How to improve my camera skill

[gunnwong]

This photo is taken by Panasonic FZ18, with P program, ISO 100, 8megapix, macro mode, stable mode 1. I still think the picture is not that greak what else can I do to improve the quality of the photo.
Thank you

 

[gunnwong]

I'm also confuse on the program mode on the top of the camera. There are few stuff that if anyone can tell me what it is such as iA, P, A, S, M, CUSTOM.
Thank you

 

[reefman23]

I am no photographer but I would use a tripod, turn off the image stabilizer, and shoot RAW. See if that helps.

I have the FZ8 and love it. I have seen some incredible pics taken with the FZ18.

Jesse

 

[Stixbaraca]

Didn't the camera come with a manual to give you a crash course on how to use it?

 

[KurtsReef]

Unfamiliar with your camera, however generally (and you should check the manual)

"A" would be aperture priority mode, in this mode you tell the camera what aperture you wish to shoot at and it determines the shutter speed.

"S" would be shutter speed priority mode, in this mode you tell the camera what shutter speed you wish to shoot and it determines the aperture.

If your now asking "Whats an aperture" I would suggest picking up a book on general photography such as "Understanding Exposure"

Taking images in RAW instead of JPEG is not for everyone, unless you own photo editing software and enjoy spending time editing images after taking them stick with JPEG.

 

[gregr]

Those pics are not bad at all- exposure looks good and sharpness is good. Focus is off a tiny bit on some and I see a tiny bit of a color cast but for the most part they look pretty good. It does look like you were shooting into the tank at a bit of an angle- shooting squarely into the tank will get you the sharpest results. This article in the Reefkeeping Magazine will help you understand how the camera works.
Greg