A friend introduced this camera to me when we were in Indonesia. Constantly amazed at what it could do, by the end of the trip I had to have one (that Singapore airport is a great place to shop — and even has bargains!) But, on to the camera at hand — lightweight, amazingly clear pictures — it’s the zoom in (like a microscope) and zoom out that will amaze.
Online here in the states at the Panasonic website this model — DMC-ZS3S — is priced at $399.95 but if you shop around you may be able to get a better deal (we did). Here are the features that were on the website — not that I would understand any of this. I just know it worked better than any other cameras in this category that I’ve tried …
AVCHD format – beautiful HD images, extended shooting time
The ZS3 records HD motion images at a smooth 60 frames per second with 1280 x 720-pixel resolution. It uses the AVCHD (MPEG-4/H.264) format, via AVCHD Lite, which stores less data than other formats and thus lets you shoot more minutes of HD motion images before running out of memory.
Zoom-In Movie: You can zoom in and out while shooting motion images.
Stereo Mic: The world’s first compact camera to feature Dolby(R) sound, the ZS3 records dynamic, true-to-life audio that brings out the power of the HD images. (Dolby is a trademark of Dolby Laboratories).
Wind cut function: Minimizes the distracting sound you hear from wind blowing into the mic.
YouTube(TM) Uploader: This software (included with the camera) makes it easy to upload your video clips to YouTube(TM). (YouTube is a trademark of Google Inc.)
HDMI output and VIERA Link: The ZS3 is equipped with an HDMI output terminal for direct transmission of digital picture and sound signals. Just connect the camera to an HDTV using a single HDMI mini cable (purchased separately), and it’s easy to view beautiful HD photos and motion images. If you have a VIERA HDTV, you can control the camera’s playback functions with VIERA’s remote control unit. (HDMI, High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC).
iA mode, for beautiful photos and movies – automatically
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. *In the ZS3, iA mode cannot be used when shooting motion images.
25mm wide-angle LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens with 12x optical zoom
The ZS3 packs a LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens with 12x optical zoom into a compact body. This versatile photographic tool lets you shoot everything from sweeping vistas at the 25mm wide-angle setting to dynamic 300mm telephoto shots. And the lens system’s exquisite rendering ability lets you capture even the subtle nuances of the sights and scenes in your travels.
BTW: I literally carry it around in my purse every day — ya’ never know …
