Format SD Card: Panasonic Lumix Camera

How to format the memory card in a Panasonic Lumix Camera. I'm going to tell you how to do this is in a point and shoot compact camera [The Panasonic TZ1], but due to many Panasonic cameras having the the same software interface, I'm fairly sure these instructions will work with most Panasonic Bridge cameras also.

First off, turn the camera on and move the top dial on the camera into the playback position so its lined up with the dot on the left. That is the mode with the play button symbol. See the picture below.

After doing this, press the "Set" button on the front Menu [that is the middle button on the front of the camera] See the picture below.

Now just scroll through the options on the Play menu until you see the Format option. Click Format. It will ask if you want to "Delete all data on the memory card". Click yes. Give it a few seconds to do the work. And that's it, all done. All data on the card has been deleted / wiped.

An Error Noticed With The TZ1

Just a quick error that I have noticed with the Panasonic DMC TZ1. If an SD card is put in the camera which has pictures on that were taken with a different camera, they don't don't load when trying to view them on the Lumix TZ1. They stay blurred. This happens in both quick view or playback mode on the top dial. It also won't zoom in on those pictures either.

I've never seen this in any other camera before. All images usually load, no matter what camera they were taken with. I had a quick look through the settings but couldn't find anything that would related to the images not loading. A guess would be some sort of economy mode or SD card protection of some sort. But no, nothing. Not really a huge issue, just something I've noticed. 

Black And White Lane

My favorite photography type is black and white. It's so forgiving, and I think the pictures have much more depth and meaning, regardless of what the picture is of. They say black and white captures the soul of the people in the picture. I agree. Not just people though, but any subject matter. Although a little "white", as in washed out if left at the standard setting, the TZ1 is pretty good at shooting black and white. The results look quite old school, similar to that the old film cameras used to produce. But credit where its due, while it is good, it's no match for the Samsung WB500. Which is another point and shoot compact camera I own. The WB500 has an excellent black and white mode.

Squirrel @ Full Zoom

Shooting at full zoom, not only the TZ1 but with almost all cameras does have the potential for noisy images. The smoothness when at full zoom with the TZ1 is very good. It's not jittery when being moved around looking for the shot. But a lot of the images at 10x zoom do have there fair share of noise. But you'll find that with many cameras, almost all of them costing far more to buy than a Panasonic TZ1. If the lighting and settings are right some great pictures can be captured @ full zoom. Below is the best image of the day out the bunch that I took of a Squirrel.

The Panasonic TZ1 was, I believe, the first, or one of the first compact cameras with a 10x zoom. Doesn't seem like much now, but back in the day this was a big deal. Due to its small size for the time and powerful zoom, it was very popular as a travel camera.

Colourful Autumny Bushes

The difference is quite noticeable here between normal and warm mode. Saying that, it always is really. However, warm mode is looking much better in this comparison. More Autumny and colour rich.

Quite Dull

Better. More richer in warm mode

Normal And Warm Mode Comparison

A TZ1 comparison of the same picture scene of clouds and pylons taken on the same day. Normal mode Vs Warm mode. Images are a little on the dark side. It was getting late in the day if I remember correctly. I really like warm mode on this camera.

Normal

Warm mode setting