Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3 Compact UltraZoom Camera

After successor tot the TZ1, Panasonic has been launch a new series TZ3 with new feature add to image stabilization system, Venus Engine III processor, and Intelligent ISO control. Panasonic TZ3 is a choosen for someone who want a compact UltraZoom camera with fast response and performance with nice feature inside of it.

The 7.2 mega pixel and 10x optical zoom can effectively with maximum image size 3216×2144 pixels. 2 quality setting o each resolution setting on camera can get approximately 280 shots on 1 GB memory card. The huge LCD of TZ3 with 230,000 pixel resolution is show well but it’s depend on lighting condition. The refresh rate on large screen not completely fluid but still acceptable.

With 10x optical zoom on 28mm wide angle has maximum aperture of f.3.3. Unlike the TZ1, Panasonic Lumix TZ3 has built-in lens cover to protect the lens. TZ3 also has MEGA O.I.S image stabilization system and it can be disabled with 2 stabilization mode. The first mode provide constant image stabilization so you can see the effect on the screen but it can be drain your battery faster and less effective. The second mode can provide stabilization only at the moment while the shutter is pressed.

The flash is built-in with range 1.97 feet until 13.8 feet at wide range and auto ISO. You can choose the mode: auto, auto with red eye reduction, flash always on, slow sync/red eye reduction and force off. The memory of Panasonic TZ3 can accept SD, SDHC, MMC media card and up to 12.7 MB internal memory. All of the images store as JPEG files and the movie will recorded with quicktime motion format.

The power of battery need 1000 mAh lithium-ion and the included charger on the package can charge the battery up to 120minutes but it’s only on the paper. If you use in the real life you would not get as it consider.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3 is a improvement from TZ1 with nice image stabilization, quick performance and has 3 inch LCD and it’s large size for compact camera. But TZ3 is a heavy camera and if you use the flash mode, you can block it easily with your hand.