Panasonic's budget stabilised ultracompact of 2006 — 6MP CCD, 35-105mm f/2.8 Leica zoom with Mega OIS
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX3 was a slim point-and-shoot announced in July 2006, positioned as an affordable entry in Panasonic's FX line of stabilised ultracompacts. It sat alongside the higher-resolution FX07 in the range and aimed at buyers who wanted optical image stabilisation at a modest price.
It uses a 6-megapixel 1/2.5-inch CCD behind a Leica DC 3x zoom covering 35-105mm equivalent with a bright f/2.8 maximum aperture at the wide end, stabilised by Panasonic's moving-lens Mega OIS. The 2.5-inch, 207,000-pixel LCD is the only means of framing. A high-sensitivity mode extends ISO to 1600 at reduced resolution, macro focusing reaches 5cm, images record to SD cards and power comes from a proprietary lithium-ion battery.
The FX3 suits collectors of mid-2000s CCD compacts and anyone wanting a simple stabilised pocket camera for daylight snapshots. Operation is almost entirely automatic, and while OIS helps at the long end, the small sensor means noise rises quickly indoors, so it rewards good light.
Check that the proprietary battery still holds charge and that the original or a compatible charger is included, as camera-only listings are common. Inspect the 2.5-inch screen for scratches and bright spots, cycle the zoom for smooth travel, and confirm OIS engages without rattling. SD cards remain easy to source, which keeps these usable today.