It sounds like you have not been utilizing the manual controls on the Z3.
A digital camera in "Auto" mode will not function properly when faced with low light photography.
When available lighting is insufficient, you have to create ways to let the camera utilize the light that is available.
This is done by:
Slowing down the shutter speed.
Adjusting the aperture to let in more light.
Adjusting the ISO setting to a higher number.
..(The Z3 has ISO settings of 50, 100, 200, 400)
Lets say you are going to photograph an event in low light and cannot use flash. Or you are too far away from the event for the flash to be effective (over 20 feet).
1. Set the flash to OFF.
...(This is necessary to prevent the camera from adjusting for flash)
2. Set the ISO to 200
3. Set the camera to "Aperture Priority"
4. Set the aperture to f2.8
....I believe, at that point the camera will show on the LCD screen what shutter speed it has selected.
....If the shutter speed is above 1/60th of a second, you can hand hold the camera.
....If the shutter speed is below 1/60th of a second, you should put the camera on a tripod.
Here is a link that explains the association between shutter speed - aperture setting - ISO setting
http://www.pbase.com/otfchallenge/the_basics
...
..
.
I bought my z3 in Oct. & haven't been totally happy with it. Low light situations seems real bad (with & without flash) & other pics range from ok - really good. (this coming from an amateur). From what I've been reading, sounds like the fz5 might be better. This is for family outings, soccer games (indoor & out) & club/concerts shots would be great, but not feasible with my z3. Plus, my z3 totally freezes up sometimes (I do have the updated firmware). Should I try to return the z3?

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