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Imserba Webstore - Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 10.1 MP Digital Camera with 12x Wide Angle MEGA Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 3 inch LCD (Black)
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List Price: $349.95
Our Price: Too low to display
Your Save: $ ( % )
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Manufacturer: Panasonic
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Average Customer Rating:  
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Binding: Electronics
Brand: Panasonic
Color: Black
Connectivity: AV
Digital Zoom: 4
Display Size: 3
EAN: 0037988989010
Feature: 10.1-megapixel resolution captures enough detail for poster-size prints
Floppy Disk Drive Description: None
Has Red Eye Reduction: 1
Included Software: Yes
Is Autographed: 0
Is Memorabilia: 0
Label: Panasonic
Manufacturer: Panasonic
Maximum Focal Length: 49.2
Maximum Resolution: 10100000
Minimum Focal Length: 4.1
Model: ZS3 Black
Monitor Size: 300
Optical Zoom: 12
Publisher: Panasonic
Studio: Panasonic
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Features
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10.1-megapixel resolution captures enough detail for poster-size prints
12x MEGA optical image-stablilized zoom; 25mm ultra-wide-angle lens
Capture HD video in "AVCHD Lite" format
Intelligent Auto (iA) mode; Face Recognition feature
Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)
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Editorial Reviews:
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The ZS3 records HD motion images at a smooth 60 frames per second with 1280 x 720-pixel resolution. It uses the AVCHD (MPEG-4/H.264) format, via AVCHD lite, which stores less data than other formats and thus lets you shoot more minutes of HD motion images before running out of memory.Just set the camera to iA mode, aim and shoot. The camera does all the rest. It automatically determines the most suitable scene mode and helps correct blurring, focus, and brightness problems. With iA mode, it's easy to get beautiful, clear results. In the ZS3, iA mode cannot be used when shooting motion images.The ZS3 packs a LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens with 12x optical zoom into a compact body. This versatile photographic tool lets you shoot everything from sweeping vistas at the 25mm wide-angle setting to dynamic 300mm telephoto shots. And the lens system's exquisite rendering ability lets you capture even the subtle nuances of the sights and scenes in your travels.
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Spotlight customer reviews:
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Customer Rating:
Summary: First impressions
Comment: I've had the ZS3 for about 12 hours and have barely scratched the surface (not literally of course). My initial impression is of a high-quality build and feel (lens zooming is way quieter than my Canon A570, for example), detailed photos, and LOTS of functionality. Of course I love the zoom range, LCD image quality, and HD video. I just shot a little AVCHD lite, put it on my laptop using the Panasonic software, and watched it on TV over HDMI. Worked like a charm. I may not bother buying the HDMI cable for camera-to-TV, since it was so easy transferring to my laptop.
I read so many reports of loose mode dials on this model that I expected it. But the mode dial is NOT loose at all on my camera. It is exactly as tight and notchy as I would want. Apparently it's not endemic to the camera.
I may add to this review when I have more experience with the camera.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Fantastic Camera
Comment: I love the new Lumix ZX3. This camera has an amazing 12x zoom lens and a fantastic 3" upgraded display. For the price and the size of the camera, I don't think there's a better choice. Using HD video (720p) is a snap with the dedicated video button. The AVHCD lite format integrates perfectly with iMovie on the Mac. Even the higher ISO pictures (up to ISO800) are usable, which is a far cry from other cameras this size.
There are some negatives with the camera. While operation speed is decently quick, it is not class-leading. Takes a second or two to start up and there is a bit of shutter lag. Also, the face identification system is mostly inaccurate. The camera thinks that my 5 year old daughter and her friend who has a significantly darker complexion are both me, a man in his 30's with glasses and facial hair. The battery life is decent, but for shooting a full day likely will need a recharge or second battery.
My primary camera is a Nikon D90 but for a second camera that's highly portable, takes great pictures, has a massive zoom, and terrific HD video, the Lumix ZX3 stands above the crowd. I highly recommend buying this model if you are in the market for something in its class.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Best Bang for your Buck
Comment: Best zoom in a small package! Love the HD video and stereo sound. Like the big screen. Is shows you mode selection on the screen in case it's at night and you can't see the dial on top.
Customer Rating:
Summary: ZS3
Comment: I have numerous film and digital cameras, plus camcorders, waterproof housings and lenses out the wazoo. But since I got the ZS3 about 6 months ago, it's known as "the camera" around my house. I bought it for the wide angle lense and the large screen, but have fallen in love with it for so many more reasons. I absolutely love how you can go from stills to video with the touch of just on button. The photos and video aren't the highest quality,(give it an 8.5 or so for both), but considering the ease of use and small package it's great.
I dive, and on some drive trips I may haul 20-30 lbs of equipment. Last trip, it was more like 5 lbs. Best thing is that I don't have to decide on video or stills for a particular dive, this camera does both with ease. Underwater is where the wide angle lens really shins.
Now after raving about, it does have have a few issues. The mode dial is pretty flimsy and it's too easy to chage settings accidentially while shooting. There really should be a lock for AI mode (my wife has problems with this). If you want much manual control, this camera not for you. I print up 11"x17" and the quality is not great there. The lens is good, but the compression is not so great. And the 720p video is good, but doesn't compare to my 1080p camcorder. But all in all, I give it a 9.5.
You'd be hard pressed to find a wide angle camera with this zoom range for this price that does so many things so well.
Customer Rating: 
Summary: Beautiful Camera, but about the battery...
Comment: My wife had purchased a Panasonic point-and-shoot in the past, and frankly, the image quality was fantastic.
Now, truth be told, I have too many digital cameras; I have some very nice DSLR's and some standard Canon point and shoot, and a tiny little Casio that is so portable.
But what I was looking for was a point and shoot with an extreme telephoto to wide angle, reasonable size and HD movie capability. I was traveling to a race, and I wanted to take all the kinds of shots my DSLR would take, but without the bulk.
And this camera does all of that. Whatever processing Panasonic applies to the pictures, things really "pop" on the screen. It's almost hard to take a bad picture. It's beautifully made, and you can set up modes that can be customized to what you need. It's well thought out enough that you can actually get "deep" into the camera without a manual.
Is it perfect? Oh no.
First of all there are two major flaws that detracts from the camera significantly: first the battery life is poor. You get about 100 photo taken and you can see you're running out of juice. I've tried all kinds of tricks, reducing the view-screen time to minimal, have it shut off very aggressively; there's simply no way to have the battery last the entire day. Normally, you'd just buy another battery, but this actually has some sort of "chip" in the battery which will not accept anything other than Panasonic batteries. And what's worse, original batteries are hard to find and expensive when you do.
The other flaw is that shutter lag is long for a camera in 2009. This will affect action shots (like races).
You should also realize that unlike other high end cameras, the Panasonic does not let you set either shutter speed or aperture; instead you choose from many modes and adjust specific parameters. I don't think this is "worse" for just snapshots, but it's a mind-set change.
The good outweighs the bad however. Unlike the Canon line, this actually has a very usable 720p video mode, and it has stereo microphones. The pictures are fantastic when you stay within the parameters the camera was designed for, and physically, the camera is rugged and solid feeling.
It's good at what it does, but the battery issue (both life and availability) should be considered in your choice.
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