Sponsored Links

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3

*Est. $390

Reviewed June 2009
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3

Simplest to use, compact size

pros
  • Optical image stabilization
  • Compact size
  • Large LCD display
  • Fast performance
cons
  • Slightly soft images
  • Short battery life
  • Few manual options
  • No RAW support
 
 
Where to Buy
  • Amazon

    for $349.95

  • Vanns.com

    for $349.97

  • eBay

    for $296.00

 
 
 

Most ultra-zoom digital cameras are big and bulky, but the 10.1-megapixel, 12x Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 (*Est. $390) has a unique optical system that makes it one of the only pocket-sized ultra-zoom digital cameras. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 measures a minuscule 2.35 inches by 4.07 inches by 1.29 inches and weighs 7.2 ounces. Compared to more advanced ultra-zooms like the Canon PowerShot SX10 IS (*Est. $380) and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 (*Est. $275), that's up to an inch shorter, three-quarters of an inch narrower and two inches thinner. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 is also more than 12 ounces lighter than the heavyweight SX10 and 6 ounces less than the middleweight FZ28.

The advantage in size comes with trade-offs in features. Simply put, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 is strictly a point-and-shoot camera. The 12x zoom lens has optical image stabilization but a relatively short 25 mm to 300 mm focal length range. There's no electric viewfinder, only the 3-inch LCD display, which is larger those found on the SX10 and FZ28. And while Panasonic Lumix ZS3 comes with HD movie mode and can record to SD, SDHC (high capacity) and MultiMedia memory cards (MMC), it lacks RAW (uncompressed image file) support, manual modes, a high-speed shutter and burst modes. However, reviewers say it's easy to use, with 22 scene modes, an intelligent ISO feature for reducing image blur, zippy performance and good picture but slightly soft image quality. However, anyone wanting more control might take a look at the highly rated Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28. It isn't nearly as compact, but the Panasonic Lumix FZ28 has an 18x zoom lens, more manual controls, and supports RAW image and HD format -- and all for a lower price.   

CNET, DCResource.com, DPReview.com and Imaging-Resource.com provide the most thorough testing and reviews of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3. User reviews at Amazon.com help to verify expert assessments and to reveal potential problems with extensive use.

Where To Buy
 
 
Featured StoresStore RatingNotesTotal Price
AmazonAmazon rated 3.50 (1651 reviews)1651 store reviewsIn Stock. Get free shipping on orders over $25!$349.95
Vanns.comVanns.com rated 4.50 (549 reviews)549 store reviewsIn Stock. New$349.97
eBayeBay rated 4.00 (1175 reviews)1175 store reviewsIn Stock. $296.00
 
 
 

Our Sources

1. CNET

Out of nine top-rated ultra-zooms reviewed by CNET, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 places second. Lori Grunin praises its combined compact size and wide-angle zoom lens, concluding that the ZS3 is a nice option for anyone not in need of a lot of manual controls.

Review: Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 (Silver), Lori Grunin, May 22, 2009

2. DCResource.com

"The DMC-ZS3 takes everything that was great about the TZ5 and improves upon it," writes Jeff Keller. He likes the wider, more powerful zoom lens, new image processor and HD movie mode. He concludes that it's a great camera for users who aren't interested in manual controls.

Review: DCRP Review: Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3, Jeff Keller, May 25, 2009

3. DPReview.com

The Panasonic DMC-ZS3 and its sibling, the DMC-ZS1, reign as joint winners in the compact super-zoom group test. These cameras provide the best mix of image quality, features and construction. The ZS3 has the added benefit of HD video, albeit with a higher price tag.

Review: Compact 'Super Zoom' Cameras: Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 (DMC-TZ7), Editors of DPReview.com, May 14, 2009

4. Imaging-Resource.com

Editor Shawn Barnett praises the Panasonic Lumix ZS3's compact size, good image quality and ease of use. He is also impressed with its wide-angle lens, although he finds the facial recognition feature to be "hit-or-miss."

Review: Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3, Shawn Barnett, April 21, 2009

5. Amazon.com

About 30 customers weigh in on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3; most give it positive ratings. Complaints include a noisy zoom lens, poor image quality in low-light conditions and hit-or-miss auto focus.

Review: Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3, Contributors to Amazon.com, As of June 2009

Digital Cameras (Ultra-Zoom) Runners Up:

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 *Est. $240

4 picks including: Amazon.com, PopPhoto.com…

Olympus SP-570 UZ *Est. $400

3 picks including: Amazon.com…

Canon PowerShot SX110 IS *Est. $235

2 picks including: Amazon.com…

Canon PowerShot SX1 IS *Est. $590

2 picks including: Amazon.com…

     
 
image
Olympus SP-570UZ 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Optical Dual Image Stabilized Zoom
Buy from Amazon.com
from Amazon.com
New: $474.99   
In Stock.
Average Customer Review:  
 
 
 
 
     
 
image
Canon Powershot SX110IS 9MP Digital Camera with 10x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black)
Buy from Amazon.com
from Amazon.com
New: $269.95   
In Stock.
Average Customer Review:  
 
 
 
 
     
 
image
Canon PowerShot SX1IS 10 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.8-inch LCD
Buy from Amazon.com
from Amazon.com
New: Too low to display   
In Stock.
Average Customer Review:  
 
 
 
 
Sponsored Links

Back to top