Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3

Connectivity
Software (6.25)
The Panasonic TZ3 comes with a motley crew of programs. The Lumix Simple Viewer 1.2E is an extremely basic organizer with a split-screen design. The left side of the screen displays thumbnail views of the photo collection, and the right side shows an enlarged view of the selected photo and extensive EXIF data. Photos can be divided by Latest Pictures, My Favorites (that can be selected in the camera) or by Date Folder. There is a Rotate function and Enlarge options for full-screen slideshows, but the program lacks other editing functions such as crop or red-eye fix, typically found in other basic software. While the program’s design is nice, it isn’t worth installing because of its limited capabilities.

Users are better off using the other ArcSoft programs that come in the box. A better alternative is PhotoBase 4.5 that organizes photos and provides basic editing functions. Users can view pictures in Thumbnail, Details, or List view. The graphic icons could be bigger but the important ones are included on the top tool bar. The PhotoBase software even includes a Batch button for size conversion and renaming multiple pictures. The other icons open programs including the PanoramaMaker 3 stitching program, PhotoImpression 5 for projects and prints, and PhotoStudio for more extensive image manipulation tools.

Jacks, Ports, Plugs (5.0)
The Panasonic TZ3 has a plastic hinged door on its right side to keeps its ports safe. Below the door is an AV Out port for television connection and DC In port for USB computer connection. We prefer to see rubber port covers on compact point-and-shoot models, since they're generally more effective in keeping out dirt and moisture.

Direct Print Options (7.0)
For users who want to bypass the computer altogether, the PictBridge-compatible Panasonic TZ3 comes with a convenient Print Mode feature, a dedicated print button on mode dial. Users can easily connect the camera to a PictBridge-compatible printer via a USB connection. The camera gives options for the number of prints, sizes, and layout.

Battery (6.0)
The kind of battery the camera uses is an important consideration, especially for the active traveler, for whom this camera is targeted. The Panasonic TZ3 uses a Li-ion battery (Panasonic CGA-S007A), arguably the kind that lasts longer than standard AA batteries. The battery shoots at a reported 270 shots per charge, with enough power to juice a good shoot. The downside to using this camera’s Li-ion battery is that the owner would need a compatible electric port to recharge the battery. Li-ion versus AA is really a individual preference.

Memory (3.75)
The Lumix TZ3 is compatible with SD, SDHC, and MMC media. The camera also carries 12.7 MB of internal memory, which is enough to store 2 still 4:3 images at full resolution. The memory media shares a slot with the batteries.

Other Features (5.0)
Clipboard – Because this camera if marketed to the world traveler, the Panasonic TZ3 comes with a new Clipboard feature that captures text and graphics with image stabilization and high zoom, ideal for keeping timetables and maps stored on the camera. The Clipboard shoots at a fixed 4:3 aspect ratio and can record 5 seconds of audio, enough time to record “¿Donde está la cerveza?” attached to a map of the city. The Clipboard feature stores the images on the 12 MB of internal memory so that users can easily access the important information through the mode dial.

Dual Display – The Dual Display features displays two images side-by-side on the screen for easy comparison.

World Clock / Travel Date – This feature helps the globe trotter remember what day it is. With the world clock and travel date information, users can keep their photos accurately documented with correct time zones. The camera returns to a default Hometown clock once the travel date has expired.

Optional Underwater Housing – The Panasonic Marine Case (DMW-MCTZ3) can be purchased for an additional $259.95 to protect the camera during underwater shooting. The optional marine case weighs more than 7 pounds and allows for 120 feet of submergence.

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