Comments on: Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 Review

By: BizDoctor

BizDoctor — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 11:41:48 +0000

Bought our Lumix DMC-ZS3 in the Spring of 2009. It replaced our Nikon S10.
Reasons for choosing this camera were:
= Zoom range 12x, which was one of the best at that time
= Leica Vario-Elmar lens. In the photography world Leica are known for making outstanding lenses.
= Large and bright screen
= Compact and uncluttered design
= Simple to use with some control

What we did and do not like is:
= No eye-level viewfinder - Useful when the back light is strong
= Discovered the rotating selector on the top right side too loose and can easily be changed with out realizing it.

2011 May. We still like the Lumix and have added a 2nd compact 16x zoom (SONY DSC-HX9V), 16 Mp, and a DSLR (NIKON D300 + 18-200mm lens, and also accepts my old 35mm lenses.)

By: yawadrah

yawadrah — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 00:39:51 +0000

yes. Use iso 80 and extend shutter time max to one second and bump exposure compensation....

Of course you AND the subject must be still, but it will take fantastic natual / low light images

By: Barbara

Barbara — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 21:50:18 +0000

Is there a way to solve the ZS3's problem with low light? That's a real drawback.And what do you do to make pictures sharper?Otherwise, I might buy this camera.

By: mike

mike — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:28:40 +0000

ZS3 all the way. Being a realtor taking shoots of interior rooms, I need to show as much as possible, the 25mm does the trick. We as realtors know of the kodak v705? yet unavailble these days has 23mm. 99% of any camera owner is shooting in wide out, whether shooting a group of people or a room to capture all the camera can. How often had you had to change your angle or ask people to squeeze closer to get all in??? Add’l features Hd video with zooming is a plus. Best overall all around camera ZS3 unless you wish to buy several to suit your needs i.e. slr, P&S etc… 300mm on the top end is extreme even these days for P&S cameras.

By: Tom

Tom — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 14:37:27 +0000

What did you expect? – I don't know any major manufacturer (Nikon, Canon, Panasonic, Sony, Olympus, FujiFilm) that still provides a global warranty for camera bodies or compacts. It's all about turf protection – this camera in the US now sells for $250-280. The SAME camera in Australia is selling discounted for $550 USD equivalent. Who would in thier right minds not have this shipped for $10 from any number reputable online retailer in the US if not for the Warranty issues. Many regions also have vastly different release dates for different models this model is still new in Australia and has been around and is probably in run-out mode in the US and Europe.The only leverage camera manufacturers have to get you to but local is the warranty.

By: Marianne

Marianne — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:49:44 +0000

No International warranty. This was Purchased in the USA and after 6 weeks needed new telescopic lens assembly! We live in the UK and Panasonic UK is not interested. It cost more to repair than to buy a new camera. We now have to return back to USA to be repaired under warranty. Not Good service.