Went to the local camera shop today, and asked if I could take a look at the Panasonic G1 (in order to better get a feel for the GH1 when it comes out.)

They told me they had a 70% return rate on Panasonic cameras and just stopped stocking them since November 2008.

Is reliability or build quality a problem with Panasonic cameras? This is the first I've heard of it.

Hmm...70% return rate, and Panasonic is still in business?

Did he try to sell you a camera he carried?

Sounds like someone trying to unload something else on you.

I have both a DV953 and a DMC-FZ50 (the superzoom precursor to the G1) and I have to say both are excellent workhorses which continue to function perfectly years after I purchased them. Incidentally, they were both made in Japan rather than in some sweatshop in China (which may have something to do with their longevity).

I don't have a GH1 yet, but I would anticipate similar workmanship (although it won't be shipping with Leica glass).

Sounds like someone trying to unload something else on you.

I have both a DV953 and a DMC-FZ50 (the superzoom precursor to the G1) and I have to say both are excellent workhorses which continue to function perfectly years after I purchased them. Incidentally, they were both made in Japan rather than in some sweatshop in China (which may have something to do with their longevity).

I don't have a GH1 yet, but I would anticipate similar workmanship (although it won't be shipping with Leica glass).

Checked with a couple other stores around - they said that they did have trouble with Panasonic's stuff for a short while but that they got over those problems pretty quickly when they changed manufacturers.

Panasonic generally makes some of the most reliable equipment around. I've had the GH1 for a few weeks now, and it feels rugged enough...no less so than Canon or Nikon counterparts.

I purchased it a month after it was released. lots of hard use and abuse doing street photography in gritty African cities. Reliability has been excellent. I will buy a GH1 soon as I can.