Panasonic's DMC-TZ3 wide-angle 10x zoomer reviewed

Panasonic's DMC-TZ1 was already pulling decent reviews in its day. So Panny's TZ3 followup had best live up to the example set. Photography Blog had the chance to take the compact, point-and-shoot model for a spin and came away impressed enough to slap on a 4.5 / 5 rating on Panasonic's easy to use shooter. They found that Panasonic's Mega O.I.S provided sharp results in photos taken from a wide 28mm up to the TZ3's full 280mm optical zoom. Compared to the TZ1, the TZ3 image quality in general was improved and the camera on whole was noticeably faster during startup, zooming, and continuous shooting -- even with its larger 7.2 megapixel sensor. Noise performance was also "notably improved" such that ISO 400 shots taken on the TZ3 were about equal to ISO 200 pics taken with the older TZ1. In the end, they dub the TZ3 "highly recommended" due to the photographic opportunities opened up to point-and-shoot fans via the TZ3's wide focal range, compact dimensions, and decent $300 price tag.

[zalloma @ Mar 26th 2007 10:00AM]

Interesting enough "TZ" means "My Ass" in Arabic. So, if you happen to be strolling around somewhere in the mideast and someone asks you what camera you own, 'tz' would not be your best response.

[Mikemike @ Mar 26th 2007 10:55AM]

Wow, I like! Looks like a good replacement for my Canon SD500.

[Manuel @ Mar 26th 2007 11:24AM]

Anybody knows when can i buy this camera?
launch dates vary from march-may

[TZ3 owner @ Mar 29th 2007 7:46AM]

Camera is already for sale in quite a few places
Amazon.com, vanns.com, jr.com, bhphotovideo.com

[se @ Mar 27th 2007 11:12AM]

Take a good look at any image not shot in bright daylight... this camera is the noisiest POS you can spend $300 on ... it just runs a blur function on every image darker than a sunny day

[TZ3 owner @ Mar 29th 2007 7:46AM]

Actually the TZ3 images are greatly improved over the TZ1. Just take a look here
http://www.pbase.com/jogy/tz3g7 at a comparison against the Canon G7. Holds it's own quite well, which is remarkable because the G7 is supposodly in a higher class and cost 50% more. The new TZ3 makes and excellent point and shoot camera.

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1033&thread=22633538

[Manuel @ Mar 31st 2007 6:26AM]

the problem is i want to buy it physically in a store near Mcallen since i live near the border in Mexico and cannot make online orders, any clues?.

[bill @ Apr 14th 2007 12:50PM]

WELL I HAVE A TZ1 AND I CAN TELL YOU IT TAKES GREAT PHOTO'S BOTH INDOORS AND OUT AND WITH OR WITHOUT FLASH. IF THE TZ3 (WHICH I HAVE JUST ORDERED) IS ANY BETTER IT MUST BE OUTSTANDING.
DON'T PAY ANY ATTENTION TO THAT NOISE STUFF. THE PHOTO'S ARE GREAT