DMC-FZ20 Repair or Replace

[trkester]

Hello everyone.
I'm looking for some advice on repairing or replacing my FZ20. It took a nose dive off my desk onto the floor while it was on (lens extended). At first, the lens didn't want to retract back into the camera but after some fiddling, it seems to be working ok, BUT autofocus at zoomed settings is not working, nor is the image stabalization (I don't think). Normally, I can hear the stabalization mechanism inside clicking and chattering away when you aim the camera at different objects. It has stopped doing that too.

I'm concerned repair cost is going to exceed the cost of just buying a new one. Hopefully I can find another FZ20 if the verdict is to replace, because I have a yet-to-be-used LTZ10 teleconverter for it.

So does anyone have any thoughts on repair vs replace based on what's described above?

Thanks very much for your thoughts and time.
Terry

[Razr]

Thankfully, I have not had that kind of disaster befall me with my FZ cameras. Yes I have the FZ20 & FZ30. For what it is worth, a replacement is most likely in order and no camera (excepting the FZ30) comes close to the FZ20 in that regard.

A replacement FZ30 could cost $450 (NIB), or from $299 to $375 on ebay. For what it is worth, they would have to "pry my cold dead fingers" off my FZ20 so in love with it am I.

That said, the FZ30 is a quantum leap up and foward over the FZ20, which, excepting the f/2.8 throught the zoom range LEICA lens, sucks big time up agains the FZ30 (I do not believe I just said that...but it's true).

Find a NIB DMC-FZ30 and give the FZ20 the honored burial one accords to serving Presidents... or have it bronzed.
*One would think there would be a market for broken, unbronzed FZ20s?

[Mike63]

I just did a quick search, it appears the FZ-20 is getting hard to find. I did not check ebay, There might be some there. As mentioned the FZ-30 would be a good replacement for the 20 ( I wish I had one:) ) I think it would cost an arm or leg to have yours fixed, however you can always call for a ballpark fix. Bigston is the place that repairs the Panasonic's.

http://www.bigston-services.com/

Good Luck and welcome to the forum, there is lots of good advice here.:)

[trkester]

Thank you both for the reply. I will call the repair place for a guestimate. My fear is it will be too much to bother. I did find a few places with new FZ20's but if the FZ30 is better, that might be a way to go.

I just breaks my heart to have the new teleconverter that will only fit the FZ20.

Guess I can always keep my old FZ20 for my Ebay work. It's been taking great close up shots. I just noticed the zoom problem today, weeks after it took the header.

I'll certainly look at the FZ30 as an option. Any thoughts on the FZ50? I have not done any research yet to read up on it.

[Mike63]

The FZ-30 is a much better camera then the FZ-20( imo ), I don't think you will be disappointed. As far as your LTZ10 teleconverter, you can sell it for more than the purchase price of a TCON-17. That will help pay for a new camera!:)

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=278672&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

The TCON will mount to the FZ-30 with no adapters, has more power, and is 1/6th the price of the other converter.

[jcon]

If you dont plan on getting another FZ20 or getting your current one repaired, Id suggest the FZ30 over the FZ50. The FZ50 is terrible with noise and higher ISOs, the FZ30 is a better camera. You will get alot of differing opinions here on the FZ50, but just read Jeff Kellers review here on this site and youll see that image quality isnt the strong point in the FZ50.

Good luck!

[Phill D]

Maybe going for a secondhand FZ20 would be the way forward although I don't know many owners who are selling. I know I am keeping mine even when I do eventually graduate to a dslr. Just a thought though.

[Phill D]

Oh & if you do go for a new cam how much would you want for the teleconverter? I might be interested.

[genece]

While I think at least checking to see the repair price is a good idea.......moving to a FZ30/50 should make you very happy they are both wonderful ultrazooms.
Since I go the FZ30 my FZ20 justs sits around gathering dust.
Everytime someone claims its better than the new versions I get it out and take a couple hundred photos and then I put it away again.

Someone had a post on another forum that Walmart is selling the FZ7 for 250 dollars.

[trkester]

Thank you all for your comments and advice. I called and the min charge to repair my good'ole FZ20 was $161 US, and it could have ended up being more so it just didn't seem worth the $$'s. So an FZ50 is in my future despite some of the things I have read about it, but I think it will be fine for me. I wanted a couple of the features it had that the FZ30 didn't. I can still use the FZ20 for non-zoomed and macro work, so not a total loss.

I look forward to some good reading now that I've found this forum.

Thanks again everyone.

Terry

[genece]

I think you made a good choice ......I just viewed a FZ50 album that makes me reconsider .....If I can find the link again I will post it......it had some unbelievable wildlife photos.

[jcon]

Terry, what will you be using the FZ50 for? If its for outdoor photos, you will really enjoy that long lens. I just hope you dont plan on using it inside.

[Riddick51]

Terry, what will you be using the FZ50 for? If its for outdoor photos, you will really enjoy that long lens. I just hope you dont plan on using it inside.

thx for checking in, nikon guy. you could arrange your sig horizontally with | separators, but we know you're not savvy.

anything less than an fz-50 is old technology now.

[jcon]

Thanks for checking in with your uneducated replies(once again), Riddick. Just because I own Nikon gear doesnt mean that I dont know FACTS about other brands/cameras. Its a proven FACT that image quality, especially in low lighting, is the weak point of the FZ50, if you choose to be one of the blind Panasonic sheep than so be it but dont try to convince otheres that Panasonics dont have flaws. Maybe you should read Jeff Kellers review again and you will see he himself says image quality is not the best part of the FZ50. I have said before, if using this outdoors with enough light, this is a great camera with a very long lens.

I suggest you learn why there are sites like this one. Its here to INFORM people of facts on products so they can make the best decision on what to buy. Not to simply direct them to something WE own because we are bias. If you fail to mention the positives and negatives of the camera, you sir are doing the people that look to us for help, a great disservice.

I have gotten numerous private messgaes from people thanking me for an unbias opinion and showing FACTS on cameras. Maybe you should give it a try and stop ripping the people that are here to help, and not stick out your chest and say "Mines better".

Ahhhh yes, if only all cameras were perfect like YOUR special Panasonics:rolleyes:

[BonjiB]

Thanks for checking in with your uneducated replies(once again), Riddick. Just because I own Nikon gear doesnt mean that I dont know FACTS about other brands/cameras. Its a proven FACT that image quality, especially in low lighting, is the weak point of the FZ50, if you choose to be one of the blind Panasonic sheep than so be it but dont try to convince otheres that Panasonics dont have flaws. Maybe you should read Jeff Kellers review again and you will see he himself says image quality is not the best part of the FZ50. I have said before, if using this outdoors with enough light, this is a great camera with a very long lens.

I suggest you learn why there are sites like this one. Its here to INFORM people of facts on products so they can make the best decision on what to buy. Not to simply direct them to something WE own because we are bias. If you fail to mention the positives and negatives of the camera, you sir are doing the people that look to us for help, a great disservice.

I have gotten numerous private messgaes from people thanking me for an unbias opinion and showing FACTS on cameras. Maybe you should give it a try and stop ripping the people that are here to help, and not stick out your chest and say "Mines better".

Ahhhh yes, if only all cameras were perfect like YOUR special Panasonics:rolleyes:


Well said sir. Except.... canon's are better. LOL (i'm really really sorry, i couldn't resist.)

[jcon]

Any facts to back that up or are simply follwing along the lines of Riddick and just flaming because you own it?:p

I could care less if you prefer one brand over another, a camera that might be better for me, might not be better for you, its all personal preferance and shooting needs.

EDIT* Sorry forgot to mention I was just tryin to rile you up a bit Bonji with my comments in this post. LOL.

[Razr]

Any facts to back that up or are simply follwing along the lines of Riddick and just flaming because you own it?A sparkling reason to defend a Panasonic against slurs they do not deserve.
I could care less if you prefer one brand over another, a camera that might be better for me, might not be better for you,
Which means you ought not cast apersions against brands and cameras you really know little or nothing about.
...its all personal preferance and shooting needs.Precisely. One would think you would be a tout for your own preferences and not waste your time denigrating other brands.
Maybe your negative observation about Pansonic cameras had to do with the seeming prevalent disease common among so many non-Panasonic owners: they do not own a Panny, have never handled or shot a Panasonic (any), just Parrot what they have read about Panasonic on forums.
The FZ20-30-50 (I do not believe I'm saying this) "Rule" superzoom/"Bridge" cameras. That case is now closed, the many FZ20-30-50 galleries in forums far and wide bearling brilliant testimony to their astounding phtographic acumen.
*And the FZ20 has that delicious f/2.8 throughout its 36-432mm zoom range LEICA lens, shooting f/2.8, 432mm, image stabilized shots that transpose to perfectly exposed 8 x 10 prints.

Think: 432mm @ f/2.8-image stabilized; and LEICA to boot.
At night, the FZ20 @ 432mm @ ISO 80 makes perfect "low light" shots.

I find it humorous how and why so many non-Panny owners slam a product they neither own or use.
We must move on, stop the gratuitous Panasonic bashing (at least until another brand has a camera that can shoot @ 735mm, f/2.8-image stabilzed images; with LEICA lenses).

[jcon]

Which means you ought not cast apersions against brands and cameras you really know little or nothing about.Precisely. One would think you would be a tout for your own preferences and not waste your time denigrating other brands.

Maybe your negative observation about Pansonic cameras had to do with the seeming prevalent disease common among so many non-Panasonic owners: they do not own a Panny, have never handled or shot a Panasonic (any), just Parrot what they have read about Panasonic on forums.


I find it humorous how and why so many non-Panny owners slam a product they neither own or use.



Again, please, learn the facts before you make yourself look like a fool! I HAVE owned a panasonic FZ20 and HAVE shot with the FZ30 and FZ50. Simply because I no longer own a Panasonic doesnt mean I cant comment on them. I know FACTS about all 3 cameras and do my homework before posting here( I wish you would do the same). The fact is the FZ20 and FZ30 are better than the "water color" images from the FZ50. If I had to pick one, I would choose the FZ20(again, I OWNED one!) So please, dont say I know little or nothing about Panasonics. If you dont know facts about cameras or even other members here, keep it shut!

As for me "denigrating" Panasonic, once again, get facts straight before you decide to open your un-educated mouth. I have said both positive and negative things about the FZ50, FZ30 and the FZ20(ECXELLENT camera). Are you able to do the same? Probably not because you cant face the truths. If you would like to join Riddick in telling people that come to this site looking for BOTH sides of a camera, that there is nothing wrong with the FZ50, then just like Riddick, you are useless to this site.

My camera has flaws, I would be the first to admit that, and I have shared those flaws with people contemplating a Nikon purchase. Too bad more people cant do that.

[Honest Gaza]

...but JCon...you've ignored the most pertinent comment of all from above.

What defense have you for not using separators in your signature ? :D :p

[jcon]

...but JCon...you've ignored the most pertinent comment of all from above.

What defense have you for not using separators in your signature ? :D :p

LMAO... because im not "savvy" :p