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8.6 out of 10

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 / DMC-ZS3

10.1 megapixels

Information found in: from 125 sources in 29 countries

Great Deal: $385.95

  • User Score (1530)
    8.9 8.9 from 1530 reviewers
  • Expert Score (38)
    8.3 8.3 from 38 reviewers
  • Design (7)
    8.1 8.1 from 7 reviewers
  • Value for money (19)
    8.4 8.4 from 19 reviewers
  • Features (94)
    8.3 8.3 from 94 reviewers
  • Ease of use (96)
    8.3 8.3 from 96 reviewers
  • Performance (106)
    8.1 8.1 from 106 reviewers
  • Picture quality (137)
    8.4 8.4 from 137 reviewers
  • Durability (4)
    7.4 7.4 from 4 reviewers
  • Reliability (22)
    8.3 8.3 from 22 reviewers
  • Overall quality (19)
    8.2 8.2 from 19 reviewers
  • Battery performance (13)
    8.5 8.5 from 13 reviewers
  • Display (103)
    9.1 9.1 from 103 reviewers
  • Video quality (10)
    9.3 9.3 from 10 reviewers
  • Ergonomics (103)
    8.2 8.2 from 103 reviewers
  • Equipment (5)
    9.5 9.5 from 5 reviewers
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  • Score Distribution

Experts:
9-10
(21)
7-8
(14)
5-6
(3)
3-4
(0)
1-2
(0)
Users:
9-10
(543)
7-8
(244)
5-6
(71)
3-4
(26)
1-2
(19)

  • Expert Reviews

  1. Digitaltrends

    Digitaltrends
    8.0/10
    20 July 2009

    In our review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 we find a blend of superb stills and HD video making the ZS3 one of our top all-around cams. Read more

    • Good, accurate stills; excellent 720P videos; quality Leica wide-angle 12x zoom; very good 3-inch LCD; easy to use menu system; optical zoom with movies
    • Stills/videos not super-sharp; color doesn't have "pop"; no manual adjustments; relatively slow

  2. Camera Labs

    Camera Labs
    8.8/10
    1 March 2009

    NEW: See the highlights of this camera in our Panasonic Lumix TZ7 / ZS3 video tour - in High Definition! Panasonic’s Lumix DMC-TZ7 (or ZS3 as it’s known in North America) continues to be one of the most flexible compacts on the market, and one with very few rivals. Like its predecessor it may not be the slimmest compact around, but considering the huge optical zoom packed within, it remains a remarkable and compelling proposition. Read more

    • 12x zoom with 25mm wide angle., HD movies and choice of formats., Good-looking 3in / 460k screen., Great auto mode and fast burst options.
    • No manual control over exposure., AF issues when filming and zooming., Noise visible throughout ISO range., Shutter won't exit playback. Need to switch.

  3. Imaging Resource

    Imaging Resource
    20 August 2009

    Conclusion . Covering a range from 25-300mm, the Panasonic Lumix ZS3 is a great companion, whether you're going out for a walk or on a long trip. 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. Read more

    • 12x zoom includes unusually wide angle and long telephoto ends, Optical image stabilization works very well, Good battery life, Good control over chroma noise, Good Au...
    • Mode dial is very loose, Record/Playback switch means that you can't quickly enter record mode with a press on the shutter button, Face Recognition is hit-and-miss, Mo...

  4. What Digital Camera

    What Digital Camera
    9.0/10
    17 June 2009

    Features The TZ7 features a 12 x optical zoom with an equivalent focal range of 25-300mm. It has optical image stabilisation, with a 1/2.33in CCD sensor at 10.1MP and a 3in LCD with a comparatively high resolution of 460K dots. A full range of image capture modes, including the brand's successful iAuto plus full HD video capture with HDMI out socket is provided. Read more

    • 460k dot LCD, excellent tonal range and colours
    • Poorly-placed mode dial, lack of PASM, fairly aggressive noise at ISO 1600

  5. infoSync World

    infoSync World
    7.3/10
    23 June 2009

    Panasonic has done it again—they've succeeded in creating a beast of the consumer persuasion. One that spits fire with a champion image performance. One that claws at the competition with a solid set of features. And best of all, a beast that decimates all in its path with a great HD video performance and the ability to zoom while recording. Yes, folks, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 is definitely worth the extra 100 clams over the ? Read more

    • Great image quality. Impressive features and hardware. AVCHD Lite with zoom capability? Yummy!
    • Larger than most competitors. Clunky interface. We could have used some advanced manual controls.

  6. DigitalCameraInfo.com

    DigitalCameraInfo.com
    22 September 2009

    The Panasonic Lumix DMC -ZS3 packs a lot of features into its small case: 10-megapixel resolution, a 12x zoom and high definition video. And we found that it has the performance to match, with sharp, colorful images and video. This review is organized into 16 pages Page 1 Product Tour Read More... Page 2 Color Color is pretty accurate in the Standard color mode, though there are some issues with yellows and blues. Read More... Read more

  7. Steve's Digicams

    Steve's Digicams
    11 May 2009

    Please help support our site and visit the stores below for real-time pricing and availability. Specifications Physical Views Features & Controls Record Modes Playback Modes Steve's Conclusion Sample Photos Visitors of Steves can visit the stores below for real-time pricing and availability. You can also find hot, soon to expire online offers on a variety of cameras and accessories at our very own Camera Deals page. Read more

  8. Digital Camera Review

    Digital Camera Review
    28 April 2009

    It's a still camera. It's a camcorder. At least that's what Panasonic hopes you'll think when you think about the latest high-profile Lumix to hit the market this year: the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 . Read more

  9. consumersearch.com

    16 May 2010

    Most ultra-zoom digital cameras are big and bulky, but the 10.1-megapixel, 12x Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 (*Est. $300) has a unique optical system that makes it one of the only pocket-sized ultra-zoom digital cameras. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 measures a minuscule 2.35 inches by 4.07 inches by 1.29 inches and weighs 7.2 ounces. Read more

    • Optical image stabilization, Compact, Large LCD display, Fast performance
    • Slightly soft images, Short battery life, Few manual options, No RAW support

  10. Macworld

    Macworld
    7 November 2011

    A zoom range like that isn't very useful if image stabilization doesn't come with it, and the Lumix DMC-ZS3 has top-notch optical stabilization. The camera is downright shake-proof, providing crystal-clear images even when I shook it around at full zoom. The Lumix DMC-ZS3 is very much a "set-it-and-forget-it" model; it's dead simple for a novice to take a good photograph, because the camera is packed with complex automated features. Read more

  • User Reviews

  1. Really don't like it :(

    Amazon
    6.0/10
    Reviewer: Concerned about Kids "A concerned mom", Amazon
    5 December 2011

    After owning this camera about a year, I have to say I really don't like it. I had a Casio Elixm prior and LOVED that lil' camera! I use my camera mainly for concerts and have to say this camera doesn't do the job. Photos either look overexposed, underexposed, or blurry. I have tried many different settings. I would go with another Casio Elixm if I had the chance to do it over. Read more

  2. Easy Camera - Great results!

    J&R
    8.0/10
    Reviewer: Steve S., J&R
    28 February 2010

    I went from an older Sony Cybershot DSC-P10 to this camera. This camera is noticeably faster shutter delay time, and much faster from shot to shot. It is still a remarkably small camera for having the zoom capability that it does, which is a bonus. The wide angle is great, especially for a point and shoot. Very nice large and clear LCD on the back. Intuitive controls and very easy to use. Read more

    • Easy To Use, Good Image Quality, Good Image Stabilization, Good in Low Light, Great Zoom, HD Video, Large Clear LCD, Nice Body Color, Short Lag Time, Small / Compact, ...
    • No Viewfinder

  3. Lemons Exist and Service Doesn't

    4.0/10
    Reviewer: ericg51, epinions.com
    2 weeks ago

    I received the Lumix DMC-ZS3 for Xmas in 2009. I was really excited about getting one of these becau Read more

    • Fair to good image qualityNice menus
    • Flimsy constructionExtremely loud zoom motorVery poor product support and service

  4. "Love my Lumix even though I was A Cannon user 30 yrs"

    CNET
    9.0/10
    Reviewer: TracyO45, CNET
    9 July 2010

    I reccommend buying this camera or the newer model with the GPS. zoom quality - excelent speed shot in both options is amazing macro is very clear HD video is very easy to use and clear, no time limits on length just remember use the same button to start and stop the video. all the my scene options are wonderful, I have my favorites, but check them all out. Read more

    • Took a small amount of time to get used to the windows style menus compared to Cannon, but no looking back now. I love the options, the clarity of my photos and the HD...
    • My camera screen died, called panasonic, they e-mailed a prepaid slip to put on a package. I mailed it Tues 6th, Friday 9th it is back fixed no charge WOW, can you say...

  5. Sweet Little Camera

    OneCall
    10/10
    Reviewer: Scott C, OneCall
    29 March 2010

    what a fantastic camera. cant say enough good about it. love the HD video! also a treat pluging into my panasonic viera 50" plasma! great price [...] very happy with my purchase. Read more

    • Good Image Stabilization, Good in Low Light, Great Zoom, Nice Body Color, Short Lag Time
    • None

  6. This product is definitely worth considering.

    Ebay
    10/10
    Reviewer: jeffalterman, Ebay
    7 November 2011

    This is a very good digital camera even if it is a little expensive, but it is a good deal for the money. The picture quality is high. It is easy to use in the basic modes. The battery charges quickly. The zoom range makes this camera highly versatile. If you know what to do, you can get adequate pictures in low light without the flash. Read more

  7. Review of the Panasonic DMC-ZS3 (TZ7)- A great camera for everyday use!

    epinions.com
    8.0/10
    Reviewer: luclin999, epinions.com
    14 August 2009

    This past November, my wife was going to go visit relatives in New York City over Thanksgiving and p Read more

    • Excellent picture quality, solid design
    • Proprietary batteries

  8. CNET

    CNET
    10/10
    Reviewer: pmw194, CNET
    23 February 2010

    Had this camera for about six months. Somewhat slow autofocus for movies, as stated in review. Other than that, it has taken great pictures no matter what the situation. High learning curve if you want to set some of the settings yourself. Certain settings require some digging to find. I mostly use the auto mode and it figures out the settings better than I could. Many preset scene settings which I haven't even got into fully. Have found the baby setting works good. Read more

    • Most everything
    • Slow autofocus

  9. Good camera, but faulty LCD screen

    Amazon
    2.0/10
    Reviewer: victor4291, Amazon
    5 November 2010

    I bought this camera from Amazon in September 2009. Amazon service good (as always)and camera was fine for 14 months. Then LCD screen failed. The camera is always kept in a protective case, and has never been dropped or damaged in any way. A brief search on the web shows this to be a common fault on the TZ7, and Panasonic are refusing to do anything about it. Read more

  10. Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7

    CNET
    9.0/10
    Reviewer: DAMO, CNET
    18 September 2009

    Bought this camera on ebay few weeks ago for $500. Best Camera i have ever owned. Everyone keeps saying how the mode buttons can move easy. There is nothing wrong with it, put it on what you want and it will stay there. Clicks in nice and firm. Read more

    • Zoom, LCD, Picture Quality, Wide Angle, HD Video

  • WikiFreak Description

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  • Manufacturer's Description

The ZS3 / TZ7 is the worldâ.

  • Camera Type: Standard Point and Shoot
  • Resolution: 12.7 Megapixel
  • LCD Screen Size: 3 in.
  • Optical Zoom: 12x
  • Digital Zoom: 4x
  • Weight: 0.45 lb.

Specifications

  • Alternative names
    TZ7, DMC-TZ7EG-S
  • Format
    Compact
  • Also known as
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7
  • Max resolution
    3648 x 2736
  • Low resolution
    3776 x 2520, 3968 x 2232, 3072 x 2304, 3168 x 2112, 3328 x 1872, 2560 x 1920, 2656 x 1768, 2784 x 1568, 2048 x 1536, 2112 x 1408, 2208 x 1248, 1920 x 1080, 1600 x 1200, 640 x 480
  • Image ratio w:h
    16:9, 4:3, 3:2
  • Effective pixels
    10.1 million
  • Sensor photo detectors
    12.7 million

Release Date

  • First seen
    9 January 2009

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