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Panasonic ZR3

 
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3 front
 
  • 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 2.7" Fixed Display
  • ISO 80 - 6400
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 25-200mm (F3.3-5.9) lens
  • 159g - 98 x 55 x 26mm
  • Released January 2010
  • Additionally referred to as Lumix DMC-ZX3
  • Read full specs
  • Alternatives
  • Size Comparison
  • FAQ
Portability
94
Imaging
36
Features
26
Overall
32

Panasonic ZR3 summary

Panasonic ZR3 is Panasonic's Small Sensor Compact camera originally released on January of 2010. The camera comes with a 14MP, CCD 1/2.3" sized sensor and has a full resolution of 4320 x 3240. The camera is known as "Lumix DMC-ZX3" in certain countries.

The ZR3 is ranked #143 out of 261 in Small Sensor Compact cameras & overall #1044 out of 1465 for digital cameras in our collection. Please check our Smart camera filter to see camera listings based on your custom criteria.

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The following is a chart of multiple factors used in the rating system.

Panasonic ZR3 family

The Panasonic ZR3 is part of a family of cameras. You can view the detailed range underneath.

ModelVisualizeLensResolutionSensor SizeReleased
Panasonic-Lumix-DC-ZS80 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS80
ZR3 vs ZS80
24-720mm
F3.3-6.4
20MP1/2.3"2018
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS70 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS70
ZR3 vs ZS70
24-720mm
F3.3-6.4
20MP1/2.3"2017
Photography Glossary
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS60 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS60
ZR3 vs ZS60
24-720mm
F3.3-6.4
18MP1/2.3"2016
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS50 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS50
ZR3 vs ZS50
24-720mm
F3.3-6.4
12MP1/2.3"2015
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS45 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS45
ZR3 vs ZS45
24-480mm
F3.3-6.4
16MP1/2.3"2015
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS35 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS35
ZR3 vs ZS35
24-480mm
F3.3-6.4
16MP1/2.3"2014
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Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS40 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS40
ZR3 vs ZS40
24-720mm
F3.3-6.4
18MP1/2.3"2014
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS30 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS30
ZR3 vs ZS30
24-480mm
F3.3-6.4
18MP1/2.3"2013
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS25 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS25
ZR3 vs ZS25
24-480mm
F3.3-6.4
16MP1/2.3"2013
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS15 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS15
ZR3 vs ZS15
24-384mm
F3.3-5.9
12MP1/2.3"2012
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS20 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS20
ZR3 vs ZS20
24-480mm
F3.3-6.4
14MP1/2.3"2012
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Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS8 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS8
ZR3 vs ZS8
24-384mm
F3.3-5.9
14MP1/2.3"2011
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS7 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS7
ZR3 vs ZS7
25-300mm
F3.3-4.9
12MP1/2.3"2011
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS10 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS10
ZR3 vs ZS10
24-384mm
F3.3-5.9
14MP1/2.3"2011
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS5 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS5
ZR3 vs ZS5
25-300mm
F3.3-4.9
12MP1/2.3"2010
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZR3 front thumbnailPanasonic ZR325-200mm
F3.3-5.9
14MP1/2.3"2010
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZR1 front thumbnailPanasonic ZR1
ZR3 vs ZR1
25-200mm
F3.3-5.9
12MP1/2.3"2009
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS3 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS3
ZR3 vs ZS3
25-300mm
F3.3-4.9
10MP1/2.3"2009

Panasonic ZR3 Pros and Cons

Below is a shortlist of positives and negatives of the Panasonic ZR3 based on things which are generally regarded as crucial in a camera.

above average minimum ISO (80)
does have HDMI socket
flash built-in
good MP (14 megapixels)
image stabilization (Optical)
in built lens has zoom (25-200mm 8.0 x zoom)
includes tracking focus
relatively wide (25mm)
cannot use external flash
does not have a selfie friendly display
does not have phase detect auto focus
does not have RAW format
fixed screen
lack of shutter priority mode
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
low max shutter speed (1/1,300 seconds)
manual focus not available
max fps very slow (2.0 frames/s)
missing headphone socket
missing mic socket
missing Time Lapse function
no aperture priority
no manual control
screen has low resolution (230 thousand dots)
sensor is very small (1/2.3")
slow at tele end (f5.9)
slow maximum aperture (f3.3)
tiny screen (2.7")
video quality not great (1280 x 720 pixels)
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Panasonic ZR3 Sensor info

The Panasonic ZR3 houses the Venus Engine HD II processor chip. The specification of the sensor in the Panasonic ZR3 is 6.08mm x 4.56mm (1/2.3"). The 28 mm² sensor has the capability to capture 4320 x 3240 pixels and aspect ratios of 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9. The camera comes with Image Stabilization (Optical). Sensor stabilization is more desirable than digital stabilization as the latter might produce cropping.

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The CCD sensor has 14 megapixels and gives a native ISO range of 80 - 6400. Sadly, RAW photos are not saved which means that you have less margin for error.

The graphic underneath shows the ZR3's sensor dimensions compared to other common sizes. The ZR3 sensor has a crop factor of 5.9 and is pointed out in green.

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To get a sense of different aspect ratios, you can refer to the visual below.

Camera sensor aspect ratios

Panasonic ZR3 dimensions

Panasonic ZR3 weighs about 0.35 lb (159 grams / 5.61 oz) & has external dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0"). The weight of average Small Sensor Compact camera is 174 grams so the Panasonic ZR3 is similar in comparison with various rivals.

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Down below is a picture of the Panasonic ZR3 alongside a softdrink so you're able to get a feel for its scale.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3 dimensions scale

The top view underneath will highlight the button layout on the ZR3.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3 topview buttons dials

Panasonic ZR3 Lens info

The ZR3 features a built in lens featuring a focal range of 25-200mm making it a 8.0 x zoom which may not be outstanding however it will probably be convenient in certain scenarios.

At the widest 25mm, the lens comes with an aperture of f3.3 which will be somewhat slow and not good for low light occasions and you will find it difficult to get a shallow depth of field. You might also need to up the ISO leading to noisy pictures. Towards the tele end, 200mm comes at f5.9 making it really sluggish and you would need to set slow shutter speeds.

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Panasonic ZR3 Connectivity

The ZR3 has the following connectivity:

  • USB Yes
  • HDMI Yes

Digital cameras which include NFC and / or Bluetooth support are able to be controlled wirelessly with smartphones. You will be able to send pictures and at times alter settings without connecting straight to the camera.

A few applications even give a Liveview and release the shutter in case you are not close to the camera. If the camera contains a HDMI port, it can easily be connected to an external display. The majority of cameras enable you to charge the battery pack through the USB socket.

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Panasonic ZR3 Video info

The highest possible video quality in the Panasonic ZR3 is 1280 x 720 and you can shoot in AVCHD Lite format. 720p is low for today's standards. You really should strive for at least 1080p quality for video recording. The camera does not offer a microphone and / or headphone jack which means you have got little control over the audio. It is probably a better idea to get a different model in case you need decent audio for your video clips.

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Panasonic ZR3 Weather Sealing

There is no environment proofing in the Panasonic ZR3 so you need to be careful in wet or dusty conditions.

Panasonic ZR3 Display and Viewfinder

The Panasonic ZR3 comes with a 2.7 inch fixed screen supporting a resolution of 230 thousand dots.

Please note that the screen has no touch support.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3 screen and viewfinder Photobucket discusses licensing 13 billion images with AI firms

The ViewFinder specifications for Panasonic ZR3 are below:

  • ViewFinder None

For sunny outdoor conditions which make the camera displays washed out and difficult to see, viewfinders can be pretty helpful.

Panasonic ZR3 Shutter info

Panasonic ZR3 has the capability to shoot continuously at 2.0 frames/s. The max shutter speed is 1/1300 seconds.

Photography Glossary

Panasonic ZR3 Flash and Hot shoe info

Panasonic ZR3 comes with only integrated flash without external flash support.

Panasonic ZR3 Autofocus info

Panasonic ZR3 comes with just Contrast Detect Auto Focus & is missing Phase Detect Auto Focus. Phase Detection autofocusing is a lot more faster & precise when compared to Contrast Detect autofocusing.

The Sensor comes with 11 focus points to pick from. It also has Tracking Auto Focus for moving objects. Panasonic ZR3 has not got manual focus. Manual focus ability is useful in low light or you need more accurate control on depth of field.

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Panasonic ZR3 Battery life

The average Small Sensor Compact camera battery life is 241. Fujifilm X30 has the best (470) battery life in this kind of cameras.

Here is a listing of Small Sensor Compact cameras that come with the best battery life:

Panasonic ZR3 for specific categories of photography

The following bar chart presents a rundown of the Panasonic ZR3 for specific categories of photography. To learn more, have a look at the specific section underneath.

Portrait photography with Panasonic ZR3

The Panasonic ZR3 gets a points tally of 28 which is horrible, meaning that it is simply not suitable for portrait photography. Photographing portraits leans heavily to sensor dimensions, RAW support together with the ability to utilize external lighting.

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good resolution (14 megapixels)
manual focus not available
no manual control
no external flash support
sensor size is small (1/2.3")
does not have RAW format

Panasonic ZR3 as a Street photography camera

With a moderate points total of 56, the Panasonic ZR3 is somewhat suitable to use in street photography. A very good street photography camera comes with a fine balance of image quality and portability.

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image stabilization (Optical)
screen does not articulate
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
lacks RAW support

Panasonic ZR3 Sports photography features

A horrible sports photography points total of 36 means the Panasonic ZR3 is simply not suitable for photographing sports. A camera should have excellent autofocus and fast shutter speeds for sports photography.

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built in image stabilization (Optical)
megapixel count good (14 megapixels)
supports tracking focus
maximum shutter speed is a little low (1/1,300s)
slow frames per second (2.0 frames per second)
no shutter priority mode
very small sensor (1/2.3")
lack of phase detect AF

Panasonic ZR3 as a Travel photography camera

Weight is extremely important when choosing a camera for travel. All round, the Panasonic ZR3 gets a above average 64 as a travel camera which is a respectable fit to take with you on your journeys.

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resolution is good (14MP)
flash built-in
fairly wide (25mm)
no Time Lapse recording
display isn't selfie friendly
slow maximum aperture (f3.3)

Landscape photography with Panasonic ZR3

For those who are looking to choose a camera for landscape photos, the biggest aspect is going to be image quality. The Panasonic ZR3 and it's horrible rating of 37 as a landscape camera is simply not suitable within the current market.

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decently wide (25mm)
built in image stabilization (Optical)
good megapixels (14MP)
focusing manually not possible
fixed lens (fixed lens mount)
sluggish maximum aperture (f3.3)
screen is somewhat small (2.7")
manual exposure not possible
tiny sensor (1/2.3")
does not have RAW format
no Time Lapse mode

Panasonic ZR3 Vlogging information

A vlogging camera preferably should posses a articulating screen, microphone input and if possible IBIS. Considering every thing, the Panasonic ZR3 is simply not suitable as a vlog camera as it delivers a horrible score of 29.

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relatively wide (25mm)
has image stabilization (Optical)
slow maximum aperture (f3.3)
doesn't posses selfie friendly display
video quality not great (1280 x 720 resolution)
does not have external microphone support

Panasonic ZR3 Alternatives

If you are looking for replacements to the ZR3, below is a list of the highest rated cameras which fall within the category of Small Sensor Compact.

The line chart followed below offers you an overview of the ZR3 versus it's top ranked competitors shown above.

Following are several cameras you might look at as alternatives. To read a complete comparison, simply click on the "compare" link.

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Specifications

General Information
Company
Panasonic
Model
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3
Also referred to as
Lumix DMC-ZX3
Category
Small Sensor Compact
Released
2010-01-26
Physical type
Compact
Sensor Information
Sensor type
CCD
Processor Chip
Venus Engine HD II
Sensor size
1/2.3"
Sensor dimensions
6.08 x 4.56mm
Sensor surface area
27.7mm²
Sensor resolution
14MP
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio
4:3, 3:2 and 16:9
Peak resolution
4320 x 3240
RAW format
Highest native ISO
6400
Min native ISO
80
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Touch focus
Autofocus continuous
Autofocus single
Tracking autofocus
Selective autofocus
Autofocus center weighted
Multi area autofocus
Autofocus live view
Face detect autofocus
Contract detect autofocus
Phase detect autofocus
Number of focus points
11
Lens
Lens mounting type
fixed lens
Lens focal range
25-200mm (8.0x)
Max aperture
f/3.3-5.9
Macro focus range
3cm
Crop factor
5.9
Screen
Type of display
Fixed Type
Display sizing
2.7"
Display resolution
230 thousand dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch display
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder
None
DXO scores
DXO Overall score
not tested
DXO Color Depth score
not tested
DXO Dynamic range score
not tested
DXO Low light score
not tested
Features
Minimum shutter speed
60s
Fastest shutter speed
1/1300s
Continuous shutter rate
2.0 frames/s
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Expose Manually
Custom white balance
Image stabilization
Inbuilt flash
Flash range
5.30 m
Flash modes
Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Syncro
External flash
AEB
WB bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment exposure
Average exposure
Spot exposure
Partial exposure
AF area exposure
Center weighted exposure
Video features
Supported video resolutions
1280 x 720 (30 fps), 848 x 480 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps)
Highest video resolution
1280x720
Video file format
AVCHD Lite
Mic port
Headphone port
Connectivity
Wireless
None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB
USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS
None
Physical
Environment sealing
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight
159 gr (0.35 lbs)
Dimensions
98 x 55 x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0")
Other
Self timer
Yes (2 or 10 sec)
Time lapse recording
Storage type
SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal
Card slots
One
Cost at release
$280