Wootalyzer's Pricing Post! - The price of today's woot item is saved here for future reference
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Panasonic 14.1MP Digital Camera with Leica 16x Optical Zoom, GPS & HD Video
$169.99 + $5 Shipping
Condition: Refurbished

*DISCLAIMER* Wootalyzer! is in no way affiliated with Woot!, and this post may not always be here!

How many digital cameras & vacuums can 1 person own??

I must say Panasonic has been making great consumer point & shoots for years. I've got a couple & can't be happier. Maybe this could be something for the girlfriend!

Here is a great Zoom chart from Fujifilm to show you how about how a 16x would look!

http://www.fujifilm.ca/products/digital_cameras/j/finepix_jx250/features/img/page_11/Zoom_Chart.jpg

User's manual

This is a great deal. Check out the camera pricing on Google and you'll be back here to WOOT real quick!!

Nice. This is a great little camera, I agree that Lumix is a wonderful and consistently good line of digital cameras.

Price comparison:

Amazon.com price: $254 (for new, not refurbished). http://tinyurl.com/lumixzs10

Buy.com: $265. http://tinyurl.com/7atcjsn

Adorama: $249 (you need to add to cart to see this price). http://tinyurl.com/78lnmvg

I'd get one if I needed one...

cbh5150 wrote:So why does the pic show the zoom as 21x ?

Optical and digital zoom. Big difference

If you plan on actually trying to capture decent images with a 16x zoom, invest in a mono-pod. Even a cheapo-eBay will work wonders.

From the description:
"GPS function tags your photos and videos with place, name, and coordinate details for tracking and recalling location of images"

While GPS sounds like a great idea, privacy experts warn against using it for photos you plan to post publicly. That's because anyone can download the photos and see where they were taken. If you have photos of your home or workplace, you've placed yourself at risk for stalkers. Especially if you look hot! More seriously, if you display anything of value, i.e. a car, it's at risk. And if it's a photo of your house, whether interior or exterior, you've given potential robbers information about how to break in. Some websites will automatically strip GPS info from all uploads, but not all so be careful about using it on public photos.

Previous woot:

http://www.woot.com/Forums/ViewPost.aspx?PostID=4588038

We love our rugged, reliable Panasonic Luminix DMC TZ1.

If we were ready for an upgrade, we'd POUNCE on this.

We've just read online reviews for this camera, and the old "Lumix DMC-ZS10" - seems to really be holding its own.

I got the DMC-ZS6 from Woot a while back over the summer. I absolutely love it, the options are great, and it takes wonderful shots. The zoom is really amazing as well, shows a little noise at full zoom (digital too) but with just optical it is astounding. I would definitely recommend Panasonic digital cameras and would buy this camera, if someone would take my old one. Don't worry about it being refurb either, quite a good price.

The people at DPReview don't think much of it. In a comparison test they rated it in the middle of the pack for image quality in good light, and at the bottom for low-light and flash performance. Their conclusion said

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS10 is up there with the Sony HX9V, Canon SX230 HS and Nikon S9100 in terms of specification and video performance, but its poor LCD visibility in good light, clunky interface and relatively poor noise and noise-reduction performance mean that it can't quite stack up with the best of its competition.

(Reposted from the last time this camera was offered.)

My previous comments:

By the way, it was $239.99 then, so it's $70 cheaper than August.

Product webpage:

http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/compact/zs10_tz20/index.html

including tab to multiple reviews:
http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/evaluated/index.html#zs10

From the US Panasonic website:

Product support page:

http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-electronics/support/Cameras-Camcorders/Digital-Cameras/Lumix-Digital-Cameras/model.DMC-ZS10K

including manual assuming I picked the right model:

http://service.us.panasonic.com/OPERMANPDF/DMCZS10_ADV.PDF

(Yeah, I know the manual is linked above, just keeping it in for future reference).

Limited consumer reviews on tab for main US product page:

http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-electronics/shop/Cameras-Camcorders/LUMIX-Digital-Cameras-Point-amp-Shoot-Models/model.DMC-ZS10K

$239.99 price from August 13, 2011 last woot vs. $169.99 November 13-today. I'll also tell you that I have bought several Panasonic cameras and have not been disappointed, and provide

froogle

and show you that PC Magazine's last Readers' choice award for digital cameras went to Panasonic and Nikon last September 2011:

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2393458,00.asp

but Panasonic still finished a respectable 3rd including:

"While Panasonic may have lost its top spot in superzooms, it wasn’t far behind with an overall rating of 8.5. The company’s cameras in this category had the highest reliability rating in the category (9.1) and the fewest superzooms needing repairs (1 percent). Panasonic had the lowest repair rate across all categories (2 percent) as well. It received the highest overall rating from our readers in the enthusiast category and was consistently in the top tier in other categories. For these reasons, Panasonic also gets an Honorable Mention."

PC World readers put Panasonic on top autumn 2010:

http://www.pcworld.com/article/211090/2010_reliability_and_service_survey_cameras.html

Other reviews:

CNet:
http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/panasonic-lumix-dmc-zs10/4505-6501_7-34505755.html

PCWorld:
http://www.pcworld.com/article/224737/review_panasonic_lumix_dmczs10.html

ZDNet's collection of the reviews if you would prefer:
http://www.zdnet.com/reviews/product/digital-cameras/panasonic-lumix-dmc-zs10-silver/34505713

Digital Camera Review:
http://www.digitalcamerareview.com/default.asp?newsID=4705&review=panasonic+lumix+zs10

Okay, I'm beat, good night!

(Edit: cleaned up a few outdated words/phrases).

(Edit: Last update, PCMag article on quality now available for 2011. Panasonic again did well).

Which model is this? Because if it's the DMC-ZS8, you can get it in Silver for $179.99 NEW, and with Free Shipping on Amazon.

EDIT:Never mind my question. I see now it's the DMC-ZS10.

We had the older version of this camera with only the 12x zoom, and we were astonished how much better the pictures were and what we could capture compared to our canon point and shoots. We lost the camera at kings island and have lamented it ever since. The Leica lens seems to make a major difference, especially when compared to other cameras in this price range. Shutter lag was never a problem, although we got some blurry first pictures before we mastered letting the AF adjust and lock. The ability to adjust many of the manual features is great even for amateurs like me, pros would love it. The zoom really is where this camera excels...you will be blown away by how good this camera is for the money. Oh yeah, the optical zoom worked when shooting HD video, and I am pretty certain this one does too.

Steve's Digicam review.
http://www.steves-digicams.com/camera-reviews/panasonic/lumix-dmc-zs10/panasonic-lumix-dmc-zs10-review.html

I bought this one in earlier this year, refurbed, on woot. Time and time again it has proven to be one of the best point and shoots i've ever seen. I took test pictures when I first got it of flowers in the backyard. It was a bit windy and the roses were swaying but it captured a completely clear photo of it.

I also took it on a fishing trip with me. It captured great moving photos as we were taking the boat out onto the lake. Then I was able to test out the zoom on the flags over the marina at least 300 meters away. Then I took pictures of deer about 200 'meters away. All turned out incredibly clear.

From fireworks, family reunion, camping trip, state fair, and so much more this camera has captured everything clearly. Ishow everyone I can this camera including professional photographers. If you need a camera and have the money, buy this. I promise you will not be disappointed.

For superzooms, I've always seen it as a battle between Samsung and Panasonic. Both are Asian electronics giants not known for imaging, yet both brands have received generally very good reviews. Because their specialty is electronics, both companies also outsource to respected lensmakers for their optics. Panasonic uses Leica while Samsung uses Schneider-Kreuznach. As a result, photo quality have been very good. The respected site, depreviews.com, for example, lauded the 15x zoom Samsung HZ30W (which I bought here on Woot for $119) for its lack of optical distortion.

In the past, I've always preferred Samsung for one reason: Video. Panasonic used outdated Motion JPEG compression while Samsung uses H.264. As a result, Samsung can hold roughly 4x as much video of the same quality in the same amount of space. But this Panasonic not only uses H.264, but it also gives you the option of MJPEG. And it does 1080 HD. In short, the video specs are incredible. I also hated the fact that Panasonic used MOV, which no free Windows program can edit well. I believe that it now uses the more universal MP4 container, which Samsung has used for a while.

My only question now is whether this Panasonic can pause while recording. Virtually no digital cameras (or palmcorders like the Flip, or even cheap camcorders) have this ability -- except Samsungs. This is an important feature for many reasons (read the previous Panasonic camera Woot for details). Regardless, the specs for this Panasonic is amazing, and I'm tempted to pull the trigger.

To moderator: Half-seriously, if you want me to go back to breaking up the links into individual categories for multiple posts, I can. I just didn't want to force you to link to multiple posts if you thought all of the links were worthwhile, and figured maybe it would be better with one summary collection. I'll do whatever you want to make the info the most helpful. Also, half-seriously, sorry I overwhelmed you ;)

CaviMike wrote:If you plan on actually trying to capture decent images with a 16x zoom, invest in a mono-pod. Even a cheapo-eBay will work wonders.

I got a bunch of pen-sized tripods for $1 each (10 for $10, free s/h) on eBay, which I gave as stocking stuffers. The flexible legs allowed them to adjust to odd surfaces.

And turn off Optical (and Digital) Stabilization when you use a tripod. Not only is it unnecessary (unless your surface is unstable) but stabilization can actually add unwanted artifacts to the image. Some cameras will automatically turn off stabilization if it detects a tripod.

lll0228 wrote:Nice. This is a great little camera, I agree that Lumix is a wonderful and consistently good line of digital cameras.

Price comparison:

Amazon.com price: $254 (for new, not refurbished). http://tinyurl.com/lumixzs10

Buy.com: $265. http://tinyurl.com/7atcjsn

Adorama: $249 (you need to add to cart to see this price). http://tinyurl.com/78lnmvg

I'd get one if I needed one...

I would too. I have more point and shoots then fingers on my hands.

One site was as high as $325. Most were $250 and up, up and away. This is a great deal.

I have a DMC-ZS7 and it's truly an excellent point and shoot under a range of conditions. Here's a sample sunset shot:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/fiatlux/6306860713/

If I were in the market for a replacement, I'd pull the trigger on this.

MichXelle wrote:I would too. I have more point and shoots then fingers on my hands.

One site was as high as $325. Most were $250 and up, up and away. This is a great deal.

Keep in mind, however, that this Lumix is refurbished. While I have no problems with buying one (my Samsung from Woot is a refurb), you may not want to give one as a gift. Some people are tempted to remove any label that says "REFURBISHED" but that's not good enough. If the recipient registers the camera online with a serial number, the truth will be revealed. That's because refurbs generally have a shorter warranty. And then you'll really look like jerk. Not only were you cheap, but you're also a liar!

ThunderThighs wrote:No, it's fine. I'd rather have that than a bunch of posts for which I will usually only quote one or two. Just needed some interesting text, don't ya know.

That's all I needed to know. My knowledge/posts are hit/miss, so I like gathering everything into one place when I go to past posts. FWIW, PC World's reader survey for electronics (if they're doing the usual) I expect to see at the end of the month. Good night, ThunderThighs/y'all!

Really.. don't waste your money on a camera like this where the lens extends out from the body.

Im a materials and mfg engineer and I spent 10's of hours looking at which kind of models , on ebay, were available as a BROKEN camera and why they were broken.

The vast number were this style. The style where the lens body already stuck out had nearly none for sale. This style had literally a hundred for sale and nearly all due to the lens not working.

I bought a Panasonic anyway from woot and took extreme care of it. After 500 shots the lens failed to retract. I had it professionally looked at but the gears wouldn't engage again.

I felt stupid because I already knew how badly they fared but my desire overcame my needs.

Every other camera I've ever had have all worked beautifully. They are:

Olympus C2000
Oly C750
Canon SX40

Remember this message and if you buy .. and it fails due to the lenses not working properly at least write a note warning other people
off ..

These cams are made for silly girls who want to slip them into their 2" x 3" x 1/2" purse and shoot a shot they couldn't care less about.

If that's you.. fine.. Buy it. I don't even mind if you're silly, a girl, or have a purse.

But when are you going to have money if you spend it now?

: )

i bought the zs6 a while back from woot! and it's become my daily compact carry camera. i found many years ago that you can get better photos with a compact you've got *with* you than the expensive SLR (or DSLR nowadays) that's back at home. it fits easily into a very small belt pouch i found at black rock last year. today's woot! is about the same size, with a longer lens and more resolution.

the picture quality of the earlier model (less resolution) is great for everything but giant prints and ultra-crops. the "iA" (intelligent auto) mode is brilliant - the camera figures out what you're shooting, and adjusts accordingly. it can tell if you're tracking a moving subject, and automatically increase the ISO for a faster shutter speed, or provide exactly the right amount of fill-in.

i found a great, very well thought-out and detailed review of this newer model here:

http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Panasonic_Lumix_DMC_TZ20_ZS10/

lots of pictures, and good explanations of features like the 220fps movie mode, and and recognizing a face of an under-3 year old and switching to "baby" mode.

i'm almost tempted to jump on this just in case i lose my zs6 . . .

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/ZS10/ZS10A.HTM

My favorite review site.

do the refurbish products come with the original box?

gobears99 wrote:do the refurbish products come with the original box?

Nope, no boxes. Items laid flat on a cardboard and shrink-wrapped.

I have the similar but slightly older and less zoomy Panasonic ZS3 also known as TZ7. It is heads and shoulders above my old P&S, a Sony DSC-W7 which actually worked very well.

Noteworthy improvements are the amazing zoom length in such a small camera and the pictures are sharp enough at any zoom level.

Low light and motion photos are greatly improved by the spectacular stabilization system which I leave on full force all the time.

The camera may be delicate-- sometimes there are wavy lines on the display or the zoom is transiently erratic suggesting the likelihood of future failure. At about $150 on eBay, I immediately bought a spare.

Another issue is short battery life when taking high resolution (720p) video. You really need to carry at least one spare.

I don't need the GPS and I would be concerned that in this particular camera, there are too many pixels for the sensor size. The TZ7 has 10MP in the same size sensor. And it gets pretty noisy when operated over ISO 400. Fortunately, you rarely need to do that because of that incredible stabilization system. You can still buy the ZS3/TZ7 on eBay new or refurb'd but most refurb'd's are new. I'd get a Square Trade warranty because they are delicate and don't like shocks, water and dirt.

Movies are especially nice with this thing because they are so well stabilized, it looks as if you're on a tripod when you're not. And you get follow focusing (which actually works) and the ability to zoom at just the right zoom speed.

Of course it takes beautiful, well saturated, accurately colored, very sharp images.

The only time I didn't like this camera was trying video in bright sun at an air show. The far away, fast approaching jets and the high sky aerobatics were simply impossible to see on the viewfinder. The camera has no optional optical finder and no accessory shoe to mount one from another camera system.

For most things, it's wonderful.

A user of the ZS3 called Transemiro has created an incredible Flicker gallery of his images and provides hints for correct settings to get similar results. I have to admit I still don't get quite as good pictures as he does.

You can see them here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mirepapa/4551449263/

I bought this camera a few months back.
I have taken some great pictures with it since.
a few times I found the pictures to be out of focus or grainy but that was my lack of inexperience I am sure, there are SO many settings and options and I have not taken the time to learn to use it fully - plus - I do not know a lot about cameras.

I am glad it is on woot again tonite because I am hoping others who also purchased this will read this and answer my two concerns.

1) Clunky optical mechanics:
In video mode I found that while zooming the mechanical assembly that extended the optics has one clunk point that is felt, heard (barely) and NOTICED in the viewfinder as the image shifts slightly. This clunk point is probably heard in the audio also.

(another reason I am glad this is on sale again is the reminder for me to send it out for repair of this defect SOON -if I can still under the warranty)

I am asking all of you if this was noticed on your camera, figuring if its reported by many others that there is nothing that can be fixed, that this is just the way it is.

2) Audio Quality:
I love to shoot live bands/concerts. When I inquired before buying this earlier I had asked if anyone knows how well the audio recorded sounds... NOBODY answered.

I have shot concert videos for years on a JVC Eviro GZ-MG77u, it's audio is at 384k and sounds fantastic, never does it overload, great bass and overall sound.

I seen a similar JVC Eviro not long ago wooted here and was reading the comments, when I came to the mention that it recorded in mono only that is all the further I went and decided not to get it.

I have taken this Lumix out on one musical occasion and the pictures & videos looked great in such a setting.
The audio sounded good, yet seemed to be lacking in the bass and overall was just missing something, I know it is at I think 192k, yet still should had sounded better I have been thinking.
Next time I will bring both camera's and do a side by side shoot so I can get a legit comparison to the great sound my good ole' JVC can record, to be sure.

Can't Remember the last time I've used a stand alone point and shoot...my iPhone has since taken that role..and the 4S does a stellar enough job at that.

flashbeezy wrote:Can't Remember the last time I've used a stand alone point and shoot...my iPhone has since taken that role..and the 4S does a stellar enough job at that.

Yeah, I love the 0x zoom on my 4S.

ID-Security Li-ion Battery Pack (3.6V, 895mAh) (included)
AC Adaptor (Input: 110-240V AC) (not included)

Amazon to the rescue! $29.99 with free Super Saver shipping:
http://www.amazon.com/Wasabi-Power-Panasonic-DMW-BCG10E-DMW-BCG10PP/dp/B0049V0ZX8/ref=pd_sim_p_4

gobears99 wrote:do the refurbish products come with the original box?

Sometimes, but there will always be some indicator that it's refurbished, i.e. labels on the box and camera. The warranty card will also often say refurbed since the warranty is generally shorter. If you plan on giving one as a gift, or deceptively selling it on eBay as new, read this post first.