Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 10.1 MP Digital Camera with 12x Wide Angle MEGA Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 3 inch LCD (Black)

The Lumix ZS3 is an outstanding pocket camera, offering telephoto and macro capabilities, in addition to 720 HD video. Compared to other point-and-shoot cameras, the image quality is quite good.

Pros...
A lot in a pocket sized package.
Great image/video quality.
Macro setting is very good.
Durable aluminum build.
Auto setting works well (except action shots).

Cons...
Few manual controls. You have to go through the menu to change shutter speed.
You can't adjust the aperture.
Telephoto image quality suffers.
Macro uses digital zoom, and image quality suffers if you zoom in.
As with most point-and-shoots, it is difficult to focus on smaller abject in the distance, or when that object is surrounded by other objects (i.e. a bird in a tree; the camera will tend to focus on the branches around the bird.).

If you're looking for a pocket camera in this price range, this is the camera to buy. If you don't mind something a little more bulky, and $50 more, I'd recommend the Lumix FZ35. The Lumix FZ35 offers many of the same features that the Lumix ZS3 offers, but has more manual options, a design that offers filter and conversion lens options, higher shutter speed range, great optical range, higher resolution, and more scene selections.

I read a ton of camera reviews before settling on the Lumix DMC-ZS3. Initially I looked for a digital SLR but there are so many choices and the price range is all over the place. I also wanted a camera that's quick and easy to use. My wife likes to take close-up shots of flowers and foliage when we travel, which was also a requisite. The combination of macro, zoom, resolution, and ease-of-use ultimately sold me on the Lumix. As a bonus, it includes a rechargeable battery and the ability to record HD movies.

We used it quite a lot in Hawaii and it worked as advertised. My wife took a ton of photos of local flowers and I made a few panoramas using the included software, which is very easy to do. We both found it to be very easy to use, which may actually be a drawback for some whom prefer more manual control over individual settings. I like it.

I haven't had this camera for long, but so far it takes easy fabulous shots. Just point and click. The only issue I might have is some chatter noise on video when zooming, but a easy sacrifice for the quality videos and pics!

I've owned at least a dozen digital pocketcams from a variety of manufacturers and this takes the most beautiful pictures of any of them. If I could change one thing, it would be that the camera battery charges when the camera is plugged in (via USB) to the computer port to download pictures. Otherwise, perfecto!

I Asked My Aunt to bring this camera from USA while returning back to india after christmas holidays.
She came back with this little beauty in Jan 2010 and since than i m simply awed by this beauty.This costed me 270 Dollars in Jan 2010 and now its rate are high as i see.
My Aunt asked me on Phone TWICE that r u sure for this camera as she was Advised to buy Canon or Sony. I insisted and i m happy now.
In Simple Words i have done LOT of homework before buying this product on [...], [...] etc.
in India it Costs upwards of 400 Dollars.
Pros--
1.Portable.
2.Good Build.
3.Fantastic Image Quality.
4. Fantastic Videos.
5.Smooth Zoom ( 12X !!!!! ).
6. Zoom While Video.
7. Face recognition.
8. Mega OIS.

Cons __
only one that is Loose Dial. Not so bothersome if u keep in a good Pouch.
Since i m a Dr by proffession so i do not get much time to read about Photography tips and Tricks, but this camera exactly does what is wanted in Auto Mode.
I highly recommend this camera.