Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZX3

Digital zoom would be finally viable?

The image processor digitally transforms this compact zoom optical zoom x8 x10.

Most wide-angle HD video in AVCHD and optical zoom x8 x10 pushed digitally: the ZX3 is a box at a time and end ultracomplet.

Master the art of making small optical power magnifying important, Panasonic is launching its new compact superfine who sees extra fine: the ZX3. Heir to a ZX1 released last year (small case of only 2 cm thick, which inaugurated the new optical stabilization of the Japanese manufacturer), the ZX3 takes the same basis.

Superpower-angle and new image processor

Namely a very thin case, the look of TZ7 who have lost a few notches belt. The remaining x10 optical zoom, wide-angle, 25 mm, and the camera always shoots in 720p HD, AVCHD Lite. Where are the news then? From the side of the sensor in the first place, since he spends 12 to 14 Mpix. But especially on the side of the chip image processing, since the ZX3 welcomes the Venus Engine HD II, new image processing engine manufacturer Nippon present in the TZ10.

Smart Zoom

A chip that supports a new generation of digital zoom, zoom “intelligent”, instead of stupidly bigger image 40 times, merely extend the zoom x8 to x10 by reconstructing the missing pixels. With differentiating algorithms contours, flat areas and skin, the ZX3 affords the luxury of distance and zoom in without too much bigger: we await the test before deciding on technology.

The ZX3 is available from the month of March in black, red or brown – sorry, “chocolate” – for a price of 299 euros.

Positive points

* The superpower-angle 25 mm
* The powerful optical zoom
* The new generation digital zoom
* The new image processor, Venus Engine HD II
* HD video in AVCHD