The TZ1 made a strong impression with its compactness and at the same time a 10x zoom. Panasonic arrived at this result by using a prism to fit the zoom extension in the camera body. Because it was difficult to mass produce, this technique was replaced by a more conventional process on the TZ3. The result is that the casing is not as long, but is more thick and still has a 10x zoom. It’s true that a little brightness is lost (f/3.3 versus f/2.8), but there is a much better wide angle. The TZ3 is, therefore, still the perfect travel camera with its compactness and big zoom. We were a little disappointed with the image quality of the TZ1, so how about the TZ3’s?

Ergonomics

What first strikes the eye on the TZ3 is the 3 inch LCD. It’s of good quality (very good fluidity, definition and readability), is huge compared to the size and takes up most of the back of the camera. Controls are on the right and are at a minimum (a directional cross and two other buttons). The zoom and program selection dial are luckily on top. The TZ3’s appearance is attractive with a metal body and impeccable finishing touches. While the zoom is now telescopic (and not periscopic), the camera is still compact when fully extended and even more so when closed. It will easily fit into a big pocket. While the LX2 has a 28 mm wide angle only in 16/9, the TZ3’s sensor offers the three formats available on the contact: 16/9, 3/2 and 4/3. Like on all Panasonic 2007 cameras, the TZ3 has a double stabilization system comprised of high performance optical stabilization as well as an automatic adjustment of sensitivity according to the subjects movements. Menus are clear and even beginners won’t have problems, especially since the only button, "Func", allows rapid access to the main adjustments of sensitivity, image quality, white balance, photo ratio and the exposure speed. It’s simple and efficient. Because we are finicky, we would have liked more manual controls, and the user has to be happy with a single entirely automatic mode. With a stopwatch the TZ3 is well in the average with a little more than 2 seconds for start-up and an auto focus that needs 1.3 seconds.

Quality of images

Despite a 8 million pixel sensor, the TZ3 produces 3072 x 2304 pixel images (or 7 million pixels in 4/3 format). Combined with the 10x Leica zoom, the sensor gives good images, but not superior in quality to other current 7 megapixel. The Olympus SP-550UZ even offers photos that are slightly sharper. The TZ3 is still above the Fujifilm S5700 with a pronounced accentuation. The post processing of the new Venus Engine III chips limits chromatic aberrations and strongly softens electronic noise. Just know that while colored pixels entirely disappear, the filtering and smoothing out is rather significant. Up until 400 ISO, degradation is minimal but noticeable, and beyond this the loss of detail is unavoidable. All the same, our results were impressive, and if the the TZ3 is largely above the SP-550, it’s equivalent to the Fuji S5700 up until 400 ISO, which is a camera reputed for its excellent noise control. The exposure cell functions correctly and images are well balanced. If white balance is good, the rendering of some colors is too saturated, notably in greens. Panasonic should also improve its flash management, because it’s sometimes too weak on the subject and at times too strong.

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