daveb99
Member
I've had this camera for a few days now and I'm very impressed with it as an overall package. The 25-300mm range, plus HD 720p video recording with decent, clear stereo sound is great for me.
For stills - The colours and contrast are excellent and image quality is very good indeed up to ISO400 provided you don't want to make huge prints (don't bother pixel peeping at 100% view on ISO400 as you will be disappointed - instead work out what you REALLY need the camera for). It's acceptable at ISO800 as well if you just want small photos for printing at 7 x 5" or for web use.
On the video side - I'm very impressed - the 1280 x 720 video (AVCHD format) is smooth, detailed and with good sound quality for such a compact device. My Dad has a TZ5, which used to be very slow focussing while zooming - no such problems with the ZS3/TZ7. Plays back perfectly on my PS3.
The screen is fantastic, very detailed, hi res, and viewable from very 'flat' angles so taking photos at low level or above your head is a joy.
Overall it is a superb little camera, I'll be taking it on holiday instead of my 40D and Canon A720 IS.
Problems:
None
For stills - The colours and contrast are excellent and image quality is very good indeed up to ISO400 provided you don't want to make huge prints (don't bother pixel peeping at 100% view on ISO400 as you will be disappointed - instead work out what you REALLY need the camera for). It's acceptable at ISO800 as well if you just want small photos for printing at 7 x 5" or for web use.
On the video side - I'm very impressed - the 1280 x 720 video (AVCHD format) is smooth, detailed and with good sound quality for such a compact device. My Dad has a TZ5, which used to be very slow focussing while zooming - no such problems with the ZS3/TZ7. Plays back perfectly on my PS3.
The screen is fantastic, very detailed, hi res, and viewable from very 'flat' angles so taking photos at low level or above your head is a joy.
Overall it is a superb little camera, I'll be taking it on holiday instead of my 40D and Canon A720 IS.
Problems:
None