FZ7 - Difficulty with removing battery from camera.

I am new to this forum and fairly new to digital photography.
Had my FZ7 for only two weeks and am VERY happy with the camera.

Even before reading the manual the camera took excellent pictures in the AE mode by just pointing and shooting. But I want to do a little more than that and from reading this forum for a while, I know that it can.

Not being a real hotshot with the computer part of it, it took a little while to get into some of the finer modes and things are starting to make sense to me and I am starting to get some decent results with low light shooting, manual focusing, close ups, etc.

The only problem I have encountered so far is that the battery is difficult to remove from the camera. I do turn the little tab out of the way, but it takes some fairly serious prying and shaking with the camera held up side down before the battery finally comes out.

Has anyone else come across this problem and is there a trick to get this done easier.
Thanks for any tips.
Ed

It shouldn't be doing that. I would consider it as a defect as these cameras are supposed to be built with precision. Have you tried returning it to the strore where you bought it from? Maybe just the battery needs to be replaced.

Have fun with your FZ7

PMann is right. You may have a defective battery that has swollen slightly. You may seek a replacement by contacting Panasonic. You can verify that your battery is swollen by taking your camera to any camera store that sells Panasonic and trying a battery from one of their demo cameras.

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Thank you both for your quick reply.
I feel a little bit like a fool right now.

I did purchase a second (non Panasonic) battery with my camera. After checking it out some more, it is this battery that is causing problems. The one from Panasonic goes in and out flawlessly.

I hope that Sunshine Electronics, who I purchased the camera from will be able and willing to send me a battery that fits the camera.

I guess there is something to be said for sticking with original manufacturer's parts instead of trying to save a buck here and there with lower priced replacements.

This will not take away from the fun I am having with this wonderful little camera.
Thanks again and happy picture taking.
Ed

Actually, all batteries have a certain % of defective units, and this can even be true of OEM batteries. I would just get a replacement of the non-OEM battery, as it is likely to be a sound one. In general, OEM batteries are a ripoff, and on this forum we tend to have a preference for non-OEM batteries from reputable sellers where spare batteries are concerned..

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Thank you very much.

You have been very helpful. The battery is on it's way to the store I got it from and I should have a replacement in a week or so.
Should not be too difficult to get away with just one battery in the meantime.
Ed