Panasonic Camera advice required, my old one was stolen :(

alison74

Will save you a sob story, but my camera was stolen yesterday which is obviously a huge pain in the backside, but even more so that I am due to go on a lifetime trip to Vietnam next week !

I am at moment without camera, but need to get one ASAP.

I have been into Jessops today and like the look of the LUMIX FX33 and am pretty set on that (like the wide angle for scenic shots) but have just seen on http://www.panasonic.co.uk/compact/index.htm that there is a FX55 aswell.

Does anyone know what the FX55 model does that the FX33 doesn't ? Thoughts on FX 33 ?

I know there is the slightly better Panasonic model that has 10 x optical zoom, but for bulk etc and uses after this holiday, I would prefer the smaller one and have made do with a Sony camera with 3 x optical zoom so far and it's been enough.

My dad has the older model and photos are great, (leica lens) so am just hoping this will do the jobas well as the Zeiss Sony ones.

Any advice re the camera welcome, but it needs to be bought by tomorrow at the latest to get delivery of it in time.

I am not going to buy it at Jessops, it's cheaper elsewhere by a large amount.

Thanks in advance

f1charlie

From what I can see the only difference is that the FX55 has a 3" screen, where the FX33 has a 2.5" one, although this gives the FX33 a longer battery life.

GoofyGAT

Yeah, f1charlie is right, although there seems to be one other 'small' difference (from here):

So, what are the differences between the FX55 and the FX33. The FX55 has a 3-inch screen while the FX33 has a 2.5-inch screen. The FX33 can be used with a marine case for underwater shooting, and it will come in silver, black, blue, and brown. The FX55 will come in silver, black, and pink. Other than that, they are fairly similar.

alison74 wrote: »

I am not going to buy it at Jessops, it's cheaper elsewhere by a large amount.

Would that be Cameras2U?

DMC-FX33 Black = £179
DMC-FX33 Silver = £182
DMC-FX55 Silver = £203

Don't forget 2% Quidco cashback as well. G

joshm_2

Maybe have a look on:

http://www.dpreview.com/

and

http://www.steves-digicams.com/

to see if there are any reviews/comparisons that are of use. I was umming and ahhing about the 10x zoom Panny too and ended up buying one (the TZ3). It's an awesome camera and isn't as chunky and cumbersome as I'd initially feared, so maybe it could be worth a second look for you?

alison74

Appreciate the time for your opinions

I did check out that steves digicams site, but it's not on there (they do such good reviews aswell !)

f1charlie

You've probably already found these, but...

FX-55 review:

http://asia.cnet.com/reviews/digitalcameras/0,39001468,40930877p,00.htm

FX-33 reviews:

http://reviews.cnet.co.uk/digitalcameras/0,39030233,49292994,00.htm
http://www.trustedreviews.com/digital-cameras/review/2007/08/28/Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-FX33/p1

alison74

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-FX33EB-Digital-Camera/dp/B000TV5QGI/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2/203-5308294-4488707?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1194367265&sr=8-2

It's on Amazon for £179 now with a 3 year guarantee for £17

GoofyGAT

£178.50 now.

One for the Vietnam diary! If you buy it & in the next 30 days they reduce it further, don't forget to reclaim the difference - all explained here (posted by Venny). G

P.S. Also see Four Top Amazon Buying Tips by MSE Martin