Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ3

Auto Mode (7.5)
A red heart on the mode dial represents the Simple mode, as Panasonic calls its automatic mode. This mode removes all options from the shooter except Image resolution, Auto review mode, Beep and Clock set. It is very restrictive, but isn’t that what a point-and-shooter wants from an Auto mode? The Program AE mode is for beginners who are just advancing out of Auto mode. Program AE controls the shutter speed and aperture, but lets the user control everything else: Exposure compensation, Flash exposure compensation, Metering, ISO, AE lock, Bracketing, White balance, Contrast, Sharpness, and Saturation.

Movie Mode (4.0)
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ3 has a movie mode and can capture audio while shooting. Sound clips lasting up to five seconds can be recorded to accompany image files after shooting as well. As with many digital cameras, the FZ3 cannot zoom while recording in movie mode. The movies can be recorded at 320 x 240 resolution at 30 or 10 fps to Motion JPEG files. Recording times are limited by the memory card capacities and selected frame rates. Overall, the movie mode isn’t very impressive, considering the low maximum resolution although a 30 frame per second video will produce smooth results. The saving grace is the image stabilization that produces steady video clips that won’t make users sick while watching them.

Drive / Burst Mode (6.5)
The Panasonic FZ3 has three burst shooting modes that can be accessed by pushing the burst button on the top panel of the camera. The Low Speed option captures about two frames a second for a maximum of seven images. The High Speed mode captures three frames a second for a max of seven images. Infinity mode lets the user take an unlimited number of pictures at two frames per second. The last mode definitely trumps the Low Speed mode, so I’m not sure why there is a Low Speed mode at all.

Playback Mode (7.0)
The Playback mode is easily accessible on the mode dial via the green Play symbol. Pictures are shown in individual frames unless the view is changed on the Playback menu. The menu options are Rotate, Protect, DPOF Print, Slide Show, Resize, Trimming, and Format. When the Display button is pushed, histogram and file information appears in an overlay above the image.

Custom Image Presets (7.5)
There are nine scene modes available on the FZ3: Portrait, Sports, Scenery, Night scenery, Night portrait, Panning, Fireworks, Party, and Snow modes. All these are accessed on the SCN portion of the mode dial. Once the dial is set to SCN, the Menu button brings up the list of scene modes.