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.
A metal strip runs along the front left side of the camera for a better grip. (click to enlarge)
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.
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. (click to enlarge) |
The dial on previous models that some people found awkward to operate. (click to enlarge) |
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.
Features
The FS3 features Panasonic's iA mode, which comprises five shooting-assist functions. These functions are Mega O.I.S. (detects and reduces motion due to handshake), Intelligent ISO Control (automatically uses the most appropriate ISO depending on lighting/shooting situation), Intelligent Scene Selector (chooses the most suitable shooting mode), Face Detection (detects and automatically focuses on facial features) and Quick AF (focus without pressing the shutter button halfway).
The camera kicks into macro mode almost immediately upon focusing on the flower. ((click to enlarge)
We found shooting in iA mode an almost pleasing experience. The camera automatically went into macro mode (via Intelligent Scene Selector) when we held the camera close to a flower, and the Quick AF focused on the petals almost immediately. And all these were prior to pressing the shutter button. Nifty.
However, the iA feature started to show signs of distress when the FS3 was thrown into a low-light condition. Face Detection was slow to recognise facial features and the Quick AF was hesitant in determining the correct focus point.
Face Detection in the FS3 worked fairly well. Although Panasonic claims the shooter can detect up to 15 faces simultaneously, it struggled to recognise three out of the four human subjects we placed in front of the camera in daylight. What we did like about the Face Detection feature was that it would track and follow a moving face, although this lags at times. For side profiles, the Face Detection was unable to recognise them.
The Starry Sky mode worked beautifully to capture this night scene. (click to enlarge)
The Easy Zoom function in the FS3 is indicated by the "E.Zoom" button beside the zoom lever. By pressing the button, the lens will zoom to its maximum or pull back to its widest without having to use the zoom lever. This proved quite useful when we wanted to take a closeup shot fast.
The built-in flash performed well for a point-and-shoot. Subjects and background were properly exposed without "burning" any of the highlights due to harsh flash. Skin tones especially, appeared natural even when the flash was directed straight at the subject.
There are 21 scene modes to choose from and some of them allow flexibility when shooting. For example, in Starry Sky mode, you have the option to choose from a 15-, 30- or 60-second exposure. This, combined with low ISO and a wide aperture opening of F2.8, gives very pleasant night scenery pictures with low noise.
Performance
The FS3 did quite well in our lab tests. The startup time was quick at 1.85 seconds, while only 2.73 seconds passed before the first shot was taken. This, compared to the predecessor of its other siblings (like the FX33 which took 2.9 seconds), was an improvement. A shorter startup time means the chances of missing a shot are reduced.
In burst mode, the FS3 captured seven shots in 5 seconds, which is quite impressive for a compact shooter.
Image Quality
The pictures taken at ISO 400 and below looked clean with relatively low noise. But as with most compact shooters, images captured at ISO 800 and above starts to show degrading of details while noise becomes abundant in the darker regions of the picture.
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We were quite surprised by the photo taken in Starry Sky mode. The camera automatically sets the aperture to F/2.8 and ISO to 100. We chose an exposure time of 30 seconds and were rewarded with an image clean of noise.
In daylight, the FS3 takes very pleasant pictures. Colours are vibrant and details well preserved. But when it comes to night shots, you have to use certain functions like the scene modes or the built-in flash to take better shots. If not, you might end up with noisy images, especially if the iA mode chooses a high ISO setting.
The white balance is also accurate for the pictures we'd taken. Whether it is under fluorescent, tungsten or natural daylight, the FS3 managed to detect and change the white balance accordingly.
We detected a slight hint of softness around the edges of our subjects, especially when taken in low-light situations. Although this might not show up on small prints, do take note that some image sharpening on the computer might be necessary if you intend to print large pictures.
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ToxicMegaColon
10/06/2008, 07:21 PM
rating
7/10
Im very happy with this little camera. I bought it specifically to carry round in the pocket, and due to the reasonable price, there is no fear of loss, dropping it and so on. Happy with picture quality, A4 prints are clear and crisp, menus are easy to use and the screen is a nice size and resolution for the money. Build quality is good.
Pros: Cheap, light, well made for price, Leica lens. I am a fan of panasonic products and have not been disappointed with this little camera.
Cons: Snobs, purists may bag it.
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