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Gail's Panasonic Lumix TZ3 Blog
Likes & Dislikes
TeleZoom - One of my favorite features! On cameras with long telephoto lenses I've owned, I was not able to focus when taking close-up photos from a distant location using the maximum focal length. No problem with the TZ3. Switch the camera to Macro or Intelligent ISO mode, zoom in to the max and watch in delight as the subject comes in focus.
Spot Focus - lets you focus on a precise area in a scene. Spot Focus was used for the first illustration; Center Area Focus for the second:
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Econo Mode - reduces battery consumption by shutting off the LCD when in record mode. I've used cameras with this feature that have had a significant delay when restoring the LCD, so I typically shut the feature off. Econo mode on the TZ3 is quite responsive so I keep it on except when using High Speed Focus mode.
Built-in memory - the measly sized built-in memory stores only one (!) image at full resolution but it sure helps you realize if you left the memory card in the reader. When turning the TZ3 on, a message on the LCD tells you that images will be recorded to the built-in memory. Believe me, there are times this notice really saves the photographic day!
Things I dislike about the TZ3
No AE/AF Lock - I've always AE/AF lock very useful to lock focus and exposure independently when necessary. To compensate for the lack of this feature, I adjust Exposure Compensation instead.
LCD Glare - occasionally very difficult to view in bright light even with an anti-glare protector (more info >)
Distant subjects - the TZ3 is not very good at capturing distant subjects, such as a bird, even when shooting full zoom (though it is very good at capturing scenes such as a landscape or cityscape.
SCN1 & SCN2 Modes - do not save specific settings I may choose; only the Scene is saved.
Formatting memory cards in camera - can be slow compared to other cameras I've owned, even using a high speed card.
