Introduced in January 2013 alongside its counterpart, the SZ9, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3 quickly made its mark as an affordable and budget-friendly option in the compact camera market. Standing apart from the SZ9, the SZ3 boasts a CCD sensor and a 2.7-inch screen, providing users with a practical and compact device that doesn’t compromise on performance. With its attractive color options of white, violet, and black, the SZ3 appeals to a wide range of users who value both style and functionality.
Whether you’re a seasoned photographer looking for a compact backup camera or a casual user wanting to capture everyday moments, the Panasonic SZ3 provides a reliable and compact companion. Its advanced capabilities, such as the CCD sensor and 2.7-inch screen, ensure that you can capture high-quality images with ease. The SZ3’s intuitive controls and user-friendly interface make it accessible to users of all skill levels, allowing them to explore their creativity and capture life’s precious moments with confidence.
In a world where technology is constantly evolving, the Panasonic SZ3 has earned its place as a go-to option for those seeking a reliable and affordable compact camera. With its attractive design, advanced features, and user-friendly interface, this camera has become a popular choice among photography enthusiasts and casual users alike. Whether you’re documenting special occasions, exploring new landscapes, or simply capturing everyday moments, the Panasonic SZ3 is a reliable companion that ensures you never miss a shot.
Features of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3 is a feature-packed camera that combines advanced technology and user-friendly features to deliver exceptional results. With its 16.1-megapixel CCD sensor and 10x optical zoom lens, this camera offers a wide range of shooting possibilities. The 35mm equivalent focal range of 25-250mm allows for capturing both expansive landscapes and distant subjects with clarity and detail.
One standout feature of the DMC-SZ3 is its Mega Optical Image Stabilization, which ensures that your shots remain sharp and steady, even when shooting in challenging lighting conditions or using the zoom function. This feature eliminates the risk of blurry images caused by camera shake, providing peace of mind and professional-quality results.
The camera’s Intelligent Auto mode takes convenience to the next level by automatically adjusting settings based on the detected scene. This means that even beginner photographers can achieve great results without worrying about complicated camera settings. Additionally, the SZ3 offers a variety of scene modes, including panorama shot mode and creative control, allowing users to experiment with different styles and effects to unleash their artistic vision. To enhance portrait shots, the Beauty ReTouch feature comes into play during playback, enabling users to touch up and improve their portraits effortlessly. This feature allows for quick and easy adjustments to enhance skin tones, smooth out imperfections, and create stunning, magazine-worthy portraits.
In terms of video recording capabilities, the DMC-SZ3 captures videos at 720p resolution with a frame rate of 24 frames per second, ensuring smooth and high-quality footage. What sets it apart is the ability to utilize the optical zoom function even during video recording, providing flexibility in capturing subjects up close and adding a dynamic touch to your videos.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3 is a versatile and user-friendly camera that excels in capturing both still images and videos. Its combination of advanced features, such as Mega Optical Image Stabilization, Intelligent Auto mode, and creative shooting modes, makes it an excellent choice for photography enthusiasts and beginners alike. With the SZ3, you can confidently explore your creativity and capture unforgettable moments with exceptional image quality and smooth video recordings.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 16.1 megapixel CCD |
| Lens | 10x optical zoom (35mm equiv: 25-250mm) |
| Image Stabilisation | Mega Optical Image Stabilisation |
| LCD Screen | 2.7 inch, 230k dots |
| Creative Control Mode | Includes HDR |
| Video Recording | 720p HD at 24fps |
| ISO Range | 100 – 1600 |
| Minimum Focusing Distance | 5cm |
| Continuous Shooting | 1.4 fps |
| Panorama Shot Mode | Available |
| Available Colors | White, Violet, Black |
Ergonomics of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3 boasts a lightweight metal body that is perfectly pocket-sized. Its compact design makes it highly portable, allowing you to carry it with ease wherever you go. The rear of the camera features a 2.7-inch LCD screen with a 230k dot resolution, which is standard among cameras in its price range.
Located on the top of the camera, you’ll find the convenient on/off button, shutter release, and zoom rocker. On the rear, there are buttons for mode selection, movie recording, playback, and deletion, accompanied by a d-pad for navigating through the menu. Accessing the menu is straightforward, achieved by pressing the button in the center of the d-pad. While the menu navigation is user-friendly, it’s worth noting that there isn’t a direct shortcut to adjust picture settings such as ISO and white balance. To access these settings, you need to press the menu button and then choose the “rec” option. The d-pad provides quick access to essential functions like the self-timer, flash, and exposure compensation.
In terms of battery life, the Lumix DMC-SZ3 offers a respectable 250-shot capacity according to CIPA test results, which is commendable for a budget-friendly camera. To evaluate the camera’s responsiveness, we conducted various tests, including switch-on time to the first photo, shot-to-shot speed, and focusing speed. Our meticulous approach ensures accurate and consistent results, allowing for easy comparisons with other cameras.
| Specification | Timing |
|---|---|
| Shutter Response | 0.1 secs |
| Wide – Focus / Shutter Response | 0.2 secs |
| Full zoom – Focus / Shutter Response | 0.4 secs |
| Switch on Time to Taking a Photo | 1.5 secs |
| Shot to Shot without Flash | 2.5 secs |
| Shot to Shot with Flash | 3.0 secs |
| Continuous Shooting – Burst | 0.6 fps |
| Continuous Shooting – High-Speed Burst | 7.9 fps |
| Continuous Shooting – Flash Burst | 1.1 fps |
Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3 Specifications
The Panasonic DMC-SZ3 is a feature-packed compact camera manufactured by Panasonic. It boasts a 10x optical zoom lens with a maximum aperture range of f/3.1 – f/5.9, providing a 35mm equivalent focal length of 25mm – 250mm. The camera features a 16.1-megapixel CCD image sensor with a resolution of 4608 pixels (width) and 3456 pixels (height), offering high-quality images. Its CCD sensor is complemented by a sensor size of 1/2.33, measuring 6.16mm in width and 4.6mm in height.
The DMC-SZ3 comes equipped with a 2.7-inch LCD monitor that provides a clear view for composing and reviewing shots. The monitor has a resolution of 230k and is not touch-sensitive. The camera offers various focusing modes, including autofocus, spot, face detection, multi, and center, ensuring accurate and precise focusing. With a minimum focus distance of 5cm, it allows for detailed close-up shots.
In terms of exposure control, the DMC-SZ3 provides a wide range of options. It offers shutter speeds ranging from 1/1600sec to 60sec, allowing for both fast-action and long-exposure photography. The camera supports various exposure modes, including program and scene modes, catering to different shooting scenarios. It utilizes multi-pattern metering for accurate exposure calculations. The ISO sensitivity ranges from 100 to 1600, enabling shooting in various lighting conditions. White balance settings, including auto, manual, outdoors/daylight, cloudy, incandescent, and shade, further enhance color accuracy and temperature adjustment. Exposure compensation of +/-2 allows for fine-tuning the exposure settings to achieve the desired results.
The DMC-SZ3 offers continuous shooting at a rate of 1.4fps, capturing a series of shots in quick succession. It also features a movie mode, enabling video recording with a resolution of 1280×720 HD at 24fps. While it lacks stereo sound, the camera supports optical zoom during video recording for added versatility. Image stabilization technology ensures steady and blur-free images, enhancing overall image quality.
In terms of interfaces, the DMC-SZ3 does not have an HDMI port but offers a USB 2 connection for data transfer. The camera supports storage on SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards, with file format compatibility limited to JPG.
Powered by a lithium-ion battery, the DMC-SZ3 provides a battery life of approximately 250 shots, as per the CIPA rating. The dimensions of the camera are 94.8mm in width, 52.8mm in height, and 21.9mm in depth, with a weight of 111g, making it highly portable and convenient for everyday use.
Although specific box contents are not provided, the Panasonic DMC-SZ3 comes with standard accessories typically included with compact cameras.
Pros of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3
Pros of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3:
- Offers decent image quality considering its budget-friendly price range;
- Creative control mode allows for capturing unique and creative pictures;
- Equipped with optical image stabilization, ensuring sharper and clearer shots;
- Provides good value for money, delivering reliable performance at an affordable price point.
Cons of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3:
- The absence of a dedicated button for quick access to picture settings like ISO and white balance can be inconvenient;
- Continuous shooting speed is slower than anticipated, limiting the ability to capture fast-paced action;
- Panoramas shot in bright sunlight may result in inconsistent exposure, affecting the overall image quality.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3 Alternatives
When it comes to modern alternatives to the Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3, there are several options available that offer advanced features and enhanced performance. Here are a few notable alternatives to consider:
- Canon PowerShot SX620 HS: This compact camera features a 20.2-megapixel CMOS sensor, 25x optical zoom, and built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity for easy sharing and remote control;
- Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500: With an 18.2-megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor, 30x optical zoom, and built-in Wi-Fi, this camera delivers impressive image quality and offers a range of creative features;
- Nikon COOLPIX A900: Equipped with a 20.3-megapixel CMOS sensor, 35x optical zoom, and 4K UHD video recording, this camera provides excellent image quality and versatility;
- Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS70 (TZ90): This compact camera features a 20.3-megapixel MOS sensor, 30x optical zoom, and a versatile 4K video recording capability, along with a built-in electronic viewfinder;
- Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II: With a 20.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, 3x optical zoom, and a slim and stylish design, this camera offers exceptional image quality and is ideal for everyday photography;
- Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100: Known for its compact size and powerful performance, this camera features a 20.1-megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor, a fast lens, and advanced manual controls for professional-level photography;
- Fujifilm FinePix XP140: Designed for outdoor adventures, this camera is waterproof, shockproof, freeze-proof, and dustproof. It features a 16.4-megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor, 5x optical zoom, and 4K video recording capabilities;
- Olympus Tough TG-6: Built to withstand extreme conditions, this rugged camera offers a 12-megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor, 4x optical zoom, and a variety of underwater shooting modes.
Conclusion
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3 proves to be a reliable and compact companion for capturing life’s moments. With its 16.1-megapixel CCD sensor, 10x optical zoom lens, and Mega Optical Image Stabilization, it offers impressive image quality and versatility. The camera’s 2.7-inch LCD screen provides a clear view for framing shots and reviewing captured images. While its video recording capabilities are limited to 720p at 24fps, the SZ3 still manages to capture moments with clarity and detail.
Overall, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3 offers a balance of performance, portability, and affordability, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a compact camera for everyday use. Whether you’re capturing family moments, exploring new places, or simply pursuing your passion for photography, the SZ3 can be a reliable and handy tool to document your experiences.