just discovered the best/optimum video settings for the xz1, will try to post step by step pics, .....sadly just knew after my Borneo trip... anyway
1. On focus point, choose 'center weighted' over 'esp' and 'spot' (prevents exposure shifts where slight pan and diff light causes sudden dark areas, happens when in manual at esp or spot)
2. Choose Shutter or Aperture mode over 'manual' prior pressing the video button/taking video, i dont know why but output crisper at S and A
3. If you plan to shoot wide, choose Manual Focus over AF, to prevent the annoying 'focus shifts' where this cam is notorious for, default is good, like setting cam to infinity,
...If macro, just shift back to macro mode or super macro mode (discovered can get good DOF super macro videos too with your basic dive light, still with steps 1 & 2 done)
4. Do Manual white balance at 15-30 ft (a. go to manual white balance prompt b. press 'info'- which will give prompt to shoot at white object *note, turn off flash, c. Press shutter and it will ask if ok or not. This cam without sufficient ambient light will not do manual white balance and will prompt error. Best done at 20-30ft, doing at 5-10ft will will have little effect if you go beyond 60ft.
5. Ensure vid quality is set in HD, made the mistake of not checking on my trip and all my clips were 4:3, 640x480 clips in SD mode..
Its too many steps and can be a challenge (steps 1-3), step 4, do at 20-30ft have to be done to get the best output, 5th you can do pre dive) but if given the time, this cam does take good video, again just too many fiddling...we've already missed the fish, but as shared, vids will be a lot better doing all steps above- musts 1-3
