The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH3 is a slim, pocket-sized point-and-shoot with a 14.1-megapixel CCD sensor, 5x optical zoom, and HD video recording—more than you’d typically expect at this price. Here’s where it holds up and where it doesn’t.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH3 features the following components:
Lens: Leica DC Vario-Summarit, 5x zoom, 28-140mm equivalent. Wide enough for landscapes, with enough reach for portraits and closer shots too.
Image sensor: 14.1-megapixel CCD. Detail and color hold up well for a compact at this level.
Processor: Venus Engine IV, handling noise reduction to keep shots clean.
Display: 2.7-inch LCD, 230,000 dots—bright enough for framing shots and checking your work afterward.
Storage: 70MB built in, which isn’t much on its own. You’ll want an SD, SDHC, or SDXC card for real use.
Battery: Rechargeable lithium-ion, good for roughly 300 shots per charge.
Features
Image resolution: 14.1 megapixels. Plenty for casual shooting.
ISO sensitivity: 80 up through 1600 in steps, plus a High Sensitivity mode reaching ISO 6400—handy for low light without needing the flash.
Shutter speed: 8 seconds on the slow end, 1/1600th on the fast end. Enough range to freeze action or hold a longer exposure when the shot calls for it.
Aperture: The aperture range can be as wide as f/3.1 and close as f/6.5, which is really not considered extremely wide. This is as would be expected in a point-and-shoot camera in this range.
White balance: Auto, daylight, cloudy, shade, halogen, plus a custom setting—covers pretty much any lighting situation you’d run into.
Autofocus: Contrast-detect, which is quick and accurate in good light but slows down once things get dim.
Image stabilization: Optical stabilization helps cut down on shake, so handheld shots come out sharper than they otherwise would.
Let us examine the advantages of a camera.
Since the Lumix DMC-FH3 allows you to check your images right after they are taken, there is no chance of digital tampering by the user. Post-editing options let you alter your shots in the camera itself. This includes retouching your image without any forgery and cropping your image to modify its proportions.
Good pictures: The Lumix produces good pictures-rich in detail and color reproduction.
Overall, the FH3 is a solid pick if you want something compact that still delivers decent results. The 14.1-megapixel sensor, 5x zoom, and HD video are packed into a genuinely small, light body no bulk to speak of. With the simple interface and low price, it works just as well for someone picking up a camera for the first time as it does for someone who’s shot for years.
One disadvantage to consider is that the lack of manual controls may not impress users inclined toward more customized options. Besides, it is constructed of plastic and may lack the shockproofing of other cameras. However, it surely is the kind of camera that should be considered if you are looking for a reliable point-and-shoot for your small pocket, within a limited budget.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH3 14.1 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD (Red): Buy it now
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Tech Reviewer & Product Analyst
Định Bia has spent over 10 years testing consumer electronics with a focus on smart technology. He work as a product advisor at Biareview where he helped customers find the right devices for their needs. He personally tests every product featured on this site using a consistent evaluation framework covering quality, durability, and value. All reviews are based on experience, not influenced by the manufacturer.