Want to buy an FZ20: New, Used, or Refurbished/Reconditioned?

[gkreth]

Hi, all. I'm new to the list. I want to upgrade my Olympus C2100UZ, and I think I want to get a Panasonic FZ20. I really love my C2100UZ (and I plan to keep it), but 2.1 MP is starting to get a little limiting.

I wanted something similar, but with more pixels, and preferably with an external flash (that was the one complaint I had about the CZ2100). The FZ20 seems to fit the bill. I like its 12X zoom, the O.I.S., the external flash. And the 3 fps continuous mode would be nice, too.

I have some questions I'd like to ask the group about the camera. I'll try to search the forum first, so I don't duplicate what's already been asked.

One thing I'm wondering is about buying a reconditioned or refurbished camera. First, are the terms interchangeable, and if not, how does a "reconditioned" camera differ from a "refurbished" one?

Generally, I don't mind buying refurbished stuff, e.g., my Brother laser printer was a refurbished one from Fry's. But I'm wondering if there's something "special" about the nature of digicams that should set off warning bells, e.g., is there anything to the idea that, once a camera has gone in for refurbishing, it will continue to have problems?

I also don't generally mind buying used stuff; my CZ2100 was bought used off eBay more than two years ago, and it has worked perfect so far - not a single problem with it.

But for some reason, I'm more comfortable with buying something used from an individual on eBay than I am buying a refurbished one on eBay; I guess it worries me a bit that the camera had to have any work done on it in the first place.

One seller is offering a third-party 3-year extended warranty; should that set my mind at ease?

I read the earlier posts about buying from B&H, Circuit City, etc. CC currently has the FZ20 for $569 ($534 after the $35 rebate). Actually, that's a pretty good price; the best I saw online outside of eBay was $508 including shipping.

But I am still curious: Have any of you bought your FZ20s used, reconditioned, or refurbished, and have you had any problems with them?

Also, what about an extended warranty?

Any war stories in general about buying other used/reconditioned/refurbished digicams would be welcome, as well.

Thanks for the input; I hope to be a "regular" on the group!

--Greg

[gary_hendricks]

I bought a new FZ20 recently. The store owner did hold on to a couple of refurbished FZ20s and when I handled them, they were exactly the same as the new ones.

[genece]

How about this
http://www.abesofmaine.com/viewproduct.asp?id=psdmcfz20k

I also know several people that came from a 2100 and at first they were dissapointed with a couple small points but as they got familiar with the Panasonic they all kept the FZ10 or 20 , and most of them Ebayed the C2100 UZ

[StanStan]

I purchased a FZ20 Black from Circuit City for $509 with a 10% gift card, $50.99. They change prices all the time. I thought at the time that a net $458 was OK. Took me a month of waiting to get the sale. Kept on using the Nikon till the FZ20 arrived. Froogled, Googled and checked store pricing.

Just received the Gift card a few weeks ago and then bought two cases. One for the camera alone, belt pack, another for the camera and the Tcon 17 I use all the time.

I have an aluminum tool case to pack the camera, lenses, accessories.
I now have enough debris to fill another aluminum case

[genece]

Stan you are getting like me I need a bigger truck to haul all the junk.

[dengar]

Every other week or 2 they (CC) discount the FZ20 to $539.99, thats when I picked up mine.

[StanStan]

Stan you are getting like me I need a bigger truck to haul all the junk.

Is this a case of the pot calling the pan black.

Did not you say you had two Lowes cases?

I wonder who pointed me to the Lowes case?

Just entered into macro/micro photo and now more debris!