FZ5 to FZ38, Hardware Questions

[Bren G]

Hello all, first post here but been lurking since Panasonic quietly launched the FZ1. Took over 5000 pictures with the 1 then bought the FZ5. Currently only taken 3000 plus with the 5. Don't upgrade very often so always jump a number of models when it comes to buying.

I've been reading up on the new fz38 so my questions are really based on the hardware side of things.

1.) I've read that the 18/28/38 models are a little bigger than my old FZ5 but is it actually noticeable? I use a Lowepro D-Res 25AW case and my fz5 fits snugly along with a spare battery and card with little space for any more.

2.) I have an Olympus TCon 1.7 converter as well. Used it with FZ1 and FZ5 via adaptors. It uses a 55mm thread. Will I still be able to use it with the FZ38, assuming it's the same body as the 28 & 18 or is it now redundant?

3.) What's this I read about chipped batteries? I've always used the batteries that came with the FZ1 & 5 as well as one I got from battery barn about 7 years ago (still working well). Was the battery changed at some stage to a different size/capacity so I can't use my existing ones?

Looking forward to August 11th when the 38 is supposed to be out. Need for the holiday starting August 21st.

Many thanks in aticipation of your expert answers.

Bren

 

[JosephScha]

Hi, Bren, I have an FZ7 so I"m in a similar position. I'll comment on your questions below, but some are opinion, so I don't have "the answer", just an opinion.

Hello all, first post here but been lurking since Panasonic quietly launched the FZ1. Took over 5000 pictures with the 1 then bought the FZ5. Currently only taken 3000 plus with the 5. Don't upgrade very often so always jump a number of models when it comes to buying.

Nice! I really hope you've enjoyed them both.

I've been reading up on the new fz38 so my questions are really based on the hardware side of things.

1.) I've read that the 18/28/38 models are a little bigger than my old FZ5 but is it actually noticeable? I use a Lowepro D-Res 25AW case and my fz5 fits snugly along with a spare battery and card with little space for any more.

A relative had an FZ1, and I compared to my FZ7. I think the FZ7 was slightly bigger, surely slightly different shape. But it definitely didn't matter to me. I've also seen an FZ28 and no I don't think it's significantly different than the FZ7. Your opinion may differ. But Panasonic has clearly been trying to keep the same size, and the differences are either style or to accommodate the larger LCD.

2.) I have an Olympus TCon 1.7 converter as well. Used it with FZ1 and FZ5 via adaptors. It uses a 55mm thread. Will I still be able to use it with the FZ38, assuming it's the same body as the 28 & 18 or is it now redundant?

I have a TCON-17 also, use with the FZ7 with an adapter. I am pretty sure I've see pictures on this forum taken with FZ28 and TCON-17, and since the FZ38 has the same lens, should work the same as with the FZ28.

3.) What's this I read about chipped batteries? I've always used the batteries that came with the FZ1 & 5 as well as one I got from battery barn about 7 years ago (still working well). Was the battery changed at some stage to a different size/capacity so I can't use my existing ones?

That's a hot topic on this forum. It seems Panasonic got tired of repairing cameras due to leaking or swollen brand X batteries (or, if you're cynical, Panasonic wanted to capture the lucrative spare battery business - I doubt that). Clearly, chipped batteries wouldn't be a problem if they were AVAILABLE and not too expensive. At the moment, the major problem is that they are not available - even if you want to buy a real Panasonic spare battery, you'd have problems finding it even from Panasonic direct. This can't last; I feel certain Panasonic will either resolve the lack of availability or give up on requiring chipped batteries.

Looking forward to August 11th when the 38 is supposed to be out. Need for the holiday starting August 21st.

Aug 11th? I thought the press release said September. Anyway, if you find one in August please let us know! Thanks!

Many thanks in aticipation of your expert answers.

Bren

 

[Paul Pasco]

Hello all, first post here but been lurking since Panasonic quietly launched the FZ1. Took over 5000 pictures with the 1 then bought the FZ5. Currently only taken 3000 plus with the 5. Don't upgrade very often so always jump a number of models when it comes to buying.

The FZ5 is still a very viable model.

I've been reading up on the new fz38 so my questions are really based on the hardware side of things.

1.) I've read that the 18/28/38 models are a little bigger than my old FZ5 but is it actually noticeable? I use a Lowepro D-Res 25AW case and my fz5 fits snugly along with a spare battery and card with little space for any more.

Here's a review of the FZ7 which was the model that the slightly larger body was introduced. Scroll down the comparison column to where it shows the dimensions and judge for yourself: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/PanasonicFZ7/

2.) I have an Olympus TCon 1.7 converter as well. Used it with FZ1 and FZ5 via adaptors. It uses a 55mm thread. Will I still be able to use it with the FZ38, assuming it's the same body as the 28 & 18 or is it now redundant?

Looks like it has the same lens so probably yes, except you will definitely need a different adapter as the lens has changed since the fZ8 model, I believe.

3.) What's this I read about chipped batteries? I've always used the batteries that came with the FZ1 & 5 as well as one I got from battery barn about 7 years ago (still working well). Was the battery changed at some stage to a different size/capacity so I can't use my existing ones?

I would guess since they started the silly practice it will probably extend to all new models too. I also use an old Battery Barn battery from my old FZ3 in my FZ28 that had sat in a drawer for 4 years!

Looking forward to August 11th when the 38 is supposed to be out. Need for the holiday starting August 21st.

Given the battery situation, unless you had to have one of the new model's features maybe you should look for a FZ28 before they are gone.

Many thanks in aticipation of your expert answers.

Bren

--
Regards, Paul

Lili's Dad

 

[YSFlight]

This is the only picture I've seen of a battery in the FZ38



....hopefully, not chipped.

 

[JacA]

I recognize your situation, a few weeks ago my fz5 'past away' - still feeling sorry for it it was a very good cam. I've waited for the successor of the fz28 and will buy it, first shop sells it now for € 400 (Netherlands). I have also bought the nikon teleconverter 1.5 but not yet the adapter for it. When i'm correct (and if the fz38 indeed also uses a 55m tread) I (we?) will need the adapter DMW LA3

I found this for example:
http://search.purelygadgets.co.uk/search?asug=dmw+&currency=&w=dmw+la3

Is that correct? Have fun with the fz38! I am happy that Panasonic did'nt put a 24x zoom on the camera. I was very surprised by the need of some forum-users to bash the fz38 before the first test was published...

 

[Bren G]

I recognize your situation, a few weeks ago my fz5 'past away' - still feeling sorry for it it was a very good cam. I've waited for the successor of the fz28 and will buy it, first shop sells it now for € 400 (Netherlands). I have also bought the nikon teleconverter 1.5 but not yet the adapter for it. When i'm correct (and if the fz38 indeed also uses a 55m tread) I (we?) will need the adapter DMW LA3

I found this for example:
http://search.purelygadgets.co.uk/search?asug=dmw+ ¤cy=&w=dmw+la3

Is that correct? Have fun with the fz38! I am happy that Panasonic did'nt put a 24x zoom on the camera. I was very surprised by the need of some forum-users to bash the fz38 before the first test was published...

Give it some time, you'll get over the fz5, especially when you get the 38 in your hands.

Found the same adaptor on the Panasonic e-shop, names it as a part for the 18 and the 28 but not the 38 yet. Costs a snip under £18. See link.

http://shop.panasonic.co.uk/invt/dmwla3e

Looks like the order for 2 maybe going in soon Also the camera is showing a price of £323, c. E380. Based in Ireland, so looking for a good Euro price as well.

You're right about the 24x zoom. If people really need the extra distance, either crop or use the tele-converter.

Anyway, thanks for the response and good luck getting over that fz5!

Bren

 

[Bren G]

All very useful answers/opinions, many thanks to all that replied.

Re. availability dates, the Panasonic UK/Ireland e-shop is indicating August 11th for the black model. Hope so, there's a 40th birthday coming up and that first camera has my name on it

Thanks again, Bren