AVCHD Lite and a bigger LCD make Panasonic's top compact a force to be reckoned with, but does it possess the power to take down Canon's top compacts? Read the full Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 review to find out.
Review summary of the 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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Full Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 Review:
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Design – Mediocre
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 flaunts the same plus-size sexiness we saw with it's little sibling, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 since both chasses are identical in construction and dimensions. The Lumix DMC-ZS3 is not your ordinary compact—it packs a little extra junk in the trunk in order to fit that big old 12x optical zoom and Mega OIS system. We liked the matte finish and textured thumb pad in back, and the camera exudes an undoubtedly classy presence with its chrome trim and pronounced grip side. However, it fell victim to a few of the same design flaws we discovered on the Lumix DMC-ZS1. Despite its stylish allure, we were intermittently vexed while in the field.
First off, we were not fans of the Mode dial placement because it was stationed too closely to the shutter button. In fact, we couldn't even lay our finger over the right side of the camera without inadvertently shifting into a different mode. The DMC-ZS1's Mode dial was even more taunting, shifting at the greatest of ease. Everytime we tossed it in our bag, the camera would emerge in a different mode. We still can't understand the "Mode dial is not in the proper position" error screen. All Panasonic has to do is put a stop at two points on the dial so shooters do not accidentally shift into the great unknown. Fortunately, the Lumix DMC-ZS3's Mode dial was a little more firmly planted, but we did occasionally shift into an unwanted mode.
A few minor gripes we had were based on the external controls, or lack thereof. For a $400 powerhouse compact, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 really skimped on buttons and dials. We weren't too keen on the Camera/Playback switch because it was one additional step alternating between modes. On the bright side, the shutter button zoom toggle provided plenty of real estate and we loved the grooved texture along the tab. The only differences between the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 and DMC-ZS1 had to do with the former's Mini HDMI terminal, Video Record button and stereo microphone pickups. Aside from that, both compacts were virtually identical.
Interface – Good
At this stage, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 pulled ahead of the Lumix DMC-ZS1 by a few dozen bike lengths. We noticed a definite improvement in the Lumix DMC-ZS3's interface as far as speed and responsiveness was concerned. Playback was still a clunky experience, but the Lumix DMC-ZS3 did not spaz out like the Lumix DMC-ZS1 did when we tried to zoom in and out. There was no fluid movement regarding zooming in and out of an image, and we weren't able to hold the zoom toggle in a fixed position while we honed in and out. We had to flick consistently from side to side, which seemed quite archaic in this day and age. However, menu navigation was a much more rapid experience on the Lumix DMC-ZS3, and it appeared as though the compact's firmware was a lot more stable than the Lumix DMC-ZS1's.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 also excelled in the monitor department, featuring a 3-inch LCD with a 460,000-pixel display. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 had a 2.7-inch LCD with half the pixel count, and we noticed a significant boost in sharpness, clarity and detail with the Lumix DMC-ZS3's display. In addition, the Lumix DMC-ZS3's screen resisted solarizing at steep angles and handled glare slightly better. The lack of a viewfinder still chapped our behinds a bit, especially since the Lumix DMC-ZS3 is considered a performance compact. However, the Lumix DMC-ZS3's display was one of the better options we've seen in this class.
We also expected a little more from the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3's external control layout. The four-way directional pad was stocked with useful quick functions like Exposure Compensation and Macro, but we would have liked to have seen ISO and White Balance buttons tacked onto the back. Menus were great, and we loved the Q. Menu for rapid selections. We did like the separate Video Record button because we didn't have to switch modes in order to capture video. However, Canon's PowerShot lineup exhibited the best overall interface for 2009. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3's interface could not match the likes of Canon's fleet, but it did not lag far behind.
Features – Very Good
Another major fork in the road between both models was the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3's AVCHD Lite video mode, which is basically a 1280x720 version of full-blown ACVHD. We remember shooting in AVCHD Lite in Miami earlier this year at the Lumix convention and being impressed with the quality. Well, things were the same this time around, and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 gave the Canon PowerShot SD970 IS a run for its money. Not only were we digging the Lumix DMC-ZS3's HD video quality, but we loved the ability to zoom while recording. Although the zoom was a fixed slow speed, there are very few cameras on the market that allow shooters to zoom while recording.
Aside from AVCHD Lite, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 offered the same features as the Lumix DMC-ZS1. To lay it straight down on the table, we could have used more of an advanced palette to choose from. We feel Panasonic could have stepped it up for the top ZS model by throwing in Shutter/Aperture Priority and a full Manual mode. Instead, we got an Intelligent Auto mode, General Camera mode, two custom options, and a gaggle of Scene modes. So, the consumer elements are assembled, dear Watson. We just had to do a little extra investigative work in order to shoot more professionally. For instance, to attain a longer shutter speeds we tapped into Starry Sky mode. White Balance and ISO were conveniently located in the Q. Menu, so they were readily available.
However, There was no Manual Focus. In its place we were given a handful of impressive semi-automatic and automatic Focus options like AF tracking and Face Detection, all of which performed very well. Furthermore, the Face Recognition feature was one of the shining stars, locking in a face and following it throughout the frame, as demonstrated in our Cheerleader Face Recognition story. We were also given three different aspect ratios to shoot in—4:3, 3:2, and 16:9—which helped us in the creativity department. Color options were slim compared to most of Canon's PowerShot cams, but the Lumix DMC-ZS3 provided plenty of shooting options like Pin Hole and Film Grain to stimulate our photographic wild side. All in all, we were very impressed with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3's shooting features.
Hardware – Very Good
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 and Lumix DMC-ZS1 also differ in terms of imaging guts. While the Lumix DMC-ZS1 had a 10-megapixel 1/2.5-inch CCD with Venus Engine IV processing, the Lumix DMC-ZS3 got a 10-megapixel 1/2.33-inch CCD with Venus Engine HD processing to support its AVCHD Lite video recording. The boosted sensor size definitely helped, for the Lumix DMC-ZS3's image performance had a surefire edge over that of the Lumix DMC-ZS1's.
The 12x optical Leica DC Vario-Elmar lens with 25mm telephoto capability was a welcome carryover from the Lumix DMC-ZS1, and we were able to capture a lot of content in our shots without having to back up significantly. Panasonic's Mega OIS came to the rescue while we were at full zoom, retaining a relatively solid image. The Lumix DMC-ZS3 is certainly one of the most advanced compacts on the market, and one we truly enjoyed shooting with.
The time from power on to first shot was tantamount to the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1's sluggish performance of 3.4 seconds, which is like a tortoise in the compact world. The Lumix DMC-ZS3 is juiced by a rechargeable Lithium Ion battery pack and records solely to SD/SDHC cards. Images are captured as JPEGs while video clips are MPEG2 Transport Stream, meaning you'll need an editing program that can handle the odd files.
Image Quality - Good
As stated previously, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 held an edge over the Lumix DMC-ZS1, and some of our images were just plain awesome. Detail, color and sharpness were spot on in most environments, and the Lumix DMC-ZS3 resisted fringing at all costs. Contrasts were a bit tricky for the Lumix DMC-ZS3 to handle, but we attained a slight improvement over the Lumix DMC-ZS1 when it came to dynamic range. Our one main complaint came down to an observation we've noticed across the Lumix board this year.
In certain shooting environments, we encountered a peculiar swarm of angry pixels, even at the lowest ISO 80. The noise was unexplainable, so we really had no warning. However, this was now a rare occasion, and happened much less frequently compared to the Lumix DMC-ZS1. In low light, the Lumix DMC-ZS3 could pull out the big guns, thanks to Starry Sky mode, but we could not adjust the White Balance, which was a major bummer. Canon wins in the low light department with its Long Shutter mode, allowing more manual control and smaller shutter speed increments. Regardless, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 was a great all around performer, and a compact we'd highly recommend as an alternate to a PowerShot.
Scene Test – Pacifico
Optimal Lighting Test – Primera Iglesia Bautista
Color Test – Flowers (Standard)
Color Test – Flowers (Vivid)
The first image exhibits the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3's ability to truly shine. We really have minimal complaints here. The colors are natural and vibrant, sharpness and detail are both spot on, and contrast looks good. In optimal lighting, things get even better, as evidenced in the second image. The beaufiful blue sky blankets la Primera Iglesia Bautista, which is rendered with lifelike quality. A performance like this from a basic image sensor is rare, and we're glad Panasonic stuck with 10-megapixels rather than try to stuff in 12 to remain competitive with the cavalcade of megapixel monsters that are attacking the market. The next two images display the Lumix DMC-ZS3's stellar color rendering. Not only do colors explode with vibrancy, but detail is also excellent. We gave Vivid mode a whirl in the second image, and the results were even better. Colors are as rich as they could be without bleeding or appearing oversaturated. What a great show from the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3.
Portrait Test – Avivit and Co.
Macro Test – Radioactive Glasses
Sharpness Test – Assessment Drugs
Detail Test – Silver Steed
In an attempt to balance the exposure across the entire image, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 underexposed our subjects slightly in the first image. We recommend taking advantage of the Face Recognition or Face Detection focus modes in a situation like this. Detail is still great, and the image is not bad at all. Detail up close was excellent, as displayed in the second image. We loved the Lumix DMC-ZS3's Macro mode, which allowed us to take that 25mm lens and stuff it right in the face of our subject matter. We can even discern tiny granules of dirt along the inside ridge of the glasses, which means a certain Digital Imaging editor needs to bust out the Windex and get to work. Detail flourishes in the third image, and we can also detect the Lumix DMC-ZS3's innate ability to handle sharp lines and edges along the text on the books. Even the texture of the fabric is detectable to a fine degree. Detail continues to excel in the last image, and the Lumix DMC-ZS3's ability to stave off fringing is highly impressive. This is one killer compact.
Indoor Light Test – Check Mate
Pin Hole Test - Mantle
Film Grain Test – Window
Low Light Test – Inside the Backpack
Indoor shooting was no different, and the detail fest continues on the chessboard. Warm colors, intricate wood grain and a crisp focus make the first image another champion. We had a little fun with the Pin Hole and Film Grain filters, and the second and third images are prime representations of the level of creativity the Lumix DMC-ZS3 was able to bring to the table. Though we could only shoot at a maximum of 3-megapixels, the images reverberate with a classy charm that not many cameras offer. We did our low light shooting a little differently this time around, tossing the Lumix DMC-ZS3 in our backpack with a 15-second shutter speed. Detail and exposure look great, but that White Balance really irks us. We wish we could adjust the White Balance in Starry Sky mode, but this is not a perfect world. Despite this, it was one of our very few gripes and the Lumix DMC-ZS3 can certainly handle a dimly-lit shooting environment.
Price and availability
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 is available now for $400.
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