The Panasonic DMC FS3 is a smart looking, pocket camera. It has 8 megapixels and a 3x optical zoom lens.
Why Buy the Panasonic DMC FS3?
This is a simple, stylish digital camera. As well as the attraction of point and shoot simplicity you will have no problem slipping it into a pocket. When it comes to picture quality the camera will not let you down.
Image Quality Panasonic DMC FS3 test shots
Outdoor 1 (Medium Zoom)
One area that digital cameras find difficult is where there are darker or shady areas in a scene. One of these areas in this shot is where the sun is unable to get to the names of the boats. So usually there is some loss of definition. The DMC FS3 by contrast manages to handle this problem very well. This suggests that the camera should handle well scenes where there is a degree of contrast.
I also like the colours as these are strong, but true. Focusing is also above average.
Outdoor 2 (No Zoom)
There is plenty of colour in this shot. Focusing is good when compared to the majority of other brands without quite hitting the heights managed by some of the Canon digital cameras I have tested recently.
Outdoor 3 (Maximum Zoom)
With the zoom lens at its maximum the DMC FS3 is able to produce a sharp shot. The focusing levels remain fairly constant throughout the photo.
Outdoor 4 (Building)
This is a very good test for focusing. Once again the camera manages to show plenty of detail in the shaded area of the building. Overall I would mark the DMC FS3 at around 8 out of 10 for focusing across the first four outdoor shots.
Outdoor Portrait
If you like portraits full of colour then you will find Panasonic digital cameras are capable of producing stronger colours than any other brand of camera. I have used a white balance setting of cloudy for this photo. If you would like the colours toned down you can do so by selecting a white balance setting of automatic.
Indoor Portrait with Flash
Both of the indoor portraits work well. This one with flash has the right level of lighting and pleasing colours.
Indoor Portrait without Flash
Without flash the DMC FS3 still manages to maintain plenty of detail in the shot. Once the light starts to get low you will need to turn on the flash, but if you like to take window light portraits the DMC FS3 should be up to the job.
Colours
As I mentioned above the camera is capable of strong, vivid colours. This works well in most cases, but now and again you may feel you need to adjust the colour settings to calm them down a notch or two.
Macro
For a relatively inexpensive camera the macro test shot is impressive. Again the DMC FS3 is able to bring out plenty of definition in the photo. This bodes well for all kinds of close up photography.
ISO 400
This is an above average effort. Some noise inevitably creeps in, but all in all this is a decent photo.
ISO 1600
With most cameras by the time you boost the ISO rating to 1600 all picture quality has disappeared. With this camera the quality is surprisingly good. So much so in fact that I had to go back and check I had used ISO 1600!
Overall
The DMC FS3 handled all my test shots well. It is clearly above average in its class and can take a good snapshot in most situations.
Shutter Lag
Shutter lag times are all standard both with and without flash. The times recorded were: for one picture 0.39 seconds, for five pictures 7.58 seconds, one picture with flash 0.55 seconds and five pictures with flash 13.99 seconds.
You can compare this camera to other models by taking a look at the Shutter Lag Comparison Table.
Style: As is now becoming the norm, Panasonic have made the DMC FS3 available in a choice of colours; black, blue, pink and silver. I like the look of the camera. There is just enough in the design to stop the camera from looking plain, while keeping a simple, unfussy look.
Dimensions: 94.9 x 53.4 x 22.5mm
Weight: 118g
Batteries: A lithium ion battery provides the power. Panasonic estimates you should be able to take up to 330 shots between charges.
Memory cards: Panasonic have built enough memory into the camera to store around 19 pictures. The DMC FS3 is compatible with SD and SDHC cards.
Click here to save money on SD cards..
Ease of use rating: Very Good. This is a simple straightforward digital camera. Menus are bright and clear and all the key controls are at your fingertips.
Points I like:
Ease of use - design and build quality - automatic features - overall picture quality - wide screen movies
Where it could improve:
There is nothing that stands out
Alternatives
Panasonic have a very similar camera to this one on the market. The Panasonic DMC FS5 has 10 megapixels and 4x wide angle zoom lens.
Verdict:
As you can see I am impressed with the overall quality produced by the camera. If I was looking for a small, neat, pocket camera I would seriously consider the Panasonic DMC FS3. I am struggling to come up with anything I don't like about the camera.
Front View
Back View
Top View
Sample Menus
| Panasonic DMC FS3 Summary |
| Description: | 8 megapixels and a 3x optical zoom lens |
| Ease of Use: | 8 |
| Features: | 8 |
| Colour: | 8 |
| Macro: | 8 |
| Indoors: | 9 |
| Value for Money: | 8 |
| Style: | 9 |
| Movie Mode: | 9 |
| Image Quality: | 9 |
| Build Quality: | 8 |
| Total: | 84 |
| Verdict: | This is an impressive pocket camera. Easy to use, takes a good picture and fits into a pocket. It is well made and has an unfussy design. With a few extras such as image stabilisation it ticks all the right boxes. |
| Review Date: | April 2008 |
| Click for: | Specification Sample Images Features |
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