Tomorow Im getting an FZ20 + 512mb for aproximately 817$..read inside...

[koti]

I did tons of research for the past 7 days...it came down to the Panasonic. Been down the Fuji and Konica/Minolta alley for a while...then I was seriously considering the Nikon 8800 but it was too expensive...Then a bunch of research. Im so glad I found the FZ20, it looks like a realy great product. I think I read every review and opinion on this camera and I definately made my mind. The thing is I live in Warsaw/Poland and thats how much I have to pay for it at the local internet auction house...this is the best price I can get, 817$ US converted from Polish PLN. Im still getting it though...this is just to show all the unsure people how good the camera is in my opinion :)

cheers all :)
koti

[genece]

It is a great camera but can't you get one from a US dealer for less than $500.00

You will love it regardless

[Jim Last]

Have you seen DallasMac's thread? Boy, I ordered an FZ20 from www.onecall.com for $483 with Free Fedex 3-day shipping...It processed within 3 hours and I tracked the order thru their system...shipped same day... I am not paid by them, I am just very pleased with the experience...They called to verify, but not even the slightest attempt to add-on to the order...

Give-em a shot... Now, waiting for camera...

A considerable saving on the $817 you mentioned :confused: $334 :eek:

[koti]

If I buy in the US: I get no warranty in Europe (I think) I get a 110 volt charger (220 in europe, but thats not realy a problem since te charger will work fine, I would just have to change the socket) They will probably charge me a fortune at the customs...I bought a used dj mixer a few years ago on the American ebay for 30 bucks and I left it at the customs here in Poland since in order to pick it up, I had to pay additional 80$ (storage fee and other shxx) or so.
Finaly...many american internet stores do not ship to europe + if they do I will prolly wait for weeks before the camera gets here and Im leaving for South Africa on the 27th so where I WANT to have the camera with me.

Im confused.
Im getting the damn camera though...

[Jim Last]

What about looking at Pixmania (http://www.pixmania.com/pl/pl/56604/art/panasonic/dmc-fz20eg-k.html) they have it listed for 2391 PLN = $722 with full European warranty :)

[koti]

Too much...you took the time to look it up for me. Thanks Jim :) I was looking everywhere (crossed pixmania too) and finaly I found it at a store 1.5 miles from my home for 696$ (2300 pln) Thats realy scary...seems I was born to have that camera, and its my first one too :p Lets hope it'l work fine...the battery is charging for the first time just now :D Now I gotta learn to use my new toy properly...

PS. The guy at the store told me that I have to charge the battery for at least 12 hours for the first time...hes full of crap right? I red the manual and it only says to charge aproximately 120 minutes untill the green light goes off...

Thanks again for the help bro :)

[Jim Last]

You are right :) the battery only needs untill the light goes out, very close to 120 mins.