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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
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    Maryland
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    Default good camera deal

    If you need a camera or might want to get a really nice backup, do it now. This is a really good deal.

    The black one can be purchased online but must be picked up at store.

    Panasonic - 12.1-Megapixel Digital Camera - Black - ZS5 Black

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  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Philadelphia PA
    Posts
    3,177

    Default Re: good camera deal

    Thanks! I just ordered one and I can pick it up today!

    "There is no exception to the rule that every rule has an exception." -James Thurber, writer and cartoonist (1894-1961)
    www.ArnoldHomeInspections.com

  3. #3
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    Mar 2007
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    Ridgewood, NJ
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    237

    Default Re: good camera deal

    If it only took AA's, I'd order it in a heartbeat.


  4. #4
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    Mar 2007
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    Philadelphia PA
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    Default Re: good camera deal

    Quote Originally Posted by neal lewis View Post
    If it only took AA's, I'd order it in a heartbeat.
    I used to feel that way. Then I started using Sony cameras with proprietary lithium batteries and I've never looked back. I have two back-up batteries and chargers but almost never have to use them.

    "There is no exception to the rule that every rule has an exception." -James Thurber, writer and cartoonist (1894-1961)
    www.ArnoldHomeInspections.com

  5. #5
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    Mar 2007
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    Ridgewood, NJ
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    237

    Default Re: good camera deal

    If it only took AA's, I'd order it in a heartbeat.


  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
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    Maryland
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    Default Re: good camera deal

    Quote Originally Posted by neal lewis View Post
    If it only took AA's, I'd order it in a heartbeat.
    Neal,

    It comes with a hefty L-ion battery. My current TZ5 is the same platform and the battery has never gone even half way down during an inspection. Great battery life. You can always get a back up battery on ebay for pretty cheap. I have one but I've never needed it.


  7. #7
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Knoxville, TN
    Posts
    2,560

    Default Re: good camera deal

    I've been using a Lumix camera for a few years now. I really like thge 10x zoom. I will ONLY buy a camera with rechargeable batteries. I always buy an extra battery and have it in my belt case. I carry an extra charger in my computer bag, so when I have to change batteries, I just plug in the charger and put the dead one in. Its charged in about 1/2 hour.


  8. #8
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Cape Cod, Massachusetts
    Posts
    614

    Default Re: good camera deal

    Panasonic makes a great camera, but when it comes to inspecting homes, getting in crawlspaces, taking pictures in freezing weather and rain, or dropping it on a basement floor these cameras just can't hack it.

    I just got rid of that same model. The retractable lens got dust in it and froze up. The lens closure device also sticks. The camera freezes up in the winter and doesn't like to get wet. Had to throw it in the trash.

    I recently purchased the LUMIX DMC-TS2 which is virtually indestructible. It is water proof, dust proof, and can operate in freezing temperatures.
    So far its works just great. No turning back now.

    I highly recommend a more robust model.

    Ken Amelin
    Cape Cod's Best Inspection Services
    www.midcapehomeinspection.com

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
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    Knoxville, TN
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    2,560

    Default Re: good camera deal

    Ken,
    I don't know any camera that is OK with being dropped on a basement floor or getting wet unless they have a special configuration with those features built in.

    The LUMIX DMC-TS2 is a lot more money, and has a much smaller zoom. While I would like the "tank" aspects of that camera, I would really hate to give up my 10x zoom. I have the older mdl DMC-TZ4 and it has been great for me, and i'm in a lot of crawlspaces.


  10. #10
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Charlotte NC Licensed in NC and SC
    Posts
    597

    Default Re: good camera deal

    Don't take a camera into a dusty crawlspace if it has moving lens parts.

    Here is one that keeps dust and water out for $199:

    Olympus - Stylus Tough 12.0-Megapixel Digital Camera - Green - Tough 3000 Green


    and more for less:
    Olympus Stylus Tough 6000 10 MP Digital Camera (Orange)

    Bruce King, B.A. King Home Inspections, LLC
    www.BAKingHomeInspections.com
    Certified Master Inspector, Independent Inspectorwww.IndependentInspectors.org

  11. #11
    Mike Inspector's Avatar
    Mike Inspector Guest

    Default Re: good camera deal

    Quote Originally Posted by Bruce King View Post
    Don't take a camera into a dusty crawlspace if it has moving lens parts.

    Here is one that keeps dust and water out for $199:

    Olympus - Stylus Tough 12.0-Megapixel Digital Camera - Green - Tough 3000 Green


    and more for less:
    Olympus Stylus Tough 6000 10 MP Digital Camera (Orange)

    I got two at Office Depot last week for 119 each


  12. #12
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Cape Cod, Massachusetts
    Posts
    614

    Default Re: good camera deal

    Quote Originally Posted by Jack Feldmann
    I don't know any camera that is OK with being dropped on a basement floor or getting wet unless they have a special configuration with those features built in.
    Jack,

    This camera is rated waterproof up to 10 meters, is dust proof, can sustain a drop of 2 meters (6.6 ft) and operates in temperature range of
    -10C - 40C.

    I used to only buy a camera if it had 10X zoom, but at 14.0 mega pixels digital zoom works great. This camera has a 4X optical and a 10.0X extended optical zoom and like I said with 14 mega pixels you can still do a computerized zoom beyond that and get very clear pictures.

    I will never buy a camera with a telescoping lens, the dirt and rain have just killed too many.

    Ken Amelin
    Cape Cod's Best Inspection Services
    www.midcapehomeinspection.com

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Knoxville, TN
    Posts
    2,560

    Default Re: good camera deal

    Ken,
    Like I said, the camera was designed with those extra features.
    It looks like a great camera.

    I just haven't had a problem with my cameras in crawlspaces. I did have a slight problem with one that fell out of its case when I was climbing down from an attic and fell 9' to the concrete floor. It shattered the screen, but continues to work just fine. I use it for a back up because I can't see what I'm taking, or review it until I remove the card. It was only 3 weeks old at the time. I no longer use cases that have velcro loops for belts.

    If I can find a sealed camera that has a rechargeable battery, is pocket small and has a 10x zoom, I will probably buy it when my Lumix dies.


  14. #14
    Darrel Hood's Avatar
    Darrel Hood Guest

    Default Re: good camera deal

    I bought a Panasonic with a telescoping lens last year. It looked like a similar frame. I learned that accidental activation of the camera in the camera pocket also damages the drive for the lens. The telescoping lens system is too fragile for me to consider another one.

    Darrel Hood
    DILIGENT PROPERTY SERVICES


  15. #15
    Sam Sloane's Avatar
    Sam Sloane Guest

    Default Re: good camera deal

    I have grown tired of AA batteries. Never last long enough. The rechargeable types have a very short shelf life. You can charge it fully, leave it on the shelf and a few days later its dead.


  16. #16
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Chicago, IL
    Posts
    2,797

    Default Re: good camera deal

    Or, if you are willing to live with a larger form factor for a considerably more capable camera, this is another excellent deal:


    Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35 Digital Camera

    Michael Thomas
    Paragon Property Services Inc., Chicago IL
    http://paragoninspects.com

  17. #17
    Robert Smith's Avatar
    Robert Smith Guest

    Default Re: good camera deal

    I'll stick with the AA's to.


  18. #18
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Ridgewood, NJ
    Posts
    237

    Default Re: good camera deal

    Well, I just bought a new Sony camera today for a really good deal. My first inspection camera with a rechargeable battery. I have three Lumix cameras; have had good luck with them all.


  19. #19
    Join Date
    Jul 2007
    Location
    Chicago
    Posts
    187

    Default Re: good camera deal

    Michael,

    Are you using that FZ35 Panasonic personally? I have two older Lumix's that I love but the cheaper DMC-LZ8 continually gets dust and debris on the image sensor and I've sent in twice to Panasonic. The DMC-TZ3 is going on 4 yrs and has been fantastic. I also use a Nikon Coopix L22 (I think) that is a POS (have two) and keeps breaking.


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