FZ 50 - "preliminarily end of sales status"

[fz_fan]

I guess Panny is going for a toss here. As you said they are going to concentrate on their entry level DSLR's concentrating on the present prosumer market moving onto this entry level DSLR's especially the FZ50 owners.

But at the same time I guess they'll continue selling FZ50 in limited quantities just to keep them alive and there are no competition in the market for them so far.

In case if their DSLR's fail in the market they might come up with an upgrade to FZ50 with which they can still save themselves from losing the present prosumer market they have with FZ50.

-- Nabeel
FZ4 --> FZ50

PS: Sorry for jumping in. I'm new to this forum (relatively...) and new to photography... but not new to FZ cameras... i read this forum everyday and had learned and lot and still learning thanks to a lot of really nice ppl here

 

[MusicDoctorDJ]

I'd rather Panasonic take their time and do the next version of the FZ50 up right instead of them rushing out a new model just to meet a calander deadline.

Good things come to those that wait . . .

--
J. Daniels
Colorful Colorado
Panasonic FZ10, FZ50 & Fuji S602Z owner & operator



Remember . . . always keep the box and everything that came in it!

 

[Schijo]

This was actually my interpretation of this statement "preliminarily end of sales". In the shop I was told that this does not necessarily mean the next step will be "end of sales", it could also be, that Panasonic make up their mind and continue shipment of FZ50.

So my conclusion was, that they signal to the market: "we consider it an option to discontinue FZ*0 and fill the gap with FZ18 and to-be announced DSLR, however we are not so sure yet". So now they can observe the reaction of the market (and competition - Fuji).

From my veiw there are 2 options:

-A- will people now go for FZ50 (like myself)? Stocks emptying quickly (as some other posters have noted at least here in Europe, prices going up quickly - the shop in which I ordered on Monday increased the price until today by 11EUR).

--> then Panasonic could still see the market niche for FZ*0 and come up with an FZ60/70. Timing of the announcement as reaction to some possible Fuji announcement, tradeshow etc as suggested elsewhere.

or

-B- will people wait for FZ18 and to-be-announced DSLRs, not buying FZ50 anymore?

--> then Panasonic could finally declare end of sales for FZ50 and not announce a successor product. However this would then only happen after they are confident about market success of FZ18 and new DSLR, so some months after end of August.

Conclusion for me was (not wanting FZ18 or DSLR for my application and wanting to buy next 3 months): either way I need to go for FZ50!

Of course just my interpretation...

To better judge if my 2 options are realistic it would help to know, how long it takes Panasonic to develop a potential successor to FZ50. They wouldn't want to spend R&D budget on a product they do not consider shipping eventually ...

Jordan.

 

[linuxworks]

or
-B- will people wait for FZ18 and to-be-announced DSLRs, not buying
FZ50 anymore?
--> then Panasonic could finally declare end of sales for FZ50 and
not announce a successor product. However this would then only happen
after they are confident about market success of FZ18 and new DSLR,
so some months after end of August.

I'm thinking that the fz18 will be the new non-slr flagship or some follow-on will - but the fz50 style might end here.

the L1 is being EOL'd and at least 1 new dslr is coming out. I'm starting to consider the L1 a 'super fz30/50' (not in zoom, though). if there is going to be an 'affordable dslr' from pany, it sure seems like its seriously invading on the fz30/fz50 turf. the fz18 line may actually survive but I'm not convinced that the fz50 line will survive. how many models does pany WANT, anyway?

if their entry level slr is close enough to fz50 style shooting then that will completely kill the fz50 line.

if there was no slr coming out, then I'd say the fz50 line was going to live on. but I don't see how it can justify itself once there is an affordable slr and maybe a pricey but still do-able IS enabled longzoom for that slr.

--
Bryan (pics only: http://www.flickr.com/photos/linux-works )
(pics and more: http://www.netstuff.org ) ~

 

[fz_fan]

Just a speculation and might sound funny...

what if the entry level DSLR is an FZ50 Body with the same lens which is detachable? Just a thought....

well... an SLR Body with 35 - 420 mm kit lens or even wide angle... i might be dreaming...

 

[MusicDoctorDJ]

The FZ18 is not an FZ50, but just an up-lensed FZ8.

I'm sure Panasonic came out with that just to compete with the other 15X and 18X zooms and not meant to be a new flagship superzoom!

I think that Panasonic knows exactly how important the FZXX line is to a large customer base, not to mention to their own bottom dollar, and even with a DSLR coming out soon that may be close in price range to the FZ50, there are many who just don't want to make the DSLR plunge and want an FZXX.

--
J. Daniels
Colorful Colorado
Panasonic FZ10, FZ50 & Fuji S602Z owner & operator



Remember . . . always keep the box and everything that came in it!

 

[Marty4650]

I think that Panasonic knows exactly how important the FZXX line is
to a large customer base, not to mention to their own bottom dollar,
and even with a DSLR coming out soon that may be close in price range
to the FZ50, there are many who just don't want to make the DSLR
plunge and want an FZXX.

I agree completely.

Every camera reaches the end of it's marketing cycle, and the manufacturer will either replace it with an "improved model" or just discontinue it. Towards the end of that cycle, the manufacturer does NOT want to produce too many of the old cameras, since it will be forced to discount them heavily once the new one comes out. So... they scale back production, and try to time it so inventories are nearly depleted when the new one hits the shelves.

The FZ18 is not flagship material. It is a nice camera for sure, but it is not a successor to the FZ50. The small FZ's are clearly aimed at a different market than the large ones are. Even though they added RAW to the FZ8, the small cams still lack the manual zooming and focus rings, the hot shoe with TTL flash, and the tilt and swivel LCD.

I really think an FZ60 is in the works, and it will be a heck of a camera. And I believe it will not have interchangable lenses. That would pretty much be unnecessary in a 12X zoom camera. What would you change to? A 20mm prime and a 600mm tele? This would be easier to do with conversion lenses.

Incidentally..... the fact that BestBuy is selling LC-1s for $999 tells you that the LC-2 is on the way. I wonder if they will move the OIS from the lens to the sensor, so any Olympus 4/3 lens would work in OIS mode. It will be really interesting to see what they cook up next.

--
Marty
Panasonic FZ7, FZ20, FZ30
Olympus C7000

 

[TerryLee]

I believe that Panasonic would like to make the bigger profit margins that are available on a DSLR. How many here have Panasonic FZ cameras but don't have Panasonic ad ons? I have 2 Raynox lenses, and several Olympus ones. I'm looking at the Olympus flash compared to the Panasonic to save money there also. If Panasonic goes with a DSLR they stand a better chance of selling after market products for it than they do on the FZ XX ones. Why do you think that Canon and Nikon are so wrapped up in the DSLR cameras? BIG BUCKS. If they do come out with the new FZxx I believe it will have the same features that the 18 has, 18 times zoom, better close ups etc but have the things that we want on the FZ50 like 12megs, 2.5 - 3" back lit screen, and hopefully ad ons at a better price than they have now.

 

[MusicDoctorDJ]

Using that same theory . . .

How many people that buy the Panasonic DSLR's will still buy the Oly flash units and lenses since they most likely will be less expensive than Panasonic's identical accessories?

Just a thought to ponder . . .

--
J. Daniels
Colorful Colorado
Panasonic FZ10, FZ50 & Fuji S602Z owner & operator



Remember . . . always keep the box and everything that came in it!

 

[Tom K.]

I believe that Panasonic would like to make the bigger profit margins
that are available on a DSLR.

If Panasonic drops the FZxx line which has no competitors, and brings out just another dSLR instead, why would I buy it? I certainly WOULDN'T buy it just for the Panasonic name. Canon and Nikon pretty well cover all the bases in conventional dSLRs, and Pentax and Sony have bodies with built-in stabilization. What could Panasonic offer that would induce me to buy them instead of something else? It'd have to be something better than the lame live-view that Olympus has implemented, and that's about all I can see that differentiates them.

An improved FZ50 though - nobody else has anything like that, unless Fuji gets up off its knees and adds IS and some other improvements to their 9100/9600.

--

 

[linuxworks]

you argue from the user's point of view, tom.

but pany sees things from a money maker pov.

you have to admit, selling $500 bodies and $800 lenses (roughly) and lenses and lenses and (..) makes them much more. (assuming the new cheapie slr would be in the $500ish range and not the $1k-$2k range that the L1 was).

'leader in bridge cams' - be damned! its the income at the end of the day and SLRs and lenses are super moneymakers. they have their fz18 (series) to rely on and many many submodels below that. if they price their slr very low and have some 'ok' glass with IS and good zoom, they really could drop the fz50 line.

if they can catch the lower end of the price end and offer small size and weight (4/3 promise) and also give decent optics and IS - they CAN take a bite out of n/c's lunch. I think pany has the balls (sorry) to put cheaper affordable IS lenses out there that N/C won't ever price-match.

--
Bryan (pics only: http://www.flickr.com/photos/linux-works )
(pics and more: http://www.netstuff.org ) ~

 

[vladi1234567]

you argue from the user's point of view, tom.

but pany sees things from a money maker pov.

you have to admit, selling $500 bodies and $800 lenses (roughly) and
lenses and lenses and (..) makes them much more. (assuming the new
cheapie slr would be in the $500ish range and not the $1k-$2k range
that the L1 was).

'leader in bridge cams' - be damned! its the income at the end of
the day and SLRs and lenses are super moneymakers. they have their
fz18 (series) to rely on and many many submodels below that. if they
price their slr very low and have some 'ok' glass with IS and good
zoom, they really could drop the fz50 line.

if they can catch the lower end of the price end and offer small size
and weight (4/3 promise) and also give decent optics and IS - they
CAN take a bite out of n/c's lunch. I think pany has the balls
(sorry) to put cheaper affordable IS lenses out there that N/C won't
ever price-match.

--
Bryan (pics only: http://www.flickr.com/photos/linux-works )
(pics and more: http://www.netstuff.org ) ~

All good points. Except the cheaper affordable lenses.....If you look at their accessories - they are all super expensive. Why would they all of the sudden lower those prices....

--
FZ50, FZ7, D40 (in the order they were purchased)

 

[Barry Fitzgerald]

All good points. Except the cheaper affordable lenses.....If you
look at their accessories - they are all super expensive. Why would
they all of the sudden lower those prices....

--

This is a sore point for 4/3 in general, prices. Well I am talking europe here..both bodies and lenses are expensive.

Lens wise, I dont see pannies leica lenses selling at low level canon prices, nor would I expect them too. Olympus have some very good optics too, but again...aside from the kit stuff..very little at reasonable prices..

Its a put off to some, Sony are learning the hard way that jacking up prices isnt so smart.

If you want to see how to do SLR killer business, you dont have to look far at all. Canon and Nikon have a complete range of bodies to suit all prices/needs. Entry level, mid range, and premium optics..again..to lure the cash strapped SLR buyer onboard..offer them reasonable prices on lenses, and later on..tempt them with the pro stuff...(bodies and optics)

You have all bases covered...only way to do it.

--



Clint is on holiday! Soon to return! ;-)

 

[dontfret]

Canon and Nikon pretty
well cover all the bases in conventional dSLRs, and Pentax and Sony
have bodies with built-in stabilization.

I also agree that Panny is going up against the big guns in the dSLR arena, but IMHO for a different reason: lenses. Aside from the larger sensor, the other big advantage of the dSLR is the availability and quality of the lenses - that's the real expensive part of the purchase. Unless you're just buying a body and stock 55- 85 kit lens for $1400, people buy Canon and Nikon for the arsenal of the respective Canon and Nikkor lenses, which for most serious photographers end up costing way more than the body. I have two close folks who consider the Nikon d200 body a 'throway' part of his gear - meaning as they advance the body technology he'll gladly upgrade, spending maybe $1000, to preserve the investment in his $15,000 of lenses (a Canon f4 600mm tele lens with image stabilization is a cool $8000). So Sony and Panny are pushing a big rock up a steep hill to get people into their dslrs - you buy a $1500 Sony a100 only to find the store recommends a Tamron tele lens. No problem from me, but don't think it will be as sharp.fast/light as the Canon equivalent.

So I bought the FZ50 for the great onboard Leica branded lens, the add on Oly TCON/WCON and Raynox macro lkenses meet my needs, and I am not changing lenses and exposing a naked sensor to dirt in the field or carrying 50 pounds of glass where 5 will do fine.

I came out of 40 years shooting SLRs and when it was time to go digital for birding and macro i fretted long and hard over dslr versus FZ50. In large part due what I read and saw on this forum, made my choice and am delighted with it all (except not having burst RAW), and love my Oly TCON17, WCON08, Raynox 150/250, FL50 flash. My whole rig was probably $1500, and is equivalent in focal length to about $15,000 in Nikon dollars
--
-- Rich
Take many pictures - a few are keepers, the rest are are lessons.

 

[Trevor Carpenter]

I believe that Panasonic would like to make the bigger profit margins
that are available on a DSLR.

If Panasonic drops the FZxx line which has no competitors, and brings
out just another dSLR instead, why would I buy it? I certainly
WOULDN'T buy it just for the Panasonic name. Canon and Nikon pretty
well cover all the bases in conventional dSLRs, and Pentax and Sony
have bodies with built-in stabilization. What could Panasonic offer
that would induce me to buy them instead of something else? It'd have
to be something better than the lame live-view that Olympus has
implemented, and that's about all I can see that differentiates them.

An improved FZ50 though - nobody else has anything like that, unless
Fuji gets up off its knees and adds IS and some other improvements to
their 9100/9600.

I couldn't agree more. Panasonic have a captive audience because the cameras that appeal to me have no serious competition. If I were to go down the SLR road, and I don't want to, what could Panasonic, in the short term, offer me that I can't get already from Canon and Nikon

--



eFZed50, Oly TeeCON17, RaynoxDCR150 DCR250
My Galleries are at
http://picasaweb.google.com/trevorfcarpenter

 

[birdermom]

Love the dragonfly....thanks so much for taking the time to send the pictures...

Went to the camera store today while in the city to take a look...sorry they didn't have a FZ50 but used the FZ8 and the above...have narrowed my choices to the above P&S if I stick with P&S with that(may go with S3 if I go with Canon), and if I go DSLR...still debating, will go with the D40. I really wished I could have held the FZ50 but none in any stores.....

 

[MusicDoctorDJ]

You all assume that the DSLR's and lenses are the big cash cows for the camera manufacturers, but in reality they really make all of their money on all those little P&S cameras that cost them pennies on the dollar to make, and sell by the cazillions!

They make DSLR's only because they have too.

Plus . . . somebody has to because there is a market for DSLR's . . .

The profit margins on DSLR's and lenses are really very small in comparision to the mass produced P&S's.

--
J. Daniels
Colorful Colorado
Panasonic FZ10, FZ50 & Fuji S602Z owner & operator



Remember . . . always keep the box and everything that came in it!

 

[MusicDoctorDJ]

However . . . I was wrong in my above post about one item . . .

I guess some DSLR stuff is a cash cow . . . like Nikon's way over priced $750 18-200 VR lens!

Out of the gate they were defective . . . recalled . . . took them a year and a half to get them back out all the while creating a frenzy (how's that for good marketing stratagy) . . . and people willing to pay upwards of $1000 for them just to get one before anyone else does!

Hhhmmmmm . . . I wonder just how many of those first ones are floating around out there under the guise of being one of the new ones, yet they really wound up with one of the recalled lenses.

Just don't pick up your DSLR by the lens or it may end up like this one.



--
J. Daniels
Colorful Colorado
Panasonic FZ10, FZ50 & Fuji S602Z owner & operator
Remember . . . always keep the box and everything that came in it!

 

[linuxworks]

They make DSLR's only because they have too.

yeah, they go fighting and screaming all the way, LOL

I don't have numbers, but why don't you believe that lenses are such a high profit item? look at their raw materials and tell me that there's really $1k worth of 'stuff' in there, even including time to assemble.

its my guess (along with a lot of other people) but I see lenses as SUPER high profit items.

--
Bryan (pics only: http://www.flickr.com/photos/linux-works )
(pics and more: http://www.netstuff.org ) ~

 

[vladi1234567]

Love the dragonfly....thanks so much for taking the time to send the
pictures...
Went to the camera store today while in the city to take a
look...sorry they didn't have a FZ50 but used the FZ8 and the
above...have narrowed my choices to the above P&S if I stick with P&S
with that(may go with S3 if I go with Canon), and if I go
DSLR...still debating, will go with the D40. I really wished I could
have held the FZ50 but none in any stores.....

I only see FZ50 at Frys - none of the other stores have them in stock where I live. FZ8 and S5 are both great cameras. Look at the reviews on dpreview.com - they've covered both of these cameras - and see what sounds the best to you!
--
FZ50, FZ7, D40 (in the order they were purchased)