3.2-Megapixel CCD delivers 2,016 x 1,512-pixel
images
*
12x optical zoom lens covers 35-420mm equivalent
range
*
Full
range of manual and automatic exposure options, with nine preset shooting
modes
*
Styled like a traditional
35mm SLR
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Introduction
- The Panasonic DMC-FZ3
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Panasonic's been a player in the digicam market for the last couple of years,
but until now, we've not managed to get hands on any of their cameras to test.
The 3-megapixel Panasonic FZ3 is now the second of their cameras that I've reviewed,
and I was as pleasantly surprised with it as I was with the 4-megapixel DMC-FZ15
before it. Relative to the FZ15, the FZ3 makes some obvious compromises in build
quality and heft to keep the price below $400, but the result is still a very
capable digicam. Like the FZ15 (and FZ20, which I hope to review soon as well),
the Panasonic FZ3 offers a 12x Leica zoom lens, incorporating Panasonic's own
"Mega OIS" Optical Image Stabilization technology. As I've said about
other cameras offering image stabilization, it's hard to overstate the benefit
of this technology on long-zoom digicams: It makes an incredible difference
in the usability of long telephoto focal lengths, and the Panasonic FZ3's
12x lens with Mega OIS is no exception. Read on for all the details, but if
you're in the market for a relatively affordable long-zoom digicam with optical
image stabilization, the Panasonic FZ3 could be the camera for you.
High Points
Similar
Cameras
If you're looking at the Panasonic
DMC-FZ3, here are some similar models to consider:
3.2-megapixel CCD delivering up to 2,304 x 1,728-pixel resolution images.
Electronic optical viewfinder.
1.5-inch, color LCD monitor.
12x Leica zoom lens, 4.6-55.2mm (equivalent to a 35-420mm lens on a 35mm
camera) with autofocus, and available nine-point focus area.
As much as 4x digital telephoto.
Program AE, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, and Manual exposure modes,
as well as nine preset "Scene" exposure modes.
Manually adjustable aperture settings from f/2.8 to f/8.0.
Manually adjustable shutter speed settings from 1/2000 to 8 seconds.
ISO sensitivity equivalents: Auto, 80, 100, 200, and 400.
Three metering modes: Multiple, Center-Weighted, and Spot metering.
White balance setting with six modes, including a manual setting.
Built-in pop-up flash with six operating modes and flash exposure compensation.
JPEG and TIFF still image file formats, movies saved as Motion JPEGs.
Images saved to SD/MMC memory cards, 8 MB card included.
Movie mode with sound.
Flip Animation mode, plus three Burst continuous shooting modes and Auto
Exposure Bracketing.
Color Effects option, plus, saturation adjustment with three settings.
DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) compatibility.
USB cable for high-speed connection to a computer.
Lens hood and hood adapter included.
ArcSoft PhotoImpression, Panorama Maker, and PhotoBase
software on accompanying CD ( for both Mac and Windows)
Powered by Panasonic rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack, with optional
AC adapter.
Comparison With Other Panasonic DMC-FZ Models
As of this writing (in early November 2004), Panasonic currently has three
long-zoom, optically-stabilized digicams on the market. While there's a steady
progression of sensor resolution as you move up the line, other features are
not so consistently distributed. Here's a table showing how the features of
the different "FZ" models compare:
