Panasonic ZS1 vs ZS3 - Great Mid-Range Digital Compact Cameras

I know, the title says this is a Canon blog, but if you have read my former posts, you will realize that I am NOT a Canon snob.

In fact, Panasonic makes some great Digital Compact cameras.

Their newest King of the Compact Hill may be the Lumix DMC-ZS3. It is the replacement (after only one year) of the TZ5. Now, the TZ5 is still a great camera, and one that I endorse as a terrific "pocket/all purpose" camera.
But the newest siblings are making a run for the top.

Upgrades from the TZ5?

Glad you asked.

First, the new ZS3 has more "zoom" at 12x. It is wider on the short side, and longer on the long side. Image quality is still first in its class (according to DPReview.com). Also, the video mode has been improved to include AVCHD along with the original Quicktime capture technology. The new technology takes less storage space and renders the movies in a cleaner, smoother playback mode.

But wait, this is supposed to be about the ZS3 vs ZS1.

There is a big difference in the price tag. ZS1 is over 100 smackers less than its snooty cousin. (Can I thow in here that the TZ5 is less than either of the new cameras?)

The ZS1 has the same image quality, zoom (12x), and image sensor.
Video mode on the ZS1 is quite different.. the capture is standard definition video up to 848x480 pixels with mono sound, and does NOT include AVCHD.
The LCD on the ZS1 is only 2.7" vs 3.0 on the ZS3, and LCD image quality is lower at 230,000 pixels vs 460,000 pixels.

Well, which is the best buy? Many folks are going for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3, but those who have purchased the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 have not been disappointed. The users ratings on Amazon and DPReview.com are as high as the TZ5 ratings.
Read more at www.digital-photographic-resources.com.
All 3 cameras are HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

What's the Highest Rated Prosumer Compact Camera

What is a Prosumer camera?, you might ask.
Prosumer is the highest you can go without actually getting into the DSLR cameras.
You can expect to pay more for a prosumer digital camera than you would for a mid-range compact camera. But you get so much more. Prosumer cameras are for photographers who want to take more control of their shots, rather than letting the camera select the settings.
So, with that said, the Highest Rated Prosumer Compact Camera is... drum roll please... (and, yes, I know this is a blog titled Canon..., but, hey, I calls 'em like I sees 'em)

Panasonic DMC-LX3

Here's the formula for determining the highest rating:

• Check DPReview.com Camera Ratings (this could take a while - there are lots)
• Check Imaging-Resource.com Camera Reviews
• Narrow choice down to Canon G10, Nikon P90, Panasonic Lumix LX3 (trust me, I want the Canon to win)
• Check User Ratings at DPReview, Amazon, B&H Photo
• Enter all these numbers into my computer brain for analysis.

Voila, my brain spits out the winner!
(The Canon G10 came in a close second)
I spent lots of time compiling these results, not just for Prosumer Compacts, but for other categories, as well. I posted them on a Squidoo lens and on my website: www.digital-photographic-resources.com.