Just got my F31fd...

[obiwankenobi]

Am wondering which shooting mode do most usually use? Is it Auto, Manual or the pre-defined SP modes? I notice the Auto mode usually auto-default to a higher ISO. Is it true?

[Dann]

Yup.. auto will use mostly iso 800. U can try manual and set auto iso to 400 max for a cleaner image.

[obiwankenobi]

Originally Posted by Dann Yup.. auto will use mostly iso 800. U can try manual and set auto iso to 400 max for a cleaner image.

Thanks. So most of you guys use Manual as preference? How useful are the pre-defined SP modes?

[socrates]

from the dpreview.com website, this is the setting by one user

1. Go into setup and change the LCD brightness to -2 or -3.
2. Set the mode dial on top of the camera to "M" (go into setup on F20).
3. Push the Menu button and set the WB to Auto.
4. Push the EV button and change it to -1/3EV (go into menu/setup on F20
5. Push the "F" button and change the ISO to Auto1600.
6. Use flash when necessary.
7. Set AF to center
8. Set metering to spot or average depending upon subject.

go there and you will find plenty of tips.

BTW how much did you pay for your F31? Where did you get it from.

[delfichoc]

ms color has f31 promotion. selling at 499 free 2 pc of 1gb, 1 extra batt, lcd protector, mini tripod, card reader, case and lens cleaning kit. getting one?

[obiwankenobi]

I got it at Best Denki as I wanna sign up for their 5 year extended warranty program. Same bundle as MS Color ($499) except with no free battery. Not a big issue with me as the free battery given by MS is OEM and I can always recharge after 2-3 days of photographing. With the extended warranty I paid $528.

[cpuer]

Originally Posted by socrates from the dpreview.com website, this is the setting by one user 1. Go into setup and change the LCD brightness to -2 or -3. 2. Set the mode dial on top of the camera to "M" (go into setup on F20). 3. Push the Menu button and set the WB to Auto. 4. Push the EV button and change it to -1/3EV (go into menu/setup on F20 5. Push the "F" button and change the ISO to Auto1600. 6. Use flash when necessary. 7. Set AF to center 8. Set metering to spot or average depending upon subject. go there and you will find plenty of tips. BTW how much did you pay for your F31? Where did you get it from.

I suspect this guide is more for F30 than F31fd. For F31fd, the -1/3EV is not required. I used to do that and ended up most of my pics are slightly underexposed. But now is 0 EV, better than b4.

As F31fd has auto800, i think much better than auto1600. My 2cents.

[obiwankenobi]

Originally Posted by cpuer I suspect this guide is more for F30 than F31fd. For F31fd, the -1/3EV is not required. I used to do that and ended up most of my pics are slightly underexposed. But now is 0 EV, better than b4. As F31fd has auto800, i think much better than auto1600. My 2cents.

For me 0 EV is a bit dim and I have to increase to +1/3 to allow more light.

For Manual mode, how do you guys solve Auto Focus? I've chosen center but there are times when the center is a bit blurry.

[damkuff]

I set my F31fd as follows:
1. LCD Brightness -2
2. EV +1/3 or +2/3 otherwise the pics come out underexposed.
3. AF centre
4. Photometry Multi

Yeah, sometimes I get blurry pics in the centre.

[obiwankenobi]

Originally Posted by damkuff I set my F31fd as follows: 1. LCD Brightness -2 2. EV +1/3 or +2/3 otherwise the pics come out underexposed. 3. AF centre 4. Photometry Multi Yeah, sometimes I get blurry pics in the centre.

Thanks. The above seems to be my settings too but is there a way to get a definite focus at the center in Manual mode? Overall the camera is great though.

[armadillo]

Another tips to view photos. I guess some of you maybe know it already
After you off the camera, then just press Play button for 2 or 3 seconds, you can see the preview without the camera lens protrude out

[civicguy72]

Originally Posted by armadillo Another tips to view photos. I guess some of you maybe know it already After you off the camera, then just press Play button for 2 or 3 seconds, you can see the preview without the camera lens protrude out

GOOD TIP ! I always get frustrated on how to view without that lens pop up

[armadillo]

Yeah, me too, seem can't find anything in the manual
Luckily found out by accidentally press play button

[damkuff]

That's really helpful. Don't like the lens jutting out when only want to view the pics. Tend to smear the lens accidentally.

[blackjazzboy]

Originally Posted by armadillo Another tips to view photos. I guess some of you maybe know it already After you off the camera, then just press Play button for 2 or 3 seconds, you can see the preview without the camera lens protrude out

was wondering how come must on the camera than can view the photos .. my last A70 can just view the photos without the len protrude out ...

that is a very good information .. tks for sharing ..

[Carllim]

Originally Posted by armadillo Another tips to view photos. I guess some of you maybe know it already After you off the camera, then just press Play button for 2 or 3 seconds, you can see the preview without the camera lens protrude out

Just found out that this works on the F10 as well.

Good info.

[armadillo]

wow, that mean it shd work on most of Fuji F series

[buddy]

i typically use the manual mode since this is the only mode that has the auto iso mode - usually stick mine to Auto(800) since iso 1600 isnt too great.

i would use the AP mode but my F31 doesnt change the shutter speed much as i adjust the aperture, not sure if this is a bug or only exists on my camera.

[pchmj]

Originally Posted by armadillo Yeah, me too, seem can't find anything in the manual Luckily found out by accidentally press play button

Wow, this has to be the greatest tip ever. Works with F11 too.

I didn't see anyone mention before after so long since the launch of F10.

[obiwankenobi]

Yep, very good tip indeed and to switch off just press the play button again.