While in Miami at the Panasonic Lumix Seminar, we spent some quality time with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 under a golden South Beach sun. Photographic opportunities abounded, and we even ran into a ghost from the past, as presented in one of our sample images. That's right, we got sample images. So kick out that folding chair and grab a mojito because it's Lumix time in Miami, courtesy of Panasonic.
A Familiar Face
Why does the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 look nearly identical to the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 or DMC-TZ50? The reason is because Panasonic phased out the TZ series in favor of the new ZS lineup. Apparently TZ is not as cool as ZS in the world of digital camera monikers. Regardless, there are a few notable differences, the most prominent being a slight size reduction on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3's behalf. The Lumix DMC-ZS3 also comes in a swanky black color while the Lumix DMC-TZ5 shipped in blue and silver. Both cameras share the same barren control panel, but the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 rocks a larger 3-inch high resolution LCD with a wide viewing angle. This is basic architecture destined for the eager hands of beginners.
Fresh Guts
But that's just about where the similarities cease. Panasonic gave the new ZS series a complete internal overhaul, which we were quite impressed with. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 features a 25mm wide lens, which allowed us to pack a lot more into the frame without having to back into the ocean. This was exceedingly helpful on the streets of Miami, where one fatal misstep can lead to a frightening tourist pileup. In addition to the 25mm wide-angle lens, Panasonic boosted the CCD to 12-megapixels compared to the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 and TZ50's 9-megapixel max. As if that wasn't enough, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 received new AVCHD Lite HD video capability accompanied by new Venus Engine HD processing. Tack on the new Face Recognition feature, and we have a user-friendly powerhouse compact.
Working the Goods
On the beach, in the streets and everywhere in between, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 was a pleasure to shoot with. We liked the more compact chassis, for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ50 felt a bit awkward and clunky at times. The interface is just your average run-of-the-mill four-way directional pad, so there's nothing magical like a touch-screen or mode dial. The shutter button zoom toggle was a nice touch and we're glad Panasonic didn't opt for a slider to compliment the camera's reduced dimensions. Using the zoom was even better, as the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 allowed us to really hone in on detail from a great distance, thanks to the 12x optical zoom. The Mega OIS also succeeded in keeping the image steady, even at the max zoom level.
As far as still image quality, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 performed very well. Low light was the Achilles heel, but that's to be expected of a compact in this class. We took advantage of the Intelligent Auto mode, which made a huge difference in terms of exposure, but noise exploded. We'll get to that in a minute. As far as video quality, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 wowed us again. We saw great things with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1 underwater camera, and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 was no different. Besides, both cameras share the same insides. As discussed with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1, AVCHD Lite appears to be the next menacing threat to camcorders. With video quality this clean at half the size of Motion-JPEG, we're on our way to full HD compacts. You can only shrink a camcorder so much before it morphs into a compact digital camera.
Drum Roll Please
Here's what we caught at South Beach. For the most part, this is a very impressive performance, but the Florida sun was flooding the scenery with optimal lighting. We did stumble upon a couple contrast and low light issues, so let's dive in.
At the Ritz
This is an all around great image, due mostly to the detail rendered in the focused portion of the palm trees in the foreground. The colors are natural and vibrant, and there's no fringing or haloing along the edges of the Ritz and the skyline. We can detect a minor spattering of noise upon the hotel, but it's minimal and does not detract from the overall image.
Classic Buick
Obviously, the subject matter makes this image here, but the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 manages to handle the glare of the dashboard quite well. The chrome is also rendered beautifully, with minimal no virtually no blown out whites along the bumper's sleek lines. Noise is minimal as well, and the only thing we're dealing with is a blown out sky. However, this is not an alarming level, as other cameras would have a tendency to boost the exposure to the max. This image displays a pleasing brightness level and fortifies the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3's dynamic range capability.
South Beach Sand
We're looking for detail here, and we found it. Each individual grain of sand can be discerned within the focused portion of this image, displaying the clarity and sharpness the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 is capable of bringing to the table.
Flying Wheel Girl
For some reason we had difficulty getting close enough in Macro mode, as the tire is slightly out of focus. However, the focused portion is exceptionally represented from color to detail. Panasonics tend to wow us at close range, and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 is no exception. Even the beach scenery is focused in the angel's shoulder.
A Ghost from the Past
Of all the individuals we could possibly ponder, this legendary man walked right into our Panasonic group on an Ocean Drive sidewalk. The peculiar nature of the story deals with the fact that infoSync's digital imaging editor had repeatedly run into this foreboding man while living in Boston. It was an out of body experience to see the "Jesus Is Lord" man hawking God to the masses along Miami's hottest coast, but let's talk imaging, shall we?
We're dealing with contrast here, and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 struggles a bit. The sky is blown out and the subjects in the foreground lack proper exposure. Our friend's hat is not helping the matter either, casting a shadow on his intimidating face, which in turn creates noise. In Intelligent Auto mode, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 would have boosted the ISO, but noise would have exploded off the charts. The good news is that colors look great and detail is sharp. This is a situation where you'll need to shift the subject to an area with more uniform lighting.
Colony Hotel
Colony Hotel in Intelligent Auto
Here's the difference between Camera mode and Intelligent Auto mode. In the first image, we shot at a low ISO level, which gave us an underexposed image. Detail and colors look great, and this is certainly a passable image. However, we shifted over to Intelligent Auto just to see what the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 was capable of in autopilot. Well, all it did was raise the ISO. The exposure looks great, but noise is having a party. Serious photographers will want to bust out the tripod and shoot at a low shutter speed. On a lighter note, the sharpness was quite impressive for a 12x optical zoom, thanks to the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3's OIS.
|
_it00.jpg)
|
Archive