Need opinions about FZ80 rattling-buzzing spring-like sound when camera is tapped, powered on or off

RD Lumix wrote:

Hello fellow Lumix lovers,

Firstly, I received a new FZ300 from BH Photo. It looks very good. But here is the rest of the story:

I could really use opinions on the second FZ80 I just got yesterday from BH Photo, exactly like the first which I previously returned. This one, like the first, was not secured in the Panasonic box such that it was turned 180 degrees which meant the box top was not folded down onto the grip. Hence it was bouncing and the lens tube end was hammering the box top. You can see the exaggerated imprint in the Styro paper wrapping and even indentation in the long cardboard flap. The neckstap and accessories were all loose in the bottom. The photos are of the second one I got yesterday.

I returned the first (packed exactly the same way) because I thought it was reboxed and there was a springy feeling-sounding rattle when I tapped the bottom edge where the base meets the screen. This second one has the same sound but I have to tap not the lower edge but the the edge where the left side of the screen meets the camera, below the the flash button.

The buzzing sound and vibration is there when the camera is both powered on or off. It makes no difference. It's apparently not the OIS. The side to side clicking is with camera off but not there with camera on, just like my three other lumix cameras. It's something else. Maybe it's of no concern. I do wonder though how much stress the lens tube could take in shipping.

Now I don't know whether I need to return this second one. They sent me an RMA label.

Can anyone confirm there is such a springy sounding rattle on your FZ80?

Otherwise this FZ80 like the first is cosmetically perfect and new looking.

Hoping someone will have the chance to check this. Maybe I can keep this one if anyone else has that same sound.

Please let me know your thoughts.

Thanks!

I have an FZ80, bought from B&H about 4 years ago, and have experienced nothing like you describe. I would likely be concerned if I were you.