Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS3

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By Leonard Goh
Mar 10, 2008

A new series in Panasonic's point-and-shoot lineup, the Lumix DMC-FS3 is a camera with no frills. Taking most of the style and function from the FX series, this 8-megapixel compact is ideal if you are looking for an inexpensive shooter for casual shots. Although a Leica lens is used, images taken above ISO 400 showed degrading of image quality. The Intelligent Auto (iA) mode, however, redeems the FS3 by being able to detect most common shooting situations.

Design

Borrowing much of the "safe" design from the other cameras in the family, the FS3's exterior could easily pass off as a model from a different series. However, a closer look shows some minute but applaudable features.

A metal strip runs along the front left side of the camera for a better grip.
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First, we noticed a metal strip that runs along the front left side of the camera. This offers a slightly better grip for users with small hands. But when passed on to someone with larger hands, the metal strip didn't help much. This is an improvement from Panasonic and we would like to see the company further develop this idea.

The brushed metal appearance lends a classy look, and the buttons are clearly indicative of their functions. However, the lens cover is made of plastic whereas its other siblings are constructed from metal. We are not sure how well the plastic can protect the lens, and would definitely have preferred the metal ones.

The FS3 button and function layout is suitable for one-handed operation. Most of the buttons can be easily accessed by the thumb while at the same time providing a relatively good grip.

The FS3 features a switch to alternate between playback and shooting mode.
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The dial on previous models that some people found awkward to operate.
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What pleased us most is that Panasonic has dropped the function dial seen at the top of the camera for other models. In the past, we had to rotate the dial to access certain functions and some people found this operation a tad awkward. What we have on the FS3 is a simple switch that alternates between playback and shooting mode. The rest of the modes can be accessed by pressing the Mode button located slightly below the switch.

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