Last update 21 October’09 – Review and Sample Photos @ DigitalCameraInfo
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7/ZS3 announced on January 27, 2009 is an image stabilized 10.1 megapixel point and shoot digital camera that features 25mm wide angle 12x optical zoom lens, Venus engine HD, face detection with auto focus, motion detection, scene detection, auto backlight compensation, 11 area auto focus, HD movie capture, ISO range from 80 to 1600, 3 inch LCD, and camera dimensions are (W x H x D) 103.3 x 59.6 x 32.8 mm (4.07 x 2.35 x 1.29 inch).
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Review Index – (updated 21 October’09)
DigitalCameraInfo
“All was not perfect, we found the photos taken at ISO settings higher than 800 were a lot noisier than other cameras, and the photos the 12x zoom lens captured got a little soft at the long end of the zoom range.”
DPInterface
“There’s little to not to like about the Panasonic Lumix ZS3 AKA Lumix TZ7 – it has a big and wide 12X lens stuffed into a relatively compact body, it has a large, sharp display, plenty of scene modes and bells and whistles, and most importantly, good performance in terms of speed and image quality.”
Rating: 
RegHardware
“Even if you’re not interested in taking movies, the rest of the DMC-TZ7’s features – coupled with its performance – make this camera well worth the money. If you are looking for a compact camera to take along your travels or simply want one that is a cut above your average compact, then the DMC-TZ7 should be near the top of your list.”
Rating:
DPS
“I was impressed by the optical performance in the TZ7 with no evidence of any distortion with the zoom at wide or tele end. Still images: accurate colour rendition with excellent sharpness. A great performance. Ostensibly, the Panasonic DMC-ZS3/TZ7 is a simple point-and-shoot camera. But I found it an impressive camera!”
Geek
“Overall the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7/ZS3 is one of the better cameras in a competitive class. If you haven’t used a Panasonic (or Leica for that matter) it’s definitely worth checking out. Despite its flaws and design problems, the ZS3 is going to win over most people who shoot with it, regardless of what camera they currently use.”
Digital Trends
“The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 goes to the top of the list for sub-$400 digicams. With its 12x wide-angle zoom, compact size and very good high-def video, the camera comes close to our two-in-one fantasy device. It’s not perfect though with its lack of manual settings, hard-to-obtain super sharpness in stills and video and other issues we’ve detailed here. When you search the web for ZS3 prices, you’ll rarely find it going for less than list—and that tells you all you need to know about this highly-regarded camera.”
Rating: 
InfoSync
“The white balance really irks us. We wish we could adjust the White Balance in Starry Sky mode, but this is not a perfect world. Despite this, it was one of our very few gripes and the Lumix DMC-ZS3 can certainly handle a dimly-lit shooting environment.”
Rating: 
CNET Asia
“The TZ7 is a very decent long-zoom compact and certainly has lived up to its predecessor’s good reputation. However, the lack of manual exposure controls puts this shooter at a disadvantage against the competition. But the upside is that the Lumix delivers good picture quality and that alone puts it at the top of our chart.”
Rating:
Photo Review
“Buy this camera if – You’re looking for a pocketable superzoom digicam that can record good-looking stills and HD video clips with stereo sound – You want good wide-angle coverage and competent image stabilisation for shooting both video and still pictures – You can live with high levels of automation.”
Rating:
Cameras.co.uk
“There is a great deal to like about this camera. Picture quality is up there with the very best cameras in this class. It has one of the most advanced movie modes around and there are other great touches such as the quality of the LCD screen.”
Rating:
Shutterbug
“The standard box demonstrates the good optical quality. There’s average distortion even in the extreme wide angle setting (25 mm!) and nearly no chromatic aberrations on contrast lines. Sharpness is reduced at the corners of the image.”
PCAuthority (As compared to the Canon SX200 IS)
“Picture quality was excellent for both cameras under a range of lighting and shooting conditions, and picking which camera shot which photo in a blind test would be very difficult to the untrained eye. The Canon showed more vibrant colours when shooting macros under difficult lighting conditions, but a lack of detail compared with the Panasonic.”
Rating:
CNET UK
“If you only want stills, get the TZ6. You’ll pay less, too. If you fancy HD movies on your superzoom, get the TZ7. Both are brilliant cameras, so it just depends on what you want to do. You could be picky about the slow zooming and AF in movie mode, but this isn’t a pro camcorder, it’s a hybrid — and a really good one.”
Rating:
OutBackPhoto
“We like the results from both cameras very much. If the ZS3 would allow RAW and more manual control it would come close to the camera we are looking for. The main issue with the G10 is just size and weight. I would say if you plan to own only one camera the G10 has lot going for it. If you look for a smaller pocketable camera the ZS3 could be your choice.”
Steves Digicams
“Panasonic’s new Lumix ZS3 is an outstanding new addition to the Lumix line. Packed full of features, you will be able to find a way to shoot in even the most difficult of situations. The 12x optical zoom lens makes this one of the most versatile cameras of the market, while the O.I.S. makes the 300mm telephoto end functional as a handheld.”
DPExpert
“This is a very good camera. Indeed it is one of the best compacts, as it should be at the price. Panasonic seem to have dealt with the noise problem that has plagued their compacts in the past. Images are now clean and sharp, at least up to ISO200, and quite acceptable at ISO400. Highly recommended.”
Video Tour at Camera Labs
TechRadar
“Sharpness is extremely good throughout and, at the telephoto end, this is also a testament to the effectiveness of the excellent optical image stabiliser system. Our only minor complaint is the placement of the Mode dial, which makes it too easy to switch modes accidentally when reaching for the zoom switch.”
Rating: 
LetsGoDigital
“It’s also sad that the Panasonic LUMIX TZ7 has to give in when it comes to noise compared to its predecessor, despite the slight increase of the amount of effective pixels with 1 Megapixel. The TZ7 performs well to excellently up to and including ISO 400 to only show visible noise at ISO 800. Thankfully, the MEGA O.I.S. image stabilizer helps in not having to use a high ISO that soon, but it remains a pity.”
Rating:
DigitalCameraReview
“Whether the ZS3 ultimately achieves the seamless “hybridization” that Panasonic claimed for this new model in its integration of video and still captures is an open question. Video performance is quite possibly the best you’ll find on a still camera, though casual shooters may be frustrated by a lack of post-processing options for the camera’s highest-quality 720p video files. If you’re able to put this, as well as few image quality and usability niggles, behind you, though, the ZS3 looks like another clear advancement in Panasonic’s compact ultrazoom line.”
Imaging Resource
“Panasonic took a few simple steps to make the ZS3’s interface easier to use, and the results will appeal to most users. What I liked most was having a zoom lens that was long enough to encompass my vision: allowing me to shoot both very wide angle and reach out a little further than normal with a 300mm-equivalent zoom.”
CNET
“It would be nice if the camera had some more–OK, any–manual features, like the SX200 IS, but if you’re looking for a real point and shoot with the flexibility to cover a large variety of shooting situations, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 offers a very compelling alternative.”
Rating: 
DCResource
“I think it’s safe to say that Panasonic is going to sell a lot of Lumix DMC-ZS3 cameras. They’ve done a nice job improving on the TZ5, though I’m not really sold on the AVCHD Lite codec. A lot of people have been comparing the DMC-ZS3 to Canon’s PowerShot SX200 IS, and I’d say that the ZS3 is the better of the two cameras. The only place where the SX200 comes out ahead is in terms of manual controls: it has the full suite. If that’s not important, then I think you’ll be more than happy with the DMC-ZS3.”
PhotographyBlog
“In summary, the DMC-TZ7 is the best travel-zoom camera yet. Even the annoyingly loose Shooting Mode dial and slightly higher launch price don’t detract too much from what is simply a fantastic camera. One of the best compacts of 2008 just got even better…”
Rating: 
Trusted Reviews
“Panasonic has done it again with the TZ7, producing a well-designed and exceptionally versatile camera ideal for travel, but also well suited to just about any type of general snapshot photography. Build quality, design, performance and image quality are all excellent, it has a useful range of easy-to-use features, and of course it also has a superb HD video option with stereo sound.”
Rating:
Camera Labs
“Panasonic may no longer have the compact super-zoom market to itself, but the latest Lumix TZ7 / ZS3 remains a highly compelling camera that’s likely to sell by the bucket-load. It takes the already excellent Lumix TZ5 with its 720p video, 3in / 460k screen and multiple aspect recording, and enhances it with a wider and longer lens (with impressive quality), more efficient video recording (while retaining the older mode for easier editing), improved face detection, an HDMI port and an extra Megapixel.”
PCAdvisor
“The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 is set to be one of the best super-zoom, point-and-shoot compact digital cameras on the market. If you’ve been considering purchasing a new compact camera, it’s definitely plumping for this snapper — especially if you want a digital still camera that will also capture exceptional video footage.”
Rating:
GoodGearGuide
“This hybrid digital camera is capable of taking great still shots and 720p high-definition videos. We liked the overall image quality of our test shots, videos looked smooth and vibrant, and we made good use of the autofocus modes that are available.”
Rating:
Sample Photos
[Sample Photos @ DigitalCameraInfo]
[Sample Photos @ DPInterface]
[Sample Photos @ RegHardware]
[Sample Photos @ CNET Asia]
[Sample Photos @ Cameras.co.uk]
[Sample Photos @ CNET UK]
[Sample Photos @ OutBackPhoto]
[Sample Photos @ Steves Digicams]
[Sample Photos @ LetsGoDigital]
[Sample Photos @ Imaging Resource]
[ISO Quality Samples @ CNET]
[Image Quality Samples @ DCResource]
[Image Quality Samples @ PhotographyBlog]
[Sample ISO Quality Photos @ Trusted Reviews]
[Sample Photos @ Camera Labs]
[Sample Photos @ Panasonic]
Similar Cameras
Press Release
Panasonic today introduced the Lumix DMC-ZS3 as the newest member of its acclaimed TZ series. With 10.1-megapixel, a 25mm ultra-wide-angle lens and 12x optical zoom, the ZS3 is a worthy addition to a series of cameras that have won worldwide popularity for packing powerful zoom lenses into compact bodies.
The ZS3 is a powerhouse performer with enormous versatility. It features a new LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens with 10.1-megapixel resolution. Compared with previous models, it extends the power of the optical zoom from 10x to 12x and expands the wide-angle lens from 28mm to an ultra-wide 25mm while reducing both size and weight of the body, giving it the range for virtually all shooting situations.
The DMC-ZS3 is the world’s first digital camera that records motion image in AVCHD Lite. The AVCHD Lite realizes long time recording of high-definition motion image. The well-considered operational command layout including an independent movie recording button makes the DMC-ZS3 a true hybrid — a single model that performs admirably as both camera and camcorder while achieving smooth, easy operation in both modes.
Panasonic’s Intelligent Auto mode — a hallmark of Lumix cameras — now includes Face Recognition, a function that “remembers” faces from previous shots. When a familiar face appears in the frame, the camera will prioritize focus and exposure to capture it beautifully. This clever function makes it easy to get sharp and clear photos of loved ones in a group of people. iA mode is also available in Movie Mode. It automatically selects the most suitable Scene mode and helps to correct handshake, focus and brightness problems – making iA mode your one-stop solution to capture beautiful still and motion images.
The adoption of AVCHD Lite lets users enjoy watching not only still images but also HD movies just inserting the SDHC/SD Memory Card from the camera in the VIERA Image Viewer(Built-in SDHC/SD Memory Card slot) on a VIERA HDTV to start playback*. Alternatively, simply connect the camera via an optional mini-HDMI cable to a VIERA Link-equipped TV and use the TV’s remote control to run slideshows including both still and motion images in the timeline. The ZS3 features a 3-inch, high resolution 460,000-dot Intelligent LCD with a wide viewing angle, improving visibility during recording and playback.
Despite its superior lens specifications and functionality, the ZS3 is smaller and lighter than its predecessors, making it easier to bring with you on your travels. Enjoy stunning photos and HD videos from 25mm wide-angle to 12x telephoto – the ZS3 is your ideal travel partner delivering ultimate performance in a pocket-sized body.
*Turn Face Recognition item ON and resister the person with full-face portrait on the shooting menu in advance. Refer to back page for detail.
*The “AVCHD” is a high definition (HD) digital video recording / playback format jointly established by Panasonic Corporation and Sony Corporation. The “AVCHD Lite” is a subset of the “AVCHD format” for HD digital video cameras with HD video recording restricted to 720P. The new “AVCHD Lite” Logo and the “AVCHD Lite” License are restricted to devices within the AVCHD Video Camera category. Digital cameras have been added to the AVCHD Video Camera category.
*The “AVCHD Lite” and the “AVCHD Lite” logo are trademarks of Panasonic Corporation and Sony Corporation.
*AVCHD Lite motion images recorded onto an SD Memory Card or a DVD disc cannot be played from a device that does not support the AVCHD standard.
1. 25mm Ultra-Wide-Angle LEICA DC Lens with 12x Optical Zoom for Ultimate Versatility in Both Still and Motion Image Shooting
The ZS3 features a high-quality LEICA DC VARIO ELMAR 25mm ultra-wide-angle lens with a 12x optical zoom. A lens like this, with a range from 25mm to 300mm in 35mm film equivalence, is almost inconceivable in such a small, lightweight camera. Comprising 10 elements in 8 groups, including 2 ED lenses and 2 aspherical lenses with 3 aspherical surfaces, and utilizing new lens material in its design, this advanced lens unit realizes the outstandingly slim and compact body while passing Leica’s stringent standards to deliver exceptional optical performance. The Extra Optical Zoom function that extends zoom power to 21.4x (at 3-megapixel resolution) by using the center part of the large CCD to bring subjects even closer without deteriorating the image quality.
The ZS3 has a 12-megapixel CCD and shoots with up to 10-megapixel resolution. This is because the CCD on the ZS3 is multi-aspect that can reproduce images shot with the lens set from 25mm to 300mm in any of three aspect ratios – 4:3, 3:2 or 16:9 – so you can always capture dynamic, richly expressive shots with a wide perspective. The Multi Aspect mode lets you to take an image in all three aspect ratios simultaneously then choose the one that best suits your scene after shooting.
2. Take Motion Picture Recording to the Next-Level with New Generation AVCHD Lite and iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode
In addition to Motion JPEG images, the ZS3 can record high-definition motion picture in AVCHD Lite. It features almost doubling the recording time in HD quality compared with the conventional Motion JPEG format. The ZS3 also features Dolby Digital Stereo Creator to record high quality audio, so you can match the beautiful motion images with outstanding stereo sound.
Now on the ZS3, the popular iA (Intelligent Auto) is also available in motion image recording. Optical Image Stabilizer (O.I.S.) helps prevent handshake when using high-powered zoom. Face Detection automatically detects a face in the frame and adjusts focus, exposure, contrast, and skin complexion on it so it always turns out beautifully. Intelligent Exposure continually checks the ambient light level and adjusts the exposure setting as conditions change to prevent blown highlights and blocked shadows. And Intelligent Scene Selector automatically switches between Normal, Portrait, Macro, Scenery, and Low Light modes according to the situation to optimize visual quality.
Motion image recording can be started by pressing a dedicated button on the camera’s back panel — an extremely quick, convenient way to start motion image recording. Most of the camera’s settings will be carried over when switched to motion picture recording. The powerful 12x optical zoom is available in movie recording, too. A Wind Cut function is also available to block out most of the noise from background wind. The ZS3 also provides a Color mode and carries over 17 different scene modes from photo scene modes in movie recording. In AVCHD Lite recording, you can select from three levels of motion image quality: SH (17 Mbps), H (13 Mbps) and L (9 Mbps).
Still or motion images recorded in AVCHD Lite on SD Memory Cards are easy to view on a Panasonic VIERA TV. Simply insert the card into the VIERA Image Viewer (SDHC/SD Memory Card slot) on VIERA TV or DIGA Blu-ray Disc Player to playback your contents. Alternatively, you can use an optional mini HDMI cable to output the still and motion images you took from the ZS3 directly to the TV for VIERA Link. You can take maximum advantage of Lumix camera’s playback functions including the slideshow in which both still and motion images integrated in the timeline, category playback according to the scene mode you used or calendar display and so on. All control is possible using only the TV’s remote control.
In addition, with the included software PHOTOfunSTUDIO HD Edition, it is easy to view and edit your recorded contents. You may also choose to upload your videos to YouTube or burn them to a DVD disc for archiving.
*When you set the picture quality to HD, WVGA or VGA, we recommend using a high-speed card with “10MB/s” or greater displayed on the package.
*Motion pictures can be recorded continuously for up to 15 minutes in some countries.
*Continuous recording exceeding 2GB is not possible when recording motion JPEG. Remaining time for continuous recording is displayed on the screen.
*AVCHD Lite motion images recorded onto an SD Memory Card or a DVD disc cannot be played from a device that does not support the AVCHD standard.
3. Newly Added Face Recognition Makes the iA (Intelligent Auto) Further Evolved
With the ZS3, taking great photos is that easy. Panasonic incorporated the Intelligent Auto mode in pursuit of the ultimate ease of operation and the reduction of misshots. This mode is now further advanced with the inclusion of Face Recognition and AF Tracking features for ZS3. In iA mode the camera does all the work, leaving you free to compose shots and capture moments. Just press aim, and shoot.
The ZS3 features Face Recognition, a function that “remembers” faces. When a familiar face is recorded several times, the camera will prompt you to register the face. Once complete, if the familiar face appears into your frame again, the camera will display the name you specified for that person and prioritize focus and exposure so that the registered face is bright and in sharp focus. During registration, you can change the icon that indicates when the registered subject is in focus. You can also specify the age of the registered subject and have both the name and the age of the subject stamped onto your photos. When babies under 3 years-old are registered, the camera will automatically switch to Baby mode if the baby appears into the frame. In playback, you can choose to display only photos that contain a specific registered face using Category Playback. You can also view image slideshows of only a selected person. Face recognition makes sorting archiving incredibly easy. This advanced face detection system also digitally corrects unwanted red-eye during recording.
With AF Tracking, the ZS3 can lock onto any subject and keep it in focus even if it moves – making it easy to get beautiful, clear shots when a great photo opportunity suddenly arises. Simply aim, lock, and shoot.
In addition to the advanced functions mentioned above, the iA mode inherits fundamental functions users need in a good digital still camera. These include MEGA O.I.S., which helps prevent blurring from hand-shake, and Intelligent ISO Control, which reduces motion blur by adjusting the ISO sensitivity if the subject moves as the shot is taken. The MEGA O.I.S. now has an AUTO mode to select between the conventional Mode 1 and 2 depending on which mode best suits the zoom ratio being used. Intelligent Exposure optimizes the exposure for each part of an image, preventing blocked shadows and blown highlights and helping ensure that gradation and details are reproduced beautifully. It now features an automatic backlight compensation function that activates whenever the camera detects the subject is in backlight. Intelligent Scene Selector automatically detects the five most common shooting situations – Portrait, Night Portrait, Scenery, Night Scenery and Macro – and switches to the appropriate Scene mode.
The Quick AF system helps keep focus on the subject while the camera is in recording mode even before pressing the shutter button halfway. This improves the result out of a shutter chance because the focus is always near the subject and AF time is minimized. The number of metering points has also been increased from the previous 9 points to a more detailed 11 points.
The user can activate all of these useful, convenient shooting-assist functions by simply selecting iA mode.
*Turn Face Recognition item ON and resister the person with full-face portrait on the shooting menu in advance. Refer to back page for detail.
4. Venus Engine HD Assures High Picture Quality for Both Still and Motion Picture
The high-speed, high-performance Venus Engine HD has been re-engineered to support the recording of beautiful, high-definition motion images in AVCHD Lite. With its twin CPUs, Venus Engine HD boasts approx. 2.4x processing capability, greatly improving the speed of camera operations.
This high performance LSI elevates the artificial intelligence of the camera by introducing new circuitry making it possible to “recognize” human faces individually. It also supports high definition output through HDMI.
In image processing, luminance noise and chromatic noise are reduced separately before and after signal processing. This is further refined by separating noise two-dimensionally into high-frequency and low-frequency noise. The circuits then effectively reduce only the low-frequency noise to minimize the unwanted noise and help produce beautiful, sharp still and motion images.
This multi-task image-processing engine has a super-fast response time. The shutter release time lag is as short as approx. 0.006 seconds, making it easy to capture sudden, spur-of-the-moment photo opportunities. In burst shooting mode, the ZS3 can snap approx. 2.3 shots per second at 10.1-megapixel full resolution*1. In High-speed Burst shooting mode, it fires off an incredible approx. 10 shots per second*2. Unlimited consecutive shooting is also available to let you shoot until the memory card is full*3. Newly added Flash Burst mode makes it possible to take consecutive shots with continuous emissions of the flash*4.
Despite its outstanding performance, the high performance engine is also more energy efficient compared with the conventional Venus Engine IV, extending the battery life up to 300 shots (CIPA) per a single charge.
*1 Max. 5 images in standard mode / 3 images in fine mode.
*2 3-megapixel (4:3), 2.5-megapixel (3:2), 2-megapixel (16:9) recording. (10fps in Speed Priority mode / 6fps in Image Priority mode)
*3 The consecutive shooting speed varies with the memory card, image size, and image compression mode. The number of shots depends on the memory card size, battery life, image size and image compression mode.
*4 Max. 5 images. In 3-megapixel (4:3), 2.5-megapixel (3:2), 2-megapixel (16:9) recording.
5. A 3.0-inch, Super High Resolution 460,000-dot LCD for Easy Playback
The ZS3 is equipped with a 3.0-inch, 460,000-dot Intelligent LCD with super high resolution and a wide viewing angle. The screen brightness automatically adjusts in 11 steps as the surrounding brightness level changes, ensuring easy visibility at all times. The big screen reflects fine details, making it easy to check the focus before shooting. It also serves as a small photo and video viewer, allowing the user and friends to enjoy viewing the still and motion images together.
Menus are now cleaner and easier to navigate, even for seniors, thanks to the new “Display Size” option. Thanks to the Venus Engine HD, smooth image playback at very high speeds is now available approx. 17x faster for thumbnail and approx. 4x for single image even the image resolution is as high as 12.1-megapixel.
The ZS3 offers a Mode Playback feature which allows you to choose playing back ‘only still images’, ‘only motion images’, or ‘both’. When choosing to playback ‘only motion images’, you can even select to playback AVCHD Lite and Motion JPEG videos separately. Images and videos can be played back together with an attractive seamless effect and background music in the new Slideshow Mode. Using an optional mini HDMI cable, you share your slideshows in astounding HD video and audio quality on your HDTV with your family and friends.
6. Other Versatile Functions Adding to the Photographic Enjoyment
Lumix functions continue to evolve. Scene modes, which are optimized for a variety of still-image shooting situations, are now available for motion images as well. Thanks to a rich variety of 27 scene modes for still image and 17 for motion image (Portrait, Soft Skin, Transform, Self portrait, Scenery, Low light, Food, Party, Candle light, Sunset, Beach, Snow, Aerial, High Sensitivity, Pin hole, Film grain and Underwater), capturing beautiful videos is effortless with the ZS3.
The new scene mode for shooting still images includes the Panorama Assist mode, which allows you to create powerful panoramic images – both vertically and horizontally. Simply align your shots according to a guide which overlaps the frame when you shoot, then use the included Panorama Maker software to create your panorama images.
The mode dial comes with two My Scene settings. Users can assign a specific scene mode to each setting and switch instantly between modes when desired.
The minimum shooting distance has been shortened to 3 cm on the ZS3. With the new Macro Zoom function, the user can pull subjects even closer than the closest point possible with the wide-angle setting by using 3x digital zoom, and capture dramatic close-ups.
