Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3

Value (7.5)
With a price tag of $349, the Panasonic TZ3 is a good value for a select niche market of consumers looking for a small point-and-shoot with a longer, stabilized zoom lens. There are plenty of image-stabilized, 10x optical zoom cameras out there, but none retain the point-and-shoot simplicity and basic design of the TZ3.  It competes with tiny, itsy-bitsy point-and-shoots that don’t offer the high zoom, and heavier, SLR-styled compacts; however, no other camera currently offers its feature set in a point-and-shoot design. 

Currently selling for close to $300 online, the TZ3 is a strong value for point-and-shooters looking to upgrade to a longer lens. 

Comparisons
Panasonic Lumix TZ1 – Bargain shoppers may also be interested in the Panasonic Lumix TZ1, which has similar features but not the high price tag. As the predecessor to the TZ3, the TZ1 carries a 5-megapixel count, less than the TZ3’s 7.2 megapixels. The TZ1, last year’s version of the TZ3, is fitted with the same 10x Leica lens with optical image stabilization. Although the TZ1 was introduced at the same initial price, it can now be found online for less. Users will have to forfeit the TZ3’s higher ISO settings of up to 3200 (at lower resolution) from the TZ1 maximum of 1600 ISO (at lower resolution) and a smaller 2.5-inch LCD screen versus the TZ3’s 3-inch display. The TZ1 is a viable option for consumers who want to 10x optically stabilized zoom lens, but don’t care about the newer Intelligent ISO Control or Clipboard feature. 

Fuji FinePix S700 – At $100 less than the Panasonic TZ3, the Fuji FinePix S700 carries a 7.1-megapixel count, similar to the TZ3. Both are fitted with 10x optical zoom, but the Panasonic has optical image stabilization, while the Fuji camera only has digital picture stabilization. The Fuji S700 has a smaller 2.5-inch LCD versus the Panasonic TZ3’s 3 inches. The biggest difference between the two cameras is the look of the camera and handling. The Fuji camera has an SLR-styled body with a larger hand grip, while the Panasonic camera is more compact for portability.





Nikon Coolpix S10 – The 6-megapixel Nikon S10 had an introductory price of nearly $400, but Nikon has marked it down to the same price of the Panasonic TZ3 at $349. With the Nikon S10, users will gainWi-Fi capabilities, face priority, and a swiveling, but smaller 2.5-inch LCD screen. Both have 10x optical zoom with optical image stabilization, or as Nikon calls it, sensor-shifting "Vibration Reduction." The Nikon S10 also records video but lacks the wide 16:9 shooting of the Panasonic TZ3.

Kodak EasyShare Z712 IS – The 7.1-megapixel Kodak Z712 IS camera touts a higher 12x optical zoom lens. As the "IS" indicates, the Kodak camera comes with image stabilization and comes with a $300 price tag, $50 less than the Panasonic TZ3. The Kodak camera has a smaller 2.5-inch LCD but a higher ISO sensitivity of 1600 at full resolution – greater than the Panasonic’s 1250 ISO at full resolution. The Kodak Z712 IS is also a radical departure from the Panasonic TZ3 in terms of looks. The Kodak compact camera features a hand grip for extra hand support, while Panasonic point-and-shoot is built for portability.

Canon PowerShot TX1 – As Canon’s first digital still camera with high definition video capabilities, the TX1 is a tough competitor of the Panasonic TZ3. While the Panasonic TZ3 can shoot video in wide format, it lacks the high definition quality of its Canon rival. Both cameras have the 10x optically stabilized zoom lens and comparable megapixel count; the Panasonic TZ3 with 7.2MP, and the Canon TX1 with 7.1MP. The Canon with a maximum sensitivity of 1600 ISO compared to Panasonic’s 1250 ISO at full resolution. The Canon camera has a whopping introductory price tag of $499, also carries face detection and a smaller, but more versatile, 1.8-inch flip out LCD screen. 




Who’s this Camera For?
Point and Shooters – The Panasonic TZ3 is made for advanced point-and-shooters who may be looking for a longer zoom upgrade from their first digital camera. Basic users will also enjoy its automatic features, while mature point-and-shooters will also benefit from more control options.

Budget Consumers – The Lumix TZ3 falls in the mid-range, $300 category. It definitely isn’t the cheapest camera around since there are basic automatics that sell for about $100, but the TZ3 is a well-priced camera for a 10x optical zoom.

Gadget Freaks – Gadget lovers won’t be too impressed with the Panasonic TZ3, since other cameras offer similar features. The one thing that might grab their attention is the fact that the long lens camera can go underwater with the help of an optional marine housing.

Manual Control Freaks – Not so much. While the Lumix TZ3 has some controls for shooting aspect ratio, white balance, shutter speed, and ISO sensitivity, the camera lacks Shutter Priority or Aperture Priority or full manual modes. Those who lust for full control should consider other compacts that offer more manual options.

Pros / Serious Amateurs – Serious hobbyists or professionals would have better luck with higher zoom compacts or SLRs, but they might consider the Panasonic TZ3 as a back up camera for vacationing.