Overview
The Panasonic Lumix DMC ZX3 is a compact sized camera. It has an 8x wide angle lens and 14 megapixels. I found picture quality to be good and the Lumix DMC ZX3 easy to use. Check my review for sample images and shutter lag times. The Panasonic Lumix DMC ZX3 is a compact sized camera. It will fit into larger pockets. The main attraction is likely to be the combination of a decent amount of zoom for a camera of this size. When it comes to features it is a fairly typical point and shoot digital camera, but the Lumix DMC ZX3 does offer one or two extra features such as High Definition movies and image stabilisation.
With 14 megapixels there is plenty of pixel power available. One advantage of this is you have the option of reducing the megapixels available in order to increase the amount of zoom you can use. At 3 megapixels you can use 16.9x zoom. You also have the ability to crop photos and still be able to make a print.
Picture quality is above average for this type of camera. I also found the Lumix DMC ZX3 straightforward and easy to use. It is a good choice if you are looking for a handy compact with a bit of extra zoom.
Main Features
Megapixels:
Zoom:
LCD Screen:
Dimensions:
Weight:
14
8x
2.7 inches
97.8 x 54.8 x 26mm
137g
Macro:
HD Movies:
Manual Controls:
Batteries:
Memory Cards:
3cm
Yes
No
Lithium-ion Rechargeable
SD / SDHC / SDXC
Image Quality - See Sample Images Below
Outdoor Scenic Shots in Good Light
My first test shot shows good levels of contrast in the colours. It was taken in late spring with trees in full bloom. This helps to add to the colour and contrast to the shot. Sharpness is good even as you move out away from the centre of the shot.
With the lens zoomed right out for my second test shot I am impressed by the sharpness of the shot. This scene can trip up a lot of cameras, but the Lumix DMC ZX3 gets high marks. With the zoom fully extended in the third shot focusing is not quite spot on, although it is still worth around 8 out of 10.
Out of my four outdoor shots my favourite one is of the building. Here the camera uses around a third of the zoom power available. The colours and lighting are just about right. The shot also retains plenty of sharpness all the way out to the edges.
Portraits
I like the result the Lumix DMC ZX3 produces here. Although I think this is my easiest test a camera still needs to add colour to the portrait to inject some warmth to the shot. In this instance the camera produces a good shot.
My test photo taken with flash is the weakest one of the group. The amount of light emitted is not enough to brighten the scene sufficiently. Usually Panasonic cameras handle this shot well, but on this occasion I was unable to get the power I wanted from the flash unit.
Without flash the camera produces a credible effort. Noise is controlled well and the level of detail is good. As with the indoor shot taken with flash the picture could have been a bit brighter.
Macro, Colours and Noise
The silver section around the lens can be seen in photos of reflective objects. Aside from this point the quality offered for close up photography is good for a compact digital camera.
The Lumix DMC ZX3 is capable of packing a punch when it comes to colours. Given the right conditions the camera delivers strong, vivid colours. I like the contrast showing between greens and blues.
As I have mentioned a couple of times above I think this camera handles noise well. This doesn't mean that noise will never show in a photo, but like other Panasonic digital cameras it has an edge over many of its rivals.
Summary
Overall I am happy with the picture quality offered by the Lumix DMC ZX3. It may not be absolutely top drawer, but it compares well with a lot of the competition.
Style
There is nothing to mark out the Lumix DMC ZX3 as being particularly different to its competitors. There is a small raised area on the front to help you take a better grip. It is available in red, blue, silver and black.
Shutter Lag Times
Single Shot
Five Shots
Single Shot With Flash
Five Shots With Flash
Turn on Time
0.42 seconds
9.73 seconds
0.43 seconds
10.24 seconds
2.56 seconds
Ease of Use
There is nothing especially troubling about this camera.
Points I Like
Picture quality - High Definition movies - Handy Size
Where it Could Improve
A bit more light for the indoor portrait with flash
Product Shots
Front View
Back View
Top View
Sample Menus
Top Rated Cameras in this Category
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The Optio i-10 looks radically different to other digital cameras. It has a design based on vintage SLRs. In my tests I found more distant shots lacked sharpness. Aside from the design the features included in this camera are fairly standard.
Read Review: Pentax Optio i-10 Review
Related Pages
Panasonic DMC ZX3 Review Panasonic DMC ZX3 Specification Panasonic DMC ZX3 Sample Images Panasonic DMC ZX3 Features
Review Date
May 2010
