Topic: Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 - Feedback for HD Video

[guysonic]

Worked up a better handsfree pendent mount fitting the ZS3/7 models, and maybe some (untried) same size-similar LUMIX models.


Intriqued by low cost, high feature quantity (including external stereo input jack) of the LUMIX DMC-FZ100 CMOS chip model motivated another <$400 camera purchase.   FZ100 does HD 1080i video and a lot of other useful stuff.  So made a pendent mount fitting this camera and some external mic mixer modules, but honestly find the camera a bit too big as a primary go-anywhere documentary tool like I've found with using the ZS3 sized models.



Did do a lot of test videos using FZ100 with/without external mics and/or externally fed audio.   


Lot's of fun stuff to view and consider posted about these cameras at www.sonicstudios.com/videomic.htm

[justink]

After transferring files to your HD, there's a lot of folders and random files associated with the video.

AVCHD >
     AVCHDTN >
          THUMB
     BDMV >
          crap >
                STREAM >
                     MTS Files
     IISVPL
           VPL Files

What are all these folders/files used for?  Can I delete everything but keep the MTS files and store them how I like?

[guysonic]

After transferring files to your HD, there's a lot of folders and random files associated with the video.
AVCHD > (cut)
What are all these folders/files used for?  Can I delete everything but keep the MTS files and store them how I like?

Waiting for someone knowing the why of these files, but can report just copying the (uncopy coded like out of a camera) .MT2 file of interest into an editor with no problems with video or audio.

[flipzoso]

I'm getting tired of the GL2 and miniDV tapes and want something more compact and easy to work with (HD as well)...and so my research has brought me to this Lumix model.

However I hear that ZS3 is discontinued, is the next best idea to purchase the ZS7? Are there any issues or drawbacks with the new model?

Any places that have a good price? Canadian stores?

Thanks in advanced.

[Ziggz]

New model is out soon, ZS10/TZ20 - better zoom (16x optical) and full HD.

http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Panasonic_Lumix_DMC_TZ20_ZS10/verdict.shtml

[indiie]

I'm getting tired of the GL2 and miniDV tapes and want something more compact and easy to work with (HD as well)...and so my research has brought me to this Lumix model.

However I hear that ZS3 is discontinued, is the next best idea to purchase the ZS7? Are there any issues or drawbacks with the new model?

Any places that have a good price? Canadian stores?

Thanks in advanced.

I own a TZ7/ZS3 but got a scratch on the lens so recently bought a TZ10/ZS7. The added benefit of manual settings in the TZ10 is something (about the only thing) that was sorely missing from the TZ7. Use of the manual settings allow me to take a photo like this which I think is not bad for a cheap point and shoot.

The TZ10 also comes with GPS capabilities which I have no use for.
I bought my TZ10 from duty free store in Brisbane Australia which had (have?) them on special for AUD$399.

[flipzoso]

Well now I am starting to second guess myself if I should move up to the 'camcorder' category. A major reason is the zoom, I really like doing slow zoom ins and closeups and lead-in/out zooms.

Do these Lumix models have a manual zoom setting (slow/medium/pressure sensitive?) or does the zoom move quickly?

[exxile]

Zoom speed is pressure sensitive for photos but seems automatic for video, it's fairly slow & smooth tho'.

[tapeheadtoo]

The Lumix is a great camera, but I do find myself getting frustrated with the zoom at times.  It's smooth but starts rather abruptly.

[rastasean]

Picked up the zs3 from craigs list today! I have been looking for a replacement to the one I lost last year and I'd glad to have found one at an affordable price considering it is now discontinued.

This camera has firmware 1.2 so I don't think the generic batteries works, is that true? Has anyone been able to revert to version 1.1 to allow the generic batteries to work?

[exxile]

Picked up the zs3 from craigs list today! I have been looking for a replacement to the one I lost last year and I'd glad to have found one at an affordable price considering it is now discontinued.

This camera has firmware 1.2 so I don't think the generic batteries works, is that true? Has anyone been able to revert to version 1.1 to allow the generic batteries to work?

I've not had any problems running generic batteries with ver 1.2 and I've got about 5 which are all different. I think ver 1.3 is the latest but I've not bothered upgrading to that. The Panasonic website says that firmware can't be downgraded but there are users who have been able to do this just by running the 1.1 firmware update - the hard part is finding a copy. The generic batteries can be bought fairly cheaply now so could be worth trying?

[rastasean]

Thanks for the info! glad to know it was 1.3 which started the elimination of generic batteries.

Here is a generic one from b&h for $20: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/630359-REG/Pearstone_DMW_BCG10_DMW_BCG10_Lithium_Ion_Battery_Pack.html
The specs rate it a little lower than the one I currently have but that's expected.

[exxile]

Well in terms of capacity, the std Panasonic battery I have is 895mAh, but I have clone batteries ranging between 895-1250mAh and tbh haven't noticed any difference between them, in terms of how long they last.

[polewka]

http://www.youtube.com/user/polewka123?feature=mhee#g/u

Been filming quite a lot of shows with mine over the last 12 months.

Very happy with it, stills for gigs are great.

To be honest I use it mosty for shows, and very little else.

Off to check out the TZ20 now......thanks for the link.

[rastasean]

Well in terms of capacity, the std Panasonic battery I have is 895mAh, but I have clone batteries ranging between 895-1250mAh and tbh haven't noticed any difference between them, in terms of how long they last.

$20 seems pretty fair for the one I linked. Can you post any sites that you've purchased batteries from?