Overview
The Panasonic Lumix DMC FP3 is very impressive. It sports a 3 inch, touch controlled LCD screen, is easy to use and picture quality compares very well against other small, pocket sized digital cameras. The Lumix DMC FP3 also has a simple yet effective design.
Aside from the touch controlled screen other attractions include the ability to capture High Definition movies and image stabilisation. The 4x zoom on offer can be boosted to a maximum of 8.4x zoom if you reduce the number of megapixels you are shooting at from 14 to 3. This gives you some useful extra flexibility.
As an increasing number of touch controlled digital cameras become available buyers have more choice. This camera is very well priced and is an excellent option if you are looking for touch control and value for money.
Main Features
Megapixels:
Zoom:
LCD Screen:
Dimensions:
Weight:
14
4x
3 inches
98.6 x 58.9 x 18.6 mm
125g
Macro:
HD Movies:
Manual Controls:
Batteries:
Memory Cards:
10cm
Yes
No
Lithium-ion Rechargeable
SD / SDHC / SDXC
Image Quality - See Sample Images Below
Outdoor Scenic Shots in Good Light
I am very happy with the quality of my outdoor test shots. All the pictures I took with the Lumix DMC FP3 are sharp, colourful and bright. I especially like the look of my second test shot with the lens zoomed out completely.
As with other smaller Panasonic cameras the camera handles sun glare well. Areas of light shade show more detail and greater brightness than most other brands seem to manage too.
Sharpness is retained well as you move out towards the edges. Only a small amount of sharpness is lost. This amount is not really significant.
Portraits
All three of my portrait shots look good. Panasonic include a white balance setting of shady. Not all brands do this. I have noticed that it you are taking photos in the shade this setting does a great job of adding some extra saturation and warmth to a photo. This gives Panasonic digital cameras a noticeable edge over much of the competition in this area.
The light from the flash unit is just about spot on. There is enough light to produce a bright photo, but not too much. This helps to leave colour in the skin tones.
Without flash the Lumix DMC FP3 does well once more. With noise levels under control there is plenty of detail in the photo. As with the outdoor portrait there is a warm look to the shot.
Macro, Colours and Noise
The level of detail and overall sharpness of the macro shot is excellent for such a small digital camera. This is an area where Panasonic cameras usually perform well and the Lumix DMC FP3 upholds those high standards.
Panasonic have toned down the colours they produce in the last couple of years. In these tests the colours are vivid, but retain a natural look. I also like the lighting levels and brightness in the shots.
Noise levels are controlled well. This helps the camera to bring out that bit of extra detail in areas of light shade.
Summary
I found it hard to find fault with the Lumix DMC FP3. I would happily own this camera based on picture quality.
Style
Panasonic have tucked away the lens into the top left hand corner. This is covered by a small, sliding lens cover. Versions are available in black, silver, purple, blue and red.
Shutter Lag Times
Single Shot
Five Shots
Single Shot With Flash
Five Shots With Flash
Turn on Time
0.33 seconds
10.59 seconds
0.42 seconds
15.65 seconds
2.42 seconds
Ease of Use
Compared to other touch controlled cameras I found the Lumix DMC FP3 very easy to use. The screens are very clear and the areas you press to change settings are a good size.
Points I Like
Ease of use - touch control LCD screen - High Definition movies - picture quality
Where it Could Improve
Nothing stands out
Product Shots
Front View
Back View
Top View
Sample Menus
Top Rated Cameras in this Category
Canon IXUS 310 HS Rating 86/100
The Canon IXUS 310 HS is one of the best touch controlled digital cameras. It has 12 megapixels and a 4.4x wide angle lens. The screen is very responsive to touch. This is due partly to the larger screen size than many touch controlled digital cameras offer. Picture quality is excellent and the build quality is top quality. If you are looking for a touch controlled digital camera the IXUS 310 HS is worth a very close look.
Read Review: Canon IXUS 310 HS Review
Canon IXUS 220 HS Rating 86/100
The Canon IXUS 220 HS is a pocket sized digital camera. It looks good, is well made and can take an impressive snapshot in most situations. It may not have every in vogue feature, but it has an extra touch of all round quality about it
Read Review: Canon IXUS 220 HS Review
Canon IXUS 115 HS Rating 86/100
The Canon IXUS 115 HS is a classy looking, pocket digital camera. It can shoot Full HD movies and has a high quality 3 inch LCD screen. When it comes to picture quality the IXUS 115 HS outclasses many of its direct competitors.
Read Review: Canon IXUS 115 HS Review
Related Pages
Panasonic DMC FP3 Review Panasonic DMC FP3 Specification Panasonic DMC FP3 Sample Images Panasonic DMC FP3 Features
Review Date
April 2010
