Panasonic - Lumix DMC-TZ3 Digital Camera Review

Choosing a digital camera usually involves substantial compromise.

If you plan to use the camera very often (daily), you probably want it to be small.  But, small often means limiting the zoom to 3x - 4x.

If you like to shoot unobserved you need a longer zoom and this usually adds significant size.

Like to shoot landscapes?  Or, perhaps indoor events?  Well then a true wide-angle lens is probably what you need, but then you'll probably lose on the telephoto end of your zoom.

But what if you want it all?

That's right.  I want a small camera (small enough to put in my pocket), with a true wide-angle lens and a long telephoto zoom.  And while we're dreaming, let's throw in all the digital goodies.  Oh, and let's make it affordable.

Well for those of us who compromise only under extreme duress, there's the Panasonic-Lumix DMC-TZ3.  Catchy name, huh?  It's a compact and pocketable point & shoot 7.2MP camera that sports a 10x zoom starting at a wide 28mm and extending to a 280mm telephoto.  The thought just gives me goose-pimples!

The optics are Leica and the electronics Panasonic, a coupling of beauty.

Key Features

• 7.2 MP
• 28-280mm zoom
• 3" brilliant LCD
• Optical Image Stabilization
• 20 Scene modes
• Simple mode (idiot proof)
• VGA Movie mode

 The 3" LCD is nothing less than astonishing.  Unlike most LCDs Panasonic gives us an LCD with a power setting that makes it bright and brilliant in even the brightest sunlight.

The Optical Image Stabilization compensates for an unsteady hand or moving subjects.  It allows you to shoot hand-held at slower shutter speeds while still getting sharp images.  With long telephoto shots this is a feature not to be underestimated.

Although the camera can't be operated in total manual mode, Panasonic give you 20 different Scene Modes to tweak your shots and ISO ratings can be set from 100 to 1250.  Excellent print results can be had all the way up to 800 ASA.

The build quality of this camera is superb having an all metal housing, though at 9 oz. it is a tad heavy for a pocket camera.

My Viewpoint

I've been shooting with this camera for about a month and am giddy with the quality of the shots I've taken. ( I promise to post some shots over the next few days).

For the money (street price $249), you'll be hard pressed to find a higher quality, more versatile camera in so compact a package.  This is a keeper and I rate it outstanding.

Regards,

Rudi