Panasonic Lumix FS3 review

I've been meaning to do a review for this camera for the past week. I have been fond of the Panasonic Lumix line since I used my Uncle's Panasonic Lumiz TZ1 (5 megapixels, 10x optical) back when we were on vacation in August 2006 in Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah. But I had never really used a camera before, so some shitty 1.3 megapixel camera from Digital Concepts probably would have amazed me. Anyways, months later I recieved a Panasonic Lumix LZ3 (5 megapixels, 6x optical) for Christmas from the same Uncle and Aunt. Exactly 2 years and 2 days later, I purchased my new borderline of ultra-compact point and shoot camera, a Panasonic Lumix FS3. I was sort of iffy because of the low price of $120-something at Best Buy (last one in stock at Taunton, MA). But I figured it may be a little better, or at least the equivelent of my aging and beat Sony Cyber-Shot P200 (7.2 megapixels, 3x optical). Upon opening my new toy, I fell in love. a HUGE and super realistic LCD screen, a built in Leica lens (my LZ3 lacked a Leica lens), and a very compact design that is now my most compact camera by far. I was not looking for a sophisticated camera by any means, but really a good quality camera that I can bring to parties (and trust me, I've already done that) or out on a short hike when I don't want to bring an SLR or dSLR such as my Nikon D40x. Mechanically, the FS3 features an 8 megapixel sensor and 3x optical zoom. Also it has very very very VERY basic shooting modes (Intelligent Auto, Normal Picture, Scene mode 1 & 2, and Motion picture. It does feature a number of cool scene modes though, such as Baby 1 & 2 where you can set the age and name of the baby, which I used on my friends newborn, Lily (see earlier posts in December 2008). Really the only dislikes about the lack of modes are a manual or at least semi manual mode so I can change my shutter speeds. Using Starry Sky (the mode with longest shutter time) it can stay open to a maximum of 8 seconds, when on the Sony P200 it could stay open to 30 seconds on a manual mode. Anyways, other YAYS! of the camera are that it features 'Mega' Optical Image Stabilization, Intelligant ISO Control, Face Detection, and Intelligent Scene Selector. Also, another thing I love is the FS3 supports SDHC cards.
Here's some pics!




my best friend Amy Welch, no flash.


with flash


lol @ us.


Bella, Amy's dog. Looks so nice here... devil dog!


Lily Molinari





Image quality: ***½/*****
Design (looks): *****/*****
Design (feel): ***½/*****
Value: *****/*****
Overall rating: ****/*****

This is definitely a great camera for the value. I'm so happy with my purchase. The only downfall besides the lack of manual modes is that above ISO 100 grain becomes visible quick. That's the problem with putting so many megapixels into these TINY little sensors...
But this is still an awesome camera. I have it in my main bag with all my SLR's. But I also have my mini LowePro bag just for it =]