Pana FZ20 $1099 At IT Show Worth?

[donchua]

The FZ20 is price at $1099 at the IT Show with the below freebies:

2 X 256MB SD Card
Big Tripod
Carrier Bag
CGA S002 Battery
1 + 2 year Extended Warranty.

Compare to shop like MS Color $912 (free 1 256MB SD & case),
will be paying $187 for a 256MB SD, Big Tripod, CGA batt &
2 year extended warranty in the show, worth?
Thanks.

 

[rhair78]

The FZ20 is price at $1099 at the IT Show with the below freebies:

2 X 256MB SD Card
Big Tripod
Carrier Bag
CGA S002 Battery
1 + 2 year Extended Warranty.

Compare to shop like MS Color $912 (free 1 256MB SD & case),
will be paying $187 for a 256MB SD, Big Tripod, CGA batt &
2 year extended warranty in the show, worth?
Thanks.

I cannot believe my eyes... After 5 months, they can still sell for the same RRP since the day it was launched. I was given 512MB, soft case, lotto cap and bag that time.

U seem pretty bent on getting FZ20... I hope you have seen the reviews and physically tried and tested one, and can live with the shortfalls of this camera, more than the perks it has.

 

[niteblu]

hmmm.. looks like you might have enough information there to evaluate it on your own.

Say ballpark figures.
256mb SD ($35) + Big Tripod (Unbranded?) ($40) + Orig Battery ($80)
So you're paying about $32 for 2 years warranty.


I think its a wash.
both deals are equivalent. just depends on whether you need those accessories. pay less. take the extra money, and decide on your own accessories.

buy 2 OEM batteries, for the price of one original.

 

[josho]

Why not just get it now? You may end up getting the same deal everywhere. If you think the price will drop, then wait on. It might drop when new mdoel is out, then you be contradict again whether to get the new model. :dunno:

In the end, You might not get anything, right? :sticktong

That show the value of money of FZ20 to remain at the price.
BUY! Why not?

 

[donchua]

I cannot believe my eyes... After 5 months, they can still sell for the same RRP since the day it was launched. I was given 512MB, soft case, lotto cap and bag that time.

U seem pretty bent on getting FZ20... I hope you have seen the reviews and physically tried and tested one, and can live with the shortfalls of this camera, more than the perks it has.

What are the short falls?
I tried but not so fully.

I also got an offer for a used around 2 to 3 months black set
for $825 with extra oem batt, Hoya 72mm U/V, 256mb sd
& the blue case.

 

[mlwang]

So you're paying about $32 for 2 years warranty.
QUOTE]

I would say the additional year of warranty would have a bigger value of $32.

 

[Hong Jia]

So you're paying about $32 for 2 years warranty.
QUOTE]

I would say the additional year of warranty would have a bigger value of $32.

I think he mean 2 additional yrs of warranty... I went past the booth just now and saw the offer... hee... 3 years warranty, 1 year by Pana and 2 additonal years by HN...

 

[k3nn3th03]

u know hor.. i get mine at SITEX...

got it at the very last min..

displayed set.. = 20 % less with standard package..

not sure if they will do it this time..

the pana sale at SITEX is from BEST DENKI from Great world..

not sure who it is this time..

good luck..

 

[tao]

for the extra warranty, i think worth it. but 2pcs 256mb sd card instead of one 512mb is really silly, they trying to dump unwanted stocks.

 

[donchua]

for the extra warranty, i think worth it. but 2pcs 256mb sd card instead of one 512mb is really silly, they trying to dump unwanted stocks.

If got Credit card installment laggy best.
My pocket don't need to burn big hole.

 

[John Teoh]

buy 2 OEM batteries, for the price of one original.

You can buy 3 pieces for that price. I always help one Malaysia member to buy the battery at AP and send to him by post. Last round I bought 3 pieces for him .

Cheers
John

 

[natnivek]

You can buy 3 pieces for that price. I always help one Malaysia member to buy the battery at AP and send to him by post. Last round I bought 3 pieces for him .

Cheers
John

Can you remember what was the brand and model of the OEM battery?

 

[John Teoh]

Can you remember what was the brand and model of the OEM battery?

AP only sells one type of 3rd party battery. Think it is called Digixxx.

Cheers
John

 

[natnivek]

AP only sells one type of 3rd party battery. Think it is called Digixxx.

Cheers
John

Cool... Thanks. I've been surviving with only one batt. So does any darksiders want to sell me OEM battery cheap cheap?

 

[John Teoh]

Cool... Thanks. I've been surviving with only one batt. So does any darksiders want to sell me OEM battery cheap cheap?

You a bit late lah... I really put up all the batteries with my FZ20 for sale.

Cheers
John

 

[rhair78]

What are the short falls?
I tried but not so fully.

Good day donchua,

a good question you asked. since you want to know some shortfalls, I will list as many as I can write off hand:

1) poor ergonomics:
- shutter button too far back
- zoom trigger on shutter button is out of place (normal zooms are always at the thumb position for most cameras).
- Hand grip is small, and uncomfortable after long shooting.
- EVF is place extreme left side, different from standard SLR types. If your using left eye to focus, your nose and mouth will end up "moisturising" the LCD.

2) operations + image:
- camera gets quite warm after continuous shooting
- noise level for iso above 100 quite bad
- EVF cannot see at night (does not gain up automatically)
- when camera goes into sleep mode, lens will zoom out. When woken up, the lens will move into position again. meaning battery life short.
- mechanically controlled zoom, means even worse battery life, all gone into zooming....

The list I am sure goes on.. But these are the cons lar..
There are of course many many pros too! which i am sure you are fully aware of.

Have fun with your future FZ20!

 

[nad]

which is the best 3rd party battery for FZ20?

 

[rhair78]

which is the best 3rd party battery for FZ20?

So far, apart from the original Panasonic battery, eastgear has given me the best batt life. JMHO.

 

[sunkist]

go ahead and get loh. I believe it a rather good buy

 

[nad]

So far, apart from the original Panasonic battery, eastgear has given me the best batt life. JMHO.

sounds good... it is like what, $35?