Customer Reviews
Great camera! 
2008-05-12
It's a great digital camera w/ AWESOME zoom. The screen on the back is big. Lot's of great features. I don't like that it's a tad on the heavy side and that you can't zoom in & out when you are recording a video but other than that it's a great camera. It's nice that it comes w/ a battery charger too. I got tired of buying cameras that ate up my AA batteries. I recommend this baby.
great all-around digital camera 
2008-05-11
This is a great camera. It is not so big that you can't put it in your pocket, yet it has a fantastic LCD screen and the 10X optical zoom is great. The photo quality is superb, and the features are easy to use and intuitive. Highly recomended.
Fantastic Fotos! 2008-05-09
I originally ordered this camera for its optical zoom and wide angle range, but the large screen, small frame, and light weight were all great bonuses. There are other great perks that I discovered while playing with the camera: the LCD screen can be brightened when you're out on a sunny day, and with the push of the High Angle LCD function button the display can be easily viewed from low angles (like when holding the camera up high to take pictures over a crowd). I absolutely love this camera.
Best Bang for the Buck 2008-05-08
I bought four TZ-3's and three TZ-5's as presents after much DD. While they may not be an ultra-compact size, considering the features and quality you are better off moving up in size as an ultra-compact just can't compete with the TZ series camera. I recommend the TZ-5 over the TZ-3 however, you will be satisfied with either. Panasonic Lumix is definitely setting the pace for small cameras with large optical zoom. For point and shoot enthusiasts, you will not be disappointed! Also, buy the Transcend 8gb SDHC card, an 1100mAH extra battery and a small Kodack graphite camera bag and you will be ready to roll.
Panasonic Lumix 2008-05-07
Great Product easy to use. Small compact and all the features we need. Much better than the Son we had before
Lots of features to explore 2008-05-06
The DMC-TZ3 has been given a more luxurious touch with its stylish design and metallic, stainless steel exterior. The DMC-TZ3 features a 28mm wide-angle 10x optical zoom Leica DC lens (equivalent to a 28mm-280mm zoom on a 35mm film camera) in an ultra-compact body. With the high-power 10x optical zoom, you can get clear and beautiful shots even when you can't get close to your subject. The 28mm wide-angle lens lets you easily capture large groups of people indoor or expansive architectural structures and scenes. The 10x optical zoom lets you easily capture and magnify distant subjects. 3.0-inch Polycrystalline TFT LCD (230 K Pixels) Field of View - 100% Power LCD Mode, High Angle Mode ISO Sensitivity - Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800 and 1250 (High Sensitivity Mode - 3200) Li-ion Battery Life (3.7 V, 1,000 mAh) - 270 pictures Shutter Speed - 8 - 1/2000 seconds Starry Sky Mode - 15, 30 & 60 seconds Wide Aperture - F3.3 / F8.0 (2 steps) Tele Aperture - F4.9 / F11 (2 steps) Self-Timer - 2 & 10 seconds Scene Mode - Portrait, Soft Skin, Scenery, Sports, Night Portrait, Night Scenery, Self-portrait, Food, Party, Candle, Fireworks, Starry Sky, Beach, Aerial Photo, Snow, High Sensitivity, Baby1, Baby2, Underwater, Sunset and Pet Dimensions - Width 4.20 x Height 2.37 x Depth 1.47 inch (105.0 x 59.2 x 36.7 mm) Weight - 257 grams with Battery and SD Memory Card (0.57 pounds)
Best 10x Point-and-Shoot Camera Around 2008-05-02
This is the second Panasonic camera I have purchased (the first being a DMC-F1), and I am very pleased.
At the $200 price point, this camera is an EXCELLENT value. I would recommend it over the TZ5K that just came out, I just don't think the improvements make up for the additional cost.
This is not an ultra-portable camera, but still fits very nicely in a coat pocket, or in jeans pockets if you are wearing a relaxed fit. However, you won't find a camera with a 10x zoom that is any smaller.
Many people have criticized this camera for producing a lot of noise with image stabilization on. This hasn't really been a problem for a casual photographer like myself.
The zoom is wonderful, and I think you'll find yourself wondering how you lived 3x zoom cameras before this. I do.
The only drawback is that I feel that the shutter could break (it looks pretty weak). I've read other reviews complaining about this, so I'm being extra careful with mine.
Otherwise... great camera... pick one up today.
Quality speaks in Pictures and movies 2008-05-02
we bought this camera after returning my sony cybershot i must say it has a lot more options zoom awesome n so is the movie mode xcellent movies i love it
Excellent all-purpose digital camera 2008-05-01
I had a older model Lumix camera at work, and loved it so much that I recently purchased this model for personal use. Now, after a mishap involving Atlantic Ocean saltwater (it's not waterproof, trust me), I am planning to purchase another one as a replacement.
I really apprecate the rechargable battery, wide-angle lens, and its solid, compact design. The controls are simple to use, yet offer enough options for moderately advanced photographers.
Word of caution: Panasonic does not believe in customer service. If you have a problem with your camera, you're probably out of luck.
Mark 2008-04-28
What a great product. I was looking for a decent priced camera that took both video and still photos with a good zoom and I certainly found it. A week later, I was shooting beautiful shots of a once in my lifetime vacation and was impressed immediately. The instructions were pretty much to the point and several 'specialty' shot features 'developed' into a truly great shot. I also purchased a 8G card and shot all week with PLENTY of space to spare. Only had to recharge once during the week. The 10X video has an excellent quality, even at night. I would have liked it to zoom during the video shoot, but I learned quickly that I could change the zoom during a pause and it worked nicely. This is the best camera I have ever owned, and I got it much lower here than the Panasonic Direct website!!
