone,

 

Although I am enjoying the use of my D-Lux 2 camera, I sometimes find that the pictures are not as great as I would have hoped (especially in low light). Perhaps the kind members of this forum could advise me on settings. Here are the settings I currently use most often: 1) P Mode, 2) Auto White Balance, 3) Auto ISO, 4) Multiple Metering Mode, 5) Continuous AF On, 6) High Contrast, 7) Low Sharpness, 8) Standard Saturation, & 9) Low Noise Reduction. Since I have an Apple, I shoot Fine (low compression) & not RAW. Thanks!

 

Rick

[NickR]

Set ISO to 100 or 200. I find that it's better to use flash than high iso's even if one doesn't like flash shots. Shoot raw for adjusting white balance and such. It's possible on a Mac.

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[tomcat]

I found that focusing for near and mid-distanced subjects is more accurate and the final image would be sharper if I set my D-Lux 2 to macro mode.

[peterv]

Shoot raw for adjusting white balance and such. It's possible on a Mac.

 

Quite right! RAW in Apple's Aperture software won't work though.

I'd advise 80 ISO. If possible, use the self timer (2 seconds) for more stability.

I use aperture priority at f 5,6.

[jfgilbert]

I always shoot raw with my D-Lux 2 and I find that it gives much better low light results. Adobe Lightroom does a pretty good job of raw conversion for this camera. As was sugested earlier, keep the ISO at 100, only use 200 for extreme cases. The OIS helps a lot and you should be able to hand hold down to 1/10s. If it is darker than that, use the flash or a tripod.

Just for illustration, this is 1/20th hand held, ISO 80, minor pp in Lightroom:

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Jacques

[rick123]

Beautiful photo!

I appreciate your suggestions on settings - I really do love this camera!

 

Rick

[MSM]

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Rick123: Glad you love your camera. I have a D-lux 2. I love it. I agree with everyone here. I have found I use Aperture mode the most so I can keep the fastest shutter speed I can for the lighting. I use ISO 80. Standard for sat, contrast, sharpness, low for noise reduction. You can adjust all of those with post processing. I too use jpeg, though I will probably start using RAW when I get a new faster iMac. I set the metering to single high speed and have the continuous AF off (too much battery consumption). One thing that I really love with the DL2 is the AF/AE lock. It is so nicely placed. If I plan on shooting several shots in the same lighting and roughly the same distance, I just set the AF/AE, and preview the histogram and LCD. Once satisfied, I can just shoot away. This greatly increases the shot to shot speed. I agree with Peter in using the 2 sec timer. This allows me to press the shutter release with time to steady the camera. OIS setting 2 is supposed to be slightly better. I, too, have found as Tomcat says that for subjects that are closer, the macro AF mode seems to perform better and more accurate. For a mini table top tripod, I use the gorilla pod. It is light weight and fits in your pocket. It is made of linked balls that can rotate over each other to conform to all sorts of objects (rocks, tree limbs, etc.). Real nice. Hope this helps.

 

msm

[ECliffordSmith]

Hi All,

 

I fully agree with Peter's suggestion about aperture priority at F5.6. This middle area really seems to be the 'sweet spot' as it were.

 

Personally, I use the lowest ISO I can and then never above 200. If I use the flash I do so in aperture priority mode as the flash intensity is, in mind more controlable in this mode.

 

I use the standard settings with the exception of high sharpness most of the time.

 

The focus mode is far more often than not single area fast focus. I keep the OIS in mode 2.

 

The only thing I tend to avoid is F8.0 with an infinity focus. I get sharper results with a larger aperture and closer focus distance.

 

Has anybody else found the same?

 

I use the D-LUX2 by the way.

[rick123]

Thanks Mark & Ed!

I am glad you are both enjoying the use of your D-Lux 2 as well.

 

Rick

[steve kessel]

I've moved from auto exposure to aperture priority to manual exposure as I enjoy feeling I have options. Haven't considered whether one aperture is best for distance - assumed it would be the smallest. I've also started experimenting with manual focus - fiddly but interesting. Other settings are standard. One day I'll get round to RAW and fiddling in PS. For now it's making some Christmas cards. Love the camera (D Lux 2)