Panasonic Lumix DMC TZ3 Digital Camera

This camera has no manual controls, and is so truly a point and shoot camera. It has 12 external controls, which is fairly simplistic when compared to other cameras. The manual is easy to read, easy to understand, actual hardcopy book so you can take it with you.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC TZ3 Digital Camera offers a range of 28-280mm giving a more wide-angle field of view than the TZ1 model. The megapixel count is 7.2 and the LCD screen is 3 inches in size.

The Extra Optical Zoom uses the central part of the CCD sensor to extend the zoom up to 15x (at 3 megapixel resolution only). Panasonic’s Mega OIS system helps to ensure that most pictures taken in good light are clear and sharp. After using the 28mm, which provides an entirely new wide angle of view, you won’t ever want to go back to using the standard 35mm.

With no manual controls on the DMC-TZ3, really is a point and shoot camera. The external controls of the camera are clearly labeled. On top of the camera is the traditional dial which selects the different shooting and scene modes, plus image playback. The dial has two Scene modes offering the same options, although they can be set independently of each other. The on/off, zoom lever, optical image stabilization button, and the shutter button are all found on top of the camera.

A new Func button is found on the back of the camera; it gives fast access to image size, image quality, ISO speed, and white balance. The options that are accessed by the Func button can also still be accessed from the main menu system.

The Extra Zoom feature digitally increases the zoom from 10x to a maximum 15x while using only the central part of the image. However to gain that increase, the user has to select a smaller image size.

All Panasonic cameras now have Mega OIS which automatically compensates for the slight blurring of the image due to slow shutter speed. When anti-shake is activated, it is not noticeable that the camera is doing anything different, until you view the sharp still take photos taken at slow shutter speed. When the mode dial is turned to “i”, it activates the Intelligent ISO that will then automatically set the ISO and shutter speed appropriately to avoid subject blur in low-light conditions.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3 has a variety of reviewing options making it easy to play, review and manage your photos.