New Camera Choice - Views/Opinions.....

cloud_dog

Hi

am in the market for a compact superzoom camera.

I've probably narrowed it down to either the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ30 or Sony HX20V.

Any thoughts / experiences????

TIA.

Yorkie1

I was recently looking at the reviews for the TZ20, and the general consensus for this camera and a lot of similar superzooms, is that the picture / image quality is becoming compromised by the increased MP in particular.

I don't know about the Sony as it wasn't on my list.

I decided to get a slightly older model, the TZ8 (new through ebay for under £100 inc p&p) which had good reviews and fewer MP.

tberry6686

Both Cameras are pretty good so really it comes down to whichever suits you best.

Image degredation due to increased megapixels is at best a false argument and only valid when you look at the actual pixels themselves (due to their smaller size).

ianb24

I bought a TZ8 in New Orleans in October last year. Great at first, then increasing amounts of dust and hairs on images. Apparently caused by suction as the lens opens and poor seals. returned to Panasonics agent for repair under warranty but refused as although I had the receipt, I did not have the international warranty card. £58.80 to fix, presumably it will happen again. Check on Google,search "dust Lumix", So I will never buy Panasonic again, going for a Canon instead. £200 for a camera that lasted well under a year - go figure.

ianb24

[FONT=&quot]Further to information on my useless Lumix camera.
Buy one in USA and it appears you are on your own from day one. Panasonic, although they sponsor the Olympics, seem to be very reluctant to pay for warranty problems, especially dust on sensor inside the lens, even in UK(check Google). The TZ30, being advertised hard now, apparently has the same problems eventually, can be after a few months of use.
I will never buy another Panasonic product. Judge for yourself.
I have therefore bought a Canon Powershot S100, I miss the zoom, but the image quality is much better.

Below is a copy of Panasonics' reply to my letter requesting repair under warranty and goodwill - they clearly have none.

"ISSUE RESOLUTION: Dear Mr Bridges,

Thank you for your enquiry regarding your Panasonic Camera. I am sorry to learn of the problems you are having with this camera.

Unfortunately as the camera was purchased in the United States it will not be covered by a warranty in the UK as the United States have chosen to opt out of the limited worldwide warranty cover.

To confirm, I would explain that this product is a non CE marked camera, and as such any repair required would not be covered under warranty in the EU.

Panasonic UK will not be covering the repair costs for your camera.

Whilst I do realise that this response will cause further disappointment, I trust that this has clarified our Company's policy in relation to your request.

Kind Regards,

Joseph McLachlan
Online Support Team
Customer Communications Centre
Panasonic UK"

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