Tech Support

Switching shutter modes

Q I'm embarrassed to say I have the instruction book for my Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ100 shutter but can't determine how to change from an electronic to mirror shutter. I am currently on electronic shutter mode and happy with it, but fancy taking some 10sec or 20sec light-trail shots which require the mirror shutter.

Patrington1a (AP forum)

I think you mean ‘mechanical’ rather than ‘mirror’ shutter? The main point of your question is easy to answer –picture while we were on a family holiday; she had no idea her camera was on electronic (i.e. silent) shutter mode. This meant that the exposure metering and shutter speed range were limited compared to when using the mechanical shutter. On a more general note, depending on your camera model, the use of electronic shutter mode could produce motion distortion and banding, among other effects. It’s safer to use your camera’s mechanical shutter by default.