The worthy successor to the Panasonic DMC-TZ1, the 7.2 megapixel DMC-TZ3, offers many of the TZ1's benefits including a 10x Leica-branded optical zoom lens and Panasonic's signature Optical Image Stabilization (MEGA O.I.S.). But the TZ3's 10x optical zoom lens--and those of all current Panasonic cameras--starts at 28mm (35mm equivalent), which automatically takes the TZ3's value up a notch or two for offering a true wide angle option. Even with all that lens power, the TZ3 is actually a hair thinner and lighter than its predecessor. It's still not comfortable in a shirt pocket, but it's definitely compact and portable.
That the Panasonic TZ3 has higher ISO capabilities than before (1,250 manually and a push to 3,200) is not as welcome as its high resolution, 3-inch LCD, and the ability to fine-tune white balance. And although the maximum shutter speed is set at 1/2,000--a fairly common number--exposures up to 60 seconds can be made on the other end... [read more]