TZ1 accessories

[Doug Lerner]

I decided to start a new thread, since I digress. :)

The first thing I bought with my TZ1 was an extra battery. I figured, since the batteries are non-standard I don't want to be left without enough charge while out.

I'm pleased to report though, that I still haven't gone through even one battery's worth of charge. Pretty amazing.

Anyway, the next thing I'm interested in getting is a protective case. The lens is covered with the included cap. But there was no included case.

Something really light, just to protect the body from dirt and sand, and protect the LCD monitor is what I am after. And if there is a little extra pocket to hold one of the batteries even better.

At the shop I bought mine at there was just one available for the TZ1. It seemed a bit pricey at about $40.

Anybody have any recommendations?

Thanks,

doug

[louiskam]

Doug,

I spotted a small hard-cover one by Samsonite for US$4.99 in blue or black colour at Wal-Mart store's camera section, Mount Vernon, WA about 10 days ago. It seems to be 5"L x 3"W x 3"H but I decide to have the TZ1 to fit it first.

As discuss at http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00ENhV&tag= and other sites, digital camera LCD screen seems to be more vulnerable to get serious damage. I wish the TZ1 screen is flushed-in a bit to the casing. A piece of good screen sheet will help.

I never own a digital camera myself. So what other accessaries are essential for the TZ1?

Louis.

[Doug Lerner]

Doug,

I spotted a small hard-cover one by Samsonite for US$4.99 in blue or black colour at Wal-Mart store, Mount Vernon, WA 10 days ago. It seems to be 5"L x 3"W x 3"H but I decide to have the TZ1 to fit it first.

As discuss at http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00ENhV&tag= and other sites, digital camera LCD screen seems to be more vulnerable to get serious damage. I wish the TZ1 screen is flushed in a bit to the casing. Good screen sheet will help.

I never own a digital camera myself. So what other accessaries are essential for the TZ1?

Louis.

The TZ1 screen is not 100% flush to the casing. But because the rear of the casing has a little thumb support that sticks out, the LCD will not touch the surface of a table if rested on its back. I do want to protect it though, like when carrying it around in my jacket pocket.

Except for a case and extra batteries I can't think of much except:

* If you are going to go out and do night shooting a lot a portable tripod might be useful. It's certainly not something I would carry around all the time though!

* The TZ1 waterproof case looks like fun! I don't have much of a chance to use it though.

doug

[JLV]

Since you plan to keep the camera in your pocket, why not make a pouch out of soft cloth. You could have a flap on it that closes with velcro. You could also add a small inside pouch for the spare battery.

[Doug Lerner]

Since you plan to keep the camera in your pocket, why not make a pouch out of soft cloth. You could have a flap on it that closes with velcro. You could also add a small inside pouch for the spare battery.

A possibility.

doug@Martha Stewart mode? :)

[mystro544]

I never own a digital camera myself. So what other accessaries are essential for the TZ1?
Louis.

Carrying case for charger,camera and extras plus a camera belt holster.

If you like to take pictures in different conditions,lense filters

[mystro544]

Since you plan to keep the camera in your pocket, why not make a pouch out of soft cloth. You could have a flap on it that closes with velcro. You could also add a small inside pouch for the spare battery.

Usually the camera will come with a clear protective cover which will peal off..I've still got one covering a c-700 lcd which was never removed or needed replacing after all these years,I'll remove it when I sell the camera though and let the next buyer cover it with new 3m stuff..his option.

[Doug Lerner]

Usually the camera will come with a clear protective cover which will peal off..I've still got one covering a c-700 lcd which was never removed or needed replacing after all these years,I'll remove it when I sell the camera though and let the next buyer cover it with new 3m stuff..his option.

Interestingly enough, even though my cell phone came with such a monitor cover, the TZ1 did not.

doug

[mystro544]

I'd cover it if there's any doubt..I think you can buy the stuff in small sheets actually although I noticed pre-cut stuff at B&H.

Have you wrote a mini-review yet? It sure looks like the solution for my needs. I was one click away of buying the FZ30 yesterday at BH then read about it at the pan site,it seemed almost a mini-sized FZ30 and that's a very good thing.

.... except this camera will be with ya places a bigger one won't.

The LCD is suppose to be extra bright and sharp..like some of the d-SLR's,what's your eye see?

Are the batteries holding up?

[Doug Lerner]

I'd cover it if there's any doubt..I think you can buy the stuff in small sheets actually although I noticed pre-cut stuff at B&H.

Have you wrote a mini-review yet? It sure looks like the solution for my needs. I was one click away of buying the FZ30 yesterday at BH then read about it at the pan site,it seemed almost a mini-sized FZ30 and that's a very good thing.

.... except this camera will be with ya places a bigger one won't.

The LCD is suppose to be extra bright and sharp..like some of the d-SLR's,what's your eye see?

Are the batteries holding up?

Please check out all my notes in the "where is the TZ1" thread. Yes to both of your questions. :)

doug

[mynicksnix]

I'm looking for a camera case for my (soon to arive) TZ1.

Did anybody order a well fitting case yet? Or maybe even tried it?

Especially suggestions on cases from well known brands such as Lowepro and Samsonite would be very welcome. I live in Holland, so these cases should be available here too.....that's why......

[Doug Lerner]

I'm looking for a camera case for my (soon to arive) TZ1.

Did anybody order a well fitting case yet? Or maybe even tried it?

Especially suggestions on cases from well known brands such as Lowepro and Samsonite would be very welcome. I live in Holland, so these cases should be available here too.....that's why......

I ended up just shopping around a store here that had a lot of cases on display and chose a well-fitting inexpensive one off the rack.

doug

[Anodyne]

I'd cover it if there's any doubt..I think you can buy the stuff in small sheets actually although I noticed pre-cut stuff at B&H.

Have you wrote a mini-review yet? It sure looks like the solution for my needs. I was one click away of buying the FZ30 yesterday at BH then read about it at the pan site,it seemed almost a mini-sized FZ30 and that's a very good thing.

.... except this camera will be with ya places a bigger one won't.

The LCD is suppose to be extra bright and sharp..like some of the d-SLR's,what's your eye see?

Are the batteries holding up?

Two years ago when I bought my first digital camera, I found a 3-pack of adhesive screen protectors at OfficeMaxDepotStaples (can't recall which) for Palm PDA's. I put one on my Palm T3 and cut another one down to fit the LCD on my camera - it has worked fine (haven't tried to replace it yet, but supposedly they are easily removeable). I think I only paid about $5 at the time the package.

[mystro544]

Two years ago when I bought my first digital camera, I found a 3-pack of adhesive screen protectors at OfficeMaxDepotStaples (can't recall which) for Palm PDA's. I put one on my Palm T3 and cut another one down to fit the LCD on my camera - it has worked fine (haven't tried to replace it yet, but supposedly they are easily removeable). I think I only paid about $5 at the time the package.


This is a must-have item IMO since scratching the LCD screen then replacing it is VERY expensive...accidents do happen.

[ryanbrancel]

I'm leaning towards getting the Lowepro Rezo 50:
http://www.lowepro.com/Products/Camera_Pouches/stretch/Rezo_50.aspx
Size (Interior): 3W x 1.5D x 5H in / 7.5 x 3.75 x 13 cm (stretches)

Despite being small and form-fitting, there's enough room in front for a memory card and battery. For B&M stores, it's stocked at CompUSA, Best Buy, Ritz Camera. Otherwise you really don't need a big bag for this camera since the accessories are small (battery, mem card) and not much else you need w/ you.

Update: just got the bag today! it fits the camera very well and has a soft padded inside to protect the LCD (although may still invest in some lcd screen protectors).

[jpmac55]

I recently purchased the medium Mountainsmith Cyber II camera bag for the Tizzy. Campmor has it on sale right now:

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?memberId=12500226&productId=39202652


Berkeley Point has some interesting lanyards that you can purchase or make yourself:

http://www.berkeleypoint.com/products/tethers/index.html

[nrbelex]

I'm leaning towards getting the Lowepro Rezo 50:
http://www.lowepro.com/Products/Camera_Pouches/stretch/Rezo_50.aspx
Size (Interior): 3W x 1.5D x 5H in / 7.5 x 3.75 x 13 cm (stretches)

Despite being small and form-fitting, there's enough room in front for a memory card and battery. For B&M stores, it's stocked at CompUSA, Best Buy, Ritz Camera. Otherwise you really don't need a big bag for this camera since the accessories are small (battery, mem card) and not much else you need w/ you.

Update: just got the bag today! it fits the camera very well and has a soft padded inside to protect the LCD (although may still invest in some lcd screen protectors).

I also have this bag for the TZ1 and can confidently say that Lowepro must have made it with the TZ1 in mind ;) . It fits perfectly and does have enough stretch to easily fit extra batteries, etc. The cables however, probably won't fit without a lot of folding and bulging of the bag.

~ Brett

[Sandy]

Does anyone know if a standard speed (40x) memory card is sufficient for the Venus III engine?

[John_Reed]

Does anyone know if a standard speed (40x) memory card is sufficient for the Venus III engine?Not that it won't WORK with a 40X card, but you may see issues with movies and burst rate with a slower card.

[Cameron38]

I just got my Panasonic Blue Hard case in the mail.. although it does not have storage for accessories, it is a very kewl looking case. :)

[Dmares]

Does anyone know if a standard speed (40x) memory card is sufficient for the Venus III engine?

Hi Sandy,

if you want to use the burst mode and the video mode (640/30fps) properly you should seek for a SD card with a minimum of 11mbit/s.
I have one card with less and its no fun. I just bought a 2GB Transcend with 22mbit/s (for 52€) and its amazing. Burst mode and video without stalling.

cheers
Dennis

[jpmac55]

I know a printer isn't considered an accessory but am wondering what TZ users have or will consider buying now. Thanks!!

[ryanbrancel]

I know a printer isn't considered an accessory but am wondering what TZ users have or will consider buying now. Thanks!!

Get the "HP Photosmart 335" 4x6 printer. It's only $9 after rebate (w/ purch of new camera) at BuyDig/Beach. Very satisfied with it.

never mind, they raised the prices...

EDIT - I also have the Photosmart 8450 with duplexer which is my main printer. The newer 8250 is smaller, however photo quality hasn't rated as well.

[jpmac55]

Get the "HP Photosmart 335" 4x6 printer. It's only $9 after rebate (w/ purch of new camera) at BuyDig/Beach. Very satisfied with it.

never mind, they raised the prices...

Actually, I am looking to replace my Epson 870 printer which can make larger prints. I recently purchased a Kodak 500 which I am pleased with so far. It is a portable printer like the model you mentioned. It too, only makes 4" x 6" inch prints and doesn't require a PC to drive it.

[Dmares]

Actually, I am looking to replace my Epson 870 printer which can make larger prints. I recently purchased a Kodak 500 which I am pleased with so far. It is a portable printer like the model you mentioned. It too, only makes 4" x 6" inch prints and doesn't require a PC to drive it.

Hi John

there is a big debate going on in the threads what company has the best printer. It depends ... is the best answer.

1) What is your aim. just to print photos, or use it as a normal printer too?
2) Should it have a small LCD display and SD card slot so you can print out photos without needing a PC
3) Do you want a printer with single color tanks ( e.g. Epson) or doesn´t it matter

I am using a HP Photosmart 6790 ( older model) and it has two slots for paper (A4 and 10x15), slots for SD , LCD display and has a three tank technology.
The only thing with HP is that the tanks are quite expensive. I order them by net, but still it tears a hole in your budget.:-(

Definitely what I would not buy is a Lexmark

Canon is interesting it has printers that are able to print CD covers too

best thing take your card with a photo, go into a shop and if possible do some test print outs - and then decide.

Cheers
Dennis

[jpmac55]

Hi John

there is a big debate going on in the threads what company has the best printer. It depends ... is the best answer.

1) What is your aim. just to print photos, or use it as a normal printer too?
2) Should it have a small LCD display and SD card slot so you can print out photos without needing a PC
3) Do you want a printer with single color tanks ( e.g. Epson) or doesn´t it matter

I am using a HP Photosmart 6790 ( older model) and it has two slots for paper (A4 and 10x15), slots for SD , LCD display and has a three tank technology.
The only thing with HP is that the tanks are quite expensive. I order them by net, but still it tears a hole in your budget.:-(

Definitely what I would not buy is a Lexmark

Canon is interesting it has printers that are able to print CD covers too

best thing take your card with a photo, go into a shop and if possible do some test print outs - and then decide.

Cheers
Dennis

Thanks, Dennis!

I don't think a LCD is required since this printer will be connected to my PC and used for printing 5" x 7" or an occassional larger size. I have a little Kodak 500 for printing directly from a SD card. I do use my printer for text.

I have been very pleased with my Epson 870 and have read very good things about Canon. The two models I have considered are the Epson R340 and the Canon ip5200r.

Of course I am not in a hurry to buy a new printer since I have a new camera to learn first.

[louiskam]

What other use of it besides to save the battery while reviewing or downloading the pictures/video clips? At $80 from Panasonic, it seems pretty pricey.

[ryanbrancel]

What other use of it besides to save the battery while reviewing or downloading the pictures/video clips? At $80 from Panasonic, it seems pretty pricey.

Playing back movies on the TV? Otherwise, not really needed. They'll be some aftermarket AC adapters available soon, if not already, which should work fine.

[ed33]

I bought this one on ebay. It fits very good (not tight) and there is spare place for extra battery and cards.
and I like the different look;)

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7628912529&ssPageName=MERC_VIC_ReBay_Pr4_PcY_BIN_IT

[Dr Don]

[QUOTE=Doug Lerner]I decided to start a new thread, since I digress. :)


Kan ban wan, Doug: Hope you are monitoring this thread still.

I just found out about these new lens adapters which I am told fit the TZ1 by magnetically attaching to the camera. However, I find magnets are not attaching to my TZ1 so I am skeptical.

These are supposedly "designed and manufactured in Japan," which I is why I am interested in your perspective. Maker is "Crystal Vision." There is a 0.45 wide angle converter and a 2.0 telephoto converter. Less than $100 each.

http://www.butterflyphoto.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=MGWD-L

http://www.butterflyphoto.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=MGTE-L