Panasonic DMC-FX3K 6MP Digital Camera Review

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Panasonic DMC-FX3K 6MP Digital Camera

Sun, Nov 25, 2007

Filed in Digital Camera

Panasonic DMC-FX3K

Panasonic DMC-FX3K

The new Panasonic DMC-FX3K 6-megapixel digital camera features a Leica DC lens with an f2.8 3x optical zoom (equivalent to 35-105mm on a 35mm film camera), Mega O.I.S.(Optical Image Stabilizer), and a high-sensitivity mode with a maximum ISO of 1600. The FX3 is available in silver and black.

Panasonic has long led the industry with its incorporation of an optical image stabilization system–Mega O.I.S.–into even its compact range of cameras. This system produces no deterioration of picture quality, and image stabilization has now become a standard feature for all digital cameras in the market. Now the new Panasonic DMC-FX3K also benefits from a High Sensitivity mode, which allows shooting at a maximum sensitivity setting of ISO 1600. (Resolution significantly decreases in High Sensitivity mode.) This mode acts as another anti-blurring measure, in addition to the Mega O.I.S. system, by suppressing image blur which can be caused by the movement of subjects, and especially benefits indoor photography of children and pets at fast shutter speeds.

For the image processor, the Venus Engine Plus LSI is incorporated for high-performance image processing, both in terms of speed and image quality, while still preserving low energy consumption. Another feature that elevates the Panasonic DMC-FX3K is the incorporation of 13.5 MB of built-in memory, while the battery life is long enough to shoot up to 320 pictures (CIPA) on one charge, ensuring that you do not miss those great spur-of-the-moment shots. In addition, motion images can be taken in even wide VGA in addition to the normal VGA format so that you can enjoy dynamic viewing on wide aspect TVs.

3x Optical Zoom f2.8 Leica DC Lens for High Image Quality
The 6-megapixel Panasonic DMC-FX3K features 3x optical zoom (equivalent to 35-105mm on a 35mm film camera) f2.8 Leica DC Vario-Elmarit lens housed in a compact body. The lens part comprises of seven elements in six groups, incorporating three aspherical lenses to generate high resolution images with richer gradation. The zoom ratio can be extended up to 4.1x in 3-megapixel resolution mode thanks to the Extended Optical Zoom function which gives extra magnification (and minimal image deterioration) by intentionally using the center part of the CCD.

Mega O.I.S. for Hand-shake, High Sensitivity Mode for Subject Movement
Mega O.I.S.(Optical Image Stabilizer), deemed by Panasonic as indispensable for all digital cameras, is featured on the entire Lumix range and, having been highly evaluated and appreciated by the users across the world, has now become a standard requirement within the digital imaging arena. It compensates for hand-shake by shifting the O.I.S. lens unit to keep the optical axis aligned straight against the CCD, ensuring that the image is always captured sharply. As a result, Mega O.I.S. produces beautiful pictures, free from blur and with no deterioration of image quality, at slower shutter speeds of more than three steps compared to other conventional models which do not have O.I.S. You can now shoot stunningly clear pictures with ease, even in situations that require slow shutter speeds, such as indoor or nighttime portrait shots, or close-up shots of a delicate flower using macro mode.

Furthermore, the Panasonic DMC-FX3K allows shooting at a maximum sensitivity setting of ISO 1600, with the High Sensitivity mode, which reduces image blur caused by subject movement, and especially benefits indoor photography of children or pets at fast shutter speeds. This High Sensitivity mode is made possible by the pixel-mixed readout method on the CCD. The picture quality is good enough for printing out to standard 4 x 6-inch (10 x 15-centimeter) size.

High-Performance, Low-Energy-Consumption Image Processing: Venus Engine Plus
With its multi-task image processing capabilities, the Venus Engine Plus boasts excellent response time with a shutter release time lag of only 0.006 seconds and a shutter interval of 0.7 seconds. In the burst shooting mode, it is possible to shoot at three frames per second in full resolution to a maximum of 8 images in standard mode or sic images in fine mode. The Panasonic DMC-FX3K enables easy capture of those spur-of-the-moment shots. The Panasonic DMC-FX3K also allows unlimited consecutive shooting up to the capacity of your SD/SDHC Memory card. (The speed of the consecutive shooting varies depending on the memory card.) Despite the high performance mentioned above, the Panasonic DMC-FX3K achieves long battery life to shoot approximately 320 pictures (CIPA) on a single charge.

Bright 2.5-Inch Large LCD with High-Angle Function for Easy Shooting and Playback
The Panasonic DMC-FX3K has a 2.5-inch large LCD. The pixel-mixed readout method performed by the CCD automatically increases the brightness level of the live image in low-lit situations, which greatly facilitates easy monitoring to shoot. With the help of the Power LCD function, which boosts the backlighting of the LCD by 40%, even shooting in bright outdoors situations is no longer a problem. The High Angle mode makes the display extremely easy to view from low angles or high angles, for example when holding the camera up high to take pictures over a crowd, and can be accessed easily and quickly by using the dedicated button.

Unimpeded High-Speed Autofocus
The various AF methods can be selected according to the shooting environment and the position of the subject: 5-point, 3-point high-speed, 1-point high-speed, 1-point normal-speed and spot. The inclusion of an AF assist lamp provides further assistance in low light situations when focusing is difficult. The results: stress free photography with never a moment missed.

Clear, Bright Motion Image Recording in Wide VGA Size at 30 Frames per Second
In addition to standard VGA (640 x 480) motion image recording, the FX3 also records stunning full-size movies in 16:9 wide VGA (848 x 480) at 30 frames per second (fps). Shooting is one thing but viewing is another, and you will be suitably impressed by the 16:9 moving image when it is displayed on a wide screen TV. The brightness level of these moving images is also enhanced as a result of the pixel-mixed readout method performed by the CCD.

A Variety of Scene Modes and Other Features to Enrich Your Photography
The Panasonic DMC-FX3K includes a total of sixteen scene modes (not including Macro mode) to assist you in a wide range of photographic situations. When shooting in our unique Baby mode, your children’s age at the time of image capture is automatically recorded onto that image, determined by the date of birth which has been preset by you. Underwater mode, a great mode for underwater photography, can be used with the optional marine case (not included–must be purchased separately).

High Sensitivity mode is made possible by the pixel-mixed readout method by the CCD, is ideal for shooting moving subjects clearly without blurring at a maximum sensitivity setting of ISO 1600. On the other hand, in the Simple mode, almost all adjustments can be automatically set even including the backlight compensation, allowing even the entry-level users to take beautiful images easily. The Panasonic DMC-FX3K includes a World Time Setting, which allows you to set the time and date of 74 locations across the world.

And finally, the 13.5MB built-in memory allows you to record the image even if you do not have an SD Memory Card or to keep your favorite images in your camera to playback or show like a digital album.

Panasonic DMC-FX3K Features

  • 6.0-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 14 x 19-inch prints
  • 3x image-stabilized optical zoom; 2.5-inch LCD display
  • High Sensitivity mode, with a manximum ISO of 1600, reduces image blur from subject movement and low light
  • Records full-size movies in wide-aspect VGA (848 x 480) at 30 frames per second
  • Stores images on SD memory cards; powered by li-ion battery pack (battery and charger included)
Compare Prices
Compare Prices Of Panasonic DMC-FX3K 6MP Digital Camera
Panasonic Lumix® DMC-FX55K Digital Camera
8.32 Megapixel, Compact Camera, 3.6x Optical Zoom, 4x Digital Zoom, CCD Sensor, Video Capability Included, 3 in. LCD Panel, Built-...
StoreStore RatingPrice
Overstock.com
4.00 out of 5
$189.99
UnbeatableSale, Inc.
4.00 out of 5
$365.75


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