Panasonic DMC-FZ70 [DMC-FZ72] 60x Superzoom Digital Camera ~ $375 Delivered from B&H

cheepwun on 29/12/2013 - 12:41 bhphotovideo.com (201 clicks)
Last edited 29/12/2013 - 14:24

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This camera has the biggest optical zoom out of all superzoom cameras (60x). Most local pricing is around $499 for this cam, meaning at least $120 savings over local prices. It has an unusually wide-angle of 20mm (equivalent) that captures more in your shot while the massive zoom gets up close. This is the cheapest price from a reputable vendor that I've seen.

$279.00 USD + 44.88 USD courier delivery (typically 5-6 days delivery via UPS).

About 375 Australian dollars delivered when all's said and done.

Postage is more worthwhile if buying other stuff from B&H (bags, cases, audio gear, eneloops, memory cards, other cameras, etc.) to make the courier delivery more worthwhile, but this price is still lower than any real camera store locally.

Some other suggestions to load up on at B&H might be:
$39.95 (USD) Lowepro CompuDaypack backpack http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/678950-REG/Lowepro_LP3… This is a massive saving on this bag that can carry a laptop too. Added postage will be about 20 bucks to your order (instead of over 40 if buying this bag alone), as mentioned in this deal: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/127893 This bag sells for around $120+ (delivered) typically, so it's about half price.

The Sony HDR-AS15 Action Cam with Wi-Fi is also cheap at B&H, which might be an idea to buy along with this: $129.99 (USD) https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/127409

And so on and so on.

quick price comparisons
$499.95 http://www.teds.com.au/panasonic-lumix-fz70
$499 http://www.camerahouse.com.au/products/Compact-Cameras/Panas…
$499 http://www.dirtcheapcameras.com.au/index.php/panasonic-lumix…
$489 http://www.thegoodguys.com.au/buyonline/Panasonic_Lumix_FZ70…
$498 http://www.harveynorman.com.au/panasonic-lumix-dmc-fz70-supe…
$479.60 https://www.videopro.com.au/p-6971-panasonic-lumix-dmcfz70gn…

You're saving at least 100 bucks on the typical local price.

Panasonic DMC-FZ70 (DMC-FZ72) product page
http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/compact/fz70_fz72/

Enjoy.

Electrical & Electronics

30 Dec 2013 6:20am

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closed Comments

c0balt on 29/12/2013 - 12:45

'35mm camera equivalent: 20-1200mm' Insane.

Found a test of it in action. Shame about the rolling shutter 'cmos wobble' but then I realised he was hand holding. Better off buying this than a telescope almost.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBHINWcKhU4
- medium_tight on 29/12/2013 - 13:01
  
  with f:2.8 - 5.9 !!!! that is sick
  
  if pana add tilt screen, I'm sold
  - cheepwun on 29/12/2013 - 13:20
    
    +1
    
    The Canon SX50 also goes up to 1200mm (like this Panasonic), so the actual zoom is equal at the telephoto end, but the Canon doesn't go as wide as the Panasonic (so Canon can't claim 60x zoom since the zoom is a multiple of the wide setting, they can only claim 50x). Anyway, the Canon costs more than the (discounted) Panasonic right now if we look at B&H pricing ($339 versus $279) : http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/889965-REG/Canon_Power…
    
    It's worth a look since it has your request of an articulating screen. This model is still Panasonic's main competition in this segment.
    
    Otherwise Panasonic has a 24x zoom model (DMC-FZ200) offering a wide F2.8 aperture across the whole zoom range (quite rare to see), which many love too. (409 USD) http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/880958-REG/Panasonic_d…
Logical on 29/12/2013 - 13:20

+2

Was just about to buy it until a quick check on ebay found me a cheaper price with delivery!
- c0balt on 29/12/2013 - 13:23
  
  +1
  
  http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/3YR-AU-WTY-FREE-POSTAGE-Panasonic…
  
  Too right, and it comes with 3 years Australian warranty also. Dare I say it's worth a neg on this deal (I can only revoke my +1, not neg sadly) for being cheaper and Australian warranty to boot.
  
  Good find.
  - cheepwun on 29/12/2013 - 14:08
    
    Too right, and it comes with 3 years Australian warranty also.
    
    I saw the ebay ad before posting and didn't post it here. It sounded too shonky.
    See my comment below.
- cheepwun on 29/12/2013 - 13:24
  
  +1
  
  "We co-operate with Hong Kong & Japan companies for providing specific buying services to Australian buyers"
  
  The price is about the same. I added about $10 to my delivered price to cover conversion fees. The prices are very close. The vendor you see there is not selling Australian-sourced stock anyway.
  
  I noticed this ad too, but I don't regard most ebay vendors as good as B&H. B&H's service is (mostly) excellent and the delivery should be faster too. Plus they sell so many items you can bundle with this camera, and they sell them for competitive pricing.
  
  As far as I can tell this vendor is offering their own warranty.
  - Logical on 29/12/2013 - 13:29
    
    +2
    
    The one on ebay has free pickup in Sydney, or free postage if pay with bank transfer. At $345 much better and safer deal.
    - cheepwun on 29/12/2013 - 13:33
      
      +1
      
      OK, I won't argue your choices.
      
      Just be aware that they seem to be selling non-Australian stock and (as far as I can tell) offer their own 3-year warranty. Or is it covered by Panasonic Australia? I'd love to know if it is. They don't say who the warranty is with:
      
      Whenever there is any problem in your warrant product, we would have people in Australia to pick up your problematic products at your door for repair.
      
      "People in Australia" being? Of course when buying from B&H they make no claims about "Aussie warranty" and other things, but their service is good (and their pricing on many other goods is usually competitive).
      
      I have my doubts about warranty claims with ebay vendors, which is why I don't typically post deals on higher-priced items like this from ebay.
    - cainn on 29/12/2013 - 15:16
      
      Just be aware that they seem to be selling non-Australian stock
      
      So are B&H. Granted, B&H are not a grey-importer since they sell legitimate US stock in the US market, but to Panasonic Australia there's no meaningful distinction. Produts intended for foreign markets sold to us Aussies are all effectively "grey".
      
      and (as far as I can tell) offer their own 3-year warranty
      
      Again, this is not much different from B&H if, as a foreign buyer, you actually want some kind of warranty. B&H will sell you a third-party SquareTrade warranty with international coverage. So in both cases the warranty is not "with" Panasonic Australia.
      
      The posted deal does not include any warranty at all.
      
      I have my doubts about warranty claims with ebay vendors
      
      Even if an eBay vendor warranty is essentially worthless (I don't agree that it necessarily is, but let's just pretend) the comparison just comes down to price, since again the B&H deal doesn't include a warranty either.
      
      B&H do have a 30 day return and exchange policy that I believe does also apply to international customers. But there's significant cost and turnaround time associated with that as an Australian buyer, so I don't see how it's really a better option than taking advantage of eBay's buyer protection in the event of a DoA or similar.
      
      Just some food for thought.
    - cheepwun on 29/12/2013 - 16:08
      
      -1
      
      Produts intended for foreign markets sold to us Aussies are all effectively "grey".
      
      Yes, both are imports. Ebay and B&H. But we know the supplier of the B&H model: Panasonic USA. Plus B&H don't claim to offer an Aussie Warranty which (IMO) is not likely to be true to begin with.
      
      Even if an eBay vendor warranty is essentially worthless (I don't agree that it necessarily is, but let's just pretend) the comparison just comes down to price, since again the B&H deal doesn't include a warranty either.
      
      I think it's essentially worthless warranty. Let me explain why.
      
      3-year free pick-up and drop-off sounds a bit too good to be true to me (without some serious shortcuts being taken). That is, outright lies or simply bad warranty service or no service in the admittedly unlikely event of a return. This mob is likely making very little on each camera and trying to convince you to buy one from them (that's my opinion). There is another mob selling with a claimed 2 year warranty, with a whole bunch of conditions on that…and they are probably doing what they need to to compete on ebay (my opinion). The warranty-handlers are not mentioned, for a start. Bad English is used to top it all off. Good luck if you place value on this '3-year Aussie Warranty' is all I can say.
      
      Now as far as refunds go (not warranty)…the company expects your return within 7 days (at your expense) if there is something wrong with the camera you just received. They only exchange if there is damage to the camera or some manufacturing defect. Just something to keep in mind too. B&H's policy is far better (as you mentioned, thank you).
      
      Now price.
      345 + 22.45 delivery. This ebay vendor's delivered price is basically the same as B&Hs, give or take a few dollars after conversion shenanigans. I don't see how it can be argued otherwise. I see no mention of picking up for free from their premises (like it was claimed earlier by Logical). Nor do I see mention of free delivery if paying via direct deposit (which incidentally means no coverage for you in case of an untrustworthy vendor).
      
      If they actually offer free pick-up when paying for the camera, well then that's good for the locals, but I don't see it mentioned. I see warranty pick-up but not camera pick-up when buying from them. Nope, you'll have to pay delivery costs too.
      
      So…do we choose B&H or ebay vendor? I couldn't in good conscience put up an ebay vendor's offerings on OzBargain. I care for you all too much. (well OK, maybe I only care for some of you. Ahem).
      
      I have had years of positive experience with B&H. I like B&H. The price is about the same (please prove me wrong), and there is far more scope for bundling other cheap goods at B&H and there is no BS about an Australian warranty with free pick-up and drop-off.
      
      This is all my opinion. Feel free to buy your expensive camera on ebay if you wish. But you really can't claim savings, I don't think. You may choose to believe in this warranty though. I think you should ask them who is handling the warranty service though. You're dreaming if you think it's Panasonic Australia (assuming it's true at all).
      
      Phew. It's really tiring justifying my bargains.
      Unthankful work…
    - cainn on 29/12/2013 - 17:04
      
      +1
      
      So in a nutshell, the B&H deal is better because you're assuming that the eBay sellers warranty is worthless. How you reach the conclusion that this eBay seller is dodgy, after more than 23,000 sales and a feedback rating of 99.6%, is a bit perplexing.
      
      Phew. It's really tiring justifying my bargains.
      Unthankful work…
      
      No-one has negged your deal, and I disagree with those who think it should be. I shop with B&H myself (although I always buy a ST warranty for camera gear). More importantly, I understand why some people prefer to do so.
      
      However, I just don't think your argument that it's a better deal than the one on eBay actually holds up, since you're merely toting that whole "hong kong-tethered grey importers are inherently dodgy" line.
    - cheepwun on 29/12/2013 - 19:37
      
      How you reach the conclusion that this eBay seller is dodgy, after more than 23,000 sales and a feedback rating of 99.6%, is a bit perplexing.
      
      There are plenty of ebay sellers I've come across selling rubbish (counterfeit) goods with good ebay feedback ratings.
      
      I'm not suggesting counterfeit is happening, but just making a point here. Many users are not likely to complain for fear of getting a negative in return, and warranty service is a whole separate issue to a successful transaction happening. Is there an ebay feedback for after-sales warranty? No, there isn't.
      
      ebay feedback means very little to me, though it does separate the very bad from the 'normals', sometimes.
      
      Warranty is the big point discussed earlier in this ebay listing's favour. But again, there is zero knowledge of:
      
      who handles the warranty for such big claims (3 years! free pick-up and drop-off!). You'd want to know who handles that, right?
      
      no experience of any warranty service from anyone here or elsewhere that I can find. Can you?
      
      So yes, forgive me for thinking it's shonky. The low price here along with the 'free' 3-year warranty and free Australia-wide 'valet service' (so to speak) of free pick-ups and drop-offs along with the bad English has my red light going off. Unless you have evidence to the contrary? As I stated earlier, that is my opinion.
      
      No-one has negged your deal, and I disagree with those who think it should be.
      
      As do I. They tend to be quick to talk, but not quick enough to digest the details.
      
      However, I just don't think your argument that it's a better deal than the one on eBay actually holds up, since you're merely toting that whole "hong kong-tethered grey importers are inherently dodgy" line.
      
      Actually I'd welcome more info on the warranty. If it is really offered you'd think they'd say where your precious devices are going for the warranty. Lots of unknowns though. Without further info, I think B&H is the obvious choice.
      
      I've had many successful purchases on ebay (usually small items). And some not-entirely-honest ones too. I don't like being lied to or basic information being hidden, and that has happened quite a bit come to think of it.
      
      Examples:
      * Getting junk bluetooth devices where Class 1 was advertised. (sellers continue to advertise it as Class 1 regardless), but happy to refund and continue lying.
      * getting counterfeit batteries
      * getting couterfeit headphones
      * generally incorrect descriptions in some way or another
      
      So forgive me for being wary of these claims :)
Windows7forever on 29/12/2013 - 16:47

+1

Amazing camera
TerryJustTerry on 29/12/2013 - 16:52

what do you guys think of this for a very amateur photographer/ someone who just enjoys taking pictures not so much photographer. to use say on bush walks?
- cainn on 29/12/2013 - 17:22
  
  It all depends on whether or not they need an effective 1200mm of reach. If not, they'd probably be better off with something much more compact, like a travel zoom. Or if the bush walks in question aren't always on sunny days, and/or frequently occur beneath heavy foliage, something with a larger sensor and a faster lens might be in order (Canon G16, Panasonic LX7, Olumpus Stylus 1, Nikon P7800 — to name just a few options with varying degrees of reach and lens speed).
  
  If size is not an issue, and 600mm is enough, then the Panasonic FZ200 would probably be the way to go.
  
  Otherwise, this is certainly a decent superzoom.
- cheepwun on 29/12/2013 - 17:23
  
  Superzoom cameras like this Panasonic are very versatile.
  
  From wide to massive zoom without lens changes. From close-up macro to far.
  
  In good light, they are very versatile and useful tools. If you are shooting lots of low-light without flash and want the most noise-free images or want to capture fast movement in low light without flash, then there are better cameras for that…but otherwise a superzoom camera like this one is a good choice.
  
  Within its limitations, choices like this are great. Otherwise, a larger-sensor camera (digital SLR or other larger-sensor mirrorless model) will do the low-light stuff better with less image noise, but of course rarely offer the flexibility on offer here. There really is no do-it-all camera that is superior in all areas. The qualityh of pics seen here are typical of many compact cameras (ie. those without removable lenses) except it has a massive zoom attached :)
  
  Think of this as a good general-purpose all-rounder. If you use zoom a lot and appreciate wider-than-normal angles and shoot mostly in decent light, I think it will probably make you very happy.
- medium_tight on 29/12/2013 - 20:51
  
  Hi Terry,
  Another good thing about these type of bridge cameras, is macro shots. My Nikon p510 can take picture of an object 1 cm away from the lens :)
  
  So for bushwalking it just thicks everything:
  - lightweight
  - simple (no need to change lenses or lose them lol)
  - can take macro shots for plants, bugs , so on
  - wide angle shots
  - super zoom ,for birds , or rather dangerous animal like warwick capper ..whoaaa keep your distance mate …
cheepwun on 30/12/2013 - 04:46

Bargain time is over :-)
Price increase from USD $279.00 to USD $314.99 as I write this (before delivery costs). B&H have increased the price by $35.99 USD. (over $40 Australian)

Marking as expired.
Congrats to those who got one.

It's worth keeping an eye out for further discounts in future, since B&H regularly update prices.
youngmic on 07/01/2014 - 18:03

G'day All,

Just received my panasonic FZ70 purchased off an ebay trader called trade_centre, price was $345.00 + $22.00 priority freight, it took 6 days to arrive, not bad and pretty cheap.

Here is the low down on this ebay deal.

Offers an Australian 3 yr warranty, however repeated email questions to the supplier re. the warranty terms, exclusions, documentation, etc. have amounted to this…"yes has 3 yr warranty you contact us we pick up and fix and return to you when fix". This does not comply with ebay policy on extended warranty claims, i will pursue this!

The ebay ad claims the item is in Australia along with 8 others for sale and we are handling agents for OS suppliers. It appears quite clear from the con note and the tracking number this came direct from an OS supplier. Contravenes ebay policy, I will pursue this too!

The item is definatley a grey import and comes with a cheap non OEM power adaptor to use with the battery charger, no big deal and I suspected this would be the case.

Unlike my old FZ10 (10 yrs old) which was made in Japan, the FZ70 is made in China and the quality of feel or lack of, is quite obvious. The FZ70 feels cheap and nasty by comparison, if someone said it was a fake knock off it wouldn't suprise me, even has a plasticy internal vibration when lightly tapped much like a cheap plastic toy but the manual reads ok and not in Chinglish so likely that is just the way of it. The old FZ10 did cost $700.00 a decade ago. You gets whats you pays for and the proof will be in the pudding so to speak.

The battery is still on its initial charge so yet to give it a try. In hind sight should have perhaps gone with the Canon SX50 HS. I went into this purchase with eyes open and alarm bells ringing and have paid by Pay Pal so have some protection. Incidently the web ad of trade_centre on ebay offers free shipping for bank transfers, you'd want to be a braver man than I to take up that deal.

Regarding their claim of having an Australian contact, repeated email questions trying to obtain phone numbers and warehouse/business location have been met by silence all they will furnish is an email address, easily changed and hard to trace. I will pursue this too!

Are they a dodgy mob?? The jury might still be out on that, but no question they are playing a fast ball, trick will be to see if I've got my eye in and can drive it for a six.

Mick
- cheepwun on 10/01/2014 - 16:09
  
  thanks for the write-up
  ..keep us posted
- Frankly Frankie on 12/02/2014 - 11:59
  
  Any updates?

This was posted 10 years 10 months 24 days ago, and might be an out-dated deal.

Panasonic DMC-FZ70 [DMC-FZ72] 60x Superzoom Digital Camera ~ $375 Delivered from B&H

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