The digital camera market has become increasingly expansive in recent years, this coming as a result of both an increase in technological capacity along with a decrease in manufacturing costs. Panasonic is one of the leading manufacturers of electronic goods in the world and offers a variety of digital cameras, including the DMC-TZ3 and its replacement model, the DMC-TZ4.
Basics
The Panasonic Lumix series, a popular line of digital cameras, bought forth the TZ series beginning in 2006 with the DMC-TZ1, which was met with mixed reviews. In response, Panasonic released the DMC-TZ3 and the DMC-TZ4 in 2007 and 2008 respectively. The DMC-TZ4 is the upgrade to the DMC-TZ3.
Lens
The lenses in Panasonic's Lumix series have always been a bright spot, and the TZ3 and TZ4 are no exception. Both cameras use an identical lens, a high-quality Leica zoom lens with a 4.6 mm-46 mm focal length and an optical zoom up to 10x. The only real difference between the TZ3 and TZ4's lens system is that the TZ4 is equipped with a built-in lens shield to protect the spherical glass from dust and debris.
Imaging
The TZ3 uses a 7.3 megapixel CCD sensor with a light sensitivity (ISO) ranging from 100 to 3200 if adjusted manually. The maximum shutter speed on the lens is 1/2000 of a second with a minimum speed of 60 seconds. It's capable of capturing video in MOV format with a maximum resolution of 848x480. The TZ4 uses an 8.1 megapixel CCD with an ISO rating going all the way up to 6400. It, too, is capable of shooting video with a maximum resolution of 848x480 with identical shutter speeds to the TZ3.
Memory
The TZ3 has a 12.7 megabyte internal memory and can record images on SD memory cards. Images are saved in JPEG format with a maximum resolution of 3072x2304 and a minimum resolution of 640x480. The TZ4 comes standard with a 27 megabyte internal memory, more than twice the memory of its predecessor. It, too, can save images to SD Memory Cards in JPEG format in a maximum resolution of 3264x2448.
Flash
The TZ3's flash has a standard illumination range of 2-14 feet while the TZ4 has an effective standard illumination range of 1-21 feet. Both flashes come with red eye reduction.
Size
The TZ3 measures 4.1 inches wide, 1.5 inches deep and 2.3 inches high. The TZ4's dimensions are exactly the same, with the exception that it is about an ounce lighter. The TZ3 weighs approximately 8.2 oz. while the TZ4 weighs in at about 7.3 oz.
Price Point
The Lumix DMC-TZ3 can be found for about $200; the DMC-TZ4 retails for a little more, at around $250 (2009 prices).
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