Make The Custom Dial Work For You
One of the most powerful features on any Lumix G or S series camera is the custom dial. C1 and beyond. This is a short primer to put you in control of the custom settings, and start working your own baseline towards better captures.
Custom Settings for the LUMIX G9II
I've prepared an outline of my custom setup for the LUMIX G9II, plus a copy of my settings ready to download to your camera and customise for your own needs. A great way to get started and try some of the various features built into this amazing little MFT body.
Priorities
In the space of a fortnight I've had the same story told to me by two different people, both of whom are very talented with a camera. They went to a workshop to learn new skills and came away with less control over their camera and creativity. They were forced to shoot fully manual and ended up moving away from their best creativity instead of towards it.
Absolute Beginnings
Some of the fundamental issues that come up often when travellers ask me for help. What is a RAW file, what is ISO, why should I care about sensor size and how to control exposure metering.
Beyond the Studio
Travel photography is the antithesis of a commercial studio. You have no control over the available light and your models are not the kind of people who sign consent forms. Shooting in the field presents challenges that you may not find in a studio, and hence requires a way of thinking that goes beyond the studio.
Custom Setup for the LUMIX S9
Download my custom setup for the LUMIX S9, along with a very full range of custom configurations directly available through the mode dial. Updated in October 2024 for Firmware V1.2.
Custom Settings for Lumix G9
Kick start your new LUMIX G9 with my pre-built file of custom settings to help you make the most of the custom dial feature, and get started with some great settings got shooting wildlife and editorial.
Layers of Colour with ICM
Intentional Camera Movement (ICM) is a doorway to opening your creativity. Here I present a hands on guide to getting started, with an emphasis on using ICM to blend colours and textures.
Review: Nikon Df
I took the Nikon Df on a long journey through Myanmar, my companion for captures along dusty roads through far flung villages. This is a camera designed for image quality more than anything else.
The Absolute Best Lens in Nepal
Very rarely a new lens comes along that changes how I think about photography. This is one of those lenses. My priority for glass is always quality over convenience, but this time you get enough of both to make it a hard one to walk past. The newly released "DG Vario-Summilux 10-25mm f/1.7 ASPH" by Panasonic+Leica is not only a great lens for MFT systems, but may well be good enough to tempt full frame owners to look seriously at adopting the smaller mirrorless format of the Lumix G series.
LUMIX G9II for Birds
Lets walk through a host of features built into LUMIX G9II that might help you to take better bird photos. We'll go through burst modes, pre-shutters, autofocus setups, and a few extra treats. There’s even a downloadable camera setup to help you get started and use the same settings that I have.
Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro Art
I spent a week in the desert looking for macro level inspiration, and this lens did not disappoint. Excellent value, remarkable optics and a dreamy bokeh make this a uniquely creative lens for your kit. Available for both L-Mount and Sony E-mount.
