Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3 Review

The Panasonic Lumix DMC TZ3 is a much improved version as that of its predecessor - the TZ1. Much of its specification was enhanced to improve over all quality and performance. Resolution of the TZ3 has been increased, the Venus Engine III imaging processor has been integrated, and an “Intelligent” ISO control.

The design of the DMC-TZ3 is perfect for amateur and professional, with perfect protrusion for a firm grip while taking your shots. Mode dial is located at the top end of the camera and can be turned with just a slide your thumb. The 4-direction buttons located at the back just beside the LCD screen is perfect for navigating the various features of the DMC-TZ3. Notice also that the “delete” button is off the lower-right side to prevent accidental deletion of your files.

Two of the main feature of the TZ3 is the Intelligent Image Stabilizer and the MEGA Optical Image Stabilizer that works hand-in-hand produces high quality images with no blurring. Slow body sways or shakes are no longer a problem with these two features. The “Intelligent” ISO control is perfect for moving subjects, ensuring quality still photography with a high shutter speed.

The 1/2.35 CCD of the Lumix DMC-TZ3 coupled with 7.2 mega pixel produces high quality images. The 3-inch high-resolution LCD with 230k color serves as a viewfinder for your shots. The incorporation of the new Venus Engine III is a fine addition to this unit that improves over-all quality of images – crisp and bright color while capturing all the details of your subjects. Image sizes can reach a maximum of 3216 x 2144 and can be set accordingly for a varied shot. The unit can also record movie clips at varying resolutions – 4:3 ratio ranging from 320 x 240 or 640 x 480 are captured at 30fps, while 16:9 ratio with 848 x 480 is at 10fps.

The DMC-TZ3 incorporates a Scene Mode than can be adjusted to suit any shooting environment, giving you the perfect mode for any memorable shots. The Scene Mode can easily be changed using the 3-inch mega pixel high-resolution LCD screen giving you much flexibility in your shots though the LCD is not compatible with different environment, it does have settings that can accommodate dim or bright conditions.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3 contains a 10x zoom that allows you to capture such of far away subjects - This feature is unique is such a small camera. The lens can accommodate shots of 28mm; equivalent to those of a 35mm. f3.3 maximum aperture allows a wider scope in your photos.
The built-in flash of the DMC-TZ3 is very useful to increase the quality of your shots, especially in low-lighted environment. The modes can be accessed and changed through the LCD screen. The variety allows you to set the modes anytime you want to on the LCD screen.

The Panasonic DMC-TZ3 sports an internal memory of 12.7MB. This can be enhanced with an SDHC, SD and MMC cards. This is quite convenient for outdoor shootings, giving you quite a number of shots anytime, anywhere. Battery life for the TZ3 is a 1000-mAh Lithium-Ion which takes around 120 minutes to charge. According to Panasonic, battery life is capable for 270-280 shots, but through constants use, you can get a safe average of around 200-220 shots before the battery runs out. This is not a problem if you have the power cable attached to your camera for longer footage time (as long as your memory permits).

File formats are basic and can be recognized by any image and movie viewers on your PC or laptop. Images are set to JPEG format, while movies are in Quicktime Motion JPEGs. File transfer to your PC is easy with its USB 2.0 capable slots.

Pros: The Panasonic DMC-TZ3 is perfect to capture high quality images. This high performance camera is capable of capturing details, colors and focus at excellent quality. And the various post-shots editing allows you to remake your shots to suit your taste.

Cons: Though the Panasonic DMC-TZ3 can record movie clips with a certain level of quality, the optical zoom only works on still photography, and is disabled when recording movies. Also, this unit is slightly heavy than the average camera.

Overall: Amateurs and professionals alike will like the features and capabilities of the Panasonic DMC-TZ3, and very affordable at $296.

Attached Images

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