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Reviewed by
MatthewLebeau
, Casual
Price Paid
$250.00
at B&H Photo
Summary
I purchased my MZ3 prior to going on vacation last month. It was a pleasure not having to drag around both a camcorder and a still camera. The camera produces a respectable 2.0 mp image (3.2 mp interpolated) and with the many camera settings, I was able to take pictures in most environments. I took pictures in low light and bright sunshine. I tried close-ups, landscapes, and action shots. The pictures all have good color balance and sharp definition. The built-in flash is one of the strongest I've used and its red-eye reducing pre-strobe works great. Other nice features include the auto-timer, picture voice memos, on-camera picture editing, action picture group exposures, and the A/V out cable that allow you show your clips on a TV, or record them directly to a VCR. This is the one of the few digital still cameras on the market that has camcorder-like video qualities. (I can't find much information on the Fuji FinePix M603) Unlike the line of Sony digital cameras that only allow a 30 to 45 second low-res 10fps clip, the MZ3 produces lengthy 30fps video in 320x240 or 640x480 resolutions. The camera has no internal memory but come with a small 16mb CF. This will take an adequate amount of stills but won't hold much video. With a standard 512mb CF, I was able to capture 25+ minutes of low res 30fps video. These converted nicely to VCDs on my home computer. At higher res, the standard CF wasn't fast enough to record beyond 30 to 45 seconds. (I hope to try this again with one of the newer high-speed CFs that SanDisk sells) The MZ comes with a Li-Ion battery and external charger. Battery life is great. I was able to use my camera all day taking stills and videos and still had enough power at night to transfer them to a computer. At $250, the price is unbeatable; but keep this in mind - If your primary interest is digital video, a fast 512mb compact flash goes for about $200. ($400 for 1gb) This brings your total cost to $450 and up. This is now in the price range of most low to mid level digital camcorders. I am very pleased with this camera and highly recommend it for anyone needing to do 2mp stills and videos with a single device.
Strengths
The price.
Very fast processor. Minimum time wait between pictures.
Optical zoom applies to viewfinded - not just lcd screen.
Many automatic and manual camera settings. Includes a full feature 'expert' menu, and an easier abbreviated 'beginner' menu.
Weaknesses
Optical zoom disables in video mode - must set zoom before pressing shutter
Can't charge battery in camera - must remove and use external charger
Standard CF too slow to record hi-res 30fps clips > 30 seconds - must have very fast CF or microdrive
CF flash very difficult to eject. I'm hoping it 'breaks in' as I use it more.
Audio recorded with built-in mic very poor. Wish it had an external mic jack.
Similar Products Used
Assorted Sony cameras.
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