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FZ18 Blue Band - Return camera???

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scphoto

scphoto

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I bought my son and his family an FZ18. It ONLY shows the blue band problem under the unusual test conditions (hand partially over lens, etc.). They’ve had the camera for about 3 months and have taken dozens of pics (indoors and out) and none of these “normal” pictures show the blue band problem.

They bought the camera from Costco and the 90 return policy will soon expire. Would you advise them to return the camera now or to just ignore the fact that blue banding exists under these unusual test conditions? They like the FZ18 but they would probably like a number of other superzoom cameras too. They use the camera primarily for "family snapshots" shared on the internet with family/friends.

What would you advise???

Thanks,
  • Simon
http://scpics.smugmug.com/
 
Mine doesn't show it in normal photos and I am not worrying about it.

Personally, I like the camera too much and don't think I'd like a different brand of 18x zoom from the reviews I have seen. If I were to get rid of mine, I'd probably go back to using my FZ7 as the alternative to my dSLR or possibly get an FZ8.

--
Stu - Camera User (see profile for gear)
http://www.DigitalPhotoPeople.com
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stujoe/

.
 
Keep it!

My camera has displayed the dreaded blue band a couple of times, under non-real world conditions and possibly a couple of times in actual low-light conditions. Sounds like the one you purchased is similar.

However, I have taken almost 3000 images with my FZ18 since receiving it on 6 September 2007 and blue banding has NOT been a problem. I love this camera and the images it makes.

To paraphrase my National Rifle Association friends, "Panasonic will get my camera when they pry my cold, dead hands off of it!".

--
Bill McClung (a.k.a. 'NC BILL')
Image galleries at http://www.pbase.com/nc_bill
 
I've seen the problem from my Ruud test but I never use Ruud settings for my real life shooting. So I'm going to keep mine and not bother for repair.

You should keep it if you want a super zoom. Other super zooms can not beat FZ18. The only reason for you to return is the upcoming Canon EOS 320D dSLR with body price in $300 range. But that's rumor and the price could be much higher even it's announced on 1/24.

--
FZ18
 
Got my FZ18 today, and yes like all the other FZ18s I have played with in the shops and it has been a few! mine has the blue band issue too, however after using the camera for a few pics / minutes and checking the problem again it is no longer there!

It reappears after leaving the camera off for a little while.

It only seems to be there on my camera when I first switch it on and first use it .

Simple answer seems to me to take a few pictures before using in a very low light situation.

Anybody else find this?
 
If I were in this position I would consider an exchange at Costco as my first option. My local Costco was out of stock yesterday because of Christmas but new stock may be a better bet.
 
My thoughts as well-keep the camera
Sherm
 
Testing your theory that the blue band phenomenon disappears when the camera is warmed up, I decided to test mine, while I'm waiting to returning in January since it is among the afflicted.

I turned it on, set it for ISO400 and -2 noise reduction and let it warm up for about 5 minutes. (Had to switch it on again when it automatically turned off.)

Took pictures in dark areas and had no blue band at all.

I am letting it cool off now and will take pictures under similar conditions (hard to duplicate since it's a bright day out and I can only darken rooms so much) and will report back.

Isabel

P.S. I'm thinking that the reason we will have to wait for fixes until mid-January is Panasonic may be in the midst of manufacturing some replacement part...since mechanical fixes could be distributed to technicians in nanoseconds.

--

'Twelve significant photographs in any one year is a significant crop' Ansel Adams
http://www.pbase.com/isabel95
http://www.pbase.com/digipets (not only for pet digital photography!)
 
I tried the same thing a few weeks back - didn't see any difference over approx 1/2 hour.

Sherm
 
I bought mine at COSTCO on 10/31. When I discovered via Ruud test that it had the blue band phenomenon, I did return it last weekend and then bought another .. restarting the 90 day clock.

I returned the original to keep my options open for 90 more days in case the problem becomes more serious than I expect and Pany does not resolve it. I fully expect to keep FZ18 #2, though. There is nothing on the market I'd replace it with (I have a good DSLR and lenses, but the FZ18 is much more travel friendly).

The new one seems fine per Ruud test .. and I never saw the blue band with the original on normal shots, most of which were outdoors in good light -- my primary use for such a camera.

--
Phil .. Panny FZ18, Canon S3 IS, SD700IS, 300D & EOS 20D; Fuji F20 & F31fd.
http://www.pbase.com/phil_wheeler
http://www.flickr.com/photos/phil_ox/
 
I've been using my fz-18 for about a week now indoors and out with and without flash and have not seen any BB yet. this cam is awesome.
 
increase global emission of hydrocarbon. In order to keep my carbon footprint as low as possible I will be planting a tree to offset my camera use. ;-)

 
if they enjoy the camera then the blue band shouldn't be a problem. but at $380 with a 1 gb class 2 memory card and a bag, the costco fz18 is somewhat overpriced, especially if you have to pay sales tax. a good price at amazon is about $300 - $340 without tax and a 4 gb class 4 or higher memory card is around $40. the new cameras will be announced at pma 2008 (january 30 - february 1) so the prices should drop further in the following time. i would be interested in what canon has up their sleeve and if panasonic will come out with a 28 mm wide-angle version of the fz50. i'm also hoping that more companies will incorporate built-in correction for distortion and aberration.
 
My son and his wife decided to keep the camera. We feel its very unlikely that they will ever run into this problem in normal use of the camera. I think this is true for most people and may be why Panasonic thinks this problem is limited to a few units.

Thanks to all who responded to my question. Most advised keeping the camera and we agree.
  • Simon
http://scpics.smugmug.com/
 
I agree with keeping the camera. I am not even going to test my FZ18 for the problem - that's a waste of time. My suggestion to all those worried about it: Don't stick your fingers in front of the lens or take pictures with the lens cap on!
 
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