FZ30: Reliability & warranty(Compared to equivalent Brands)?

[iso2001]

Hello everyone! I'm a new member here-and, I have some questions about the Panasonic FZ30, as follows?::)

1)OVERALL RELIABILITY: How is the overall reliability of the FZ30? Is it better(Or, worse?)than any of the other major Branded cameras in it's equivalent price range? This will be my first digital camera-and, I certainly like this camera-but, I wouldn't want it-if it has proven to be inferior to the other popular Brands in reliability? I hope that some experienced owner's of these FZ30's will chime in here to clearly explain their experience with this camera, in terms of reliability and, as compared to other similarly priced digital cameras from the other major camera manufacturers?:D

2)WARRANTY: Is the rediculously short(90 day)standard Panasonic warranty, the same(Or, similar?)length to the standard warranties of the other major digital camera maker's? Although I realize that an extended warranty could be purchased(For additional $$$!)my concern is just for comparing the various standard warranties from the major Companies?

OTHER:

3)NOISE: Although I have read several reviews for the FZ30, it seems that the topic of "Noise" keeps coming up? However, it is very unlikely, that I'd ever be printing very many pictures larget than 5" x7". In view of this, I don't believe that this noise problem would bother me, for the pictures that I'll be taking for mostly home use? What is your opinion regarding this? Lastly, in most other respects, are these FZ30's considered to be good(Non-digital SLR)cameras(Or?)?:confused:

4)WHY AM I INTERESTED IN THE FZ30?: I just like this camera! The buttons are well placed for a novice like me! Also, I'm not a vacationer who travels alot-so, I don't want a smaller(Toy like camera!)and, I like the 12x zoom feature-and the Leica lens, and the fact that this is an all-in-one digital camera! Also, I have "Shaky" hands(Due to being a diabetic)and the Image Stabilization System would be great to have! I also like the lens on the FZ30 remaining stationary(As seen externally)instead of having the lens to visibly go in and out of the camera(As on many other big zoom cameras)! I also wanted to have fairly good low light capabilities! One other point is that I like the nice feeling "Balance" of the FZ30, in my hands! I hope that FZ30(Although, probably "Overkill"!)in my case, will prove to work satisfactorily for me as a beginner(In automatic mode to start with!)and(Most of all!)to be a reliable camera? If not reliable(Or, if these have been trouble prone in the field?)then, in this case, I'd just pass on buying an Panasonic FZ30?:eek:

5)BUILD QUALITY?: Are my eyes telling me that the FZ30's have good build quality? Or, is the build quality as good as(Or, better or worse?)than the competing equally priced digital cameras?

In answering the above questions, I'm only interested in obtaining the true facts about the FZ30-so, I don't wish to just be "Humored" to make me feel good! The truth about these FZ30's is most important to me! I'll be able to better judge the FZ30, by hearing all of your various experiences with this camera(Compared to other Branded digital cameras as well?)? Thanks to all, in advance!

[genece]

I believe the FZ30 is as reliable as the other FZ cameras and that is quite good.

I do agree the warrant is not what you should expect from a camera mfg.

If you want a ultrazoom camera the FZ30 is the best there is ..IMHO.

Noise is not a factor unless you print very large sizes and/or get very aggressive with Post Processing. Or insist on viewing at 100 %.
Photos displayed at full screen display very little to no noise on a properly exposed photo.

My wife and I use the FZ30 as a point and shoot camera with excellent results....But the low light thing is another story ...can you take nightscape photos?..sure you can in fact wonderful ones but you will find to take pictures of kids indoors a flash is almost a must.

The build quality of the FZ30 IMHO is great.....the camera is wonderful.
If you understand the low light preformance ( and its on par with any ultrazoom) you will be very happy with the FZ30.

[Telecorder]

If one were to do a Google search on Canon or Nikon Digital Camera USA Warranties, you'd find that they're comparable to the Pany 90-Day Parts & Labor; 12-Month Parts... (At least Pany specifies labor for first 90-Days...)
http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=PgComSmModDisplayAct&keycode=2113&fcategoryid=221&modelid=9828

http://support.nikontech.com/cgi-bin/nikonusa.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=333&p_created=1034192864&p_sid=-tGY6Nai&p_accessibility=0&p_lva=&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPTEmcF9zb3J0X2J5PSZwX2dyaWRzb3J0PSZwX 3Jvd19jbnQ9NDUmcF9wcm9kcz0wJnBfY2F0cz0wJnBfcHY9JnB fY3Y9JnBfc2VhcmNoX3R5cGU9YW5zd2Vycy5zZWFyY2hfbmwmc F9wYWdlPTEmcF9zZWFyY2hfdGV4dD13YXJyYW50eSBjb3ZlcmF nZQ**&p_li=&p_topview=1

Both indicate 12-month warranty if manufacturer defect but doesn't specify if any labor is covered. Other Canon/Nikon users could chime in here...

I've previously mentioned in your other posts that for $40, one can get a Mack 5-Year warranty on new FZ30 purchase for parts and labor on manufacturer defects if the 'poor' warranty is of concern. Besides, if you purchase it and then, for whatever reason, decide to sell it, the <10% costs for an extended warranty would be some assurance to your buyer of continuing warranty coverage... (I believe there's a $15 transfer fee)

By the way, for me, Genece's comments have a lot of weight, FWIW...

[Pave]

Well, I've got my FZ30 for about half a year and so far, I've had no problems with it. It works just fine.
And the noise? As I´ve said before....for me it's not an issue at all. Better than reading some description would be seeing actual photos, so I add a link to my gallery on one Czech server. Although I don't expect you to understand the text, you can have a look at how pictures from my FZ30 look like and decide for yourself, if the noise is or is not an issue.
The link is: http://www.fotoaparat.cz/index.php?r=25&rp=1&gal=vis&galvis=4214544

[iso2001]

Telecorder: Thanks for your additional input here! I'm considering possibly obtaining the Mack 5 year warranty-but, I'm somewhat bothered by some of the negative comments made against Mack, for their poor service, in these cases?

Pave: Thanks for your input here also! And, for giving me the link to your FZ30 photos! All of your pictures look good to me! Were these taken directly out of the camera-or, did you clean up some of the noise by using a noise cleaning program?:eek:

[BonjiB]

Hi there. In my opinion the fz30 is about on par or above par as far as overall construction and reliability. Unless you're making the bump to a weather resistant camera in the professional arena you'll find them all to be very similar in design quality with the exception of a few pieces of junk out there. The fz30 has a very sturdy and solid feel to it. I've had mine since november of 05 and it's been an absolute joy to shoot with. It just feels right in my hands... i dunno if that makes sense. I've shot over 10,000 (believe it or not) pictures with mine since i've had it and it's still performing like a champ. Just get yourself a UV filter to protect that glass and you'll be good to go i think.

Unfortunately manufacturer warranties are crap. They usually only cover things wrong with the camera during manufacture... not if something goes wrong with it during use. It's your call whether to buy an extended or not, i personally think they're a great idea especially if you go to high risk areas like the beach or something like that... i'm just too poor ATM to afford one so i take my chances.

As far as noise goes i've never had a real problem with it. Iso 80 and 100 are great for your larger prints such as 16x20 or beyond. I've done 8.5x11's from iso 200 straight out of the camera without any ill effects. It was a littly grainy but if you're not looking for it, i doubt it would catch your eye. Iso 400 always needs some help, i use neatimage on any picture i shoot at 400. I try to stay away from it as much as possible because i don't like the effects noise reduction gives an image (makes people look plasticy). Just shoot raw, underexpose the shot and bump the exposure in photoshop. You loose a little shadow detail but nothing drastic. Read my post about my recent poster print i'm very proud of (http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21155) ISO 80 studio shot blown up to 2x3 FEET.

Basically if you aren't going to sell the pictures to someone who requires absolute perfection, you're in good shape with the fz30. The only other suggestion i'd have is the s3is. You take a 2 megapixel drop going with the s3 but it's a really awesome camera. No hot shoe though which is why i didn't get the s2is when i was shopping for a camera. Anything indoor i use a flash for unless it's against the rules (like a museum or something.) Get yourself a sunpak 383 and a flash bracket so you don't get horrid side shadows with portrait pics and your indoor shots will be awesome. Some people hate flash photography, i don't care one way or another so it's up to you to make that call.

Now i would (and i'm sure everyone else would to) LOVE a canon 5d or something similar. But to shell out for a decent SLR body (even low end) costs you some bucks AND to get the same lens range and image stabilization in a set of slr lenses that the fz30 has would cost you more than you'd prolly want to pay unless you're a pro or are planning on going pro, which i'm not any time soon.

So all in all i think you're looking at the right camera. It functions extremely well in auto or program mode yet still has the other aperature priority, shutter priority, manual and all those other modes for you to grow into as you get more familiar with photography.

[Telecorder]

...that I also can easily go to extended optical zoom and get to 528mm at 5-MP or 675mm at 3-MP native w/its Leica stabilized lens reach.

Add my TCON-17 and I have 58mm to 714mm (8-MP), 898mm (5-MP) 1,148mm (3-MP) stabilized lens reach...

So, my lil' ole' FZ30 gives me, for <$600 ($472-FZ30+$80-TCON17):

Native Leica from 35mm - 675mm range (19.3X) or
59mm - 1,148mm w/ my $80 TCON17 (disregarding viginetting issues w/the TCon the low end...)

Since I'm more into Birds-In-Flight; specifically Raptors mostly, I want/need the available extra lens reach... the FZ30 and my TCON17 gives me just that along with all of the other capabilities its known for. Noise - I can't hear you! I have Neat Image if its too loud -- otherwise, I'll take the detail and deal w/what little noise that intrudes...

Telecorder: Thanks for your additional input here! I'm considering possibly obtaining the Mack 5 year warranty-but, I'm somewhat bothered by some of the negative comments made against Mack, for their poor service, in these cases?
Pave: Thanks for your input here also! And, for giving me the link to your FZ30 photos! All of your pictures look good to me! Were these taken directly out of the camera-or, did you clean up some of the noise by using a noise cleaning program?:eek:

As to Mack - that's why I posted the page on 'complaints' for one to judge for themselves. The way I look at it -- Consider how many vendors - and reputable ones at that, sell the Mack Warranty. Then consider how long Mack has been in business and how many thousands of warranties one has to assume they've sold. The one page I linked to surely doesn't seem to be very many probelmatic claims if they were not a reputable vendor IMHO.

I haven't had the need to make a claim but for the price, I feel it will pay for itself, even if only to give a future buyer assurances they have an extended warranty. In the end, its up to the buyer to make an informed decision about the camera, and an extended warranty...

[Pave]

No, I did not use any program for removing noise. Some of the pictures have been postprocessed in CS2 but I dont have any programs like Noise Ninja or Neat Image.
Note that none of these pictures were taken using ISO 400. If I used this high ISO the pictures would really be noisy (trust me, I have tried it :) ) and would require Neat Image or something...

[BonjiB]

Also, i'd go ahead and pick me up a raynox 6060-55. It's a .66x wide angle with 55mm threads so it seats directly onto the threads of the fz30. The zoom range with it on without getting distortion is 1x to about maybe 4-5x. After that you get some distortion around the edges of the image but by the time you hit 3x you'd do better to take it off anyways. I find i use it more often than my tcon17. The problem with the 35mm being the low end of the fz30 is sometimes you can only take so many steps back before you bump into something and still don't have the entire shot in the frame. It drops your minimum mm down to 23.1mm which for most wide angle applications is sufficient. I LOVE taking pictures of buildings with my raynox 6060. Just another toy to add to the ol' camera bag. Happy shooting.

[madgicsh]

My FZ30 has never missed a beat; nor did the FZ10 it replaced - I took over 13,000 photos with it in a six week overseas trip, and had some night shots printed 16" x 12". The staff at the Camera Store I use were very impressed with the quality, and that was AFTER they sold me a camera, not before.

Lovely camera, the FZ30, but I am still going to buy the L1

[Pixel8]

Re Mack:

A quick Google on "Mack warranty" is instructive.

There will always be dissatisfied customers, but those from Mack follow a pattern. Remember that most Mack warranty holders never use them; the majority of buyers are light-moderate users not pros, and their cameras more often fail within the mfrs warrany if they're defective. So, they have many 'satified' customers - those who bought the insurance and never used it.

[Telecorder]

Re Mack:
A quick Google on "Mack warranty" is instructive.

Yes, it is... But, to my reading, not the same conclusions as your post implied...

I read through the first 100 of the top Google returns, as you suggested, and there are equal, if not more, indications that Mack is a reputable warranty vendor. You're probably correct in that most of the Mack Warranties never get used since the failure rate due to manufacturer's defects are actually very low (That's what most extended warranties cover; not accidents, dropped camera/lens etc and explains why the warranties can be purchased so low).

Before I purchased my original 3-Year Warranty for my FZ5 ($19; Transferrable to new owner for $15), I did a lot of due diligence. The best site that I found with reports of issues w/Mack warranties was at: http://www.photo.net/neighbor/view-one-about?about=Mack+Camera+%26+Video+Service&id=1

Considering the length of time that Mack has been in the repair/warranty business, I was surprised there weren't more 'horror' stories than what few I was able to find.

Most of the Mack warranties can be transferred to a new owner for $15. To me, if/when I ever decide to sell one or more of my digis/lens, I'll be able to offer this assurance to my buyers that the digi is still covered for OEM defects... Much better than a 90-day warranty most can get on used equipment of any kind.

Since Mack has a number of vendors that sell the warranties, including reputable ones such as Beach, B&H, Adorama and a number of other 'good' vendors, I'm doubtful if these fine vendors would offer something that could burn their reps...

Your Google idea even turned up an interesting and very recent thread (July 8-10, 2006) over at photo.net on Mack Warranties ... http://groups.google.com/group/rec.photo.digital/browse_thread/thread/88fca95cb4ebabc1/b5ec5bae37e4dec0?lnk=raot

The Google search turned up another thread posting of a forum member I'm quite familiar with and respect... Rainier (RDUVE) who has had one ocassion to use his purchased Mack Warranty... http://www.stevesforums.com/forums/view_topic.php?id=92362&forum_id=84

No, these won't cover repairs for other than those covered by the original warranty BUT, all it takes is one item to occur after the 3-months parts & labor and/or 12-months parts only OEM Warranty to more than escalate to more than the Mack Warranty price. Minimum labor charges to 'evaluate' a digi out of labor-warranty starts usually around $150...:eek:

Do your own due diligence and make your own determination. Digital cameras/lenses seldom fail after the manufacturers' original warranty, if ever. An extended warranty, such as Mack's, can extend this defect warranty for 3, 5 or 7 years. IF you shop the Mack Vendors and ask/negotiate (ask for price matching after shopping other Mack vendors), you can get a very reasonable price. I have 5-year Mack Warranties on both my new FZ30 and my new Nikon D50. Both were less than $40 each or less than 10% of each digi's purchase price... That's <$8.00 per year of the warranty. And you don't have to buy it from the vendor you purchased the equipment from...! (You HAVE TO register on-line w/i 30-days of equipment purchase, though) This vendor advertises a 5-Year Mack for digis <$1,000 for $30...
http://www.compuplus.com/ps-products-mfr-Mack-comboid-656~sid-2d4ywe3c53j52je.html My D50 warranty was $39.95 from Cameta...

If you own your own home, sure, you can get a rider to cover most anything that happens to it... theft, accident etc. But you're in a Catch-22 at times if you go this way... Either you have a deductible and/or if you make a claim, it can affect your rates ... given enough claims over the years.

In the end, do your own due diligence and make your own evaluated insurance decision...