Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3K 7.2MP Digital Camera with 10x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black)
by Panasonic
Our Price: $72.00
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Category: Digital Camera
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Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: PanasonicRelease Date: 2007-03-26
Model: DMC-TZ3-K
Color: Black
Product features:
- 7.2-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 15 x 20-inch prints
- 10x image-stabilized optical zoom; 3.0-inch LCD display
- Intelligent ISO Control (I.I.C.) reduces image blur from subject movement and low light
- Records full-size movies in wide-aspect VGA (848 x 480) at 30 frames per second
- Stores images on SD/SDHC/MMC memory cards
- SanDisk 4GB SDHC card
- Adobe Photoshop CS5 Upgrade [Old Version]
- Serif PhotoPlus X3
- Adobe Photoshop CS4 Upgrade [OLD VERSION]
- Aperture 3
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3K 7.2MP Digital Camera with 10x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black)
Customer Review: In my opinion, the best affordable pocket camera available
Summary: 5 Stars
If only the Lumix TZ3 had the instant reactions of a much more expensive Nikon or Canon DSLR, it would be the perfect pocket camera, a worthy successor to the Leica M3, M4 or M6. As it is, the TZ3 comes really close to being the perfect digital pocket camera.
The lens is the biggest part of the story: 28mm - 280mm (35mm equivalent), a full 10x zoom that doesn't extend more than 2 inches from the body. The 28mm capability makes a huge difference. I just spent the weekend with my sweetheart and five of her sisters. From a few feet away, I could capture the whole group - a substantial change from using the 35mm equivalent focal length of most other cameras. At the telephoto end, the 280mm definitely doesn't have the reach of the 350mm of the TZ1. Too bad one can't have it all. By using a smaller portion of the sensor, you can create higher effective optical zoom extensions, with a commensurate loss of quality, though this is not as bad as with digital zoom.
The 7.2 Megapixel sensor provides adequate image quality.
While there are no explicit manual controls, you can get a great deal of flexibility from using the pre-determined "scenes" and the basic controls such as bracketing.
The TZ1 had a physical lens cover which was always a pain to deal with. You had to take it off. It dangled from a string and unless restrained, could wind up in the photograph. The TZ3 has an automatic lens cover: hooray! It also has a 3" display, which is great to work with. The brightness of the LCD can be adjusted to accomodate bright sunlight (works reasonably well) and unusual viewing angles (works quite well).
The TZ3 is smaller than the TZ1 which is good and bad. It is lighter, which is good. The camera fits neatly into a pocket, which is better than good. The automatic lens cap is wonderful and I suggest a screen protector for the LCD. The ergonomics of the TZ3, however, suffer with the reduction in physical size. The swelling on the right-hand side, which created a nice, hefty handgrip on the TZ1 has been slimmed down in a major way. A little more concious thought is now required when grasping the camera. It is also possible, as this large handed user quickly learned, to inadvertently place a finger in front of the flash.
In terms of responsiveness, the TZ3 seems to power on a little faster than the TZ1, but it still takes time. Shutter lag is reasonably short. But in an ideal world, shutter lag would be non-existent. If that were the case, the TZ3 would indeed be the best camera for street shooting since the Leica M6. The zoom is smooth, if a little slow. Autofocus at lower focal lengths is practically instantaneous in well lit situations and distressingly slow in poor lightings. At longer focal lengths, there does seem to be some hunting.
The battery is rated for approximately 270 shots. You will not appear foolish if you always carry a spare or two. Flash photography appears to quickly drain the battery. Also be careful if you decide to use 4GB SDHC cards: not all built-in laptop card readers will accept them. You may need a USB adapter such as the one supplied with this card: Sandisk 4GB Secure Digital SD HC Memory Card(SDSDB-4096, bulk) & BlueProton USB 2.0 Card Reader Writer (Blue).
Overall, the TZ3 is a great little camera. Even if you have a Nikon or Canon DSLR, you'll find yourself carrying the TZ3 far more often than you might expect. For everyday occasions and ordinary travel photography, this is an almost perfect camera with an extreme zoom, small size, light weight and enough settings to cover most situations. It is not, to be sure, a Nikon or Canon DSLR, but it is more than adequate for most tasks. By the way, video quality (640 x 480 at 30fps) is excellent.
A great piece of engineering by Panasonic.
Jerry
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Description of Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3K 7.2MP Digital Camera with 10x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black)
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