Problems with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 digital camera

[shugenjutsu]

Definitely truthfully, these two great problems happened on mine DMC-FT1 several times.

[stevesg92]

can you tell me how to increase the shutter speed so that in very low light the picture doesn't come out all blurry? thanks!

[395Biker]

The "problem" you mention about the mode dial is not a problem ... it is purposeful feature designed to tell the user that they've got the mode dial in an intermediate position. The other issue with the zoom lever ... no argument there.

[littleslean]

For those finding this video now, current lumix camera's have both these issues corrected although zoom and dials still look identical to this model. I have the ZS7 that's already aged a little bit and don't have these problems.

[onlywhenpissed]

Smear motor oil all over the camera, this lubricates.

[XipeAyotl]

I have the same troubles with my camera on de zoom

[BOXTER1986]

does anybody know how to display the date on pictures&

[wolf182000]

Mr. wwwgeekdotcom can you tell me exactly how to upload a video i am having troubles with mine. By the way I got mine at BESTBUY for $140 :)

[cipcitoni]

hi there! i believe that your camera has a low charged battery that could interfere with the performance.that said my DMC-ZS3 zoom does not close and when battery low the image gets fuzzy.yes, the mode gets turned off easily while in my pocket.

[tourwerks]

I've bought this same camera twice now because I use it so much that I wore my first one out. BUT!!! Geekdotcom IS CORRECT!! The Mode Dial is a HUGE problem and it happened constantly on both of my cameras! I can't tell you how many times it stopped me from taking a one of a kind photo because I accidentally moved the dial when shooting. When other people use my camera to take a pic of me and friends, it almost always is something that hinders them! We're not haters, just telling facts!

[LorenzAngelo28]

im thinking about buying a camera, which one is better, the zs3 or the zr3? whats the main difference between the two? which one would be better for making youtube videos?

[vsop333]

Oh yeah, one other issue, the battery door, "you move it with a little bit of force, a millimeter" and it opens! Wow. Yeah so it's a bit of a problem......

[vsop333]

This is actually a phenomenal camera. The lever acts like it's "gummed up" like someone with something sticky on their fingers touched it and the owner didn't even know it happened. I can't advise you as to what to do but if-it-was-mine I'd hold it upside down and spray it lightly with a good electronic cleaning spray from a computer tech supply. A product like that might be all that RadioShack is good for anymore.

[JonnyHoldstock]

People really don't like to see bad comments made about their beloved $400 cameras...

[kernow62]

My mode dial is nice and tight and really clicks into place. I also have no problem with the zoom lever, although I had a Lumix LX1 that did have the problem. It took about 10 seconds to fix. Simply squeeze the camera between the on/off switch and the zoom lever, the top plate will move slightly and the zoom lever should now spring back normally. The spring isn't strong and any friction will cause it to stick, this slight friction between the lever and top plate is the cause.

[fmccaughan]

@kernow62 - awesome! I can't believe you worked this out. I have the lever problem on my ZS5. Applying the pressure works as a temporary fix for me - in a few minutes the lever is stiff again, but at least I know what causes the problem. Thanks.

[CA5CADA]

The problem im having is recording in AVCD i have a red version of this camera and I find it awesome...but I cannot get my AVCD files from the camera to my PC cos my PC is not NTSC...wtf is with that? Any solutions or any help would be appreciated :)

[vsop333]

@CA5CADA Google AVCHD converter. You just convert the files to .avi or .mov or whatever you like. Don't pay for a program that does it, there is "freeware" that does it.

[kpoptripodz]

does the zr3 or the zr1 have the same problem as this one with the zoom being stuck or the dial being to easily spun?

[Daviyan1]

this guys doesnt know hwat he is talking about this camera is really good!!!

maybe his shit was bad luck!

[samec666]

the dial doesnt do that on mine , maybe your is a return that has been rebuilt badly

[CarlyUTube]

What is relatively new ? Is the warranty any good?

[wwwgeekdotcom]

@CarlyUTube This camera has been out for a while (the videos is a year old). Check out the ZR3 or ZS7.

[davidm1952]

Loose Mode Dial Problem: I can tell you one other serious flaw with the mode dial without having touched this camera cuz my old Canon S410 had the same problem.

And, that is when you slidddddeeeee the camera back into the protective carrying case it will often move the mode dial to some random position. With my old Canon that was usually the video mode. So, I'd end up taking a picture that was a 5 sec video clip which looked stupid.

[Dilyaev]

It's not really a problem...

[NoDefInc1124]

why is that when I record under the motion jpeg mode I'm only allowed to shoot 10 minutes with a 8gb sd card? I can shoot a lilttle over an hour with the avchd lite mode, but my pc doesn't read it...is there a program for this? thanks

[NoDefInc1124]

why is that when I record under the motion jpeg mode I'm only allowed to shoot 10 minutes with a 8gb sd card? I can shoot a lilttle over an hour with the avchd lite mode, but my pc doesn't read it...is there a program for this? thanks

[MyAiW]

Thank you for the advice.

[junkreactor]

i had the exact same issue with my ixus 700 and i manage to fix it easily.still i had to reach the inside of the zoom button and put a little flexible piece of metal back in its place .

[Eyun]

this GEEK never heard of defective items

[revokedknowledge]

Does the video save as mp4? I'm on a Mac and use iMovie.

Thank you :)

[imatthee]

I have this exact model which is brand new without these problems. Maybe you were just unlucky but I love this camera and so do my friends with their bulky and expensive SLR camera.

[KRAFTWERK2K6]

Actually panasonic is known for their amazingly good technicial support. You can send it back to them, they will fix the parts which are broken and you will get it back pretty fast.

Compared with other cheap digi-cams the panasonic stuff CAN be repaired.

[ClipClicks]

terrible video.

[MonashDoan]

I've one - I dont' have that problem.

Lucky me.... I am very happy with it ;-)

One of the best camera for me so far !!!

[hprechtb]

The main problem I did have, is with the LCD Screen. It Broke all of a sudden. Repair did cost me U$ 200.

[hillsher]

I have the TZ65 which is basically the same body and lens with a slightly different sensor and no HD video.

On my camera - which looks identical to this, the mode dial has sold click stops. Yes it does rotate through 360 degrees, but it has never moved by accident. The click stops hold it in place.

Also on my version, the zoom lever works smoothly and doesn't stick at all.

Conclusion - the complaint is valid, but the camera should be returned to be replaced by one which works properly.

[nolalou2]

Not sure when this sold for as much as $400, but I just picked one up from Amazon for $236 ! So far I have neither problem, and to be honest, the mode dial issue doesn't seem like a problem , just something to get used to. (I've had 3 other digital cameras with 'dead space' on the mode dial.. you just have to be sure it's in the right position first.. duh !

[pauloz386]

236.00 does that include delivery? I paid a little more but in expensive australia. Your currency is about 1.11386 AUD I paid $300.

[pradeepanisonline]

@nolalou2 : thx for your comment.. how long did it take for Amazon to ship & reach you.

[Mark1Mach2]

@nolalou2 Amazon currently lists ZS3 at $335. How and when did you get such a sweet deal?

amazon../Panasonic-DMC-ZS3-Dig­ital-Stabilized-Black/dp/B001Q­FZMCO

[paramonsterfreak]

man it's defective I swear to God.

[1fishy]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I'll watch for it with mine.

[MrShtirlitz]

Was is that hard to realize that you got a defective camera? Use the warranty before it runs out, instead of spreading FUD on youtube.

[rvnsls]

@MrShtirlitz Exactly!

[rsomyj]

hi everyone,, i have the same camera and i dont have any of these problems, its all good even the best camera ever,, and its way better than the Cannon powershot sx200.

massage for the subscriber, please delete this video becouse it may misslead someone, i am sure that you got a faulty camera so contact your seller,, thanks

[tubezzztube]

@rsomyj I agree. I've had the same camera for about 3 yrs now and I haven't experienced either of these problems + I use it a fair amount, indoors and outdoors and in some fairly extreme conditions.

[MOFUZION]

My zs3 works fine,yours must be defected.you should return it for a new one,also you should change the title of this youtube video

[IAmMeelis]

You have failed zoom button, go and ask from seller, can u change you camera or let em fix it.. i bought same camera, the dial error has been on few times, but now i knew how to not got that error. I don'd have any issues whit zoom button, its quiet and moves well, i think, theres something wrong whit that one.

[traviskrinkle]

I bought one of these cameras recently. It has neither of these problems. The problem with the dial is mentioned in many reviews. They have obviously sorted out. I'd say the problem with the zoom was a one off. A brilliant camera

[vanityvideo]

may i ask where you bought it from?

[thedahmerkid]

I didn't have either of these problems. Good demo of your bad camera, I'd be exchanging it in a hurry!

[pwrlifter69]

yah i think you should title the video problems with YOUR dmc zs3. people watch this video to see good or bad reviews and clearly your camera is a bad camera because mine is excellent and dont have either of those problems as well i got mine for 240 from amazon too. not being ignorant but like i said people look for reviews to help them. and this video makes people not like the camera in general for these problems when there not on everyones camera just yours. sorry bro

[wwwgeekdotcom]

It's a good camera, but mine had problems as the video shows. The dial issue does affect every one.

[DSPeti]

I have the same camera from panasonic, but the TZ7, the zoom controller works, and the photo modus choiser its normal. you dont need to turn more than you need, this is normal :-)

[dol007]

Just got this camera from amazon for about $240. Didn't have these 2 problems. Pana must have fixed them already. It's a fantastic camera. I got the blue.

[treasurehuntdave]

I had the same problem with mine and I was able to take it apart and fix it! I made the spring stronger and "painted" the moving parts with silicon grease. If you would like detailed instructions let me know.

[wideeyevideo]

I also have one (US version) and don't have any of the issues the reviewer mentioned, and I have had many cameras for over 40 years. For what it is this camera is incredible.

[brentfoto]

You did not have the camera set squarely on a shooting mode-here it was MS1, but not on it... perhaps the zoom might have cooperated?

[GerardFreeman]

I paid 266 for mine! and I get it today from Amazon! yesssss! also they fixed the dial so it wont move the easy. I give this camera 5 stars easy!!!

[rubiksfan2000]

im just saying... who gives a fuck if it get stuck zooming, when you zoom you dont push the zoom and quickly take ur finger away, u keep it on it and put it back, not really a problem

[jonathho]

It seems Panny has fixed the early problems. I recently purchased ZS3 and the detents on the mode dial are as I would expect and not easy to accidentally change (not loose as earlier models were reported to be) and the zoom control has worked exactly as it should. I am longtime DSLR user and wanted pocket camera that does it all and very happy w/ ZS3 quality, zoom, video. If Canon S90 is upgraded to incl HD video then I will upgrade but til then this is a great DSLR pocket companion.

[macsushi]

I have the european model TZ7 pal Version

I don't have problems with mine, Zoom controler works and don't struck as yours and dial is no that sensitive on mine.

maybe that's a problem on NTSC's versions (ZS3)

(sorry for my bad english)

[PaperOrPlastic702]

Please Please tell me what type of camera you used for this video Please thank you so much

[wwwgeekdotcom]

samsung H100

[harrihealey02]

That seems to be like a problem, but, it's panasonics new way of zooming in/out with out having to hold back the zooming as of the early TZ5 had a little button to zoom in with out holding it all the way. I think... :D

[epirotis]

Good job. It's appreciated. The locking zoom may be an isolated issue - but as someone else mentioned, warranties should cover such things. The select dial issue is a design flaw - no doubt about it. They should have created a harder click for select.

[Repro]

LOL. Take your camera back. You got a bad one. It happens.

[p0p1p2p3p4]

Probably broken cam, lol.

Mine does not do that zoom-bad thing.

And dial is not so sweet to move in mine.

Contact seller or so and tell him your problem.

Have luck.

[Yoonjin90]

I hope this kid knows that theres something called defected cameras and that warranties exist for when such things are to occur.

[matthewzamora]

I own the same camera since October 2009, and have not seen a problem with either issue. P.S AVCHD Lite requires Nero 9, or even 7 or 8 (using ISO 2.5 compatibility), or the included ARCSoft crapware for encoding the Hi Def codec. On the camera you can switch to Motion JPEG mode, aka Quicktime format.

[horseeagledog]

the no-hard-stop on the dial is just stupid!

[ygmfmh]

you should NOT be doing any kind of reviews.....

[TubbyWilliams]

Buds your zoom thing is broken.. mine doesnt stick and the dial is absolutely fine.... your camera is kind of broken

[man1234567893232]

you know, that zoom rocker stickyness is PRObably just a default in your specific camera, 1. Because mine doesn't do that and 2. because its a very simple thing that could be fixed so they probably just did one little thing wrong. And anyways, just put a drop of oil or lubricant on it and it would be fine.

[thanatosanima]

Your camera is broken. mine doesnt get stuck

[jcprodigy]

ordered this camera today, can't wait to get my hands on it. I'll bet a tiny little drop of oil under the zoom knob would fix the sticking,

[AdobeFSRlover]

I drop of oil will defo fix that, i have just bought this on monday from the internet, cant wait to get it .. it looks soo awesome i bought it because my Lumix TZ3 Broke...Lens sounds like a motorbike and dusnt zoom anymore and fails to start lol

[TubbyWilliams]

it doesnt stick

[Timothy17Fan]

I own this camera also, but do not have the problem with the sticking zoom, and my selector wheel takes effort to turn. Maybe they fixed it on the newer production, or I just got lucky. But if I had that zoom sticking problem, that would be unacceptable. I've read about others with the mode selection wheel being loose, but never heard of anyone mention that zoom sticking before.

[Yoonjin90]

what model do u have?

ZS3 or the tz7

[02paintball01]

can you tell me how to extract the video from the camera i tried evrery thing ??

[buskonig]

in your sd or sdhc card, the avchd videos are in the folder > private > avchd > bdmv > stream. The .mov videos are the "PANA" folder. You can copy an paste the videos on your desktop

[02paintball01]

okk thx but it cant be played with any programs??

[buskonig]

the .mov movies with quicktime player, the avchd (.mts) with VLC media player. You can also convert the avchd to .avi. .mkv .mp4 etc with Handbrake software (free and very simple) and play them on windows media player (.mkv or .avi) or quicktime (mp4)

[02paintball01]

ya i know but the quality is not that good after the convertion?? i there somthing a should do?? or a certain programe i should run it with??

[MattAndi]

How big of a problem is the loose mode dial in "actual practise?"

[wwwgeekdotcom]

Well, it's pretty annoying, and it caused me to miss a few shots, but it's probably not enough reason to not buy this cameras if you like everything else about it.

[MattAndi]

Yeah... I think one would get use to it after a while. Compared to the SX200; no optical zoom whilst video recording or autofocus whilst video recording..

That zoom problem definitely seems like a defect so I can ignore that.

thanks for the video.. I plan to get this by christmas or the ZR1 which is suppose to be just like this but smaller

[tute08]

about the zoom only you have that problem, about the mode dial...mmmmhhh yes, it's a bad thing and i hate that....

i have that camera and it's really really nice.

[JohnLeeMD]

(I don't have the camera but...) I think you got a defective (or maybe used) camera. Both seem like issues that would come from previous usage.

"Deal-breaker" for me, is only the size. While it is small, I want a truly pocketable camera... this would probably fit, but it's not ideal.

And I've seen that Panasonic has a "mini" ZS3 coming out soon... I imagine that in a couple years (when I'm in th market for another, it'll be much more to my liking).

[MattAndi]

link to that new zs3?

[JohnLeeMD]

I think it's the ZR1--smaller, less zoom, etc.