Any reliability/build quality issues with Panasonic? at DVinfo.net

Brian Boyko · July 2nd, 2009, 07:09 PM

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.

Paul Nixon · July 5th, 2009, 09:46 PM

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

Did he try to sell you a camera he carried?

Peter Gjevre · July 5th, 2009, 10:50 PM

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).

Brian Boyko · July 6th, 2009, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter Gjevre

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.

Ken Ross · July 8th, 2009, 04:49 PM

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.

Kevin Haupt · July 11th, 2009, 01:21 AM

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.

July 2nd, 2009, 07:09 PM	#1
Brian Boyko Major Player Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 773	Any reliability/build quality issues with Panasonic? 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. __________________ Equip: Panny GH1, Canon HG20, Juicedlink, AT897, Sennh. EW/GW100, Zoom H2, Vegas 8.1

July 5th, 2009, 10:50 PM	#3
Peter Gjevre Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Santorini, Greece Posts: 35	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). __________________ www.atomicchihuahuas.com Last edited by Peter Gjevre; July 5th, 2009 at 10:51 PM. Reason: grammar

July 11th, 2009, 01:21 AM	#6
Kevin Haupt New Boot Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico Posts: 14	1000's of shots on a G1 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.

July 5th, 2009, 09:46 PM	#2
Paul Nixon Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 141	Hmm...70% return rate, and Panasonic is still in business? Did he try to sell you a camera he carried?

July 8th, 2009, 04:49 PM	#5
Ken Ross Trustee Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: New York Posts: 1,945	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.