The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 camera comes with everything the TZ5, its predecessor, had plus some upgrades like a wider angle lens, faster performance, and better overall image quality, making the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 even competitive to some Canon models.
Comparing it with some of Panasonic’s other own models, it’s no surprise that the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 will have certain common design features with its ZS1 counterpart. But since the two digital cameras have a $100 difference in price, it’s only fair that we get a greater difference in some design features like the 12-megapixel sensor, a bigger 3-inch LCD, and a 720p HD movie mode.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 is generally smaller and lighter despite the fact that it has more features compared to its relatively heavier predecessors. This makes the digital camera much easier to carry around in your pocket. While some of the manual features have been tweaked a bit, such as when they moved the microphone nearer the center and they placed the shutter next to the mode dial, you can easily get used to the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3′s manual features after a short while.
All the available settings for of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 such as LCD brightness, intelligent exposure, burst shooting, and more can be accessed conveniently through the digital camera’s Quick menu button so that you can toggle between the more commonly used settings easily, leaving most of the less used settings with the main menu.
With respect to video capabilities, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3, you get to record HD videos, saved in AVCHD format. The format might be a problem with respect to software compatibility, since most players need to be able to detect the AVCHD path of the media, but this can be fixed with some manual settings.
As to performance, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 gives of an average feel to it, but it’s definitely better than the TZ5. The time between shots take about 2 seconds, but a few milliseconds longer if you add in certain scene settings and flash built in the digital camera.
We could say that the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 could use a bit more manual settings for better shooting flexibility, but as it is the digital camera can give models from Canon a run for its money because it’s a great option for those who enjoy point and shoot.