Comments on: Panasonic Lumix DMCZS3 10.1 MP Digital Camera with

By: faffie

faffie — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 15:10:55 +0000

Just what I was looking for
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
I purchased a previous model of this camera, the DMC-TZ5K and returned it because the audio was so poor in movie mode and the low light performance was sub-par. (Amazon handled the return no problem.) The audio on the ZS3 is awesome and the low-light performance is improved. I have been researching compact point and shoot cameras for a while now and eagerly awaited the arrival of this model. Purists insist that video cameras are the only way to shoot decent video, but I find that hybrid P&S cameras are less intimidating to subjects so people tend to behave more naturally than when I whip out a dedicated videocam. Plus, it is easy to carry. I compile a lot of movies on my Mac for east coast friends and family to commemorate their visits to our California home and the ZS3 is easy to work with. I can shoot (and archive) in AVCHD lite mode and Imovie 09 (Mac) can import the video directly from the memory card, although it has to convert the footage to a different format it can edit. The camera also shoots in JPEG mode for those whose editing software can't process AVCHD lite. I was very happy with the quality of video I shot with my Sony subcompact, but the proprietary Sony memory card and incompatibility with Mac software without converting the footage on my PC (to retain the audio) were deal killers when it came to upgrading the Sony with an HD video model. The camera has a lot more features than I even care to understand, but I like the fact that you can switch to video mode with the touch of an easily accessible button. MY MAIN COMPLAINT about the ZS3 is that it takes a few seconds for the movie mode to engage after pressing the record button, and I have had to learn to wait for the indicator on the LCD screen to tell me I am in record mode before shooting. When I reviewed my footage the first few times I realized I hadn't been recording sometimes when I thought I was and was sometimes recording when I thought I wasn't. Very frustrating. The camera should be quicker to respond when switching modes. The Lumix also has proprietary batteries, which is expensive. I gave up trying to order an AC adaptor, since I couldn't find a vendor, including Panasonic's own website, where I could buy the expensive 2 piece (sold separately) adaptor. Fortunately, since my Mac was able to read the memory card directly through IMovie 09 (NOT IMovie HD) I didn't have to worry about burning up battery power uploading the video from the camera itself. The battery life is decent BUT BE VERY CAREFUL WHEN ORDERING EXTRA BATTERIES. I ordered the wrong ones from Amazon the first time, because the description of what Panasonic cameras these NON-COMPATIBLE Panasonic batteries (DMW-BCF10) fit was misleading in the description. I returned these two I ordered directly from Amazon with no problem, but had to get the correct ones from another vendor (but through Amazon) and pay a little shipping (I am a Prime member). Unlike many of the reviewers I did get the correct battery the second time , but that company, inspiretech, does not seem to be selling these batteries through Amazon now. The CORRECT BATTERY, the DMW-BCG10PP, is now listed as available through Amazon by Vortex Cable. Presumably Amazon switched vendors for better reliability. Way to be responsive, Amazon!

Pros: Picture/video quality, audio quality, uses standard SD/SDHC memory cards, compatibility/ease of use with Mac, size, 12X zoom, size, decent battery life, two modes to shoot HD video, wide-angle Leica lens, facial recognition, image stabilization

Cons: Slow to switch from picture to movie mode, some accessories hard to find, proprietary battery

By: annie's mom

annie's mom — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 08:40:06 +0000

LOVE THIS CAMERA
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I had seen this camera before purchasing it and knew that I would love it. It’s small and portable, yet has a great zoom and takes clear photos. I like that the lens automatically closes, so I don’t need a lens cap. I had an earlier Lumix TSx and liked that camera. This one has an even better feel and I’m very happy.

By: Maggie

Maggie — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 05:49:23 +0000

Even better than I imagined!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This camera is everything I wanted and more! It takes beautiful pictures, it takes nice crisp movies, it’s small enough to carry around and the media is easy to upload into my computer. I was afraid after reading other reviews that it would be hard to upload the movies onto my computer. I have a Mac and all I have to do is plug it in and load the movies onto IMovie! The photos go straight into IPhoto! For someone like myself who wants high quality with ease of use (I do not need much manual control but I want my pictures to be great) it is perfect. I have only had it a week so I may discover other things about the camera that I will want to share but at this point it is a 5 star camera and exactly what I wanted.

By: Randal J. Kruzicki

Randal J. Kruzicki — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 04:30:32 +0000

Panasonic does it again
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This is an awesome camera with easy to use mostly automatic features which can be handled by even the most novice users. I would highly recommend to those who want more in a camera than just point and shoot.

By: Bob Dylan Fan

Bob Dylan Fan — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 10:25:54 +0000

Great Product EXCEPT for Fragile LCD & Awful White Balance
Rating:2 out of 5 stars
This camera is a great package, and other reviwers have done a great job highlighting the features of the product. The positive aspects of this product are quite clear. I will highlight a few deficiencies that I think merit concern:

(1) The LCD screen is very fragile. Mine broke under normal usage, and while panasonic replaced the camera, they sent me the wrong color replacement!
(2) The white balance is often wrong: This is the deal breaker. It often casts a bluish/purplish overtone to the pictures. Its a well known problem, you can search the web to find out more. For some strange reason, many seem to just ignore this fault. Admittedly, it can be corrected in post-processing, but why bother with that when many other cameras do so much better?

Panasonic needs to issue a firmware update, then I would give the product 4 stars, and with a more durable screen, I would give it 5 (after all, you buy a compact also for its robustness)!

By: Mr Know It All

Mr Know It All — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 18:09:07 +0000

Tremendous quality, way ahead of its time, but use QT for HD video
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
As they say (remember this one)..."The BEST camera is the one you have with you". TRUE...right? Now you can actually HAVE the best camera WITH YOU all the time!

***Here is why THIS camera is better than the other HD point and shoot camera-recorders available:

1) TWICE the resolution on the LCD screen than virtually EVERY OTHER CAMERA of its kind...super bright.
2) DOLBY STEREO MIKE (and you can TELL it's stereo during playback....cool!)
3) CAN SWITCH BETWEEN HD MODES! IF YOU NEED IT...AVCHD Capability is available which uses about 30% less memory than the MPEG 4 QT HD (though included software is awful for editing, and not much is available except maybe roxio or other expensive AVCHD editing programs)..USE the MPEG 4 QT HD recording method available in the camera
4)..That 12X otical is at the full 10 megapixels...it goes to 24X OPTICAL with slightly lower resolutions, but still excellent quality and over 40X zoom with digitital zoom (limited to 12X optical on the full AI mode)
5) Motor sound on zooming is almost nonexistent (unlike the Sony...you need only watch a few YOUTUBE videos of the cameras you like to hear the zoom motors)

Aside from the obvious (12X OPTICAL+ zoom), the small size (in a pocket) and the decent battery life (buy extra battery if traveling), the HDMI mini cord for direct to TV,(buy one on ebay for about $6)the Panasonic ZS3 is just plain COOL!

You will LOVE the simple pre-set modes, and there are PLENTY of adjustments on the modes for everyone but the most professional photographer. The loose dial that some people complain about is NOT really loose, just easy to switch...smooth.

OK, heres the deal on HD video....USE the standard HD format (Quicktime) INSTEAD of the AVCHD format for now.

WHY?

(1)The QT (MPEG4 HD) uses a bit more memory than the AVCHD option, but AVCHD software STINKS right now except for a few.
(2) The savings in memory space using the new AVCHD lite method WOULD have been more useful 6 months ago, but now you can get 16 and 32 gig cards, so use the QT standard HD format because it is WAY MORE UNIVERSAL and the quality is EXACTLY THE SAME...I TESTED IT.
(3) You can more easily edit and burn (and people can play easier) the MPEG4 Quicktime HD format.
(4) The MPEG4 format is easier to find on your drive and fits into the file storage method you are likely using now. If you try to find the AVCHD file you made...good luck. Its auto named VERY FUNKY and wierd.

DONT USE THE INCLUDED SOFTWARE...IT SUCKS...BIG TIME. Use whatever photo editing software you like EXCEPT the included software. So, again, when you store the HD as a QT (MPEG4) format, it fits in with everything you are used to doing, buit now you get HD in STEREO!
WOW!

AGAIN, SAVE USE of the AVCHD for the future IF you ever will really need it. Basically, I look at it this way...the AVCHD is cool, but the need for it is ALREADY obsolete with large hard discs and large storage capacity on SD cards nowadays. Besides, you WANT to share these videos anyway, and most of them are only about, what?...10-60 seconds long anyway? Filming a graduation ceremony or a play...FINE, THEN use the AVCHD...it's an easy switch IF you have to use it.

FINALLY, USE YOUTUBE VIDEOS to see how any camera you are interested in works. I also found that using Firefox browser is better to avoid the youtube choppiness that happens when you aometimes view HD on internet explorer on youtube.

Hope this info helps.

NEW COMMENT UPDATED 06-27-09: Constant Clicking In Viodeos..SOLUTION
In many of my videos, I heard a constant clicking. This is the continuous auto focus which you do NOT need for 99.9% of your videos. Simply disable the continuous auto focus in the video mode. You go to the main settings menu using the center button (when in camera mode), and on the left is a video camera icon. Choose that, then go to the page where it says CAF and disable it. This will take care of the constant clicking.

By: W. Ely

W. Ely — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 14:16:55 +0000

DMC-ZS3
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
For a compact point-and-shoot, this Panasonic DMC-ZS3 is very impressive. The Leica lens is exceptional in it’s resolution and zoom range, and the 3″ display exceeds that of many SLR cameras. The detail and color are outstanding, and additional features such as the HD Video capability make for a very capable, powerful compact package. The overall quality of construction gives the impression of a well engineered, well built, precision piece of equipment. I highly recommend this camera for anyone looking for a compact, high-quality camera.

By: Jurgen Wendel

Jurgen Wendel — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 05:41:07 +0000

Great Camera now for a great price......
Rating:4 out of 5 stars

I do not have to add to the great reviews as most customers have written many good and helpful things already. Thanks to you all!

I just bought this camera as an alternative to an larger SLR and it takes great pictures out of the box. The only thing that I noted in video mode is that it is recording the zooming of the lens sound a little strongly.

To price: Amazon has general great prices and service. Up to December 20th with a $50 instant off, this camera it is available for $249.00 at Costco including a leather case and a 2 meg SD card. Color however is only available in black.

By: Andrew Lee

Andrew Lee — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 04:28:58 +0000

Best Camera!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This camera has so far exceeded my expectations delivering very crisp still shots and videos. The zoom on this thing is out of this world. Even with the digital zoom extended all the way the still shots still came out sharp. I would definitely recommend this camera!

By: S. Pao

S. Pao — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 13:33:45 +0000

Awesome little camera – ppl will ask you about it everywhere
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I bought this camera mainly because I seriously HATE not being able to take non-blurry photos at concerts. So far, I have only taken it to an outdoor amphitheater concert (i assume indoor concerts would be even harder to take?) where it performed beautifully. everyone who has seen the pictures have thought that I had great seats. not really. i was up in the stands but with the zoom on this baby, it seemed like i was much closer! the guy next to me asked me about the camera because he was impressed. look, bottom line, this is cutting edge stuff, and it’s going to be worth the $400. stabilization is awesome for those concerned about that when zooming (even with optical only, i had doubts). but no more!

the HD video is also pretty awesome. compared to my past concert footage, wow..night and day..

LASTLY, i would like to say, “?!?” to everyone who has complained about the lack of manual controls. i was almost going to pass up on this camera because ppl were discussing this ‘deficiency’ profusely. but umm..no? this camera lets you manually control everything from EV to shutter speed to WB. granted, some features like high ISO will lock up the use of other controls, but i had no issues with that.

i got great concert photos with 2MB pix (i was running out of space).

i almost want to say ‘overall’, but i think ‘through and through’ is more apropos. this camera is worth the buy!