Panasonic Lumix Fs50

[muskox]

Purchased a Panasonic Lumix FS50 and also a microSD and Micro adapter, as I thought that it might expand the number of pictures that I could store on the camera. I have no idea what I am doing half the time! The card was formatted by an external device and is not suitable for recording, or so it says when I put it in the camera.
What do I do now? I have got a Windows 7 computer if that makes any difference. Any instructions that you might have, needs to be in very simple language, as I am as bad on a computer as on a camera!
Ideas please, thank you

[bhg481]

Format the memory card in the camera - you should find the option in the setup menu.

[muskox]

I have found format on the menu but there are only two options - delete all pictures yes or no.

[bhg481]

You can't have any pictures on the camera because it hasn't let you take any. Therefore the correct response is "yes" and then the format can continue. The question is more a warning that any pictures on the card will be deleted and offering you an opt-out if you've hit "format" by mistake.

[muskox]

I have pressed yes and the message has disappeared, so maybe everything is working as it should be. Is the purpose of an Sd card to increase the number of pictures I can store? Thank you for your help

[bhg481]

Most cameras NEED a memory card to store photos - a few have a small amount of built in memory (I'm not familiar with the Panasonic FS50). If you insert a memory card that usually takes precedence over the built-in memory and, depending on its size, can hold up to thousands of pictures.

[mjwman]

Format in camera and use the card.
Every time you get back from being out and about use a card reader or camera usb to transfer the images to your PC just move the folder over.
Then Format the card to use again.

In the PC you can then save your pics into different folders named as you wish. Save them in PICTURES.

For viewing I reccommend the free program Faststone Viewer I am a pro photographer and use it in preference to anything on Windows! You have a lot of controls to improve the image, Colour, contrast, exposure cropping and loads more.
Also file renaming and renumbering plus resizing if you need to send a smaller image somewhere. It is comprehensive and brillant and FREE!

Also Free is Picassa which does similar but Picassa will also find all your images to allow you to find them easier. It will not move them on the PVC or copy them, but provides an easy link to them.

Personally I like to file my own photos and use Faststone.
Good luck

[muskox]

Good advice. Thank you. I have got a piddly little lead from my camera to my computer for down/up?loading pictures. I expect I can buy an extension or longer lead at a computer or camera shop?