Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ3

 Model Design / Appearance (6.5)
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ3 has an attractive silver-colored body with a simple design. The camera frame is made of a durable plastic, which keeps the body lightweight but gives it a cheap overall feel at the same time. This was the kiss of death for the Digital Rebel in the eyes of high-end users, although the FZ3’s compact design may help shield it from the same criticism.

Size / Portability (6.5)
The FZ3 won’t fit in a pocket, but isn’t likely to cause neck problems from hanging from a neck strap either. At 4.3 x 2.7 x 3.3 inches, the camera is not a compact camera. However, with the neck strap and a camera bag, the FZ3 is still portable. With the batteries and card, the camera weighs 11.4 ounces.

Handling Ability (7.0)
The Panasonic FZ3 has a nicely sized right-hand grip with a rubber textured surface that reduces the chance of the user’s fingers slipping. Handling this Lumix is simple. The body is easy to grip and comfortable to hold. The layout is basic and easy to understand. Shooting is made easy with the shutter release and zoom reachable with the right index finger and the shooting menus accessible to the thumb.

Control Button / Dial Positioning / Size (7.5)
The layout of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ3 is intuitive and easy to grasp. All of the buttons are clearly labeled with words, except for the symbolically represented self-timer, exposure compensation, and flash buttons. The controls are nicely sized and spaced, so users won’t be pushing two buttons at once or squinting to find the correct button. Everything is logically placed; the shutter release button is where it should be. The zoom control is wrapped around the shutter button, so zooming and shooting quickly is possible. The main mode dial is located on the top, so switching from Manual to Auto requires a flick of the right index finger. Within reach of the thumb are the Menu button, which displays the recording menu, and the four-way navigational dial, which controls the selections of the menu.

Menu (7.5) The menus on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ3 are accessed via the Menu button to the right of the LCD screen. The selections are clearly labeled and allow for easy navigation. Each option uses a word or two and a symbol to identify the feature. The Recording menu has lots of options, although some options are grayed out or disabled in certain inapplicable modes. These are the options in the Recording menu: White balance, Motion rate, Sensitivity, Picture size, Quality, Audio recording, Metering mode, AF mode, Continuous AF, AF trigger, AF assist lamp, Digital zoom, Color effect, Picture adjust, Stabilizer, Flip animation, and Conversion lens.

The Setup menu is accessed through pushing the Menu button and scrolling to the right with the four-way navigational dial. These are the options available in the Setup menu: Monitor (brightness), Auto review, Play on LCD, Power save, Beep, Shutter, Volume, Clock set, Number Reset, Reset, USB mode, Highlight, Video out, Scene menu, and Language.

The Play menu can be accessed only in the Review mode by pushing the Menu button. Its options are Rotate, Protect, DPOF Print, Slide show, Resize, Trimming, and Format.

Ease of Use (7.0)
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ3 is easy to navigate with its user-friendly menus. Its Simple mode is fully automatic and truly makes this camera point-and-shoot. Changes can be made quickly and easily because of intuitive and sufficient placement of buttons and control dials. While there are a lot of options and features inexperienced users could trip over, when basic modes are selected, the FZ3 is as intuitive and simplistic as most point-and-shoots on the market.