AVCHD means extended HD shooting time
Hey, there's no doubt — your Lumix DMC-ZS3's 10.1-megapixel still images deliver the clarity and details you're looking for. However, this camera is packed with loads of image-enhancing features, starting with the ability to record video . . . in HD . . in AVCHD format. AVCHD (MPEG-4/H.264) format is important because it stores less data than other formats and lets you shoot more minutes of HD motion images. Supported by the Venus Engine, you can now record your own high-definition, motion images right on the DMC-ZS3 at a smooth 60 frames-per-second with 1280 x 720-pixel resolution. Oh yeah, and you can zoom-in and out while shooting motion images! Back at home after a day of shooting, use the DMC-ZS3's mini HDMI input and a separate HDMI cable to connect directly to your HDTV and enjoy your video and your memories in HD.
YouTube capable — and more outstanding features
Your DMC-ZS3K is the world's first compact camera to feature Dolby (R) sound, which means you get dynamic, natural audio to compliment your HD images. Another handy feature is the wind-cut function, which minimizes the distracting sound you hear from the wind. And yes, your camera comes with YouTube™ uploader software, so you can easily upload your video clips to YouTube. Thanks to the HDMI output and VIERA Link, you have direct transmission of digital picture and sound signals. If you have a VIERA HDTV, you can control the camera's playback functions with VIERA's remote control unit.
iA mode: Worry about the shot, not the scene mode
Just set the camera to iA mode, aim, and shoot. The camera does all the rest. It automatically determines the most suitable Scene mode and helps correct blurring, focus, and brightness problems. With iA mode, it's easy to get beautiful, clear results. Note: In the ZS3, iA mode cannot be used when shooting motion images.
Five! Shot-enhancing technologies
Take every shot with confidence. Intelligent Auto mode places five technologies under your control that help you snap shots free of common shooting-errors. Intelligent Exposure corrects lighting differences so images come out just the way you see them. The DMC-ZS3's broad list of Scene modes — including Portrait, Soft Skin, Transform, Self-Portrait, Scenery, Low Light, Food, Party, Candle Light, Sunset, High Sensitivity, Beach & Surf, Snow, Aerial, Pinhole, Film Grain, and Underwater — might seem daunting, but the Intelligent Scene Selector makes things easy by choosing the mode that best fits each situation for you. When the excitement of the shot makes you a little unsteady, MEGA Optical Image Stabilization (for stills and movie recording!) reduces blurring caused by hand shake. Motion blur that might otherwise occur when shooting moving subjects is reduced by Intelligent ISO Control. Finally, when you're recording or taking portraits of friends and family, Face Detection helps produce clear portraits by optimizing focus and exposure settings.
Whoa, steady now . . . One more word on O.I.S.
Get ready to bid camera-shake blur adieu. Whether you enjoy shooting pristine landscapes, wildlife, sports or candid moments at gatherings with friends, the excitement of the shot can get to even the most seasoned of photographers, putting even just a teeny shake in an otherwise steady hand. The unfortunate result? Blurry memories and fuzzy moments. Enter Panasonic's MEGA Optical Image Stabilizer, featured on the DMC-ZS3 digital camera. A built-in gyrosensor detects any hand movement during a shot, and then sends a signal to the camera's microcomputer. After calculating the necessary compensation, the microcomputer shifts the optical image stabilizer to guide the incoming light from the subject directly and cleanly to the CCD image sensor. You get all of your DMC-ZS3's 10.1 megapixels devoted to sharp, clear detail and not to blur and fuzz.
Composing, reviewing, and sharing each shot is easy
Many digital cameras — including your new DMC-ZS3 — use an LCD screen on the back of the camera as the viewfinder for composing shots. By automatically adjusting its brightness as ambient light conditions change, the DMC-ZS3's wide 3.0" LCD screen gives you a clear view of each shot you compose, and is ideal for reviewing shots right after you've taken them, or for sharing images with friends.
A professional technique made automatic
Seasoned and novice photographers, alike, use a technique called bracketing both as a learning tool and to help guarantee that they don't miss the perfect shot. Bracketing is simple — photographers simply take three or four photographs in succession, slightly changing the exposure settings for each shot to ensure that the right exposure is given. The DMC-ZS3's Auto Bracketing mode automatically takes multiple pictures with a single press of the shutter, each using a different exposure. Review all the images after the shot and keep the best one.
Don't let fast subjects slow you down
Whether it's a break-away play at your child's hockey game, or wildlife darting through the trees, fast-moving subjects usually don't give you a chance to take more than one shot. Take between 2.5 and 6 shots-per-second (depending on resolution) with the DMC-ZS3's High-Speed Burst mode. You just got a whole lot better at catching that perfect action shot.
Special travel functions for the perfect trip
The Clipboard allows you to take photos of maps, timetables, and other travel info. These images are saved in a separate folder of the DMC-ZS3's built-in memory to distinguish them from normal photos. You can print titles and other characters on the photos you shoot with the Title Edit and Stamp function. This is great for creating your own postcards from a vacation trip. Input your departure date and destination with the Travel Date Setting. Later, during photo viewing, the camera will indicate on which day of the trip each shot was taken and the location.
Standard accessories and included software
The following accessories are included with the purchase of the DMC-ZS3K: Battery charger / Battery pack / Battery carrying case / AV and USB cables / Strap / CD-ROM. The following software are included with the purchase of the DMC-ZS3K: PhotofunStudio v3.0 / ArcSoft® MediaImpression&trade / ArcSoft Panorama Maker&trade / QuickTime / USB driver.
I love this camera (April 09, 2010)
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Reviewed By: Courtney H. - Macon, GA
Great pics and easy to use. Decided to take back Kodak z950 for this one and I am so glad that I did!
Pocketable versatile travel camera with great zoom (March 30, 2010)
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Reviewed By: Dave M. - New York, NY
Not tiny, but still pocketable and handy. It has a really long zoom range and will give excellent close-ups at a distance. Should consider this if you need to travel with one camera that will do everything without a lot of weight and bulk. Images best at lowest ISO settings, but depending on what you need, ISO 400 or so may be fine. On full automatic iA mode, its very smart, gives a high percentage of good shots but sometimes a little bit overexposed for my taste. You can adjust exposure if you choose another mode, and the display can show a histogram in both shooting and review modes. Zoom speed is a bit slow to respond, focus speed is also a little sluggish. It will take third-party cheaper batteries if the firmware is flashed to version 1.0, but otherwise will reject any but Panasonic brand.
Great camera (March 23, 2010)
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Reviewed By: Kathy R. - Davidsonville, MD
We were heading off on vacation and I didnt want to take my SLR. My old panasonic finally gave it up after 5 hard years of use so I was looking for a new point and shoot for our vacation that I could put in a bag or a pocket and go. I turned to this new panasonic because of reviews in various techno. sites for value and technical ability. It is more sophisticated than my old camera but still a dream to use.
Excelent Services (March 17, 2010)
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Reviewed By: Hugo Andres Paredes Vela - Miami, FL
The service of Vanns is excelent
Red eye problem (March 07, 2010)
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Reviewed By: Tom S. - Madison, WI
The camera has a significant red-eye problem when the flash is used. I did not see that written up in the comments that I read when I was researching this camera. Quality is not what Ive been used to with my Nikon D40. .
Panasonic Digital Cameras DMC-ZS3A (March 06, 2010)
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Reviewed By: Martin B. - Portland, OR
Great point & shoot camera with impressive video ability. I found it takes very sharp photos under broad light conditions. The optical zoom is a remarkable 12x. All this with a quality Leica optics and a compact size. Has so many options, it takes a while to be familiar with the controls. Easy to search photos and interface with my PC.
Great compact camera from Panasonic DMC-ZS3 (March 02, 2010)
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Reviewed By: R. D. - Seattle, WA
I own a Nikon D50. But I needed a good compact camera to take it with me when circumstances were not appropriate to take a bulky SLR camera.
I did extensive research taking into consideration quality of pictures, good anti-shaking control, and other camera features. Basically the only camera that I found which fulfilled all the requirements that were important to me was the Lumix DMC-ZS3.
I am very satisfied with my purchase.
R. DON
panasonic digital camera dmc-zs3a (February 26, 2010)
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Reviewed By: philip e. - Laurel, MT
we really like the camera we bought from you store .the salesman was also very helpful with the purchase.thanks so much
CDC-ZS3S Great Zoom, Great Video (February 25, 2010)
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Reviewed By: James K. - South Mills, NC
We were looking for an easy to use camara at a great price with a great optical zoom feature. We got this plus a camara that thinks it is a Video camara as well! Easy set up, easy to use in the automatic mode. Video button in an easy to find location.
Panasonic Digital Cameras DMC-ZS3S (February 22, 2010)
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Reviewed By: jonah t. - marietta, GA
Awesome Camera. Great pics, fast shutter speed, excellent software. Great shipping service by Vanns.
Panasonic Digital Camera (February 22, 2010)
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Reviewed By: Bryan S. - Chicago, IL
This is a great camera for the price. Excellent HD videoaudio, great zoom lens, fast focus and shoot, it has a good selection of pre-set settings and its small enough to fit in your pocket.
Vanns delivered this very quickly. I would definitely buy from them again.
Panasonic DMC-ZS3S (February 20, 2010)
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Reviewed By: Jacques P. - Eureka, MT
exceptional
Compact and very versatile. (February 18, 2010)
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Reviewed By: Pablo P. - Santiago, Chile
Unlike other electronics manufacturers without a photographical background, Panasonic did not buy a experienced but failing camera manufacturer, instead, they decided to start from scratch, earning themselves a well deserved place next to old and experienced photography manufacturers, while building very distinctive cameras.
Following that trend, the ZS3 is a very unique camera, which combines impressive and very useful features in a compact size, all that for a very reasonable price.
The camera is small enough for a pocket, while the metallic body and the automatic lens cap, make it safe to carry it in an actual, regular pocket.
My experience says that good electronics cannot overcome bad optics, said that, both the optics and the electronics of this camera are some of the best in its class.
The grand angular lens is probably the single most useful feature that a compact camera may have, no more walking backwards to make a building or landscape fit in the shot, no more pushing your back against a wall in order to make all your family appear in the shot. The sharpness and natural look of the shots taken with the grand angular are comparable to the ones obtained by much more expensive cameras and lenses.
The 12x telephoto allows for great creativity and versatility, coupled with the very capable stabilization system, it can shoot very distant or small objects also, the macro function works really well, showing the fastest and most intelligent macro autofocus I have seen.
Since the camera is very light, provides a safe grip, and has an excellent optical stabilization, the need of a tripod is very unlikely, only on very specific situations, like dark night sky or very long videos.
The IA mode works like a charm, virtually all shots taken in IA mode turn out to be keepers. This feature and the 3 inches display, made my mother buy a ZS3 for herself.
Battery life is very good, probably the best in this class, it allows for more than two hours of HD video and several flash shots with one load, that is something that everyone would appreciate.
Video quality is simply the best at this price range, theres no other camera for less than US$300 capable of recording 720p, plus, this one has stereo sound. Video quality is quite impressive, again, it is close to the image quality expected from much more expensive cameras. This feature alone makes this camera a great value.
The software bundle included is very nice, specially the Panorama Maker, which is much better than almost every other panorama software that I have tried before.
The video editing software is solid, not a basic software, since it has several features which are usually absent in free bundled editors. Be warned that it requires a rather powerful or new computer, nothing fancy, though.
I have another Lumix, a LZ2, which is almost five years old, which keeps working like the first day, so I expect that my new ZS3 will last a long time.
Panasonic Digital Camera (February 18, 2010)
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Reviewed By: Larry A Dreyer - Helena, MT
Very intuitive operation. Very good picture quality and excellent high def video with ability to slow zoom while filming video. I would very highly recommend this camera as a great value.
Nice Camera (February 17, 2010)
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Reviewed By: Aaron C. - Oklahoma City, ok
For sometime now I have been in the market for a point n shoot replacement for my wifes Sony Cybershot DSC-W30 which turned out to be a complete lemon! Two thirds of the photos made with the sony were out of focus. Also the standard default 50mm angle of view is just plain boring. So after looking around for one with ultra wide angle capability I selected the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3.
The wide angle capability 25mm is spectacular. It opens a a whole new perspective on the point and shoot camera. The images just have a spacious quality to them that really grabs your attention. And the wide angle allows for and extra creative element to your photos. The LCD is very high quality. Its a generous 3 inches and is absolutely outstanding in its color and clarity.
The camera is small and compact but has a very solid and quality feel to it. Seems to be all metal with exception of the batterySD chip cover.
The photos I have taken so far have turned out excellent,super clear and sharp.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3A (February 16, 2010)
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Reviewed By: Bob M. - Middletown, NY
Performs as advertised. Great pictures a little bigger than compacts but necessary for the 12X zoom lens-still pocket size. Recommended
Purchased a Digital Camera (February 16, 2010)
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Reviewed By: Francisco C. - San Diego, CA
I purchased a digital camera Panasonic, customer service was very good and prompt. I received in the time.
ZS3 Panasonic Digital Camera (February 14, 2010)
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Reviewed By: Wing G Chung - New York City, NY
My interest in the camera was by word of mouth from an ABC TV Camera man, and another work associate in ABC network operations. Truly indeed the camera is as easy to operate and great pictures. I could not find may places in NYC of all places to buy it at a good price. Vanns had it right and I received it with in a week of ordering. I recommended Vanns to another associate at work to by it from Vanns and he even got it $20.00 cheaper . Thank You Vanns .
Panasonic Camera (February 13, 2010)
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Reviewed By: Duane S. - Ham Lake, MN
I purchased one of these cameras for my wife and loved it so much that I bought another for my daughter. Im a lifelong Nikon camera user but in analyzing cameras for a European trip I found the Panasonic and one other brand that had the 12x zoom that is so essential for our type of photography. Then when I saw that Panasonic was the only one that had HD video that allowed you to zoom while filming, I knew that was the only camera for me. We took over 3500 photos over the first couple months with just excellent results. Ive never had better results.
Excellent camera, but could be a bit better . . . (February 12, 2010)
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Reviewed By: Ferris Akel, III - Endwell, NY
I bought this camera as a gift for someone else, but I have used it and another one exactly like it. The camera takes good, sharp pictures, and the 12X optical zoom is a great and useful feature. The gift recipient has mentioned the optical zoom to me on more than one occasion. Coupled with the cameras compact size and ability to take fairly wide-angled shots, this camera has been wonderful. The cameras large, bright, sharp LCD screen is also very good for viewing the pictures you are taking.
My main criticisms for the camera are a lack of a dedicated viewfinder which present a problem to someone trying to take pictures while outdoors on a sunny day and the location of the shutter release button, which seems to be on the wrong left side of the mode selection dial but is not a major issue.
dmc-zs3s (February 12, 2010)
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Reviewed By: john E brandl - park ridge, illinois
What a fantastic camera. For the short time I have owned this camera it has lived up to all of my expectations. I would recommend this camera to any one. If there is one minor complaint it would be about the battery life. There is no camera out their that competes with the battery life of a Casio camera. I would say that the Casio battery is about 3 times that of the Panasonic Lumix camera. Beyond that the Panasonic Lumix camera has Canon and Casio beat hands down.
Great Pocket Camera (February 12, 2010)
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Reviewed By: Michael O. - Carrollton, TX
I was looking for the best Ultra Zoom pocket camera and my research led me to the Panasonic ZS3. It has not disappointed me. It has all the features one could want including image stabilization and HD movies and takes great pictures. As usual Vanns had the best price and delivery which is why I always shop there when looking for electronics or appliances. Kudos to Vanns and Panasonic.
TX_Geezer (February 12, 2010)
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Reviewed By: Michael L. - Tomball, TX
I have purchased other point and shoot cameras before, but this is the first one that is what I might consider a high-end point and shoot.
I used it to take numerous shots of one of my sons rugby matches -- stills & video and I am pleased beyond words. The stills were cleaner than anything Ive ever done! I would not consider myself much of a photographer, but these images were exceptional!
I went through the video footage I captured and put together what I think is a very entertaining video. Search for Tomball Rugby on Youtube and its the first hit.
Though they were high to begin with, this camera has far exceeded my expectations!
There is no way I expected to have this much fun with a camera for which I anticipated a steep learning curve. We are taking our granddaughters on a day trip and train ride tomorrow and will have lots of memories captured as a result.
I cannot say enough about how pleased I am with this purchase.
DMC-ZS3A (February 12, 2010)
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Reviewed By: Hill Arthur C - ST. Paul, MN
Great Camera
Love it! (February 12, 2010)
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Reviewed By: Judy D. - Spring Hill, TN
I researched Point & Shoot cameras extensively. Have had other point and shoot cameras and rate this one at the top. Do not mind that there are no manuel controls as I also have a DSLR. When I use a point and shoot it is mindless - simply point and shoot and get great photos. I chose the Panasonic DMC-ZS3A mainly because of the optical 12X zoom and the Leica lens. Also like the size of the camera which fits into a pocket or purse.
Love this camera (February 12, 2010)
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Reviewed By: Tammy B. - Rockville, MD
We bought this camera just before our baby was born and we LOVE how the pictures and video have come out and use the camera just about every day.
Digital camera (February 11, 2010)
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Reviewed By: Jon K. - Minneapolis, Mn
It has done everything that I expectecd it to do. It is lightweight and very easy to handle. My wife really enjoys how easy it is to take a movie with it, and how large the view screen on the back is. I really like the fact of it being a 12X Digital zoom in such a small package.
Could not be happier.
AWESOME Pictures and Videos (February 11, 2010)
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Reviewed By: Janice G. - Clarksville, IN
This camera is perfect. Compact yet easy to hold. It takes a little effort to read through the manual but doing that gives you a better understanding of the best way to use your Panasonic camera. There is a sports setting that is great for birthday parties and family events. This setting allows you to get the perfect picture as a two year old flies around the house and then spin around to take a wonderful picture of great-grandma sitting at the table. I love it. Clear, crisp pictures downloaded on my PC and the uploaded to order prints for the grandmas. You will not be sorry if you order this camera!
good value (February 11, 2010)
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Reviewed By: Steven M Hanson - bossier city, LA
great camera, great price and great ecompany!
Oh, ZS3... Where have you been all my life? (July 05, 2009)
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Reviewed By: Randy U. - San Jose, California
I bought the Lumix DMC-ZS3 as a replacement for my Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-W70. I have owned the ZS3 for about a week and I can honestly say that it is by far the best point-and-shoot camera I have ever owned.
The menus and controls are fairly intuitive, even without reading the instructions. It took me about ten minutes to get used to the control scheme, but once I did it was a breeze operating the camera. The body feels sturdy and well constructed. Although the ZS3 is a tad bulkier and heavier than my previous Sony Cyber-Shot, it has never felt cumbersome to carry around in my jacket or coat pocket. I actually prefer the extra size and weight of the ZS3 because I have somewhat large hands.
The major selling point of the ZS3 for me is the beautiful 25mm wide angle Leica lens with an incredible 12x OPTICAL zoom! With 10.1 megapixels there is plenty of resolution for crisp and clear photos even at maximum zoom, which was one of my biggest gripes with my old Cyber-Shot. Viewing pictures and videos on the bright and beautiful 3-inch lcd screen is a joy.
There are plenty of preset mode settings to choose from, but lack very many manual controls for more advanced photographers. However, the ZS3s intelligent Auto, or iA, mode more than makes up for this. In iA mode, set with a quick spin of the mode dial, the camera automatically determines the optimal settings for the current shot. All the user has to do is point and shoot, which is what having this camera is all about!
Although I primarily use the ZS3 for photos, the videos I have shot with it are quite clear and the sound quality is excellent for a point-and-shoot camera. The AVCHD video format is able to shoot video at 720p HD while using less space than other formats, which is a nice feature.
All in all, the Panasonic Lumix ZS3 is an excellent camera. It may not be the most affordable point-and-shoot on the market, but in my opinion is worth every penny. I would definitely recommend this camera to anyone in the market for a easy to use point-and-shoot and doesnt mind not having an abundance of manual controls.
On a side note, Id like to give kudos to Vanns for their excellent customer service and speedy shipping. I placed an order in the middle of the night and was contacted by a very polite CSR the next morning verifying my shipping address. The order was processed, shipped to California and received in one week. I would definitely shop here again!
Comparison Specifications
- Pixel resolution: Effective pixels: 10.1 megapixels
- Recording media: 45MB built-in memory / SD memory card / SDHC memory card / MultiMedia card
- Zoom power: 12x optical zoom / 4x digital zoom, Extra Optical Zoom: 14.3x (4:3/7M), 17.1x (4:3/5M), 21.4x (under 3M)
- Combined zoom: 48.0x digital plus optical zoom without Extra Optical Zoom / 85.6x digital plus optical zoom with Extra Optical Zoom
- Intelligent Auto Mode: Face Recognition (still and movie, focus icon select), Optical Image Stabilizer (still & movie), Intelligent ISO control, Face Detection, Intelligent Scene Selection
- Optical zoom in motion picture, macro zoom, orientation detector, thumbnails (12,30-thumbnail/max 16x) zoomed playback
- Movie mode: HD movie 1280 x 720, AVCHD Lite / 30 fps recording / QuickTime Motion JPEG / VGA: 640 x 480 pixels, QVGA: 320 x 240 pixels
- Viewscreen: 3.0" polycrystalline TFT LCD display / 460,000 pixels / 100% field of view / Auto Power LCD mode / Power LCD mode / High Angle mode
- Interface: DC input / A/V output NSC/PAL / HD AV output, component / USB / VIERA Link / HDMI output
- Image sensor: 1/2.33" CCD, 12.7 total megapixels / MEGA Optical Image Stabilization (still and movie)
Additional Specifications
- Lens: 28mm Leica DC Vario-Elmar lens / Focus length: 4.1 to 49.2mm, 28 to 25-300mm @ 35mm equivalent / Aperture: f/3.3-4.9 / Iris Diaphragm F3.3-6.3 (W) / 4.9-6.3 (T)
- Focusing area: Normal: Wide 50cm, Tele 200cm to infinity / Macro/Intelligent Auto/Clipboard: Wide 3cm/ Max 200 cm / Tele 100cm to infinity
- Auto Focus metering: Face / AF Tracking / Multi (11 point) / 1 point / 1-point high speed / spot
- Focus: Normal, Macro / Quick AF On/Off / Continuous AF On/Off
- Color modes: Standard / vivid / cool / warm / natural / black & white / sepia
- ISO sensitivity: Auto / 100 / 200 / 400 / 800 / 1600 / High-sensitivity mode: 1600 to 6400
- White balance: Auto / Daylight / Cloudy / Shade / Halogen / White set / White balance adjustment (±10steps, except auto set)
- Exposure: Program Auto Exposure / Exposure compensation: 1/3 EV step, +/- 2 EV, Backlight compensation: Yes, at Intelligent AUTO mode
- Self timer: 2sec, 10sec / Auto review: 1sec, 2sec, zoom, hold / review / digital red eye correction
- Calendar display / set favorites / show histogram / DPOF print setting, set production / PictBridge Support (single, multi, all, favorites, DPOF)
Manufacturer Specifications
- Light metering: Intelligent multiple metering / Center-weighted metering / Spot metering
- Dedicated button: Macro / Mode switch: Shooting, Playback, One-Touch Movie Button, iA Direct Button
- Continuous shooting Mode: Full-resolution image: Standard mode 1.8 fps, max 5 fps / Fine mode max 3 fps / High-speed burst mode max 6 fps
- Shutter speed: 8 to 1/2,000 sec / Starry Sky mode: 15, 30, 60 sec / Self timer: 10 sec/2 sec
- Built-in flash: Auto / Auto/Red-eye reduction / Forced On / Slow sync/Red-eye reduction / Forced Off / 0.6 to 5.3m wide, 1.0 to 3.6 tele
- Recording format: Still image: JPEG (DCF / Exif2.21) / Motion picture: QuickTime Motion JPEG, HD Movie 1280 x 720
- Burst shooting mode: 2.5 to 10 frames/sec depending on shooting mode, Slideshow Mode (all still images / favorites / category / BGM effect - natural, slow, swing, urban, off)
- Recording image size: Still image: 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratio / Motion image: 4:3 / 16:9 HD aspect ratio
- Still image recording with audio (5 seconds) / Audio dubbing (10 seconds) / Designed with speaker and microphone
- Power supply: Lithium-ion battery pack, 3.6V, 1000 mAh, included; AC adaptor, optional / Battery life: Up to 300 pictures
Dimensional Specifications
- Dimensions: 2.35" H x 4.07" W x 1.29" D
- Weight: 0.45 lbs
Panasonic DMC-ZS3K Warranty Details
1-year limited parts and labor warranty