bobbyz wrote:
> Can't you do something similar with any of these FZx series cams by
> using pre-focus but using the FOCUS button instead of holding
> shutter button half-pressed?

Yes, the ability to separate AF-lock from AE-lock was like a dream for me. Very SLR-like.

On my recent trip to Jasper/Banff, I used the FOCUS button to trigger focus on my FZ5 in over 75% of the photos. By moving AF trigger to the FOCUS button, I can prefocus on whatever I want (often 1/3 into the scene for maximum DOF), release the FOCUS button (the focus will remain locked at that distance), and free to recompose.

I still half-press the shutter release (to lock the AE), but I can do that as often as I like before taking the picture without affecting the focus.

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