two quick TZ3 impressions

I'm a first time poster and want to say thanks to all the great posts by everyone. It's a great resource-Thanks! I haven't bought mt TZ3 yet but am planning to do so soon. The stores here in Japan have had samples on the shelves for a week or two now and I have played with them at several stores. Two hands on things besides all the technical stuff that jumped out at me are. The blue models finish is a kind of matte finish whereas the silver and black are very smooth. The blue's finish in addition to looking the nicest right next to the others (IMHO) feels better in my hand. You can just grip it better and I imagine if there were any sweat or other moisture it would make a big difference.

Secondly, several of the shops display model lens covers are already broken. I realize that they are display models and people are probably poking them with their thumbs but none of the other makers models seem to have this problem. Totally anecdotal I admit .... just an impression from the 4 or 5 shops I have seen the TZ3 in.
BTW you definately can't zoom in movie mode.
Guregu

Congratulations with your choice !
I believe that TZ3 is quality photography the easy way.

I think also that The Ricoh GX100
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0703/07032801ricohgx100.asp

is an interesting camera. Even wider optics (I love wide angle cameras more than tele) and raw.
But it does not have a Leica lens.

I have already got my (black) TZ3, and I go to China next Wednesday for nearly 4 weeks.

Correction: You can zoom in movie mode. You cannot zoom while recording.

Very interesting post; I have a co-worker who is going to spend three weeks in China later this year and I was thinking of suggesting the TZ3 to her.