Panasonic has introduced the new Lumix DMC-ZS3 a hybrid camera that can record motion pictures. The ZS3 offers all of the features on the TZ range of cameras, including a high-quality Leica DC Vario Elmar 25mm ultra-wide-angle lens with a 12x optical zoom for a 35mm equivalent range of 25-300mm, and AVCHD Lite motion picture recording. An Extra Optical Zoom function extends zoom power to 21.4x (at 3-megapixel resolution).

The 12-megapixel CCD sensor on the ZS3 shoots with up to 10-megapixel resolution because the CCD can reproduce images shot in any of three aspect ratios, 4:3, 3:2 or 16:9.

In addition to motion JPEG images, the ZS3 can record high-definition motion pictures in AVCHD Lite with three levels of motion-image quality: SH (17 MBps), H (13 MBps) and L (9 MBps). The 12x optical zoom is available in movie recording, too.

The ZS3's optical image stabilizer helps prevent hand shake when using the high-powered zoom. Its Venus Engine HD also has been re-engineered to support AVCHD Lite. A 3-inch LCD offers easy playback in Only Still Images, Only Motion Images or Both mode.

The ZS3 will be available in a choice of silver, black or brown this April. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3's suggested retail price is $399.