Panasonic DMC-ZS3 (aka DMC-TZ7) Review by InfoSync With Rating 73/100

Average Camera Review Rating [5 reviews]
Currently priced at $338, the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-ZS3 (aka DMC-TZ7) was launched as a successor to to the highly successful LUMIX DMC-TZ5. The new Panasonic LUMIX TZ7 has not changed much when it comes to the compact camera and the largest change is found on the lens. Whilst its predecessor featured an already impressive 10x optical zoom, the Panasonic TZ7 even surpasses this with a 12x optical zoom. This brings the focal length to a very interesting 25-300 mm zoom range. In particular the 25mm wide angle will perform wonderfully when shooting landscapes or taking pictures of subjects in a confined space. The zoom lens is supported by Panasonic's MEGA O.I.S. image stabilization system to prevent motion blur.

In addition to the impressive zoom range, the Panasonic DMC-ZS3 features a 3 inch format monitor providing a high resolution of 460,800 dots. Those who prefer a larger monitor can connect the Panasonic ZS3 to a large screen via the built-in HDMI interface. Not only is the Panasonic ZS3 able to capture still pictures, which are stored in a high resolution of 10 Megapixels, it also allows you to capture high quality video and sound in AVCHD Lite format. Although the camera features a 12 Megapixel CCD, 10 Megapixels are used for the picture. The so-called 'multi-aspect' sensor enables shooting in different image ratios retaining the 25-300mm zoom range. The camera is the currently the top selling SuperZoom digital camera in Japan. Here is the review summary from InfoSync, giving the camera a rating of 73 out of 100:

"Panasonic has done it again-they've succeeded in creating a beast of the consumer persuasion. One that spits fire with a champion image performance. One that claws at the competition with a solid set of features. And best of all, a beast that decimates all in its path with a great HD video performance and the ability to zoom while recording. Yes, folks, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 is definitely worth the extra 100 clams over the DMC-ZS1. Can it match the likes of the formidable Canon PowerShot SD970 IS? In some regards yes, and we actually think the Lumix DMC-ZS3 cranked out a better image performance in certain shooting environments. The Lumix DMC-ZS3 also gave the Fujifilm Finepix F200 EXR a run for its money, but we'd have to hand image quality over to the Finepix. Discerning shooters who are looking for a great performance compact will be torn between both models. However, there is the Lumix DMC-ZS3's 25mm wide-angle lens and 12x optical zoom to consider.

Panasonic packs a plethora into its top compact, and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 should not be overlooked at any cost. Release: June 2009. Price: $400. Pros: Great image quality. Impressive features and hardware. AVCHD Lite with zoom capability? Yummy! Cons: Larger than most competitors. Clunky interface. We could have used some advanced manual controls. "


Panasonic DMC-ZS3 Camera Reviews Roundup

DCI: "Overall, we were impressed with the quality of the images that the ZS3 took in terms of the levels of distortion, sharpness and chromatic aberration. We found that the images had very little distortion and very low chromatic aberration, while still retaining good levels of sharpness. Click here for more on how we test resolution. We usually expect to see some distortion in the images taken by cameras with long..." - Oct 22 2009 More »
DPI: "The Panasonic Lumix ZS3 is almost entirely a point-and-shoot camera, save for the fancy white balance adjustment feature and faux bulb mode. There are plenty of scene modes, automatic and "Intelligent" bells and whistles and relatively simple operation and easy to use menus that you don't exactly have to pick up the manual if you just want to start snapping casual photos. Face detection and face recognitio..." - Oct 15 2009 More »	N/A
RegisterHardware: "The 25mm wide angle lens was great for pulling in a little extra side information. Face Recognition worked a treat, and the image stabilisation system did a superb job in keeping shots steady and the AF system was fast and responsive. AF tracking lets you lock onto a subject without having to partly depress the shutter, and works well. The high speed burst mode captured fast moving objects with ease and can reco..." - Aug 21 2009 More »
CNET Asia: "In our Lab tests, the Panasonic camera fared relatively well. The camera has an ISO range of 80 to 1,600 and delivered decent images up to ISO 400. If you're desperate, ISO 800 works, too, but at the expense of sacrificing details. As with most point-and-shoots, the TZ7 produced smudgy-looking snaps when we bumped the ISO to 1,600. What we like about this Lumix is its color reproduction. The tones were saturated but..." - Jun 24 2009 More »
LetsGoDigital: "Our first acquaintance with the TZ7 in practice was pleasant and very similar to the experience we had earlier with its predecessors. The handy compact format is definitely a plus and it stands for easy shooting in combination with the large zoom range supported by the MEGA O.I.S. system. We have mainly compared the pictures taken in practice combined with the technical DIWA tests to those of its predecessor. From t..." - May 04 2009 More »

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