Panasonic Lumix Dmc-zs3 User Manual Pdf

PANASONIC DMC-TZ7 ZS3 SM

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Last update (21 October’09):
– Review & Sample Photos @ DCI

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 / ZS3 is a 10 megapixel compact camera features 12x Optical Zoom LEICA DC Lens (25-300mm in 35mm equiv.) with Optical Image Stabilizer in a Compact Body, HD Movie Recording in AVCHD Lite with Dolby Stereo Digital Creator, Advanced iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode with Face Recognition and Movie iA Model, Venus Engine HD with HDMI Compatibility and VIERA Link, and a Large 3.0-inch, 460,000-dot High-resolution Intelligent LCD with Wide-viewing Angle. The camera measures 103.3 x 59.6 x 32.8 mm (4.07 x 2.35 x 1.29 in) and weighs Approx. 229g with Battery and SD Memory Card.
[More Features & Specifications Detail]


Overall Rating: | Latest Price Info


Expert Reviews

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 / ZS3 Reviews

DCI reviews the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 / ZS3 and writes;
“The Panasonic Lumix DMC–ZS3 provides a lot of performance for the price: we found that the 10-megapixel images it captured were generally very good, with plenty of detail and accurate color. The same was true of the video it captured, with the 720p video having a lot of detail and accurate colors in our tests..”
Rating: N/A

DPInterface reviews the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 / ZS3 and writes;
“Overall, the Panasonic Lumix ZS3 takes pretty good pictures with decent detail levels, vivid colors and not much intrusion from noise till ISO 400. My rant here is the camera’s noise reduction processing reduces image sharpness slightly and gives this grainy look to photos.”
Rating: N/A

RegHardware reviews the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 / ZS3 and writes;
“DMC-TZ7’s features – coupled with its performance – make this camera well worth the money. If we had to choose between this and the PowerShot SX200 IS, it would be no contest – the Panasonic gets our vote,”
Rating:

Geek reviews the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 / ZS3 and writes;
“Overall the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-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.”
Rating: N/A

DigitalTrends reviews the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 / ZS3 and writes;
“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.”
Rating:

InfoSync reviews the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 / ZS3 and writes;
“Pros: Great image quality. Impressive features and hardware. AVCHD Lite with zoom capability? Yummy! Cons: Larger than most competitors. Clunky interface. We could have used some advanced manual controls. “
Rating:

CNET.asia reviews the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 / ZS3 and writes;
“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:

PhotoReview.au reviews the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 / ZS3 and writes;
“With flash, noise levels were much lower with high sensitivity settings – although the highest ISO setting was restricted to 1600. It was possible to make acceptable A5 sized prints from shots taken at ISO 1600. The flash required an ISO setting of 200 before it could illuminate an average-sized room. However, exposures were even from ISO 400 to ISO 1600.”
Rating:

Panasonic Lumix Dmc Zs60 Manual

CamerasLabs reviews the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 / ZS3 and writes;
“the Lumix TZ7 / ZS3 remains a great choice, updating the compelling pocket super-zoom concept with the latest features. In short, one of the best compacts on the market just got better, and as such we can easily award the Lumix TZ7 / ZS3 our Highly Recommended rating.”


Rating:

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 / ZS3 to VS Canon PowerShot SX200 IS comparison review by PCAuthority;
“With picture quality on par, and both cameras being easy to use (the Canon aided by helpful menu explanations), it was hard to separate both models. The Panasonic outclasses its rival with its video abilities, but Canon is our pick for more advanced users with its manual modes. “

Shutterbug reviews the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 / ZS3 and writes;
Pro: Compact body, especially for a multimedia tool with HD-video, HD-Video in professional AVCHD-quality, many scene modes for beginners, large hi-res LCD. Cons: missing manual settings, missing optical viewfinder, missing raw-mode”
Rating: N/A

Cameras.uk reviews the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 / ZS3 and writes;
“I really like the Panasonic Lumix DMC TZ7. It scored very well for picture quality. It has a good range of features and is not too challenging when it comes to ease of use. I am happy to recommend this camera.”
Rating:

Steve’sDigicams reviews the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 / ZS3 and writes;
“The image quality of our outdoor images is outstanding. Our sample pictures show excellent exposures and bright, vivid colors that really make your images pop… Our indoor image samples show the same great exposure and color, as well as a crisp image from edge to edge. ISO 400 is the first time noise appears in the image. Even then, the level is acceptable and will not be noticed in prints of 8×10 or larger.”
Rating: N/A

TechRadar reviews the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 / ZS3 and writes;
“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.”
Rating:

LetsGoDigital reviews the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 / ZS3 and writes;
“the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-TZ7 is a worthy successor of the TZ5. Although there are some minor flaws and the TZ7 does drop a stitch when it comes to signal/noise ratio, this camera still belongs to the absolute top of the current Megazoom cameras. Once you know how to use the MEGA O.I.S. to its maximum potential, thus working your way around the high ISO values, you will possess a high quality Megazoom”
Rating:

DCR reviews the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 / ZS3 and writes;
Pros: Accurate, colorful images, Sharp and powerful 12x zoom, Excellent design and construction, 720p HD video capture, Highly effective iA mode. Cons: Images get noisy above ISO 200, AVCHD Lite video format not widely supported, AF speed lags behind competitors”
Rating: N/A

ImagingResource reviews the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 / ZS3 and writes;
“Detail is quite good at ISO 100 and 200, with some softening and visible luminance noise beginning at ISO 400. Chroma (color) noise is pretty well controlled at all ISOs. Things start to fall apart around ISO 800, with stronger blurring, and ISO 1,600 is quite messy..”
Rating: N/A

CNET reviews the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 / ZS3 and writes;
“The bottom line: As long as you don’t want much in the way of manual features, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 is a very nice camera that can handle a variety of shooting situations.”
Rating:

DCRP reviews the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 / ZS3 and writes;
“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.”
Rating: N/A

PhotographyBlog reviews the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 / ZS3 and writes;
“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:

TrustedReviews reviews the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 / ZS3 and writes;
“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:

PCAdvisor reviews the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 / ZS3 and writes;
“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 reviews the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 / ZS3 and writes;
“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. The only thing we don’t like is the location of the shutter, which is to the inside of the mode dial, and we also wish it had a manual mode.”
Rating:

User Opinions

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 / ZS3 User Reviews

Very impressed | Rating:
I considered this and the Canon SC200IS. I went with the Panasonic and am convinced that I made the right choice. Couple of things that I had issues with. Make sure the SD card is Class 6. Shooting full quality HD video quit because the older cards I had could not keep up. Older cards are great for pictures. Biggest thing I did not care for on the Canon was the pop up flash. The Panasonic is a very solid offering.

Panasonic Lumix Dmc Zs6 Manual

I’m returing the Canon | Rating:
I’m returing the Canon. I’ve historically enjoyed Canon camera’s (I owned an S3 IS). I completely agree that the Canon is capable of taking great pictures by tweaking the settings but I needed something that I could hand off to my wife or a friend to snap a quick picture and have it turn out well. For some reason, in auto mode, the Cannon SX200 jacks the ISO to 800 for an indoor picture. In addition, I found the pop up flash to be a neat concept, but in the end, annoying. I agree with the other reviews about build and video quality of the ZS3. This is a nice, versatile camera and it seems noticeably smaller than the TZ5. I print many 4×6 pictures out on my Epson printer so print quality is important to me. The ZS3 has not disappointed me.

Best point and shoot camera I’ve ever had | Rating:
I’ve had a lot of compact digital cameras. And I use them constantly- my contact camera is ALWAYS in my purse. Typically I take lots of photos of people, landscapes and food with it. I bought this camera shortly before a safari in Tanzania, drawn by the 12X zoom and HD video taking. I also brought a D80 with an 18-200mm lens and a D90 with 80-400mm lens. I wanted to use this little camera for quick shots, people shots, and movie taking. I am so pleased with this camera. Image quality is on par with the Canon cameras I have, most recently the Canon 870IS. And the videos are awesome- above and beyond the quality of the Canon. Highly recommend this camera to anyone who wants a powerful camera in a small body.

More user opinions | Write your opinion
Samples

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 / ZS3 Sample Photos

– Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 / ZS3 Sample Photos @ DCI
– Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 / ZS3 Sample Photos @ DPInterface
– Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 / ZS3 Sample Photos: 1 – 2 – 3 @ InfoSync
– Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 / ZS3 Sample Photos @ Cameras.uk
– Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 / ZS3 Sample Photos @ Steve’sDigicams
– Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 / ZS3 Sample Photos @ ImagingResource
– Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 / ZS3 Sample Photos @ DCRP
– Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 / ZS3 Sample Photos @ PhotographyBlog
– Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 / ZS3 Sample Photos @ TrustedReviews
– Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 / ZS3 Sample Photos @ CameraLabs

Manual

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 / ZS3 User Manual

– Download Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 / ZS3 User Manual (PDF – 17MB)

Press

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 / ZS3 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.

User

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.

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