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| Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 |
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Panasonic has done it again—they've succeeded in creating a beast of the consumer persuasion. One that spits fire with a champion image performance. One that claws at the competition with a solid set of features. And best of all, a beast that decimates all in its path with a great HD video performance and the ability to zoom while recording. Yes, folks, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 is definitely worth the extra 100 clams over the DMC-ZS1. Can it match the likes of the formidable Canon PowerShot SD970 IS? In some regards yes, and we actually think the Lumix DMC-ZS3 cranked out a better image performance in certain shooting environments. The Lumix DMC-ZS3 also gave the Fujifilm Finepix F200 EXR a run for its money, but we’d have to hand image quality over to the Finepix. Discerning shooters who are looking for a great performance compact will be torn between both models. However, there is the Lumix DMC-ZS3's 25mm wide-angle lens and 12x optical zoom to consider. Panasonic packs a plethora into its top compact, and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 should not be overlooked at any cost. Release: June 2009. Price: $400.
Pros: Great image quality. Impressive features and hardware. AVCHD Lite with zoom capability? Yummy!
Cons: Larger than most competitors. Clunky interface. We could have used some advanced manual controls.
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| Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX580 |
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Panasonic's second attempt at a hybrid touch-screen style compact was not radical enough to warrant a parade in celebration. In fact, we couldn't even tell the difference between the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX580 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX500 until we dove into the interface. Even there, we were greeted with the same menus and functionality, just a fresh set of graphics to shroud the obvious. The Lumix DMC-FX580 does have more megapixels and enhanced processing, but we experienced an image performance tantamount to the Lumix DMC-FX500's. If you want a performance compact that will rival a Canon PowerShot G10 or Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3, we'd shoot for the Fujifilm Finepix F200EXR. Otherwise, the Lumix DMC-FX500 is still available online for much cheaper than its latest sibling. Release: June 2009. Price: $400.
Pros: Bountiful shooting features. Great Playback mode. 25mm wide-angle lens allowed us to fit more in our shots.
Cons: Inconsistent image quality. Touch-screen still has a few kinks to iron out. Minimal improvements upon Lumix DMC-FX500.
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| Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX48 |
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It’s sexy, classy and highly portable. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX48 is one of those compacts that beckons the eyes with its simple, yet attractive architecture. But its looks might be its primary attribute. We found image quality to surpass many of its peers, but we ran into the same dastardly noise issue we had experienced with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX580. The Lumix DMC-FX48’s interface was lacking and features were tuned for novices and amateurs. The kicker is that the DMC-FX580 is a $50 price hike, but listen to what you get: Full manual control, touch-screen hybrid, larger LCD and additional features. This is a steal in the camera industry, for most manufacturers will jack a model’s retail value up just for one simple upgrade like an LCD boost. Those seeking the best image quality will want to check out the Fujifilm Finepix F200 EXR or the Canon PowerShot SD970 IS. Release: June 2009. Price: $350.
Pros: Hot little number. Highly portable. Great auto mode.
Cons: Inconsistent image quality (noise). Skimpy interface. Limited features.
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| Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 |
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The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 is a bit of a mixed bag, but we feel that its impressive strengths outweigh its petulant flaws. We weren’t crazy about the Lumix DMC-ZS1’s interface or design, and features were not as extensive as we would have hoped for. However, the Lumix DMC-ZS1’s 12x optical zoom and 25mm wide-angle lens made us smile, especially since we weren’t forced to continuously back away into oblivion in order to fit an entire building into the frame. Image quality in bright light was some of the best we’ve seen from a compact in this class, but we struggled with exposure in low light. If only the Lumix DMC-ZS1’s Starry Sky Scene mode allowed us to adjust the shutter speed in smaller increments like Canon’s Long Shutter mode. For most casual shooters, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 seems to be a nice fit, though we’d strongly recommend exploring more of the sea before you drop your anchors. Release: May 2009. Price: $300.
Pros: Great bright light image quality. Easy to use menus. Excellent zoom and wide-angle lens combo.
Cons: Lame design. Difficult low light behavior. Poor Playback mode.
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| Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1 |
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Right now the rugged compact market is a sea of emerging models, each flaunting waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof, dustproof and eventually Earth proof. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1 is one of the better choices out there, right alongside the Canon PowerShot D10. The Olympus Stylus Tough 8000 and Fujifilm Finepix Z33WP failed to impress us in our waterproof shootout, so that leaves the newly announced Pentax Optio W80, which has not been released. We were fans of the Lumix DMC-TS1’s AVCHD Lite video quality and overall still performance, though the compact was not really as ballsy as we thought it would be, and never quite acted the same after our shockproof test. The lack of a viewfinder was irksome, but the Lumix DMC-TS1 provided a great LCD and plenty of features to keep us happy underwater. In this exclusive class, we recommend checking out either the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1 or Canon PowerShot D10 because they are the tops dogs at the bottom of the ocean. Release: May 2009. Price: $400.
Pros: Good overall still image and HD video quality, even underwater. Lots of juicy features.
Cons: Not as tough as we expected. No viewfinder. Pricey.
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