- Fast start up time
- Fast focus time
- Great auto mode, usually figures out what you are taking a picture
- high quality Leica lens
- nice long zoom in a small package
- optical image stabilization works pretty well for long zoom photos
- great movie mode, with zoom!
- small size, fits in a pocket
- HDMI output (but you must buy the HDMI cable separate, check Amazon.com for some cheap ones)
- SDHC memory card and standard mini USB download cable
- Dedicated movie recording button. You don't have to turn the dial to get into movie mode

- Relatively small battery. The battery will run out before you fill the card.
- Proprietary key system for battery makes an extra battery an expensive addition
- Function dial can be moved to an invalid position. The camera gives a warning, but if the dial was moved while in your pocket, the camera will not take a picture until the dial is moved back to the proper position. Why not just lock out those positions with a mechanical device?

I recently purchased a Panasonic ZR-3 point and shoot to replace my Sony W230. The Sony was functional, but had many short comings including image quality and overall speed of operations.

The new Panasonic is a wonderful camera. It is the same size as the Sony, but has an 8x optical zoom instead of 4x. The camera has an ultra fast start up time for a point and shoot, and focus time was nearly instantaneous compared to all other point and shoot cameras I have used and owned in the past. I also carry a Canon Rebel XT as my primary camera, and this camera will not replace it, but is a good addition to my arsenal.

For most shots, the intelligent auto (iA) mode works great. However, there are lots of manual settings for those who want to tinker.

The camera has many scene modes for things such as night shots, fireworks, snow, beach, etc. Pretty standard for cameras in this class these days.

The photo quality so far has been excellent. Far superior to most other point and shoots I have tinkered with over the years. Excellent color reproduction in outdoor scenes. Indoor photos with reasonable lighting conditions produce good skin tones and accurate colors. Night shots have some graininess, but flash is adequate for relatively close distances.

The controls are easy to use, and required little or no instruction from the manual.

The camera's size and weight are perfect for someone who wants to put the camera in a pocket or purse. This camera usually rides in the diaper bag for our family. I have a simple Case Logic neoprene case which fits snugly around the camera.

In my opinion, this is one of the best point and shoot cameras out there. Panasonic has many similar models spanning various price ranges. This model hit he sweet spot for me, with the high quality Leica lens, 8x zoom, and compact size. For more zoom, you can upgrade to the ZS series, but those cameras are about 20% larger in every dimension, including weight.

Customer Service

None required so far. Panasonic's website is pretty good, and finding instruction manuals and updates seems straightforward.

Similar Products Used:

- Sony W230
- Canon A520
- Tested many other point and shoots at various stores including Canon, Nikon, and Casio