Topic: Lumix ZS3

[batchain]

I'm looking to add a camera to my recording kit and was wondering if the ZS3 is good enough in low light. I've seen some quite nice video shot with it and for all-purpose use outdoors the 12X zoom is certainly appealing, but for club shooting should I really go with a Lumix LX3 or Canon S90? I know the LX3 and S90 would do great for the low light still shots, but will the ZS3 be passable at least?

[rastasean]

Did you see this post? It's mainly about video but could be helpful.
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=128695.0

I have the zs3 and while I haven't shot that much in the dark, it handles well but the aperture is not as good as the LX3 at 2.0. ZS3 is max at 3.3.

This forum will help you out well...
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/forum.asp?forum=1033

[OOK]

I'm looking to add a camera to my recording kit and was wondering if the ZS3 is good enough in low light. I've seen some quite nice video shot with it and for all-purpose use outdoors the 12X zoom is certainly appealing, but for club shooting should I really go with a Lumix LX3 or Canon S90? I know the LX3 and S90 would do great for the low light still shots, but will the ZS3 be passable at least?

This camera (ZS1/ZS3) basically replaced the TZ5...

Here is a link to some concert shots I took with the TZ5 in low light.....

http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=130649.0

[batchain]

Did you see this post? It's mainly about video but could be helpful.
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=128695.0

I have the zs3 and while I haven't shot that much in the dark, it handles well but the aperture is not as good as the LX3 at 2.0. ZS3 is max at 3.3.

This forum will help you out well...
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/forum.asp?forum=1033

Thanks! I've been roaming through the dpreview forum, but missed this thread.

[batchain]

I'm looking to add a camera to my recording kit and was wondering if the ZS3 is good enough in low light. I've seen some quite nice video shot with it and for all-purpose use outdoors the 12X zoom is certainly appealing, but for club shooting should I really go with a Lumix LX3 or Canon S90? I know the LX3 and S90 would do great for the low light still shots, but will the ZS3 be passable at least?

This camera (ZS1/ZS3) basically replaced the TZ5...

Here is a link to some concert shots I took with the TZ5 in low light.....

http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=130649.0

Thanks for the pics link. Those helped a lot. Though I'm sure the LX3 and S90 would do better with the larger sensor and lower fstop, these look good enough to sell me when considering the ovreall versatility of the extended zoom range and ability to shoot video.

[fguidry]

You might consider the Sanyo Xacti HD2000, it shoots mediocre stills but excels in low light (for its price). The wide angle lens and the superzoom of the ZS3 make it a mighty fun camera, though.

Fran

[batchain]

Well, I ended up getting the ZS3. And though it is at the limits for club pictures, the video and audio qualities are quite surprising in this price range. These were shot at a very dimly lit stage.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3T7kqFoPOgI

[prof_peabody]

I own a ZS3 and have used the canon equivalent a few times (S90 -my friend owns it).  I find the Canon does much better in low light (concert shots).

I bought my ZS3 for tourist shots in countries where walking around with an SLR will get you thrown in jail.  I don't find the 12X zoom is useful for concerts unless someone is well lit by a spotlight.

The Joe Bonomassa pics show the shortcomings of the ZS3 in low light situations.  The pics are very blurry (not sharp) and there are focus issues.

[rastasean]

I own a ZS3 and have used the canon equivalent a few times (S90 -my friend owns it).  I find the Canon does much better in low light (concert shots).

I bought my ZS3 for tourist shots in countries where walking around with an SLR will get you thrown in jail.  I don't find the 12X zoom is useful for concerts unless someone is well lit by a spotlight.

The Joe Bonomassa pics show the shortcomings of the ZS3 in low light situations.  The pics are very blurry (not sharp) and there are focus issues.

Well the obviously the s90 is your camera. feel free to sell the zs3 since it is inferior to you.

You're also comparing a camera that is at least $120 more than the zs3 with completely different specs.

s90 specs

zs3 specs

[prof_peabody]

Sorry - I meant the Canon SX200.  Canon's competitor to the ZS3.

I do prefer the Lumix in regular light situations.

[OOK]

zing.......I didn't think the bonomassa pictures were that bad......again for the price of the TZ-5 I thought they were pretty good...again 60 to 80 feet away, shooting a dimly lit stage, from the darkness in the audience, at full zoom,  I thought the camera performed darn good....Yeah it isn't a DSLR.... but for the 230 bucks I paid newegg...I got a bargin....... and it fits nicely in my gear bag.....

[prof_peabody]

There are point and shoots that have faster lenses that are better suited to concert photography.  I'd go with one that has a shorter zoom range and faster glass. 

The original post asked for a good camera to put in the recording bag.

[drewloo]

Sorry - I meant the Canon SX200.  Canon's competitor to the ZS3.

I do prefer the Lumix in regular light situations.

Canon just announced the successor to the sx200-- the sx210 IS.  Full manual controls and a special low-light mode.  Looks promising.
 
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-SX210IS-Stabilized-Black/dp/B0035FZJM6/ref=pe_17070_14256340_as_img_2/

[prof_peabody]

Sorry - I meant the Canon SX200.  Canon's competitor to the ZS3.

I do prefer the Lumix in regular light situations.

Canon just announced the successor to the sx200-- the sx210 IS.  Full manual controls and a special low-light mode.  Looks promising.
 
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-SX210IS-Stabilized-Black/dp/B0035FZJM6/ref=pe_17070_14256340_as_img_2/

Cool - looks like a nice upgrade.  BTW - the SX200IS also has full manual (the zx3 lacks this).