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The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ3 is a 3.1 megapixel sensor digital camera with a 12x Optical Zoom lens, Optical Zoom Stabilizer and 1.5 inch LCD. It measures 108 x 68 x 85 mm and weighs 290g.
UK/European Readers buy the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ3
DP Review has a good preview of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ3 and writes - '
As we know the FZ3 is a small camera, and so this means less depth to the hand grip and yet despite this it is actually easier to hold than the FZ20. I think it's because your middle finger tends to grip vertically down the inside of the grip plus the weight of the camera is much less than the FZ20. Overall the grip design on the FZ3 works well and it's easy to take single handed shots (especially considering the optical image stabilization).'
DP review also has a good review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ3 and writes - 'It may be the baby of Panasonic's super zoom range, but the FZ3 is a mature, feature-rich product with a stunning lens, powerful processor and outstanding performance. It's fast, reliable, easy to use and packed with useful and powerful features and functions. Sure, you don't get the super-solid build quality of other Panasonic FZ models, but at under $400 you do get a small, light, solid camera capable of dealing with virtually any photographic task you throw at it - from macros to landscapes to handheld telephoto shots, the FZ3 comes up with the goods time after time.'
DCRP reviews the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ3 and writes - 'While not as nice as its big brother (the DMC-FZ20), the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ3 is a very good choice for an ultra zoom camera. The two biggest features are its lens and optical image stabilization system. The 12X optical zoom lens has a maximum aperture of F2.8 throughout the zoom range, unheard of in the digital camera world (aside from other Panasonic models, that is). The lens isn't quite as nice as the one on the FZ15 and FZ20, though, as it exhibited vignetting in several of my photos. The FZ3's image stabilizer helps reduce the effects of camera shake which can blur your pictures both indoors and outdoors while taking advantage of that powerful zoom.'
Steve's Digicams reviews the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ3 and writes - 'The Lumix DMC-FZ3 will make an excellent choice for the family or tourist user, especially if you're going on safari or attending sporting events. With its 12x optical zoom lens, you are rarely going to be too far away from a subject. And its 3.1-megapixel Fine image have enough resolution to create nice looking 8x10-inch prints. With a street price of around $399, it offers a good overall value.'
Imaging Resource reviews the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ3 and writes - 'I liked the Panasonic FZ3 quite a lot, but its sluggish shutter response and single-shot cycle times prevented me from making it a "Dave's Pick." (I awarded the FZ15 with that status, as I felt that its very fast single-shot cycle times somewhat compensated for its slow shutter response. The FZ3's only-average cycle times left its shutter lag looming larger in my thinking.) Still, even with its few faults, the Panasonic DMC-FZ3 is a very worthy digicam. In fact, if you its shutter lag wouldn't be an issue in the sort of shooting you intend to use it for, it could make a really excellent digicam.'
Megapixel reviews the Panasonic DMC-FZ3 and writes - 'In many respects, the DMC-FZ3 is a sibling of FZ20. The FZ3's body is smaller and a bit more basic — for example the non-slip grip area is limited to a patch on the front of the grip area — and some of the features found on the FZ20, such as an accessory shoe, are not included.
Digital Camera Info reviews the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ3 and writes - 'The body of the Panasonic Lumix FZ3 has a simple design that belies its advanced features. There is an exposure mode for everyone: a “simple” mode for point-and-shooters and a manual mode for more advanced users. The large 12x optical zoom lens with image stabilization is likely to attract both point-and-shooters who want to invest in their camera and the journeyman audience looking for a large lens without paying the price for a digital SLR. The 3.1-megapixel FZ3 is shaped like an SLR, but is not as bulky. That said, it is not as compact as most digital cameras; it cannot fit into a pocket. The FZ3 retails for $399, which is a good deal for the extensive manual functions. This model has more expensive siblings in the Lumix line, each with more megapixels and better cosmetic features (such as larger LCD screens) but the essential manual and automatic functions remain the same.'
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ3 and writes - 'Image quality is excellent, the images have good colour, saturation, contrast and excellent detail for a 3mp digital camera - however there is some purple fringing. Images tend to come out of the camera perfectly, without requiring any post-processing! The camera did a good job focusing - thanks to the AF-assist lamp. Noise was on the high side, especially at ISO 200 and 400. I did notice some vignetting in the corners. There is a good range of image sizes and a very good choice of compression options (TIFF). The macro mode is very good. Auto white balance and metering seemed to be very good. Red-eye was controlled very well. The movie mode is slightly better than average, at 320x240 / 30fps with sound.'
Panasonic Press Release
New Digital Camera DMC-FZ3
Combine 12x Optical Zoom with Advanced MEGA O.I.S.
in Super Compact Body
Panasonic is introducing the incoming LUMIX model DMC-FZ3, 3.1 mega effective pixels CCD model with MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer), incorporating a 12x optical zoom (equivalent to 35mm to 420mm on a 35mm film camera) with full-range F2.8. The DMC-FZ3 is the heir to the 2.0-megapixel DMC-FZ2, achieving the downsizing in the smooth rounded form. DMC-FZ3 has enhanced its excellence, not only with the total number of pixels but also with the innovative technical improvements in the image processing LSI and in the accuracy of O.I.S.
The most remarkable advancement is the complete improvement of the image processing LSI, the brain of a digital camera which handles the image processing. In the previous Venus Engine, the luminance signal is extracted from all RGB pixels to improve the diagonal resolution by 50%. In addition to that, the newly developed Venus Engine II gains new imaging process which adds the luminance signal extracted only from the G pixels upon detecting the horizontal / vertical lines in the image. This results in the improvement of the horizontal and vertical resolution by more than 10% compared to the former Venus Engine, while maintaining the 50% in the diagonal resolution. Besides, the amount of the noise reduction is controllable according to the brightness level of each subject in the image, which reduces the noise in the dark areas as low as 1/3 without affecting the resolution in bright areas of the image.
Thanks to the further improved multi-task image processing, response has also been accelerated, resulting in the industry-leading release time lag of approx. 0.008 sec minimum and a shutter interval*1of approx. 0.3 sec, for achieving more stress-free operation. It also boasts high consecutive shooting performance, realizing the shooting at 4 frames/second at full resolution. Newly installed Infinite Consecutive Shooting function*2 allows limit-free consecutive shooting up to the capacity of the SD memory card.
MEGA O.I.S. , which we strongly believe indispensable for a high-magnification model, is subsumed with 2 selectable modes. In “Mode 1”, the O.I.S. lens continuously compensates the vibration, and in all Panasonic’s own “Mode 2”, the O.I.S. lens suppresses hand-shake only at the moment the shutter button is pressed. In this mode, the lens can move in all directions at the moment to maximize its effect, and higher-resolution image can be taken by capturing the image as close as to the center of the lens. Venus Engine II also encourages this advantageous performance in the point of enhancing the accuracy of hand-shake detection, which allows you to use the 1-step slower shutter speed than that of the models with previous Venus Engine. Consequently, even without using a tripod, it allows you to reduce the shutter speed 3 or 4 steps compared to the conventional cameras without O.I.S., while assuring clear images.
As with the conventional LUMIX models, the DMC-FZ3 incorporates LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens that promises high resolution and low aberration images. The Use of 3 aspherical lenses, which Panasonic boasts its in-house manufacturing know-how, accomplish conspicuous downsizing even with 12x optical zoom model.
The DMC-FZ3 offers expanded photographic possibilities by providing manual exposure in addition to aperture-priority AE and shutter-priority AE, and choices of 4 AF modes including 9-point AF. On the other hand, it also offers simple mode with backlight compensation for the entry-level users. A variety of options of DMC-FZ3 fulfill the needs of wide range of people, from family users relatively unfamiliar with digital cameras, to high-end amateurs who prefer the creative freedom of their own.
1. 3.1-megapixel 12x optical model in a compact body
The LUMIX DMC-FZ3 digital camera is equipped with a 3.1 mega effective pixels CCD and LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens offering 12x optical zoom (equivalent to 35 to 420mm with a 35mm film camera) with F2.8 aperture throughout the entire zoom range. The combination of 3 aspherical lenses generates high optical performance while preserving the compactness of the unit. The zoom range can be totally extended to 48x when combined with 4x digital zoom.
2. Upgraded MEGA O.I.S. offers clear, sharp images in difficult situations
MEGA O.I.S., which we strongly believe indispensable for a high-magnification model, is subsumed with 2 selectable modes. In “Mode 1”, the O.I.S. lens continuously compensates the vibration, and in all Panasonic’s own “Mode 2”, the O.I.S. lens suppresses hand-shake only at the moment the shutter button is pressed. In this mode, the lens can move in all directions at the moment to maximize its effect, and higher-resolution image can be taken by capturing the image as close as to the center of the lens. Venus Engine II also encourages this advantageous performance in the point of enhancing the accuracy of hand-shake detection, which allows you to use the 1-step slower shutter speed than that of the models with previous Venus Engine. Consequently, even without using a tripod, it allows you to reduce the shutter speed 3 or 4 steps compared to the conventional cameras without O.I.S., while assuring clear images.
Its outstanding benefit can be reaffirmed especially with the shootings in telephoto, in low light or in macro.
3. With greatly improved resolution and response, the world's highest level performance: the Venus Engine II
Panasonic has achieved great improvements in both resolution and response compared to the performance of previous Venus Engine. The previous Venus Engine, the luminance signal is extracted from all RGB pixels to improve the diagonal resolution by 50%. In addition to that, the newly developed Venus Engine II gains new imaging process which adds the luminance signal extracted only from the G pixels upon detecting the horizontal / vertical lines in the image. This results in the improvement of the horizontal and vertical resolution by more than 10% compared to the former Venus Engine, while maintaining the 50% in the diagonal resolution. Besides, the amount of the noise reduction is controllable according to the brightness level of each subject in the image, which reduces the noise in the dark areas as low as 1/3 without affecting the resolution in bright areas of the image.
Thanks to the further improved multi-task image processing, response has also been accelerated, resulting in the industry-leading release time lag approx. 0.008 sec minimum and a shutter interval* of approx. 0.3 sec for achieving more stress-free operation. It also boasts high consecutive shooting performance, providing shooting at 4 frames/second at full resolution. Newly installed Infinite Consecutive Shooting function*2 allows limit-free consecutive shooting up to the capacity of the SD memory card.
4. Enhanced AF and light metering options
With the DMC-FZ3, an AF method can be selected according to the shooting situation: 9-point AF, 3-point AF, 1-point AF, or spot AF. Meanwhile in the 3-point AF, high-speed AF is achieved by obtaining the focus information from the CCD by double frequency. In addition, AF assist lamp is newly equipped for expanding the AF ability even at night or under the low-light conditions.
For the light metering, center weighted metering can newly be selectable in addition to the intelligent multiple metering and spot metering.
5. High-end usability satisfies a wide range of photographers
Manual functions such as aperture-priority AE, shutter-priority AE or manual exposure, which were previously selected from menu screen are now be selectable directly by the mode dial for the smooth control. On the other hand, it also offers easy shooting even to the entry-level users by providing the simple mode with backlight compensation. Thus, DMC-FZ3 is capable of meeting a wide range of graphic needs.
In addition, Newly adopted OSD supports easy-to-follow operation. Now 9 varieties of scene mode including Fireworks, Party, Landscape and Night Landscape(separated from Night Portrait mode) assist shooting, by selecting one from the on-screen menu according to the wide-ranging situation. Soft skin detail function works in portrait and night portrait modes detecting only skin tones and softens detail to produce smooth and beautiful skin.
Last but not least, the EVF magnification is extended from 7.6x up to 11x to afford a larger view and now you can save the majestic image in non-compressed TIFF file format.
Combining the latest advances in optical and digital technologies, the LUMIX DMC-FZ3 opens the door to a new level of creativity.
*1 Not including the time for AF.
*2 The speed of the consecutive shooting varies depending on the SD memory card.
Get more information on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ3 at:
DP Review
Posted by Darren in our Panasonic category on July 21, 2004