Comments on: Panasonic Lumix DMCZS3 10MP Digital Camera with 12x http://www.digitalcameraguru.net/point-shoot-digital-cameras/panasonic-lumix-dmczs3-10mp-digital-camera-with-12x-2 Mon, 03 Oct 2011 20:16:31 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 By: scifilover http://www.digitalcameraguru.net/point-shoot-digital-cameras/panasonic-lumix-dmczs3-10mp-digital-camera-with-12x-2#comment-81289 scifilover Thu, 29 Jul 2010 13:23:40 +0000 http://digitalcameraguru.net/point-shoot-digital-cameras/panasonic-lumix-dmczs3-10mp-digital-camera-with-12x-2#comment-81289 underwhelmed, and back in the market for a camera<br>Rating:2 out of 5 stars<br>We replaced an old digital elph with this about 6 months ago. We expected a significant upgrade in photo quality from the reviews. No such luck. We have the same problems that we had with the elph, except we paid more and the camera is bigger: many pics are blurry, despite pains taken with face recognition, selecting from the various settings, etc. We are not skilled photographers, by any means -- but that's why we got this instead of an SLR. Is it too much to ask to get a crisp, well-lit, posed photo of my kids, when taken in decent light conditions, without use of zoom? Oh -- and we started having problems with the lens aperture sticking, almost immediately. underwhelmed, and back in the market for a camera
Rating:2 out of 5 stars
We replaced an old digital elph with this about 6 months ago. We expected a significant upgrade in photo quality from the reviews. No such luck. We have the same problems that we had with the elph, except we paid more and the camera is bigger: many pics are blurry, despite pains taken with face recognition, selecting from the various settings, etc. We are not skilled photographers, by any means — but that’s why we got this instead of an SLR. Is it too much to ask to get a crisp, well-lit, posed photo of my kids, when taken in decent light conditions, without use of zoom? Oh — and we started having problems with the lens aperture sticking, almost immediately.

]]> By: Paul D. Bui http://www.digitalcameraguru.net/point-shoot-digital-cameras/panasonic-lumix-dmczs3-10mp-digital-camera-with-12x-2#comment-81296 Paul D. Bui Thu, 29 Jul 2010 05:36:45 +0000 http://digitalcameraguru.net/point-shoot-digital-cameras/panasonic-lumix-dmczs3-10mp-digital-camera-with-12x-2#comment-81296 A workhorse camera<br>Rating:5 out of 5 stars<br>As an appraiser I needed a wide angle camera sometimes. This one fits my bill neatly and more. Its optical and digital zoom is just awesome. Although not an SLR camera, it has several features that let me have control over the picture quality. For instance, auto bracketing let me take 3 photos in a row without using flash, even in low light. 25 mm wide angle, solid build and feel, 3" LCD display screen, supports up to 16GB HD card (which I am using), HD movie capable, what else can I ask for? <br /> <br />Mine is black now, very "manly". If the budget allows, I'd purchase another one in red or blue. A workhorse camera
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
As an appraiser I needed a wide angle camera sometimes. This one fits my bill neatly and more. Its optical and digital zoom is just awesome. Although not an SLR camera, it has several features that let me have control over the picture quality. For instance, auto bracketing let me take 3 photos in a row without using flash, even in low light. 25 mm wide angle, solid build and feel, 3″ LCD display screen, supports up to 16GB HD card (which I am using), HD movie capable, what else can I ask for?

Mine is black now, very “manly”. If the budget allows, I’d purchase another one in red or blue.

]]> By: C. Tran http://www.digitalcameraguru.net/point-shoot-digital-cameras/panasonic-lumix-dmczs3-10mp-digital-camera-with-12x-2#comment-81283 C. Tran Wed, 28 Jul 2010 17:46:08 +0000 http://digitalcameraguru.net/point-shoot-digital-cameras/panasonic-lumix-dmczs3-10mp-digital-camera-with-12x-2#comment-81283 BEST CAMERA FOR PRICE<br>Rating:5 out of 5 stars<br>After doing some extensive research, and even purchasing a camera a week earlier, I still went ahead and purchase this camera. Boy, did I miss out on getting this one earlier in the year. It has to be one of the best compact point and shoot out there. I was looking for something that was capable of taking good quality pictures but at the same time take high quality videos. I was very impressed. Get this camera and you won't be disappointed. <br /> <br />A++ all the way! <br /> <br /> BEST CAMERA FOR PRICE
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
After doing some extensive research, and even purchasing a camera a week earlier, I still went ahead and purchase this camera. Boy, did I miss out on getting this one earlier in the year. It has to be one of the best compact point and shoot out there. I was looking for something that was capable of taking good quality pictures but at the same time take high quality videos. I was very impressed. Get this camera and you won’t be disappointed.

A++ all the way!

]]> By: Kevin K. Fosler http://www.digitalcameraguru.net/point-shoot-digital-cameras/panasonic-lumix-dmczs3-10mp-digital-camera-with-12x-2#comment-81328 Kevin K. Fosler Tue, 27 Jul 2010 21:42:11 +0000 http://digitalcameraguru.net/point-shoot-digital-cameras/panasonic-lumix-dmczs3-10mp-digital-camera-with-12x-2#comment-81328 Camera exceeds expectations (from former Canon user)<br>Rating:5 out of 5 stars<br>For a long time, I assumed that Canon made the best cameras. I have had Canon ultra-zooms (and have posted good reviews of some of them) and Canon Elphs (with mixed reviews). Panasonic and Lumix were not even on my radar screen until I saw one that a friend had (a prior model with 10x zoom). <br /> <br />Being the rather impulsive person I sometimes am, I purchased both a Canon SD940IS and this Panasonic (DMC-ZS3). To me they are roughly in the same class, although to be fair the Canon SD940 is a lot smaller. However, for practical purposes, they are both "pocketable" point-and-shoot cameras. <br /> <br />The Panasonic surprised me and beat the Canon in every way except for size (see my Canon 940 review). I sold the Canon and kept the Panasonic. <br /> <br />What do I like about the Panasonic? <br /> <br />- Intelligent Auto almost always gets it right. If I want to take a picture but don't want to think about the settings, Intelligent Auto works better than I have ever experienced on other cameras. <br /> <br />- The 12x zoom. I often forget that it has a 12x zoom because it is not as bulky as cameras that have a long zoom. The zoom is very nice, and even at full zoom the details are very clear. <br /> <br />- Very nice, high-resolution LCD. The resolution and size of the LCD makes it easy to compose pictures and a pleasure to review them. One downside is that when I took pictures on a sunny day the display was hard to see. There is a setting for the display that may help and I've ordered a protector that may cut down on glare. I don't have enough experience with the camera yet to know if this is going to be much of an issue. <br /> <br />- Thoughtful and useful features throughout. Just one example (out of way too many to list) is multi-aspect bracketing. With wide-screen computer and HDTV displays, it's hard to keep track of what aspect ratio to use, and depending on what a photo is used for, viewing on HDTV, wide computer screen, printed on certain sizes of photo paper, who wants to decide in advance whether to use 4:3, 3:2, or 16:9 aspect ratio? Even though I have a minor in math, there are just too many other details in life to try to keep track of. The multi-aspect function takes a single photo and saves it in all 3 aspects so that whatever aspect is later needed is available. This kind of thoughtfulness shows up in many other features. <br /> <br />- Very accessible menus for quickly applying settings. <br /> <br />- Great movie recording features -- dedicated button, new format for longer videos as well as a more common format. Video quality is better than what I experienced on the Canon SD940IS -- much more stable. <br /> <br />- 25mm wide angle. Recently cameras have been offering 28mm wide -- this camera takes it a step further and goes even wider. <br /> <br />This is a camera that I can honestly say that I will probably be using for several years, rather than upgrading more frequently, that satisfies my need for both an "ultra zoom" as well as pocketable point and shoot, and that exceeds my expectations both in terms of features available as well as the consistently excellent pictures that it produces. Five stars from someone who is usually very critical of products I review. Camera exceeds expectations (from former Canon user)
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
For a long time, I assumed that Canon made the best cameras. I have had Canon ultra-zooms (and have posted good reviews of some of them) and Canon Elphs (with mixed reviews). Panasonic and Lumix were not even on my radar screen until I saw one that a friend had (a prior model with 10x zoom).

Being the rather impulsive person I sometimes am, I purchased both a Canon SD940IS and this Panasonic (DMC-ZS3). To me they are roughly in the same class, although to be fair the Canon SD940 is a lot smaller. However, for practical purposes, they are both “pocketable” point-and-shoot cameras.

The Panasonic surprised me and beat the Canon in every way except for size (see my Canon 940 review). I sold the Canon and kept the Panasonic.

What do I like about the Panasonic?

- Intelligent Auto almost always gets it right. If I want to take a picture but don’t want to think about the settings, Intelligent Auto works better than I have ever experienced on other cameras.

- The 12x zoom. I often forget that it has a 12x zoom because it is not as bulky as cameras that have a long zoom. The zoom is very nice, and even at full zoom the details are very clear.

- Very nice, high-resolution LCD. The resolution and size of the LCD makes it easy to compose pictures and a pleasure to review them. One downside is that when I took pictures on a sunny day the display was hard to see. There is a setting for the display that may help and I’ve ordered a protector that may cut down on glare. I don’t have enough experience with the camera yet to know if this is going to be much of an issue.

- Thoughtful and useful features throughout. Just one example (out of way too many to list) is multi-aspect bracketing. With wide-screen computer and HDTV displays, it’s hard to keep track of what aspect ratio to use, and depending on what a photo is used for, viewing on HDTV, wide computer screen, printed on certain sizes of photo paper, who wants to decide in advance whether to use 4:3, 3:2, or 16:9 aspect ratio? Even though I have a minor in math, there are just too many other details in life to try to keep track of. The multi-aspect function takes a single photo and saves it in all 3 aspects so that whatever aspect is later needed is available. This kind of thoughtfulness shows up in many other features.

- Very accessible menus for quickly applying settings.

- Great movie recording features — dedicated button, new format for longer videos as well as a more common format. Video quality is better than what I experienced on the Canon SD940IS — much more stable.

- 25mm wide angle. Recently cameras have been offering 28mm wide — this camera takes it a step further and goes even wider.

This is a camera that I can honestly say that I will probably be using for several years, rather than upgrading more frequently, that satisfies my need for both an “ultra zoom” as well as pocketable point and shoot, and that exceeds my expectations both in terms of features available as well as the consistently excellent pictures that it produces. Five stars from someone who is usually very critical of products I review.

]]> By: Luca P.C.P. http://www.digitalcameraguru.net/point-shoot-digital-cameras/panasonic-lumix-dmczs3-10mp-digital-camera-with-12x-2#comment-81409 Luca P.C.P. Sun, 25 Jul 2010 20:39:51 +0000 http://digitalcameraguru.net/point-shoot-digital-cameras/panasonic-lumix-dmczs3-10mp-digital-camera-with-12x-2#comment-81409 Poor picture quality<br>Rating:1 out of 5 stars<br>I ordered this camera due to its ability to zoom while making movies, and due to the very positive reviews I read on the web. However, I was rather disappointed by the poor picture quality, and I decided to return it. <br />We have older Canon cameras, such as an A620 and an A720, as well as a Panasonix LX3. Compared to those cameras, the picture quality of the ZS3 leaves much to be desired. Even at ISO 80, the strong noise reduction smears the fine detail, while leaving behind visible artifacts. This was very noticeable, for instance, on the shaded portions of people faces. There is little texture left in the skin, and yet, the noise reduction leaves behind artifacts that look like a mix of sparse grain, and pockmarks. <br />The results were very much a negative suprise. The sensor of the ZS3 is of similar size as the sensor of the Canon A720, and the A720 being two years or so older, we expected the ZS3 to be at least as good, if not better. The converse is true: the A720 gives very good quality photos at base ISO, and up to ISO 200, while the ZS3 even at base ISO produces poor results. <br />It was very surprising to us that this camera, which received such good reviews, would be so disappointing. <br /> <br />We are somewhat experienced photographers, and we own several cameras, from the afore-mentioned Canon A620, A720 and Panasonic LX3, to various DSLRs. Poor picture quality
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
I ordered this camera due to its ability to zoom while making movies, and due to the very positive reviews I read on the web. However, I was rather disappointed by the poor picture quality, and I decided to return it.

We have older Canon cameras, such as an A620 and an A720, as well as a Panasonix LX3. Compared to those cameras, the picture quality of the ZS3 leaves much to be desired. Even at ISO 80, the strong noise reduction smears the fine detail, while leaving behind visible artifacts. This was very noticeable, for instance, on the shaded portions of people faces. There is little texture left in the skin, and yet, the noise reduction leaves behind artifacts that look like a mix of sparse grain, and pockmarks.

The results were very much a negative suprise. The sensor of the ZS3 is of similar size as the sensor of the Canon A720, and the A720 being two years or so older, we expected the ZS3 to be at least as good, if not better. The converse is true: the A720 gives very good quality photos at base ISO, and up to ISO 200, while the ZS3 even at base ISO produces poor results.

It was very surprising to us that this camera, which received such good reviews, would be so disappointing.

We are somewhat experienced photographers, and we own several cameras, from the afore-mentioned Canon A620, A720 and Panasonic LX3, to various DSLRs.

]]> By: Ron & Joyce http://www.digitalcameraguru.net/point-shoot-digital-cameras/panasonic-lumix-dmczs3-10mp-digital-camera-with-12x-2#comment-81304 Ron & Joyce Sun, 25 Jul 2010 10:28:35 +0000 http://digitalcameraguru.net/point-shoot-digital-cameras/panasonic-lumix-dmczs3-10mp-digital-camera-with-12x-2#comment-81304 this camera was A ok<br>Rating:4 out of 5 stars<br>I will be able to tell you more about this camera after we come back from our cruise. So far it seems to be okay. My old camera took pictures of sky divers with ease and I got beautiful pictures. It had a viewer on it that you could look into. This camera only has the screen. I miss the viewer and would not have ordered this camera if I knew that it did not have one. this camera was A ok
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
I will be able to tell you more about this camera after we come back from our cruise. So far it seems to be okay. My old camera took pictures of sky divers with ease and I got beautiful pictures. It had a viewer on it that you could look into. This camera only has the screen. I miss the viewer and would not have ordered this camera if I knew that it did not have one.

]]> By: Alex in California http://www.digitalcameraguru.net/point-shoot-digital-cameras/panasonic-lumix-dmczs3-10mp-digital-camera-with-12x-2#comment-81343 Alex in California Sun, 25 Jul 2010 09:54:15 +0000 http://digitalcameraguru.net/point-shoot-digital-cameras/panasonic-lumix-dmczs3-10mp-digital-camera-with-12x-2#comment-81343 TIME TO MOVE OVER FOR THE NEW *KING*<br>Rating:3 out of 5 stars<br>I just purchased the DMC-ZS3 and it's clearly the best point and shoot (i.e. compact) digital still camera available today... until this week. <br /> <br />Sony just announced the DSC-HX5V which will be available in March 2010. It is similar to the DMC-ZS3 except that it has full HD video (1080i at 60i fps instead of 720p), enhanced low light performance, high speed shooting at 10 fps, GPS, and more. <br /> <br />I'll be returning my DMC-ZS3 unopened. TIME TO MOVE OVER FOR THE NEW *KING*
Rating:3 out of 5 stars
I just purchased the DMC-ZS3 and it’s clearly the best point and shoot (i.e. compact) digital still camera available today… until this week.

Sony just announced the DSC-HX5V which will be available in March 2010. It is similar to the DMC-ZS3 except that it has full HD video (1080i at 60i fps instead of 720p), enhanced low light performance, high speed shooting at 10 fps, GPS, and more.

I’ll be returning my DMC-ZS3 unopened.

]]> By: T. Stahl http://www.digitalcameraguru.net/point-shoot-digital-cameras/panasonic-lumix-dmczs3-10mp-digital-camera-with-12x-2#comment-81316 T. Stahl Sat, 24 Jul 2010 06:34:57 +0000 http://digitalcameraguru.net/point-shoot-digital-cameras/panasonic-lumix-dmczs3-10mp-digital-camera-with-12x-2#comment-81316 top notch point-and-shoot<br>Rating:3 out of 5 stars<br><a href="http://www.amazon.com/review/R2S4USTHSDTO21">Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2S4USTHSDTO21</a> The attached video was made straight out of the box, without reading the manual. Note that the original HD file has much better resolution (you get some loss going from 160MB to 22MB). The video shows the zoom function right up to max zoom. The image stabilization keeps the picture very steady, even at max zoom and in low light. It's so easy to use it's embarrassing. top notch point-and-shoot
Rating:3 out of 5 stars
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2S4USTHSDTO21 The attached video was made straight out of the box, without reading the manual. Note that the original HD file has much better resolution (you get some loss going from 160MB to 22MB). The video shows the zoom function right up to max zoom. The image stabilization keeps the picture very steady, even at max zoom and in low light. It’s so easy to use it’s embarrassing.

]]> By: Wickiup http://www.digitalcameraguru.net/point-shoot-digital-cameras/panasonic-lumix-dmczs3-10mp-digital-camera-with-12x-2#comment-81311 Wickiup Sat, 24 Jul 2010 03:45:18 +0000 http://digitalcameraguru.net/point-shoot-digital-cameras/panasonic-lumix-dmczs3-10mp-digital-camera-with-12x-2#comment-81311 FANTASTIC LITTLE CAMERA!<br>Rating:5 out of 5 stars<br>This is a terrific little camera. Small enough to fit in my quad glove box but it is very sturdily built. Takes great pictures and the anti-shake works very well. It's easy to learn (easier than my both my Sony cameras) and the screen is absolutely gorgeous. My only trouble with it has been finding a way to watch the videos I've taken. So far, the only way I've been able to watch the videos is via QuickTime and since I am not an Apple lover, would like to figure a different way. I will work on that in the future. <br /> <br />I will be buying a second battery before we go on any extended vacation. The camera is terrific and does everything I need it to, but it does use up the small battery pretty quickly. However, the nifty little battery charger is small and efficient. It takes only about 2 hours to charge the battery! <br /> <br />All in all, I'd give it an A minus. FANTASTIC LITTLE CAMERA!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This is a terrific little camera. Small enough to fit in my quad glove box but it is very sturdily built. Takes great pictures and the anti-shake works very well. It’s easy to learn (easier than my both my Sony cameras) and the screen is absolutely gorgeous. My only trouble with it has been finding a way to watch the videos I’ve taken. So far, the only way I’ve been able to watch the videos is via QuickTime and since I am not an Apple lover, would like to figure a different way. I will work on that in the future.

I will be buying a second battery before we go on any extended vacation. The camera is terrific and does everything I need it to, but it does use up the small battery pretty quickly. However, the nifty little battery charger is small and efficient. It takes only about 2 hours to charge the battery!

All in all, I’d give it an A minus.

]]> By: Leonard Mountz http://www.digitalcameraguru.net/point-shoot-digital-cameras/panasonic-lumix-dmczs3-10mp-digital-camera-with-12x-2#comment-81383 Leonard Mountz Thu, 22 Jul 2010 04:49:52 +0000 http://digitalcameraguru.net/point-shoot-digital-cameras/panasonic-lumix-dmczs3-10mp-digital-camera-with-12x-2#comment-81383 Just great except for one thing<br>Rating:5 out of 5 stars<br>This Camera is the best I've seen there is only one thing I don't like about it. You have to put the date on each picture it has no setting for dates to be put on as you take the picture or Video. Other than that the pictures are the best I've seen. Just great except for one thing
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This Camera is the best I’ve seen there is only one thing I don’t like about it. You have to put the date on each picture it has no setting for dates to be put on as you take the picture or Video. Other than that the pictures are the best I’ve seen.

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