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How to adjust the Focus and the Exposure (AF/AE Lock) - LUMIX Cameras

How to adjust the Focus and the Exposure (AF/AE Lock) - LUMIX Cameras

For more information on how to adjust focus and exposure, select your model from the list below

If your model is not listed below, click here to access our Operating Manual lookup to find more information


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.

  1. Point the camera at the subject.
  2. 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.
  3. 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]


[AF / AE LOCK] Settings
Setting Information
[AE LOCK] Only the exposure is locked. Is only effective when taking pictures with Manual Focus.
  • When the exposure is set, [AEL], aperture value, and shutter speed are displayed.
[AF LOCK] Only the focus is locked. Is only effective when taking pictures with Manual Exposure Mode.
  • When the subject is focused, [AFL], focus, aperture value, and shutter speed are displayed.
[AF / AE LOCK] Both focus and exposure are locked.
  • [AFL], [AEL], focus, aperture value, and shutter speed are displayed when the focus and the exposure are optimized.
[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)

  1. Align the screen with the subject.
  2. 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.
  3. 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]
AF / AE Lock Settings
[AE LOCK] Only the exposure is locked.
  • When the exposure is set, [AEL] is displayed.
[AF LOCK] Only the focus is locked.
  • When the subject is focused, [AFL] is displayed.
[AF / AE LOCK] Both focus and exposure are locked.
  • [AFL] and [AEL] are displayed when the focus and the exposure are optimized.
[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-FZ80DK


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).

  1. Point the camera at the subject
  2. Lock the focus and/or exposure while you press and hold [AF/AE LOCK] button
    • When you release [AF/AE LOCK] button, the focus and/or exposure lock is canceled.
  3. While you press and hold [AF/AE LOCK] button, move the camera to compose the picture you want to take and fully press the shutter button



AF / AE Lock Settings
[AE LOCK] Only the exposure is locked.
  • When the exposure is set, [AEL] is displayed.
[AF LOCK] Only the focus is locked.
  • When the subject is focused, [AFL] is displayed.
[AF / AE LOCK] Both focus and exposure are locked.
  • [AFL] and [AEL] are displayed when the focus and the exposure are optimized.
[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.
  • 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, DC-G100D


Applicable Shooting modes




How to set AF / AE Lock Functions

Press [MENU] → [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.


[AF / AE LOCK] Settings
Setting Information
[AE LOCK] The exposure is locked.
[AF LOCK] The focus is locked.
[AF / AE LOCK] Both focus and exposure are locked.


  1. Register[AE LOCK], [AF LOCK], or [AF / AE LOCK] to the Fn button.
    • These cannot be registered to [Fn4] to [Fn8].
  2. Lock focus and exposure.
  3. 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-GH7


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.


[AF / AE LOCK] Settings
Setting Information
[AE LOCK] The exposure is locked.
[AF LOCK] The focus is locked.
[AF / AE LOCK] Both focus and exposure are locked.


  1. Register[AE LOCK], [AF LOCK], or [AF / AE LOCK] to the Fn button.
    • These cannot be registered to [Fn4] to [Fn8].
  2. Lock focus and exposure.
  3. 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.

  1. Assign [AF / AE LOCK] to a function button.
    • You can assign [AF / AE LOCK] only to [Fn1], [Fn2], or [Fn3].
  2. Point the camera at the subject.
  3. 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.
  4. 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]


[AF / AE LOCK] Settings
Setting Information
[AE LOCK] Only the exposure is locked. Is only effective when taking pictures with Manual Focus.
  • When the exposure is set, [AEL] is displayed.
[AF LOCK] Only the focus is locked. Is only effective when taking pictures with Manual Exposure Mode.
  • When the subject is focused, [AFL] is displayed.
[AF / AE LOCK] Both focus and exposure are locked.
  • [AFL] and [AEL] are displayed when the focus and the exposure are optimized.
[AF-ON] Auto Focus is performed.
  • 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-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.

  1. Point the camera at the subject.
  2. Press and hold [AF / AE LOCK] to fix the focus or exposure.
    • If you release [AF / AE LOCK], AF/AE Lock is cancelled.
  3. 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]


[AF / AE LOCK] Settings
Setting Information
[AE LOCK] Only the exposure is locked. Is only effective when taking pictures with Manual Focus.
  • When the exposure is set, [AEL] is displayed.
[AF LOCK] Only the focus is locked. Is only effective when taking pictures with Manual Exposure Mode.
  • When the subject is focused, [AFL] is displayed.
[AF / AE LOCK] Both focus and exposure are locked.
  • [AFL] and [AEL] are displayed when the focus and the exposure are optimized.
[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-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.

  1. Point the camera at the subject.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.


[AF / AE LOCK] Settings
Setting Information
[AE LOCK] The exposure is locked.
[AF LOCK] The focus is locked.
[AF / AE LOCK] Both focus and exposure are locked.
  • Program Shift can be set even when AE is locked.
    		•


    1. Register[AE LOCK], [AF LOCK], or [AF / AE LOCK] to the Fn button.
      • These cannot be registered to [Fn3] to [Fn7].
    2. 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]
    3. 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]


    [AF / AE LOCK] Settings
    Setting Information
    [AE LOCK] Only the exposure is locked. Is only effective when taking pictures with Manual Focus.
    • When the exposure is set, [AEL] is displayed.
    [AF LOCK] Only the focus is locked. Is only effective when taking pictures with Manual Exposure Mode.
    • When the subject is focused, [AFL] is displayed.
    [AF / AE LOCK] Both focus and exposure are locked.
    • [AFL] and [AEL] are displayed when the focus and the exposure are optimized.
    [AF-ON] Auto Focus is performed.
    [OFF] -
    • 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.

    1. Point the camera at the subject.
    2. Tap [AF / AE LOCK] to fix the focus or exposure.
      • If you tap [AF / AE LOCK] once again, AF / AE Lock is cancelled.
    3. 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].

    1. Point the camera at the subject.
    2. 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.
    3. 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





    Maintaining / Removing the lock when [AF/AE LOCK] is released

    Press [MENU] → [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)

    1. Point the camera at the subject.
    2. 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.
    3. 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

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