Panasonic’s iA Intelligent Auto Mode
Panasonic’s iA mode was introduced early in 2008. iA stands for “Intelligent Auto” and combines all of Panasonic’s sophisticated exposure and scene analysis features into a very powerful and impressive auto mode. You can point the camera at your subject and more often than not, the correct scene mode will appear in the left-hand corner of the LCD. In the past iA was only available for still image capture. For 2009 Panasonic is making the iA mode available in movie with the two new Lumix hybrid cameras (ZS3 and TS1). I’m a manual photographer at heart and almost always immediately look for the most manual mode a camera has to offer. Because I didn’t have much time with the ZS3 and TS1 I decided to give the Intelligent Auto mode a shot. I turned the mode dial to iA and pretty much left it there. When I did decide I needed more control and switched to Program, I usually found that iA had done a better job. I have to admit, the iA mode made me feel a little inadequate – I’m used to being smarter than the camera. But the reality is, if it can do a better job than an experienced manual shooter like me, it’s going to do a great job for the casual point-and-shoot photographers that will buy most of these cameras. And in those rare situations where you do want or need more control, you can always switch to Program.
AVCHD Lite Video Capture & the Hybrid Camera Concept
Panasonic is putting great emphasis on the hybrid concept with the new Lumix ZS3 and TS1 cameras. These cameras are designed to easily shoot both high-quality and stills and HD (720P) video. To facilitate 
better video capture, both cameras have a new one-touch video recording button and features that were previously only available for still photos can now be used for video, too. The impressive iA Intelligent Auto shooting mode can now be used for videos, color modes can be changed in movie mode, and unlike many other compact cameras – the ZS3 and TS1 allow you to zoom while capturing video (this was possible with the previous Lumix TZ5, too). The Lumix ZS3 and TS1 also support Dolby Digital sound with a wind cut feature to reduce ambient noise. And since Panasonic also makes HD TV sets, there’s thoughtful integration with their Viera HD TVs. The most important element of the hybrid camera is the new AVCHD Lite video format, which Panasonic claims allows for longer HD video recording and better sound. AVCHD Lite is a new format, and a subset of the already established AVCHD format that Panasonic developed in partnership with Sony. It captures 720P high definition movies and offers better sound quality with Dolby AC-3. Better compression allows up twice the recording time with better video quality and longer battery life.
next page – 2009 Panasonic Lumix Digital Camera Conclusion >>
What I want to know is, where are the pictures of the half-naked men? Hmm?
Having used the TZ4 and TZ5, I agree that iA mode is pretty darn impressive. And I’m interested in the TS1 — it would be great for my summer float trips. But why, I wonder, did they have to go and change the TZ to ZS? TZ sounds better.
I hope Panasonic’s 15,000 layoffs announced today don’t affect its camera lines. Good thing you got that junket in beforehand.
I saw the news about the layoffs. I assume this event was planned before the economy took a big dive. And it was good for me and I hope it was good for them. I found it to be very informative and useful. I definitely got a lot more out of it than I would have a quick booth tour at a tradeshow.
I think I have a picture of some man for you. I will dig it up
Any video samples?
What is your experience in terms of shutter time? I plan to buy underwater housing and use the camera on diving trips, so shutter time can be pretty important. I hear that Canon is very fast, but I haven’t heard anything regarding Panasonic.
Thanks,
Majken-
Do you mean shutter-lag – the delay between the time you press the shutter release and when the picture is actually taken? My experience with Panasonic has been that they’re cameras are excellent with shutter-lag. They may actually have the least. I don’t recall how the ZS3 / TZ7 performed in regards to shutter-lag. But based on experience with other Panasonic Lumix cameras, I think it’s probably pretty good. Although it definitely won’t be as good as a digital SLR.
That is exactly what I meant – thanks
I am looking specifically at the TS1/FT1 and hope that your experience includes that particular camera? Would you say that this camera is as good as other “ordinary, non -waterproof” digital cameras when it comes to taking pictures on dry land? What I mean is, would you say that this is an underwater camera or is it a good digital camera, that just happens to be (more or less) waterproof?
Thanks.
Does anyone know if one is able to adjust the cameras shooting settings in a manual mode?
John-
Neither the Panasonic Lumix ZS3 / TZ7 nor the TS1 have a true manual mode. They both offer exposure composition to adjust image brightness. But that’s the most control you can get. If you want more control take a look at the Pannasonic Lumix LX3. It has full manual exposure controls:
Panasonic Lumix LX3 User Reviews >>
John-
When is the TS1 going to be on store shelves? Do you feel that the TS1 will have better image quality or out perform the new Canon D10?
Photo John-
How does the TS 1 image quality compare to the canon D 10?