Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ3 Review
Simon Joinson, September 2004

Review based on a production Panasonic DMC-FZ3

Announced at the end of July 2004, the DMC-FZ3 is part of the third generation of 'super zoom' cameras from electronics giant Panasonic. Like its predecessors (and the simultaneously announced DMC-FZ20) the FZ3 sports a Leica-branded DC Vario-Elmarit zoom with a whopping 12x optical range (35-420mm equiv) and a constant F2.8 aperture. It also boasts a newly-improved optical image stabilisation system and the Venus II engine, which, according to Panasonic's documentation, is now equivalent to shooting at 3 or 4 shutter speed steps faster - (the figure for the FZ20 was quoted as 2 or 3 shutter speed steps).

The FZ3 is also significantly smaller than previous models, and - thanks to the Venus II image processing engine - is faster, offers better resolution and lower noise. And that's not all; it is packed with new technologies and upgrades; enhanced metering and focus systems, new shooting modes and a new mode dial, TIFF mode, a better electronic viewfinder, a new menu system and a new two mode image stabiliser.

• 35 - 420mm (equiv.) F2.8, 12x Leica Zoom Lens
• Mega O.I.S (optical image stabilisation)
• Venus II image processing engine
• 9 scene modes and full photographic control
• TIFF mode
• New on-screen display
• Ultra fast startup, focus, shutter lag and shot-to-shot time
• 'Simple' mode for novice photographers

Panasonic DMC-FZ3 Key specifications

* Supplied accessories may differ in each country or area

If you're new to digital photography you may wish to read the Digital Photography Glossary before diving into this article (it may help you understand some of the terms used).

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