Faulty Camera

Lip_Stick

Hi all

I bought a camera March 27th 2010 from Currys. I've used it a couple of times, once for Easter and once for a day out. It's now developed a fault. It's giving a system focus error, and doesn't focus. It's a Panasonic DMC-TZ65, which I got in a sale for £149.99, reduced from over £200. I also took out an accidental damage policy.

My problem is, that I don't think it's stocked anymore. I've looked at the website and it isn't there, and also, when I was buying it, I managed to get the last camera out of 3 currys stores in the city, as they'd been selling like crazy.

Anyway, the spec is pretty high for the price, 12 x Optical, 10MP, the battery life is good, and I can't really see a camera what compares. Is less than two months, and less than a couple of hours usage reasonable? i.e., can I expect them to offer to repair it or should I be asking for a full refund?

I don't really want it repaired, as it's my son's 3rd birthday a week on Friday, and I'm on holiday on 11th June, so if it goes for repair, I'll miss both these occasions I guess, which is what you get cameras for. But then, I don't think I'm going to get a camera with that spec, that is that good, for the same price. It feels like I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place. I'm going to Currys on Friday to sort this out, but I thought I'd best ask now so I have a basic knowledge of what to expect should they not do a straight exchange.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Mark_Hewitt

Lip_Stick wrote: »

Anyway, the spec is pretty high for the price, 12 x Optical, 10MP, the battery life is good, and I can't really see a camera what compares. Is less than two months, and less than a couple of hours usage reasonable? i.e., can I expect them to offer to repair it or should I be asking for a full refund?

You can't really reject it at this point, as it has been used. They can offer you a remedy, it's likely at this point that Currys will send it back for repair.

I don't really want it repaired, as it's my son's 3rd birthday a week on Friday, and I'm on holiday on 11th June, so if it goes for repair, I'll miss both these occasions I guess, which is what you get cameras for. But then, I don't think I'm going to get a camera with that spec, that is that good, for the same price. It feels like I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place. I'm going to Currys on Friday to sort this out, but I thought I'd best ask now so I have a basic knowledge of what to expect should they not do a straight exchange.

I'd imagine repair is what they are going to be looking at. Even if there were some cameras of the same type available.

Esqui

If you got the accidental damage cover on a camera under £150, it will be Instant Replacement anyway (it covers anything, not just accidents)

kalaika

Haven't got any specific advice about the repair/replacement I'm afraid, but I think the reason you can't see the TZ65 any more (and probably the reason why it was reduced in the first place) is that Panasonic have released new models (TZ8 and TZ10 although both are more expensive than your one) so have probably stopped making your one.

I know you said that you don't want a repair as you'll miss your son's birthday and holiday, but if it's not focussing then it won't give you decent pictures anyway! I think the earlier you contact Currys about it the better (Esqui's said that you should get a replacement, but not sure what they will do if they haven't got your model anymore)

Esqui

Under instant replacement terms, "if the product is not available, you can use the price originally paid towards a replacement product of your choice". The TZ65 sold well at that price (kinda annoyed I didn't buy one!), but there should be something similar-ish at a similar price (might even be able to get them to do a straight swap if it's not too much more, and you ask nicely)

Mark_Hewitt

That's annoying however. If you'd bought at the sale price, which has now expired.

Lip_Stick

Thanks for the advice folks.

Thing is, I know I've had it just under 2 months, but I'd say it's been switched on for less than an hour. The 2 days I used it were in the Easter Hols, so close together, and I've not touched it since then. I was hoping perhaps I could reject the camera and get a full refund, which would at least give me the option to shop around. I know the law states 'reasonable amount of time' and for me to get an hours useage is less than reasonable. But, I don't think things are going to go quite to plan when I go into the store lol.

I guess I'd hope to get it repaired if I can't get a good replacement, as I really like the camera and the spec. I don't want to pay another £100 for a camera with extras that I'd never use, just to get the same optical zoom and MP.

wealdroam

Lip_Stick wrote: »

Thing is, I know I've had it just under 2 months, but I'd say it's been switched on for less than an hour. The 2 days I used it were in the Easter Hols, so close together, and I've not touched it since then. I was hoping perhaps I could reject the camera and get a full refund, which would at least give me the option to shop around. I know the law states 'reasonable amount of time' and for me to get an hours useage is less than reasonable.

One point of view is...
You have had the camera for two months.
Two months is more than a reasonable amount of time for you to explorer and test the camera and reject it if faults are found.
By keeping it for two months, I am sure you be seen to have accepted the item.
The fact that you have only used it for less than an hour is unfortunate.

somethingcorporate

wealdroam wrote: »

One point of view is...
You have had the camera for two months.
Two months is more than a reasonable amount of time for you to explorer and test the camera and reject it if faults are found.
By keeping it for two months, I am sure you be seen to have accepted the item.
The fact that you have only used it for less than an hour is unfortunate.

I'd certainly agree with the above. it's not whether you use something or not, simply by keeping it a sufficient amount of time will consitute acceptance (of which, I would suggest 2 months is plenty for a camera).

Lip_Stick

Yeah, I've remembered that it's 'reasonable amount of time to inspect the goods' . Oh well, was clutching at straws lol. Will have to see what they say tomorrow.

bbelt

somethingcorporate wrote: »

I'd certainly agree with the above. it's not whether you use something or not, simply by keeping it a sufficient amount of time will consitute acceptance (of which, I would suggest 2 months is plenty for a camera).

incorrect.

usage can intimate acceptance of goods, keeping it for a sufficient amount of time does not.

Reasonable time is not defined in law but is often thought to be quite short, taking into account relevant circumstances, which in this case, is that the camera has only been switched on for an hour.

you could argue your case, but i doubt it woudl be resolved in time for the two occassions coming up if they chose to dispute you rejecting the goods as having accepted them.