Panasonic Digital Camera Dmc S3 Basic Owners Manual

							P
For USA and Puerto Rico assistance, please call: 1-800-211-PANA(7262) or,
contact us via the web at: http://www.panasonic.com/contactinfo
VQT3E21
M1210KZ0
Basic Owner’s Manual
Digital Camera
Model No.DMC-S3
DMC-S1
Before connecting, operating or adjusting  this product, please read the instructions  completely.
More detailed instructions on the operation of 
this camera are contained in “Owner’s Manual 
for advanced features (PDF format)” in the 
supplied CD-ROM. Install it on your PC to read it. 
						

							2   VQT3E21 (ENG) (ENG) VQT3E21   3
Dear Customer,
Thank you for choosing Panasonic!
You have purchased one of the most sophisticated and reliable products 
on the market today. Used properly, we’re sure it will bring you and your 
family years of enjoyment. Please take the time to fill in the information 
below.
The serial number is on the tag located on the underside of your Camera. 
Be sure to retain this manual as your convenient Camera information 
source. Please note that the actual controls and components, menu 
items, etc. of your Digital Camera may look somewhat different from 
those shown in the illustrations in this Owner’s Manual.
Carefully observe copyright laws.
 • Recording of pre-recorded tapes or discs or other published or 
broadcast material for purposes other than your own private use may 
infringe copyright laws. Even for the purpose of private use, recording 
of certain material may be restricted.
Model No. Serial No. 
A lithium ion battery that is recyclable powers 
the product you have purchased. Please call 
1-800-8-BATTERY for information on how to recycle 
this battery.
Information for Your Safety
THE SOCKET OUTLET SHALL BE INSTALLED NEAR THE 
EQUIPMENT AND SHALL BE EASILY ACCESSIBLE.
FCC Note:This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for 
a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These 
limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful 
interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, 
and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in 
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio 
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will 
not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful 
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by 
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct 
the interference by one or more of the following measures:
 • Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. • Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. • Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which  the receiver is connected.
 • Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
FCC Caution:  To assure continued compliance, follow the attached 
installation instructions and use only shielded interface 
cables with ferrite core when connecting to computer or 
peripheral devices.
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party 
responsible for compliance could void the user’
s authority to operate 
this equipment.
Declaration of ConformityTrade Name: Panasonic
Model No.:  DMC-S3
DMC-S1
Responsible party:
  Panasonic Corporation of 
North America  
One Panasonic Way

, 
Secaucus, NJ 07094
Support Contact:
  

   
Panasonic Consumer 
Electronics Company 
1-800-211-PANA

 (7262)
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC 
Rules. Operation is subject to the following 
two conditions: (1) This device may not cause 
harmful interference, and (2) this device must 
accept any interference received, including 
interference that may cause undesired operation.
DMC-S3
DMC-S1 
						

							2   VQT3E21 (ENG) (ENG) VQT3E21   3
Dear Customer,
Thank you for choosing Panasonic!
You have purchased one of the most sophisticated and reliable products 
on the market today. Used properly, we’re sure it will bring you and your 
family years of enjoyment. Please take the time to fill in the information 
below.
The serial number is on the tag located on the underside of your Camera. 
Be sure to retain this manual as your convenient Camera information 
source. Please note that the actual controls and components, menu 
items, etc. of your Digital Camera may look somewhat different from 
those shown in the illustrations in this Owner’s Manual.
Carefully observe copyright laws.
 • Recording of pre-recorded tapes or discs or other published or 
broadcast material for purposes other than your own private use may 
infringe copyright laws. Even for the purpose of private use, recording 
of certain material may be restricted.
Model No. Serial No. 
A lithium ion battery that is recyclable powers 
the product you have purchased. Please call 
1-800-8-BATTERY for information on how to recycle 
this battery.
Information for Your Safety
THE SOCKET OUTLET SHALL BE INSTALLED NEAR THE 
EQUIPMENT AND SHALL BE EASILY ACCESSIBLE.
FCC Note:This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for 
a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These 
limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful 
interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, 
and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in 
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio 
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will 
not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful 
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by 
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct 
the interference by one or more of the following measures:
 • Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. • Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. • Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which  the receiver is connected.
 • Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
FCC Caution:  To assure continued compliance, follow the attached 
installation instructions and use only shielded interface 
cables with ferrite core when connecting to computer or 
peripheral devices.
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party 
responsible for compliance could void the user’
s authority to operate 
this equipment.
Declaration of ConformityTrade Name: Panasonic
Model No.:  DMC-S3
DMC-S1
Responsible party:
  Panasonic Corporation of 
North America  
One Panasonic Way

, 
Secaucus, NJ 07094
Support Contact:
  

   
Panasonic Consumer 
Electronics Company 
1-800-211-PANA

 (7262)
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC 
Rules. Operation is subject to the following 
two conditions: (1) This device may not cause 
harmful interference, and (2) this device must 
accept any interference received, including 
interference that may cause undesired operation.
DMC-S3
DMC-S1 
						

							4   VQT3E21 (ENG) (ENG) VQT3E21   5
WarningRisk of fire, explosion and burns. Do not disassemble, heat above 60 °C 
(140 °F) or incinerate.
 ■About the battery charger
CAUTION!
DO NOT INSTALL OR PLACE THIS UNIT IN A BOOKCASE, BUILT-
IN CABINET OR IN ANOTHER CONFINED SPACE. ENSURE THE 
UNIT IS WELL VENTILATED. TO PREVENT RISK OF ELECTRIC 
SHOCK OR FIRE HAZARD DUE TO OVERHEATING, ENSURE 
THAT CURTAINS AND ANY OTHER MATERIALS DO NOT 
OBSTRUCT THE VENTILATION VENTS.
Battery charger
This battery charger operates on AC between 110 V and 240 V.
But
 • In the U.S.A. and Canada, the battery charger must be connected to 
a 120 V AC power supply only.
 • When connecting to an AC supply outside of the U.S.A. or Canada, use a plug adaptor to suit the AC outlet configuration.
 ■Cautions for Use • Always use a genuine Panasonic AV cable (DMW -AVC1: optional). • Do not use any other USB connection cables except the supplied one.
Keep the camera as far away as possible from electromagnetic equipment 
(such as microwave ovens, TVs, video games etc.).
 • If you use the camera on top of or near a TV, the pictures and sound on the  camera may be disrupted by electromagnetic wave radiation.
 • Do not use the camera near cell phones because doing so may result in noise adversely affecting the pictures and sound.
 • Recorded data may be damaged, or pictures may be distorted, by strong magnetic fields created by speakers or large motors.
 • Electromagnetic wave radiation generated by microprocessors may adversely affect the camera, disturbing the pictures and sound.
 • If the camera is adversely affected by electromagnetic equipment and stops functioning properly, turn the camera of

f and remove the battery or disconnect 
AC adaptor (DMW-AC5PP; optional). Then reinsert the battery or reconnect AC 
adaptor and turn the camera on.
Do not use the camera near radio transmitters or high-voltage lines.
 • If you record near radio transmitters or high-voltage lines, the recorded pictures  and sound may be adversely affected.
WARNING:TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK OR PRODUCT 
DAMAGE, 
 • DO NOT EXPOSE THIS 

APPARATUS TO RAIN, MOISTURE, 
DRIPPING OR SPLASHING AND THAT NO OBJECTS FILLED 
WITH LIQUIDS, SUCH AS VASES, SHALL BE PLACED ON THE 
APPARATUS. 
 • USE ONLY 

THE RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES.
 • DO NOT REMOVE THE COVER (OR BACK); 

THERE ARE NO 
USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO 
QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
 ■Product identification marking
Product Location
Digital camera Bottom
Battery charger Bottom
 ■About the battery pack
CAUTION
Battery pack (Lithium ion battery pack)
 • Use the specified unit to recharge the battery pack. • Do not use the battery pack with equipment other than the specified unit. • Do not get dirt, sand, liquids, or other foreign matter on the terminals. • Do not touch the plug terminals (+ and −) with metal objects. • Do not disassemble, remodel, heat or throw into fire.If any electrolyte should come into contact with your hands or clothes, 
wash it off thoroughly with water.
If any electrolyte should come into contact with your eyes, never rub 
the eyes. Rinse eyes thoroughly with water, and then consult a doctor.
CAUTION
Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only 
with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer . 
Dispose of used batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
 • Do not heat or expose to flame. • Do not leave the battery(ies) in an automobile exposed to direct  sunlight for a long period of time with doors and windows closed. 
						

							4   VQT3E21 (ENG) (ENG) VQT3E21   5
WarningRisk of fire, explosion and burns. Do not disassemble, heat above 60 °C 
(140 °F) or incinerate.
 ■About the battery charger
CAUTION!
DO NOT INSTALL OR PLACE THIS UNIT IN A BOOKCASE, BUILT-
IN CABINET OR IN ANOTHER CONFINED SPACE. ENSURE THE 
UNIT IS WELL VENTILATED. TO PREVENT RISK OF ELECTRIC 
SHOCK OR FIRE HAZARD DUE TO OVERHEATING, ENSURE 
THAT CURTAINS AND ANY OTHER MATERIALS DO NOT 
OBSTRUCT THE VENTILATION VENTS.
Battery charger
This battery charger operates on AC between 110 V and 240 V.
But
 • In the U.S.A. and Canada, the battery charger must be connected to 
a 120 V AC power supply only.
 • When connecting to an AC supply outside of the U.S.A. or Canada, use a plug adaptor to suit the AC outlet configuration.
 ■Cautions for Use • Always use a genuine Panasonic AV cable (DMW -AVC1: optional). • Do not use any other USB connection cables except the supplied one.
Keep the camera as far away as possible from electromagnetic equipment 
(such as microwave ovens, TVs, video games etc.).
 • If you use the camera on top of or near a TV, the pictures and sound on the  camera may be disrupted by electromagnetic wave radiation.
 • Do not use the camera near cell phones because doing so may result in noise adversely affecting the pictures and sound.
 • Recorded data may be damaged, or pictures may be distorted, by strong magnetic fields created by speakers or large motors.
 • Electromagnetic wave radiation generated by microprocessors may adversely affect the camera, disturbing the pictures and sound.
 • If the camera is adversely affected by electromagnetic equipment and stops functioning properly, turn the camera of

f and remove the battery or disconnect 
AC adaptor (DMW-AC5PP; optional). Then reinsert the battery or reconnect AC 
adaptor and turn the camera on.
Do not use the camera near radio transmitters or high-voltage lines.
 • If you record near radio transmitters or high-voltage lines, the recorded pictures  and sound may be adversely affected.
WARNING:TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK OR PRODUCT 
DAMAGE, 
 • DO NOT EXPOSE THIS 

APPARATUS TO RAIN, MOISTURE, 
DRIPPING OR SPLASHING AND THAT NO OBJECTS FILLED 
WITH LIQUIDS, SUCH AS VASES, SHALL BE PLACED ON THE 
APPARATUS. 
 • USE ONLY 

THE RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES.
 • DO NOT REMOVE THE COVER (OR BACK); 

THERE ARE NO 
USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO 
QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
 ■Product identification marking
Product Location
Digital camera Bottom
Battery charger Bottom
 ■About the battery pack
CAUTION
Battery pack (Lithium ion battery pack)
 • Use the specified unit to recharge the battery pack. • Do not use the battery pack with equipment other than the specified unit. • Do not get dirt, sand, liquids, or other foreign matter on the terminals. • Do not touch the plug terminals (+ and −) with metal objects. • Do not disassemble, remodel, heat or throw into fire.If any electrolyte should come into contact with your hands or clothes, 
wash it off thoroughly with water.
If any electrolyte should come into contact with your eyes, never rub 
the eyes. Rinse eyes thoroughly with water, and then consult a doctor.
CAUTION
Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only 
with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer . 
Dispose of used batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
 • Do not heat or expose to flame. • Do not leave the battery(ies) in an automobile exposed to direct  sunlight for a long period of time with doors and windows closed. 
						

							6   VQT3E21 (ENG) (ENG) VQT3E21   7
ContentsStandard accessories
Check that all the accessories are supplied before using the camera. Part 
numbers are as of January 2011.
Battery pack*
NCA-YN101G
 • Charge the battery  before use.
Battery pack is indicated as 
battery pack or battery in the 
text.
Battery charger
DE-A91B
Battery charger is indicated as 
battery charger or charger in 
the text.
Hand strap
VFC4297
USB connection 
cable
K1HY08YY0017
CD-ROM
VFF0736
 • Software:Use it to install 
the software on 
your PC.
 • Owner’s Manual
Before use
Before use
Standard accessories ................7
Names of parts............................8
Cursor button ...................................9
Preparations
Charging the battery ................10
Inserting and removing the card 
(optional)/the battery
 ................12Picture save destination  
(cards and built-in memory) ...........13
Setting the clock .......................14
Setting the menu
 ......................15
Basics
Selecting the  
Recording Mode
 .......................16
Taking pictures with automatic 
settings  
[Intelligent Auto] Mode
 .............17
Taking motion pictures  
[Motion Picture] Mode
 ..............19
Viewing your pictures  
[Normal Play]
 ............................20
Deleting pictures
 ......................20
Others
Reading the Owner’s Manual 
(PDF format)
 ..............................21
Specifications
 ...........................23
Optional accessories
 ...............27
Digital Camera Accessory  
Order Form
 ................................28
Limited Warranty (ONLY

 FOR 
U.S.A. AND PUERTO RICO)
 .....29
Information for Your Safety
 .......2
* 
 When purchasing a spare battery, please purchase an optional battery 
(DMW-BCK7PP).
 • Memory cards and AV cable are optional. 

You can record or play back 
pictures on the built-in memory when you are not using a card.
 • If any accessories are lost, customers should contact Panasonic’s parts  department at 1 800 833-9626 for further information about obtaining 
replacement parts.
 • Please dispose of all packaging appropriately. • Keep small parts in a safe place out of the reach of children.   
						

							6   VQT3E21 (ENG) (ENG) VQT3E21   7
ContentsStandard accessories
Check that all the accessories are supplied before using the camera. Part 
numbers are as of January 2011.
Battery pack*
NCA-YN101G
 • Charge the battery  before use.
Battery pack is indicated as 
battery pack or battery in the 
text.
Battery charger
DE-A91B
Battery charger is indicated as 
battery charger or charger in 
the text.
Hand strap
VFC4297
USB connection 
cable
K1HY08YY0017
CD-ROM
VFF0736
 • Software:Use it to install 
the software on 
your PC.
 • Owner’s Manual
Before use
Before use
Standard accessories ................7
Names of parts............................8
Cursor button ...................................9
Preparations
Charging the battery ................10
Inserting and removing the card 
(optional)/the battery
 ................12Picture save destination  
(cards and built-in memory) ...........13
Setting the clock .......................14
Setting the menu
 ......................15
Basics
Selecting the  
Recording Mode
 .......................16
Taking pictures with automatic 
settings  
[Intelligent Auto] Mode
 .............17
Taking motion pictures  
[Motion Picture] Mode
 ..............19
Viewing your pictures  
[Normal Play]
 ............................20
Deleting pictures
 ......................20
Others
Reading the Owner’s Manual 
(PDF format)
 ..............................21
Specifications
 ...........................23
Optional accessories
 ...............27
Digital Camera Accessory  
Order Form
 ................................28
Limited Warranty (ONLY

 FOR 
U.S.A. AND PUERTO RICO)
 .....29
Information for Your Safety
 .......2
* 
 When purchasing a spare battery, please purchase an optional battery 
(DMW-BCK7PP).
 • Memory cards and AV cable are optional. 

You can record or play back 
pictures on the built-in memory when you are not using a card.
 • If any accessories are lost, customers should contact Panasonic’s parts  department at 1 800 833-9626 for further information about obtaining 
replacement parts.
 • Please dispose of all packaging appropriately. • Keep small parts in a safe place out of the reach of children.   
						

							8   VQT3E21 (ENG) (ENG) VQT3E21   9
Names of parts
Cursor button
[MENU/SET]
(menu display/set) 
Left cursor button (◄)
 • Self-timer
Down cursor button (▼)
 • Changing information  display Up cursor button (▲)
 • Exposure 
Compensation 
Right cursor button (►)
 • Flash 
 ●In this manual, the button that is used is shaded or indicated 
by▲▼◄►.
 ●Always use a genuine Panasonic AC adaptor (DMW-AC5PP: optional). ●When using an AC adaptor, ensure that the Panasonic DC coupler 
(DMW-DCC10; optional) and AC adaptor (DMW-AC5PP; optional) are 
used.
 ●If the power supply is cut off due to a power cut or the AC adaptor being 
disconnected, the motion picture being recorded using the AC adaptor 
will not be recorded.
 ●Some tripods or unipods, and some methods of holding the camera 
may block the speaker, making it difficult to hear the beep, etc.
The illustrations and screens in this manual may differ from the actual 
product. This manual uses the screens from DMC-S3 as examples in its 
explanations.
Tripod receptacle
 • Ensure that the tripod is  stable. Card/Battery door DC coupler cover
Shutter button
Power button
Flash
Lens barrel
Lens
Microphone
LCD monitor
[MODE] button
Cursor button
Playback button
[
 / ] (Delete/Return) button Zoom button
Self-timer indicator/  
AF Assist Lamp Speaker
[AV OUT/DIGITAL] socket
Hand strap eyelet
We recommend 
using the supplied 
hand strap to avoid 
dropping the camera.
Terminal cover 
						

							8   VQT3E21 (ENG) (ENG) VQT3E21   9
Names of parts
Cursor button
[MENU/SET]
(menu display/set) 
Left cursor button (◄)
 • Self-timer
Down cursor button (▼)
 • Changing information  display Up cursor button (▲)
 • Exposure 
Compensation 
Right cursor button (►)
 • Flash 
 ●In this manual, the button that is used is shaded or indicated 
by▲▼◄►.
 ●Always use a genuine Panasonic AC adaptor (DMW-AC5PP: optional). ●When using an AC adaptor, ensure that the Panasonic DC coupler 
(DMW-DCC10; optional) and AC adaptor (DMW-AC5PP; optional) are 
used.
 ●If the power supply is cut off due to a power cut or the AC adaptor being 
disconnected, the motion picture being recorded using the AC adaptor 
will not be recorded.
 ●Some tripods or unipods, and some methods of holding the camera 
may block the speaker, making it difficult to hear the beep, etc.
The illustrations and screens in this manual may differ from the actual 
product. This manual uses the screens from DMC-S3 as examples in its 
explanations.
Tripod receptacle
 • Ensure that the tripod is  stable. Card/Battery door DC coupler cover
Shutter button
Power button
Flash
Lens barrel
Lens
Microphone
LCD monitor
[MODE] button
Cursor button
Playback button
[
 / ] (Delete/Return) button Zoom button
Self-timer indicator/  
AF Assist Lamp Speaker
[AV OUT/DIGITAL] socket
Hand strap eyelet
We recommend 
using the supplied 
hand strap to avoid 
dropping the camera.
Terminal cover 
						

							10   VQT3E21 (ENG) (ENG) VQT3E21   11
Charging the battery
 ■About batteries that you can use with this unit
The batteries that can be used with this unit are NCA-YN101G 
(supplied) and DMW-BCK7PP (optional).
It has been found that counterfeit battery packs which look very 
similar to the genuine products are made available to purchase 
in some markets. Some of these battery packs are not adequately 
protected with internal protection to meet the requirements of 
appropriate safety standards. There is a possibility that these 
battery packs may lead to fire or explosion. Please be advised 
that we are not liable for any accident or failure occurring as a 
result of use of a counterfeit battery pack. To ensure that safe 
products are used we recommend that a genuine Panasonic 
battery pack is used.
 •Use the dedicated charger and battery. •The battery is not charged when the camera is shipped. Charge 
the battery and set the clock before use.
 •Charge the battery with the charger indoors (10 °C to 30 °C)  
(50 °F to 86 °F).
Connect the charger to the electrical outlet
Charging light ([CHARGE])
On:      Charging in progress 
(approx. 115 min. if fully depleted) *1 
*1   Charge time is approx. 120 min. 
for DMW-BCK7PP (optional)
Off:  Charging complete
Detach the battery after charging is completed
Insert the battery terminals and attach 
the battery to the charger
Ensure [LUMIX] faces outwards.
 ■Recording capacity guidelines (pictures/recording time)
Supplied battery DMW-BCK7PP (optional)
Capacity 660 mAh 680 mAh
Number of recordable picturesApprox. 250*2/240*3 pictures Approx. 255*2/245*3 pictures
Recording time
Approx. 125*2/120*3 min. Approx. 127*2/122*3 min.
Playback time Approx. 200 min. Approx. 205 min.
*2 DMC-S3                *3 DMC-S1
Recording conditions by CIPA standard • CIPA is an abbreviation of [Camera & Imaging Products 
Association].
 • [Normal Picture] Mode •Temperature: 23 °C (73.4 °F)/Humidity: 50 %RH when LCD monitor is on. • Using a Panasonic SD Memory Card (32 MB). • Using the supplied battery. • Starting recording 30 seconds after the camera is turned on. (When the Optical Image Stabilizer function is set to [ON].)
 •Recording once every 30 seconds with full flash every second recording. •Perform a zoom operation every recording (W end → T end, or T end → W end) • Turning the camera off every 10 recordings and leaving it until the temperature of the battery decreases.
The number of recordable pictures or available operating time may vary according 
to surrounding environment and usage conditions. Figures may be reduced if 
flash, zoom, or other functions are used frequently, or in colder climates.
Preparations