Discover the Features and Advantages of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3 Camera

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3 is a digital camera that combines high-quality performance with a range of advanced features at an affordable price. From its compact size and lightweight design to its stunning image quality and user-friendly interface, the DMC-S3 is an excellent option for anyone looking to capture special moments with ease. In this blog, we'll take a closer look at some of the top features of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3 and explore how it ranks amongst other popular cameras in its class.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3 article cover photo

Key Features

Jan 05 2011

Announced

14 megapixels

Resolution

BrandPanasonic
Sensor Type1/2.3-inch
SensorCCD
Weight117g
MSRP$129USD

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Overview of the Lumix DMC-S3

In the world of digital cameras, there are countless options to choose from, each with their own unique set of features and capabilities. Finding the right camera for your needs can be challenging, but one option that's worth considering is the Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3. This sleek and compact camera boasts a range of features designed to make capturing high-quality photos and videos a breeze. But what exactly are those features, and how do they stack up against other cameras in the market? In this blog, we'll delve deeper into the world of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3, examining its key specifications, advantages, and benefits, while highlighting the keywords that make this camera stand out in a crowded field. So, let's get started and discover everything you need to know about the Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3 camera.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3 Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3 camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

Affordable price
Easy to use
Compact size
14.1 megapixel resolution
Image stabilization
4x optical zoom
Face detection technology
Good battery life
HD video recording

Cons

Limited manual control
No viewfinder
No touchscreen
Limited ISO range
Slow autofocus
Average image quality in low light
No Wi-Fi connectivity
No GPS functionality
Limited color depth

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3

Weather sealed
Dimensions99 x 59 x 21mm
Weight117g
Thickness21mm
Weight
Min
Avg
This
Max
Thickness
Min
Avg
This
Max

Weather Sealing

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3 is not sealed against water and dust, so it's important to be careful when using it in such conditions. If you often shoot in environments with water or dust, it's recommended to check out another camera with weather sealing.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderNone
Screen TypeFixed Type
Screen Resolution230k dots
Body typeCompact

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a fixed type 2.70" screen, with a display resolution of 230k dots. This makes the Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3 not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. Unfortunately, the camera does not have a touch screen, which may make it less user-friendly.

Viewfinder

Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3 does not include a viewfinder. The lack of a viewfinder on the Lumix DMC-S3 camera may make it less suitable for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3 has a 14MP sized CCD sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 14 pixels. Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3 has a native ISO range of 100 - 6400 which can be boosted to null - null.

Key Features

Jan 05 2011

Announced

100 - 6400

ISO Range

Sensor1/2.3-inch
Extended ISOnull - null
Max resolution4320 x 3240 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

not tested

Color Depth

not tested

Dynamic Range

not tested

Low Light ISO

not tested

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3 camera has excellent color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also excellent, allowing it to retain high amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is excellent, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the Lumix DMC-S3 is excellent

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

1x

Full frame equivalent

24mm

This camera: 1/2.3-inch

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageSD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal
Battery Life250 shots
Battery Model
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3 supports SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.

Battery

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3 uses the undefined model of battery pack. This is rated for 250 shots shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3 has built in flash which is great for event photography and in low light situations. However it lacks an external flash shoe, which limits you to using the built-in flash.

Shutter

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3 boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/1600s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3 includes contrast detection autofocus (AF), with 11 number of focus points.

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

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FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3?

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3 features a CCD sensor

Is the Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3 weather sealed?

No the Lumix DMC-S3 does not have weather sealing.

When was the Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3 announced?

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3 was announced on Jan 05 2011

Does the Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3 have in-body image stabilization?

Yes the Lumix DMC-S3 does have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

What is the ISO range of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3?

The Lumix DMC-S3 has a native ISO range of 100-6400, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 article cover photo

Capture Picture-Perfect Moments with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 Camera

In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 camera, a popular choice among photography enthusiasts. We'll explore its features, image quality, and user-friendliness, and help you decide if it's the right camera for you. Keywords: Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, camera, photography, features, image quality, user-friendliness