If you’ve read this blog, you know I enjoy the TZ3 for it’s near-ideal focal range. You also know I’m an advocate of having a camera with a viewfinder.

I actually sold the TZ3 to a family member for a very good price. Believe me, if I didn’t like camera I would never have handed it over to someone I cherish.

I tried, really tried, adjusting to a camera without a viewfinder. But after using the TZ3 for  some time, I just couldn’t. Even with an anti-glare protector, there are times when the LCD doesn’t cut it for the type of subjects I enjoy photographing.

I found that out one day when I missed some shots because:

• the sun became so bright the LCD became virtually unusable.
• the scene presented itself quickly and I didn’t have time to fuss with any settings or move my location. Had I been able to steady the camera against my face as with a viewfinder, I would have gotten a better photo.
• the TZ3 is not the best for capturing individual subjects, such as a bird, when shooting full zoom.

When I brought this issue up at a photo forum hoping my experience might help others, I was criticized by some for not using the Power LCD. I don’t use it for reasons explained elsewhere in this blog.

Large LCDs on digital cameras can be extremely effective for framing shots and observing exposure changes in a scene. But I prefer to have the option of using a viewfinder - and there ARE times when one will be needed - than not having one.

Despite it’s limitations, there is one thing that can be said about an optical viewfinder that I haven’t been able to say about ANY LCD I’ve used: it is always viewable!

There is an entire generation of new digital photographers who have never used a viewfinder and don’t even miss it. If you’re among them, the TZ3 is a great little camera.

I should also point out that the TZ3 lacks AutoFocus/AutoExposure Lock (AE/AF Lock). It is a feature I consider extremely important, especially when a camera has no manual or semi-automatic controls.