Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ30

Very disappointed with the DMC-TZ30 – I purchased the DMC-TZ30 to replace my older version DMC-TZ3 (which incidentallly is still working as good as ever). After warranty ran out, a spot appeared within the inside camera lens, I called Panasonic and they said no servicing in Perth I would need to send to Sydney at my cost of course. Too hard. I used the camera rarely with the spot… Read more

appearing in every photo. Been sitting in cupboard for a couple of years and decided to get out, now battery dead, hardly used. Can probably get repaired locally for $145 and a new battery $89.90 =$234.90 for the camera that cost me $331 in January 2013. Very disappointed as its functions were very good and a great size camera but too unreliable unfortunately.

Problems – Nothing but problems it seems . First it wont turn on shows lens error . Dodgy camera! I wouldn't want another one! Gets fixed and does the same thing again! Not happy at all with this . Please Dont buy one you may just regret it, and waste your money.

Excelent ... but .. but if if get on an "Unlucky Unit" it can be bad – I have conflicting opinions here - I do not know how to rate this so average of 5 start and 1 star is 3 star. Explain: The GOOD: I own a TZ30/ZS20 for 2-1/2 yrs or so, very happy with it (9 yrs ago I also bought Panasonic TZ1-now an obsolete model). Both of my ZS20 and TZ1 are till excellent. The battery last well (not what experience by one of… Read more

the reviewers). Rating 5 Stars here.

The BAD: My sister so impressed with my ZS20, she bought exactly the same model/ from the same place (even the same color). After less than 2 yrs the Zoom gets "crazy" (she confirmed that it was never got dropped or anything physical accident) the display message = "System Error Zoom)". The symptom: Zoom lens retracted then immediately extended full out when turn off - making grinding soft noise, etc. Many people in the web experience similar error on point/shoot cameras. I have tried all recommended remedies but no luck. Repair would probably cost nearly as much as a new one so basically it is as good as dead - rating=1 Star (for <2 yr usage).

Brilliant camera - can't wait to take it overseas – Having recently purchased this camera I am love with the shots it is taking. Simple to use - point and shoot with great zoom and Leica lens known to be good by knowledgeable photographers. The only things I'm finding different but I am used to having used Fujifilm is that I have to physically flick the button to take the button back to shoot… Read more ·  1

mode where as with Fujifilm if I was previewing I could just click the button again and a shot could be taken. The battery is also seeming to take hours to recharge using the plug charger. I've bought a spare battery but can others tell me if this is normal. Point and shoot Have to flick from 'viewing of taken photos' mode to 'shoot' mode again. No manual provided - have to get this from the internet.

Be careful – I've enjoyed using the camera for a few weeks and was very happy with the results. However, a pressure crack developed in the screen despite very careful care and no drops. NB: Panasonic does not cover warranty for this damage despite possible faulty workmanship of parts at point of sale.

Amazing shots – I recently purchased this product as i am an amateur photographer and enjoy entering my pictures in competition. I found this camera to function on high level of effiency providing the clearest, sharpest photos. The zoom levels were great allowing a clearer picture using this function without phtots being blurry or distort in any way. Great… Read more

Panorama shots also. Indoor & night shots photos also come out extremely clear and i found this to be a bonus as most night shots are dark even with a flash use. Highly recommend this camera. Zoom feature, crystal clear photos, Panorama shots are great Sometimes shutter speed can be delayed as battery is getting low but this is normal in most cameras

Brilliant compact camera – I recently travelled around Europe for 6 weeks with the TZ30 and I was so impressed by it. Easy to use, brilliant quality photos, light weight, good battery, amazing zoom & more!! I read plenty of reviews of it prior and the only real negative was battery length with the GPS on - I did not find this to be a problem at all. Heaps of great easy to… Read more

use options like Sunset, HandHeld Night shot & Through Glass - & panorama mode was so easy to use and very impressive. By the end of my trip i had convinced 2 others to go out & buy one!! Everything, great design, easy to use, many options, brilliant zoom

Great travel zoom camera – This camera replaced a preceding Lumix model. I bought it because I wanted a pocketable super-zoom for travel. I was particularly interested in the 20x optical zoom, sweep panorama, and hand-held night shot features. They all work well. A separate charger is no longer supplied. The camera charges via a USB cable so if you're travelling… Read more ·  1

you'll to charge it off a lap-top or buy a separate charger. Non-Panasonic chargers are inexpensive. The GPS feature is improved -- it's quicker to locate where you are. However it's a power hog. The battery may not last a full day when using GPS so you'll need a spare or two when travelling. The batteries are coded so you either buy an expensive genuine Panasonic or look for a non-genuine type for 1/4 the price -- but make sure it is coded or it won't work.

The HDR mode is improved. Previously this was a pseudo-HDR but now the camera takes three photos, EV -1,0,+1, and combines them.

There are many comprehensive reviews on the web so it's worth looking at those. I can't go into that level of detail here.

This camera is perfect for what I want -- a powerful, small camera with many manual features. You won't get full value from this camera by just shooting in automatic mode.

You also need to buy a large SDHC card. 32Mb cards are available for $25 from a local vendor. Long zoom and many manual adjustment possible. Comprehensive and useful scene modes. No charger supplied. Panasonic batteries overpriced.