Panasonic DMC-FX3S 6MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Silver)

Other products by Panasonic

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 8 x 10 x 6 inches ; 2 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000GHULSS
• Item model number: DMC-FX3S
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #8,235 in Camera & Photo (See Bestsellers in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: October 2, 2001

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

The new Lumix DMC-FX3 6-megapixel digital camera features a Leica DC lens with an f2.8 3x optical zoom (equivalent to 35-105mm on a 35mm film camera), Mega O.I.S.(Optical Image Stabilizer), and a high-sensitivity mode with a maximum ISO of 1600. The FX3 is available in silver and black.

Panasonic has long led the industry with its incorporation of an optical image stabilization system--Mega O.I.S.--into even its compact range of cameras. This system produces no deterioration of picture quality, and image stabilization has now become a standard feature for all digital cameras in the market. Now the new DMC-FX3 also benefits from a High Sensitivity mode, which allows shooting at a maximum sensitivity setting of ISO 1600. (Resolution significantly decreases in High Sensitivity mode.) This mode acts as another anti-blurring measure, in addition to the Mega O.I.S. system, by suppressing image blur which can be caused by the movement of subjects, and especially benefits indoor photography of children and pets at fast shutter speeds.

For the image processor, the Venus Engine Plus LSI is incorporated for high-performance image processing, both in terms of speed and image quality, while still preserving low energy consumption. Another feature that elevates the DMC-FX3 is the incorporation of 13.5 MB of built-in memory, while the battery life is long enough to shoot up to 320 pictures (CIPA) on one charge, ensuring that you do not miss those great spur-of-the-moment shots. In addition, motion images can be taken in even wide VGA in addition to the normal VGA format so that you can enjoy dynamic viewing on wide aspect TVs.

3x Optical Zoom f2.8 Leica DC Lens for High Image Quality
The 6-megapixel Lumix DMC-FX3 features 3x optical zoom (equivalent to 35-105 mm on a 35mm film camera) f2.8 Leica DC Vario-Elmarit lens housed in a compact body. The lens part comprises of seven elements in six groups, incorporating three aspherical lenses to generate high resolution images with richer gradation. The zoom ratio can be extended up to 4.1x in 3-megapixel resolution mode thanks to the Extended Optical Zoom function which gives extra magnification (and minimal image deterioration) by intentionally using the center part of the CCD.

Mega O.I.S. for Hand-shake, High Sensitivity Mode for Subject Movement
Mega O.I.S.(Optical Image Stabilizer), deemed by Panasonic as indispensable for all digital cameras, is featured on the entire Lumix range and, having been highly evaluated and appreciated by the users across the world, has now become a standard requirement within the digital imaging arena. It compensates for hand-shake by shifting the O.I.S. lens unit to keep the optical axis aligned straight against the CCD, ensuring that the image is always captured sharply. As a result, Mega O.I.S. produces beautiful pictures, free from blur and with no deterioration of image quality, at slower shutter speeds of more than three steps compared to other conventional models which do not have O.I.S. You can now shoot stunningly clear pictures with ease, even in situations that require slow shutter speeds, such as indoor or nighttime portrait shots, or close-up shots of a delicate flower using macro mode.

Furthermore, the FX3 allows shooting at a maximum sensitivity setting of ISO 1600, with the High Sensitivity mode, which reduces image blur caused by subject movement, and especially benefits indoor photography of children or pets at fast shutter speeds. This High Sensitivity mode is made possible by the pixel-mixed readout method on the CCD. The picture quality is good enough for printing out to standard 4 x 6-inch (10 x 15-centimeter) size.

High-Performance, Low-Energy-Consumption Image Processing: Venus Engine Plus
With its multi-task image processing capabilities, the Venus Engine Plus boasts excellent response time with a shutter release time lag of only 0.006 seconds and a shutter interval of 0.7 seconds. In the burst shooting mode, it is possible to shoot at three frames per second in full resolution to a maximum of 8 images in standard mode or sic images in fine mode. The DMC-FX3 enables easy capture of those spur-of-the-moment shots. The FX3 also allows unlimited consecutive shooting up to the capacity of your SD/SDHC Memory card. (The speed of the consecutive shooting varies depending on the memory card.) Despite the high performance mentioned above, the DMC-FX3 achieves long battery life to shoot approximately 320 pictures (CIPA) on a single charge.

Bright 2.5-Inch Large LCD with High-Angle Function for Easy Shooting and Playback
The FX3 has a 2.5-inch large LCD. The pixel-mixed readout method performed by the CCD automatically increases the brightness level of the live image in low-lit situations, which greatly facilitates easy monitoring to shoot. With the help of the Power LCD function, which boosts the backlighting of the LCD by 40%, even shooting in bright outdoors situations is no longer a problem. The High Angle mode makes the display extremely easy to view from low angles or high angles, for example when holding the camera up high to take pictures over a crowd, and can be accessed easily and quickly by using the dedicated button.

Unimpeded High-Speed Autofocus
The various AF methods can be selected according to the shooting environment and the position of the subject: 5-point, 3-point high-speed, 1-point high-speed, 1-point normal-speed and spot. The inclusion of an AF assist lamp provides further assistance in low light situations when focusing is difficult. The results: stress free photography with never a moment missed.

Clear, Bright Motion Image Recording in Wide VGA Size at 30 Frames per Second
In addition to standard VGA (640 x 480) motion image recording, the FX3 also records stunning full-size movies in 16:9 wide VGA (848 x 480) at 30 frames per second (fps). Shooting is one thing but viewing is another, and you will be suitably impressed by the 16:9 moving image when it is displayed on a wide screen TV. The brightness level of these moving images is also enhanced as a result of the pixel-mixed readout method performed by the CCD.

A Variety of Scene Modes and Other Features to Enrich Your Photography
The FX3 includes a total of sixteen scene modes (not including Macro mode) to assist you in a wide range of photographic situations. When shooting in our unique Baby mode, your children's age at the time of image capture is automatically recorded onto that image, determined by the date of birth which has been preset by you. Underwater mode, a great mode for underwater photography, can be used with the optional marine case (not included--must be purchased separately).

High Sensitivity mode is made possible by the pixel-mixed readout method by the CCD, is ideal for shooting moving subjects clearly without blurring at a maximum sensitivity setting of ISO 1600. On the other hand, in the Simple mode, almost all adjustments can be automatically set even including the backlight compensation, allowing even the entry-level users to take beautiful images easily. The DMC-FX3 includes a World Time Setting, which allows you to set the time and date of 74 locations across the world.

And finally, the 13.5MB built-in memory allows you to record the image even if you do not have an SD Memory Card or to keep your favorite images in your camera to playback or show like a digital album.

Product Description

Panasonic LumixDMC-FX3 incorporates a 3x optical zoom f/2.8 LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens into its compact body. Easy to use even for digital camera beginners, the DMC-FX3 makes sure that every shot will be beautiful.MEGA O.I.S. compensates for handshake to give you beautiful photos. In addition, the High Sensitivity Mode lets you capture sharp, crisp images of moving subjects, such as children and pets, even indoors. Resolution significantly decreases in High Sensitivity Mode.The Venus Engine Plus, Image processing LSI, features outstanding high-speed response to help you capture beautiful shots instantly and efficiently. Despite the high performance, the DMC-FX3 achieves long battery life to shoot approximately 320 pictures on a single charge.As compact as it is, the LUMIX body still houses a large, 2.5" LCD. The High Angle Mode makes it easy to view the LCD image when holding the camera high above you.The mode dial makes it easy to retrieve the desired mode settings. Food, Baby, Underwater, and more photo modes give you a choice of sixteen modes in all.The camera allows you to record stunning full-size movies in wide aspect VGA at 30 (fps). High Speed AF gives you quicker, easier focusing for more shooting flexibility and fun.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

41 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars user friendly point & shoot; great quality + anti-shake, November 26, 2006

By	LW (South California, USA) - See all my reviews

I LOVE my little new toy. I was debating to get this or Canon SD600, both in the same price range and same megapixel. After doing a lot of research online and seeing the actual models in store, I decided to get this one and I am really glad I did. What I really like about this camera so far:

1. the optical image stabilization really works wonder! at least for me who used to get a lot of fuzzy pix from my old fuji. I was able to get a too-good-to-be-true pix of my cat yearning in motion!! This may not work for everything (if there's a lot of jittering/shaking) but it sure works for what I was looking for (without compromising the quality). One of the most common probs with compact cameras is jittering/shaking hands, and this certainly takes care that for you!

2. GREAT battery life, which is what I really love and care about. I was able to point and shoot over 100 pix so far (half of them with flash, though not consecutively) and plus some video clicks and still have full battery signal on. It's amazing! I also compared the battery life with the canon sd600 online.. it's about double according to some standard.

3. Nice LCD. For those of you who might be worried about missing the viewfinder on this toy, the battery life certainly makes up for it (plus the viewfinder usually doesn't get you 100% of the actual picture anyway). Some review said that LCD playback quality is not as good, but I find no problem with it. (from a pair of non-prof/average eyes, that is)

4. Very user-friendly. I didn't really need to read manual to figure out most features of the camera. I just got it on the hand for less than 2 days and I am already feeling like a pro with this camera.

5. fast start-up and little shutter lag~ which is also important to me.

6. a lot of features. allow you to quickly change to different scene modes/effects.

Some cons that I can think of:

1. I think maybe some people will think brands like Canon has better image quality? I don't have a new model Canon to compare with but with the previous models (in Canon & Fuji), I can't tell much difference. (looks great to me for what I can tell)

2. No optical viewfinder (for the people who really want to have viewfinder).

3. the size of the camera is a little bigger than SD600 (and cannot compare to credit-card size casio Ex-Z60. though this can be a pro & con depending on each individual's preference. I have small/medium hands and the camera feels just fine (I was able to use one hand to navigate the bottoms/menu and to take pix). But I can see probs with bigger hands

4. the control bottoms are kind of small (which is typical in compact cameras). Again, might be problematic with bigger hands.

***

Over all, for the price in this range, I think this is one of the best value on market right now that has a nice package of what typical people are looking for (user-friendly, long battery life, anti-shake, great/decent pix quality). You usually have to pay for an extra $100 to get that optical stabilization feature in other model (i.e. Canon SD700).

No camera is perfect but this camera has definitely come close to that! I'd definitely recommend this for anyone. I just hope the magic will last me for the years to come! have to wait to see about that!

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Options & Portability, December 6, 2006

By	Patrick Sheldon (Rockford, IL USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is the wife writing and you will be glad I said that as you read on. I just purchased this camera a few weeks ago. I had a Sony Cybershot camera which was stolen recently and this was what I chose to replace it. I loved my cybershot, but it wasn't small enough to fit in certain purses I own. This camera is the perfect size! Not small enough to miss the buttons, but just right. The image quality is wonderful and better then my old cybershot. The screen is huge and the menu print is large and easy to read. There are even icons in the menu that are a little animated. It is VERY user-friendly and it has so many ways to customize your picture-taking! It comes with the cables you need to connect it to your computer & your TV to have digital slide shows, you actually don't have to buy those seperate. There is a setting for everything you can think of and it can take short amounts of video shots with audio. I am very happy with it and I will definetly keep Panasonic in mind for future needs. The zoom on the camera says it can go to 3x, but there is a setting in the menu for a digital zoom which can go all the way to 12x! The image stabilization setting that Panasonic touts really does work. It has been very very handy when you can't quite steady your hands. The "scene" mode on the camera lets you chose from; party, candle light, fireworks, starry sky, baby1, baby2, snow, high sensitivity, portrait, soft skin, scenery, sports, night portrait, night scenery, self portrait, food, and UNDERWATER. (There is a special case you can buy to take it diving with you!) There are too many great things I could fill this space with about this camera so I will just say this - wonderful quality and worth every penny!

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars very good for a digital camera, January 19, 2007

By	IS (Brooklyn, NY) - See all my reviews

Very satisfied with this purchase. The best thing about this camera is its image stabilizer - it works magic. I was shaking it as hard as I could while shooting and yet the shots are all in focus. The camera is small & stylish, easy menus, cool panoramic and macro modes, good battery life, decent picture quality.

Cons are all those of digital cameras in general: some noise at low-light situations, red-eye reduction not completely effective, several seconds of delay between shots when using a flash (though much faster than my old Nikon Coolpix).

Overall: an excellent deal at the price around $[...]