Features
The 10x Leica zoom lens is the star of this show. It produces high quality, sharp images even when zoomed all the way to the 10x maximum. The TZ3 also has an additional 4x digital zoom you can add to the already impressive 10x zoom. But since digital zoom quality is always quite bad, I don’t see the point. Better to just take the picture and enlarge it on your computer with Photoshop or other software.
 A photograph from the same spot demonstrating the widest and tightest view from the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3 in Narita International Airport, Tokyo, Japan. |
The Lumix TZ3 is SDHC (Secure Digital High Capacity) memory card compatible so you can use cards with up to 8 GB of storage. But just in case you don’t have a card or run out of space, it also has 12.7 MB of built-in memory that can save 2 to 3 photos.
Since I took the TZ3 to China, I really liked the World Clock feature. If you travel to a different time zone, you can program the camera’s clock with the time zone you’re traveling to and your return date, and the camera will automatically switch back to the correct time zone when you return home. I was able to program the dates of my trip to China into the Lumix TZ3 so that the images are tagged with the appropriate time both during and after the trip.
Besides the World Clock, there’s also a really nifty, dual display playback mode. It allows you to look at two images next to each other – in case you want to compare and contrast different images.
Like most point-and-shoot digital cameras, the Panasonic Lumix TZ3 has scene modes, which correspond to different photo subjects and situations. If you don’t know what a particular scene mode does, you can select it and press the “DISPLAY” button on the back of the camera and a short description will appear. In the case of “CANDLE LIGHT” scene mode, the description reads: “For taking pictures expressing the atmosphere of the candle lit subjects. Recommend using a tripod.” The TZ3 includes all the standard scene modes, like PORTRAIT, SPORTS, PET, etc. The odd ones here are STARRY SKY, FIEWORKS, and UNDERWATER (using the TZ3 underwater requires the “optional marine case.” The PET and BABY scene modes that allow you to associate an age with a picture – except the subject needs to have been born on or after the year 2000. Unfortunately, my cat was born in 1997 – so Whitie and I don’t get the full benefit of the pet mode!
The large, 3-inch LCD means there is no optical viewfinder. The TZ3 has an optional histogram display and compositional grid that can be turned on or off, if desired.
The TZ3′s sensitivity ranges from ISO 100 to ISO 1250. I was a bit surprised the camera doesn’t go below ISO 100 since many of the other point and shoots I’ve used go to 50 ISO. The TZ3 has four basic exposure modes: NORMAL MODE, [show photo of mode dial here] an “Intelligent ISO” mode that detects moving subjects, SIMPLE MODE (heart icon), MACRO MODE, represented by the standard flower icon. There are also two SCENE MODE menus, a Motion Picture mode, and a CLIPBOARD MODE for taking quickly accessible pictures of timetables or maps. Finally, there’s a printer mode for printing directly from the camera. The NORMAL MODE offers the most control.
Design
The Panasonic Lumix TZ3 straddles two categories – it’s both a pocket point-and-shoot and, with its 10x zoom lens, it’s also a superzoom digital camera. I’m not sure what the TZ3 is made of, but it’s got a stainless steel look. The camera is big and bulky for a point-and-shoot digital camera. “Elegant” or “hip” are not words I’d use to describe the look of the TZ3. One photographer I showed it to called it, “ugly.” There is a raised area on the left front of the camera that seems to be a grip for your hand. But it’s such a small bump it actually made the camera feel more awkward in my hands and gives it kind of a weird look.
Unlike other cameras in the superzoom category, the TZ3 is small enough to fit in a pants pocket. Instead of looking like a miniature DSLR, like most superzooms, the TZ3 looks like an oversized point-and-shoot. The 3-inch LCD display is huge, taking up about 80% of the back of the camera. And as mentioned above, Panasonic decided to leave out the optical viewfinder. Most people won’t miss it and it helps keep the camera smaller.
 Left: Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3 Zoom lever, Image Stabilzation and On/Off SwitchRight: Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3 Mode Dial |
There are lots of buttons and dials on the TZ3 – 12 to be exact. But despite the overwhelming number of controls, they are laid out well so they’re easy to identify by position and feel. I rarely pushed the wrong button.
next page – Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3 Experience >>
Excellent, informative review.
I am in the market for this type of camera. Leica optics are of interest to me, I found this review to confirm what I had heard. Great Glass!
Thanks
I took my TZ3 to the Canadian Rockies in July and carried it in my pocket all week with no troubles. The photos were fantastic. My buddies who were with me were jealous of the zoom. I loved the convenience, and sometimes while hiking pulled it out of my pocket with one hand, snapped a quick shot, and continued on my way while hardly breaking stride. My only complaints about the camera – you cannot zoom during videos and they are in Quicktime format. Videos are excellent quality though. Overall, wonderful camera.
JMeyers-
Thanks for commenting on our Panasonic Lumix TZ3 review. I used it a little before I sent it on the Nhat and I thought it was excellent, if a bit larger for a point-and-shoot. Although, to be fair, it’s a lot more powerful than your avergae point-and-shoot camera. Anyway, I wanted to thank you for your comments and ecnourage you to click on the Reviews link at the very top of the page or the “Write a Review” link up a bit from here and post your own review for the Panasonic TZ3. We need reviews from people who actually own the camera. And the user reviews are the best way for you to share your experience with the camera.
Thanks!
I have seen some really personal picky reviews, but when you try to say that the SD card goes in with the label away from you so you cannot see what size SD card you using is pretty picky. If you do not know what card you have in your hand then I would suggest you go back to film and try not using a fantastic camera such as this. Also, who ever puts a camera in their pocket, and walks outdoors and gets a bit hot and sweaty will have condensation on the camera, not a good thing. Pocket-able cameras are simply named that because of the size, not that you would actually place it in your pocket for more than a few minutes because you have your hands full of something else. Yes, this camera will be heavier because it is a superzoom “pocket-able” camera and give me more zoom power over a 3 to 6X zoom any day. I have the TZ1 and it won camera of the year for P&S cameras for a reason, and I think the TZ3 will do the same. Just cannot find a better all around camera that can do it all.
Thanks for the nice comments everyone.
Actually Bear740 – it’s a compliment to the camera that I had to be picky. When you have to be picky it shows that there isn’t a lot wrong with the camera and nothing is perfect. It’s funny you should mention going “back to film” because that is exactly why I said the card goes in backwards… when you load a film camera the lens points down and you see what you’re putting in the camera. I use the exact same principle when loading digital cameras. It’s not an issue of knowing what size card I’m loading but to me it makes sense to have the lens pointing down and the SD card label pointing towards me when I load the card. If not then it’s backwards.
Anyway – the lens is awesome! thanks for reading and commenting!
Other than the lack of panoramic function, the camera is my choice as a frequent traveller who prefers not to lug around a DSLR or even a prosumer.
Is there anyone using this camera under water?
@Joke Bijl– I’ll let you know– I’m taking my TZ3 to the Bahamas next week where I plan to do some snorkeling. I’m normally a DSLR shooter but the work I’ve done with the TZ3 has so far left me pretty impressed. I’m leaving the Canon 20D at home for this trip, so I expect to give the TZ3 a real workout.
Excellent review! This review gave me the confidence I needed to buy this camera.
One question I have for you though – what memory card do you think would work the best with this camera? What kind of memory card did you specifcally use? What is the write speed of this camera?
Thanks!
I have read that with the higher megapixel cameras using the Ultra II or III SD cards are better? Is this the same as SDHC?
I want to buy a second compact flash card. I just use a 2GB now but want a back up.
Please advise what is compatible and which is best?
Thank you!
PJS-
Faster memory cards only make a difference if the camera’s transfer rate is fast enough to allow the memory cards to reach their own speed potential. It used to be the case that compact digital cameras were too slow to benefit from faster memory cards. I haven’t done any testing to see if this has changed, but I’ve seen reviews that report better performance with faster cards. Since the fast memory cards are gettng so cheap, it can’t hurt to buy a faster card. Those pro memory cards also come with file recovery software, in case a card gets corrupted or you accidentally format without saving your images.
SDHC cards are another subject. Speed is one thing. SDHC stands for Secure Digital High Capacity. It refers to SD cards that have a capacity over 2 GB. I tested one of the first SDHC cards to be introduced and wrote a bit about the new cards. Here’s a link to that review: http://www.photographyreview.com/lexarsdhccrx.aspx
Hi, It always takes a LONG time between when I press the button, and when it actually takes the photo. Do you know of a way to increase response time for taking quicker pictures?
Thanks for the review. I own a TZ3 and enjoy using it. Two questions, though: Is there a way to use an external flash? And, on indoor shots, is there a way to make the photos appear like the viewfinder image? I tried to shoot with the flash off, since the viewfinder screen showed a good image, but the resulting photo was too dark. I look forward to receiving your comment.
Wizdad
Wizdad-
Glad you enjoyed nhat’s review. He’s a real working pro, so I always appreciate what he has to say about a camera.
The only way I can think of to use an external flash with the TZ3 would be to use a slave. You would either buy a small, external flash with a built-in optical slave that triggers the flash when the camera’s flash goes. Or, you would use a flash and an accessory slave unit from Wein or another company that makes slaves.
You had the right idea, turning the flash off, if you want an image that looks like what you see on the LCD. However, the LCD brightens the scene so you can see it better. You will have to make sure your exposure allows enough light to make the scene as bright as the LCD. Sounds like you need a little basic photography principles instruction. You should register and start posting and asking questions on our forums: http://forums.photographyreview.com/
A couple of other resources you might find useful are our Photography Exposure Primer, and our Digital Camera Histogram Guide.
Hope that helps! Spread the word about our reviews, please!
I feel that there are only two things wrong(or need to be improved) on the TZ3
1) low light -> flash isn’t very strong, but you can boost up the ISO to 1600/(3200 for the sensitivie mode) but with noise
2) optical zoom (and AF)during movie mode…. COMEON!!!.. TZ1 had this feature(although its optical zoom was much quieter due to the folded optics)….. keep it in
hint: for the SD card…. if you get a 4GB and above, you have to get the SDHC standard…. cards labeled 4GB but not SDHC don’t comply to the standard and cannot be used here….. i personally have a SanDisk 4GB SDHC Class 2 (minimum write 2MB/s)….. the manual recommends at least 10MB/s, but my Class 2 card works:
Burst mode(3fps for 7(low quality) or 5(high quality)), works well on my card… movie mode works ok too(but i havent tried fillng up 2GB(max file size for one video) or 22minutes continuous video, my card might not be able to achieve such continuous video) … and if you get a SDHC card, dont get those off-brands, they aren’t made that well and i’ve seen reviews of those cards losing their glued construction and breaking
I’ve taken several photos with this camera and the results were terrible compared to what I got with my old Olympus Stylus 500.
Below you’ll find some samples:
http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg89/tutemano/tz3mal3.jpg
http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg89/tutemano/tz3mal.jpg
http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg89/tutemano/tz3mal2.jpg
I would be glad if you could tell me which are the best settings for this camera to take good pictures (ISO at 100, Auto Mode, Intelligent Mode, etc.)
Thanks
Matias
Matias-
The three sample photos you linked to look fine to me. We’d have to see samples of what you were getting with your Olympus and you’d need to be more specific about what you do and don’t like. And this isn’t really the best place to do that. You should really post a question on our Digital Cameras forum. And you should also take a look at my Point-and-Shoot Digital Camera Tips article.
I hope that helps. Post some of these samples on the forum and tell us what you see as the problem. Then we can give you some specific advice.
Got this camera for Christams & have a few basic questions. I want to get another battery as a back up. Do I need to get a Panasonic brand? The battery I got with the camera doesn’t seem to have a very good life. I’m barely getting 100 photos before needing to recharge. What are the best memory cards to use for this camera?
Jem-
Congratulations on your TZ3. Its a super flexible camera and hopefully it will be great fo you. For questions about your camera you should post on the PhotographyREVIEW.com Digital Cameras forum. You’ll find a lot of information on that forum and you’ll get a better response as it’s really there for questions like yours.
Thanks for the comment. I’ll be watching for you on the forum
The Battery life is disappointing. I had to recharge the battery after every 50 shots. I am also worried when the flimsy battery door will come away. The tripod screw position is off centre and tilts when a table model short tripod was used. The audio even at full volume is hardly audible. The Panasonic sales outlet at the Sri Lankan Duty Free shop sells this otherwise EXCELLENT camera for a Duty Free price of Us$ 440/-
It is a shame, Lumix makers allow this Dealer to discredit them and their products.
Hi
Just bought this camera and on the same day found a serious bug. We tried 3 in the store they all do the same thing. In low light and without using the flash the camera defaults to -2 exposure setting. It doesn’t matter if you leave it set to “0″ or set it to +2 crazy. For example inside house at night with average lighting. Start the camera up set to macro mode. take photo at -2 0 +2 exposure they all look the same brightness. Note that initially when looking at LCD the the brightness does change with a change of the exposure setting but when the shot is taken the LCD changes to how it would look at the – 2 exposure setting. The photo when reviewed looks like it was taken with the exposure seting at -2… IS ANYONE ELSE HAVING THIS ISSUE, I have searched the net no firmware upgrade. Seriously thinking about taking this back. I need this functionality for working on electronic CCTS. Maybe a bad batch …
I purchased this camera a year ago, preparing for a trip through the Grand Canyon. I continue to be amazed at its ease of use and the many options that it offers me.
Recently, my daughter lost her camera and I am now FORCED to think about whether or not to give her mine, or help her shop for a replacement, (she had a Canon). Normally I’d make a child suffer the consequences, but under the circumstances (she has borrowed my camera and has an affection towards it), I wonder if I should just treat myself to an upgrade? Hence the reason I’m here. Have there been refinements to an already superior product? I’ll have to read the news.
You can’t go wrong with this camera. I have loved mine.
ML-
You should upgrade!
There have been two subsequent Panasonic TZ models, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ4 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5. They were both introduced this spring. They still have the Leica 10x optical zoom with 28mm wide-angle and optical image stabilization. They also have Panasonic’s latest processing – Venus Engine IV. So they should be faster and have better image quality. Some of the other feature upgrades are Intelligent Exposure, Intelligent ISO, Intelligent Scene Selector, and Face Detection. I reviewed the Panasonic Lumix FX35 this spring and got to try out those new features. I’m not easily impressed and I really liked some of those new options.
Also, please post a review for your TZ3. The foundation of this site is user reviews from people just like you. Here’s a link to the Panasonic TZ3 yser review page: http://www.photographyreview.com/cat/cameras/digital-cameras/6-to-7-megapixel/panasonic/PRD_385907_5648crx.aspx
Thanks for reading our review and posting your comment!
ML, I’d treat yourself!
I recently bought the TZ5 and am really enjoying it!
Oops, I mean TZ4.
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I’ve misplaced the user book for the TZ3. While recording video, is there a way to pause? Thanks
kittnluver-
We try to include a link a downloadable version of the camera manual in every pro review. Those are always at the end of the review under “Other Resources.” Looks like the link for the manual in this review isn’t working, though. So I dug up the page on the Panasonic site for you. If you go to this page there’s a link to download the manual:
Panasonic Lumix TZ3 Support >>
Just bought the TZ3 at a clearance sale last week. Today bought a 16gb Sandisk Ultra II card and it works well. A compatible battery, I found one for a very good price, will be getting a few soon just for standby. Check it out (http://www.sabahoceanic.com/epages/sabahoceanic.sf/en_US/?ObjectPath=/Shops/sabahoceanic/Categories/DigiC/Panasonic)
Need transfer cord from camera to computer.Thomasparmenter@msn.com
I’ve had my TZ3 for a long time now, and still love it. I rarely carry my Nikon D70 DSLR now.
I love the video mode despite the much-maligned inability to zoom during video shooting. Great for anything from a short clip to a 2GB file. Spent at least 4x$5 for extra Chinese batteries on eBay, and 2x$15 for 8GB SDHC Class 6 cards.
The sound is OK for most non-musical purposes but I wish it were better. Here is a continuous 75+ minute TZ3 video clip I took driving on a remote road/trail in Nevada, in the snow at night: ****** http://vimeo.com/6939153 ******
To post it under 500MB, I degraded the beautiful 848×480 10fps original to 320×240 at 5fps, and Vimeo then compressed it to a stupid 400×300 size. The video artifacts are not on the original MOV or the AVI.
10fps (vs its normal 30fps) conserves file size and increases the light gathering. The MOV file was 1.06GB vs the 2GB limit, so you might even get a 2h20m clip if you hacked external power.
I’m not sure if newer point/shoots with their smaller HD video pixels can duplicate the low-light, long duration performance of the TZ3 at 848×480 WVGA.
RAD Video Tools (free, uncrippled, from a company selling videogame development tools) is great for doing the MOV to AVI conversion. I hate MOV files too, but a converter like RAD eliminates that problem.
Regards,
John aka NikonF7 here aka JB737 on Vimeo