The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 is capable of recording 720p HD video (1280 x 720 resolution) in the AVCHD Lite video format (MTS files), as well as in the Motion JPEG video format.
The Panasonic ZS3 can, in many ways, act as a camcorder replacement, because of its unlimited recording time, ability to zoom while recording, 720p HD quality video, dedicated video record button, 16:9 aspect ratio option, and stereo sound microphone. Of course, a video camcorder specializes in capturing video, while the Panasonic ZS3 does not, though it features the AVCHD Lite video format.
How Does The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 Compare To A Camcorder?
In the AVCHD Lite HD video samples below, you can judge for yourself if the video quality is at least closely-comparable to a video camcorder. Does the video quality plus the Panasonic ZS3‘s features (size, portability, convenience, photos) make it a suitable camcorder replacement in your daily life? Or at least could the Panasonic ZS3 be a camcorder replacement for those days where it would be easier to carry a pocket-sized camera around, instead of a camcorder?
(The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 and European version Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 are identical cameras except for the video restrictions on the TZ7.)
The Panasonic ZS3 HD video samples below cover a wide range of different types of video shooting conditions:
- indoors and outdoors
- daytime and night time
- a lot of movement in the video and very little movement in the video
- low light conditions and bright conditions
- sunny and cloudy conditions
- up to 12x zoom capability
- focusing and auto-focus on zoom
- macro close-up ability
For videos on Vimeo.com, log in to download a copy of the video file and to see how it will playback on your computer. If you want to experiment, then some videos are available for download as MTS files, and you can then try the method described here to convert and edit the MTS file shot by the Panasonic ZS3.
Sample HD Videos for the Panasonic ZS3
Note: The below videos were not created by TechUserFriendly.com. Credit for individual videos belong to individual video uploaders. Click here for additional HD videos (AVCHD Lite, MTS files), created by TechUserFriendly.com, that are available as free downloads.
The videos below can be played on this page. To open a video in a new window, click on the video title link below each video. Some videos are indicated below to have original MTS files available for download. For those, you will need to open the video in a new window, to login and download the file.
“FirstTakes Panasonic TZ7/ZS3” on Vimeo.
Video Features Highlighted: Daytime, indoor, outdoor, focus.
“Panasonic Lumix ZS3 Movie Sample (Night)” on Vimeo.
Video Features Highlighted: Night time, outdoor, powerful zoom, auto-focus, MTS file.
“Hard Rock Cafe, Live karaoke” on Vimeo.
Video Features Highlighted: Low light, indoor, dark, stereo sound, people.
“Panasonic Lumix ZS3 Movie Sample (Compare #1)” on Vimeo.
Video Features Highlighted: Daytime, outdoor, bright, zoom, macro close-up, MTS file.
“Quick Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 HD Test” on Vimeo.
Video Features Highlighted: Day time, indoor, outdoor, bright, macro close-up, zoom.
“Dance Rehearsal Spectrum (Low Light Test Lumix TZ7 / ZS3)” on Vimeo.
Video Features Highlighted: Low light, indoor, dark, zoom, stereo sound, people.
More HD Samples for the Panasonic ZS3
“TZ7 zoom test” on Vimeo.
Video Features Highlighted: Daytime, powerful zoom, with action/movement.
“Lumix DMC-ZS3 Test – Atlanta Morning” on Vimeo.
Video Features Highlighted: Indoor, outdoor, macro close-up, zoom, bright.
“Essai Panasonic TZ7 (ZS3)” on Vimeo.
Video Features Highlighted: Daytime, outdoor, bright, zoom.
“Panasonic ZS3 Movie test” on Vimeo.
Video Features Highlighted: Daytime, outdoor, cloudy, zoom.
“Basketball TZ7 ZOOM Night” on Vimeo.
Video Features Highlighted: Night, powerful zoom, dark, outdoor, people, with action/movement.
“Panasonic TZ7 / ZS3: first test: Berlin, Hallen Am Borsigturm” on Vimeo.
Video Features Highlighted: Daytime, outdoor, bright, shadows, people.
“ZS3 test” on Vimeo.
Video Features Highlighted: Daytime, outdoor, bright, zoom, macro close-up.
Related Information
» Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 10MP Digital Camera with 12x Wide Angle
» Convert and Edit DMC-ZS3 AVCHD Lite Video for Free
» How To: Fix Yellow Spots or Blotches in Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3/DMC-TZ7 Photos
» Reduce Noise in Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3/DMC-TZ7 Photos For Free