Panasonic Lumix Camera Review

Panasonic created a winner in the point and shoot "zoom" class with the Lumix Dmc-Tz5. Just about one year later, they have given us the Lumix Dmc-Zs1 and the Dmc-Zs3. (In the European shop they are known as the Tz6 and Tz7 respectively. Am I alone in thinking that lasting the "Tz" brand would make more logical sense? And why is there no Zs2?)

This report will correlate the Lumix Zs1 and Zs3.

Beginning with the basic specifications that are identical in both cameras:

• 10.1 Megapixels
• 12x Zoom Range (25-300mm)
• Optical Image Stabilization
• 80-6400 Iso Range
• 27 Scene Modes with intelligent Auto
• Image quality rated highest among Digital Compacts with similar features (Dpreview.com)

• Lcd - 2.7" (230k resolution) vs 3.0" (460k)
• Image Sensor - 1/2.5" vs 1/2.33"
• Video - 848x480 30fps video w/mono sound vs 720p 60fps video w/stereo sound

The reckon is that most digital covenant camera users are now quite comfortable with using their "point and shoot" camera for their basic video needs. And the disagreement in this highlight is requisite when you reconsider many folks are now viewing on big screen Hd televisions.

The other big disagreement is the Lcd screen. While 0.3" does not seem that big of a deal, when added to double the pixel resolution (230,000 vs 460,000), the view quality of the live view and playback is significant.

With respect to image quality and printing images, in a comparison test against other super zoom cameras, the Zs1 and Zs3 were dual winners at Dpreview.com.

The final word comes from those who have legitimately purchased the camera for personal use. After all, the consumer has the last word in satisfaction.

Checking the user reviews at Dpreview.com and Amazon.com, both cameras rated extremely - at least 4.16 out of 5. In fact, at Amazon, the Lumix Zs1 rated at an impressive 4.67 (out of 5).