Panasonic FZ5 - so, what's next?

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital (More info?)

"Eric Babula" <ebabula@care2.com> wrote in message
news:Xns96368ACAB519Eebabulacare2com@66.192.254.230...
> Just starting a new thread, cuz I don't wanna work right now.
>
> So, I'm gonna get the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ5 in maybe a couple weeks or
> so. Waiting for the price to drop a little bit. I see it's already down
> to $435.00 at www.butterflyphoto.com. I guess it might go to under
> $400.00 relatively quickly.

I'd say not quickly. They are not in stock at several of the big retailers.
I know for sure as I just ordered one and was notified that it's OOS. This,
after searching for a vendor who persumably had them in stock (sigh).

> So, I'm assuming if I wait too long, the next generation of super-zoom
> digicams will come out, and I'll be second-guessing my decision to
> purchase the FZ5!

Absolutely. This is always a tough call as sometimes the gains are minimal
but sometimes they are major and that hurts. However, in this case you
should be safe in that it will be a while before the FZ5 is "outclassed" as
it is getting great reviews from respected sources and one can assume it's a
great product.

> Anyone have any ideas as to what new digicams are about to come out that
> will compete with the FZ5 (for about the same price), but may be even
> better? Any clues as to when they'll come out on the US market?
> How does one find out this information? The FZ5 has been discussed quite
> a bit, and much before it's official release date. I'm assuming you're
> getting this info from photography magazines, correct?

Yes and Internet.

> Are there
> websites out there that announce the newest digicams that have just been
> released, or are about to be released?

I find the "rumor mills" are not reliable and the respected sites are
tight-lipped or truly know little more than the rest of us.

>I'm assuming there won't be many
> reviews of any 'future' releases, yet, but, just reading the specs
> should tell us something.

Future release information can be a rumor. The manufacturers don't like
rumors; at least the most respected ones.

> Well, if anyone has any info about future digicams that would be a
> competitor to the FZ5, but may in fact be even better, I'd love to hear
> about them!
>
> TIA,
>
> --
> Eric Babula
> Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
>
> I'll likely still get the FZ5, but it won't hurt to keep an open mind!

Let us know what you decide and good luck.
>