Getting myself a little Compact

jonbeeza

jonbeeza

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Not posted in ages, and seeings as I am going to get myself another cheapo Compact, thought I may as well post about it.
I am going to get myself a cheap little compact, something I can just pop into my pocket, or throw in the bottom of a bag, glove compartment etc. For when I am off walking around the park, or just pottering about town etc, and not have to worry too much should it get scratched banged knocked etc. I was thinking of something cheap and cheerful, got it narrowed down to the PANASONIC Lumix DMC-TZ35 £129 or the FUJIFILM XF1 £129.99 Both the same price and I do like both, just can't make my mind up what one I like best. Had a good look at both, and read the specs etc, and still can't decide.
 
I bought myself the XF1 a couple of weeks ago and it is a cracking little camera. Not used it much yet but the pictures that I have taken are all very good quality.
 
Bought an XF-1 soon after they were released and like it so much I bought another to live in the car.
 
silverman said:
I bought myself the XF1 a couple of weeks ago and it is a cracking little camera. Not used it much yet but the pictures that I have taken are all very good quality.
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sep9001 said:
I also have recently bought the xf1 and must say am very happy with the results.

Have a look at this thread for pics and info on x series.

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/index.php?threads/499399/
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Nod said:
Bought an XF-1 soon after they were released and like it so much I bought another to live in the car.
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minnnt said:
Another vote for the xf1 here too.
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hmm it seems like the XF1 is looking like the Camera to take a closer inspection of, the only thing that is slightly making me think, is the way it turns on. I can turn on my current very old compact one handed, and also my DSLR one handed once the lens cap is removed. I take a lot of photos while walking the dog, one hand on the lead trying to keep hold of the dog, and I use my free hand to fish the Camera out of my pocket, and power it up one handed. I will probably go and have a play with both, and see if I can live with the way the XF1 turns on.
 
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I have decided that I will go to Currys this morning, have a play with both and see if I like either enough to make me buy it there and then :D
 
Don't think you can turn on the xf1 with one hand, well I cannot. It is a pain to turn on but you get used to it.
 
sep9001 said:
Don't think you can turn on the xf1 with one hand, well I cannot. It is a pain to turn on but you get used to it.
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That one thing that I don't like about it, it looks like a three action movement or is it two to turn it on? Looks like pull twist, or twist pull twist ! Anyhow, I reckon it's best I go and have a good look and play with both. I do like the styling and overall look of the XF1, while I like the 20X zoom of the Panasonic. A quick visit to Currys a little later on this morning is in order I think, and see if I do come out with either Camera.
 
Check that they have both in stock before you go.
 
A simple twist to turn it on. Remember that this is a camera that started off ~£380 when released. The sensor is superb and the details it captures are great. A very good dynamic range too. There is a fuji x10/20/xf1 thread with alot of images from the xf in there.

No experience of the Panny though.
 
sep9001 said:
Check that they have both in stock before you go.
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I need an excuse to get out anyway, I am doing my missus head in, as she is trying to watch TV !

minnnt said:
A simple twist to turn it on. Remember that this is a camera that started off ~£380 when released. The sensor is superb and the details it captures are great. A very good dynamic range too. There is a fuji x10/20/xf1 thread with alot of images from the xf in there.

No experience of the Panny though.
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I know, it is so low priced at the moment its gotta be worth a look. But the Panasonic is also cheap also, as the newer models keep coming out. Not bothered that they are older models, as I want it as a low cost carry anywhere, without worry of damage.

The Currys is only down the road from me, so I don't have to travel far, doesn't open till 11AM tho !
 
It's twist a little, pull then twist a little more! Can be done one handed after a little practice. Love mine!
 
I'm going to be in the UK later this week, and I'm tempted. Cameras and lenses are expensive in SA - very few special deals - and I've been thinking about getting another compact. I like my old Canon A640, but it's a bit bulky/heavy for a pocket camera. Nearly bought an S95 a few years ago, but my wife wanted the TZ9.
 
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Nod said:
It's twist a little, pull then twist a little more! Can be done one handed after a little practice. Love mine!
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You have obviously become and expert with the number of xf1 you have...:D
 
One in each hand!
MartynK said:
I'm going to be in the UK later this week, and I'm tempted. Cameras and lenses are expensive in SA - very few special deals - and I've been thinking about getting another compact. I like my old Canon A640, but it's a bit bulky/heavy for a pocket camera. Nearly bought an A95 a few years ago, but my wife wanted the TZ9.
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Stupid Sunday trading laws!
 
Nod said:
It's twist a little, pull then twist a little more! Can be done one handed after a little practice. Love mine!
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I suppose I would soon get used to it the more I used it, then it would become second nature as they say.

I did actually go to Currys to have a look at both, they did not have the XF1 in, and they could not see any on their systems showing any in the North West. They only had one Panasonic TZ35 in, and that was the display model. They said they could not see any TZ35's in any local stores either. I said I would be happy to take the display model then, they were going to sell me it, but they could not find it's box or the bits it comes with ! The battery was in the Camera, but it would not power up ! So I left empty handed, and I am now re thinking what other cheap and cheerful option that there are available?
 
I guess it would depend on what you will use the camera for, the majority of the time. You could trade off the lens quality vs. zoom versatility. A Sony x50 is a nice compact at c£230 and has the flexibility to tale landscape and portrait.
A consideration against the overwhelming Fuji vote.
 
john t said:
I guess it would depend on what you will use the camera for, the majority of the time. You could trade off the lens quality vs. zoom versatility. A Sony x50 is a nice compact at c£230 and has the flexibility to tale landscape and portrait.
A consideration against the overwhelming Fuji vote.
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I already have a DSLR and both 50mm 35mm f/1.8 primes and a few long zooms, and I have an old Canon Compact. Just I would now like a newer and a little more stylish Compact, to simply slip in a small pocket without much fuss. I would take this camera to the park, or to friends and get some happy snaps, and cheerful video sort of use, nothing too serious. That's why I was looking at end of line Camera's, rather than dearer latest models.
 
I got my 2nd one over their website but I had the luxury of knowing it was what I wanted! I suppose you could do the same and send it back under the distance selling legislation if you didn't like it.
 
Nod said:
I got my 2nd one over their website but I had the luxury of knowing it was what I wanted! I suppose you could do the same and send it back under the distance selling legislation if you didn't like it.
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I'm aware of the Distance Selling Regulations, which give you a right of return because you didn't have an opportunity to examine the goods before purchase, but I'm not sure how far this goes. Can you open all the packaging and use the camera, putting more clicks on the shutter count, and then send it back because you don't like the results or whatever; or is this limited to handling it, as you could in store? I don't live in the UK and I really don't know how all this works.
 
Nod said:
I got my 2nd one over their website but I had the luxury of knowing it was what I wanted! I suppose you could do the same and send it back under the distance selling legislation if you didn't like it.
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I did think of that but you can't try it out it seems, as I read Currys returns terms and conditions.

Returning your product to store
Regardless of how you purchased your product from us, it can be returned to your local Currys store.

An unwanted product can be returned within 21 days of delivery as long as it's still in original, unopened packaging.

Returns and exchanges can only be processed with proof of purchase. This can be the sales receipt, a bank statement or an online sales invoice.

We cannot return unwanted items after 21 days of purchase, nor can we return items that have been used.

In accordance with distance selling regulations, unwanted products bought online can be returned open within 7 working days from the day after delivery. However, they must include all original packaging, be in as new condition and not used.
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So it seems you can only look at the box but not open it, seems rather pointless. It's not possible to make a decision if you like it or not, it has to be taken out of the box and tried. But obviously it then becomes used, it seems you are not even allowed to simply look at it out of the box !
 
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jonbeeza said:
I did think of that but you can't try it out it seems, as I read Currys returns terms and conditions.

So it seems you can only look at the box but not open it, seems rather pointless. It's not possible to make a decision if you like it or not, it has to be taken out of the box and tried. But obviously it then becomes used, it seems you are not even allowed to simply look at it out of the box !
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It sounds as if you can open the packaging and handle the camera, but not use it ("in accordance with distance selling regulations, unwanted products bought online can be returned open within 7 working days from the day after delivery. However, they must include all original packaging, be in as new condition and not used"). I suppose that more or less corresponds with what you can do in the store, assuming they don't have a demonstration model?

I remember reading posts on US forums years ago, by people boasting that they always bought a new camera before they went on holiday and returned it for a refund afterwards, to take advantage of the "free hire" the store offered. I don't know if this was true, or exaggerated, but I think a lot of US stores now charge a restocking fee (15%?) for returns if there's nothing wrong with the camera, and the customer just doesn't want it.
 
MartynK said:
It sounds as if you can open the packaging and handle the camera, but not use it .
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So all you can have is a quick feel, and not power it up and see what how I like the photo and video quality ? Oh well I will keep an eye out for any local shops that may still have some old stock left.
They are going for silly prices second hand on ebay, besides still not able to test before purchase.
 
Shame you're so far away, John - you'd be welcome to have a play with mine to see how you like it. IQ is indistinguishable from that of the X-10 but the XF does handle slightly differently.

TBH, I thought (possibly erroneously) that the DSR allowed a purchaser to try a product and return it if it was unsuitable.

If you want a couple of test shots, I can e-mail you a couple of examples.
 
I have purchased a XE-1 and X20 (Refurbs) from the Fujishop and I have returned the cameras for a full refund on each occasion, both cameras were not suitable for me, I now have the XP1. I have disabilities and the only way I can try a camera is by powering up and trying it out and taking photos. I always reset camera before returning.

From my experience with Fuji, Amazon & Wex I have never had problems returning a un-suitable camera or other equipment providing you contact them within seven days of the DSR.

For the OP, I would try one from the Fujishop mentioned above, providing you dont damage camera or accessories you will be fine returning if un-suitable.
 
Nod said:
Shame you're so far away, John - you'd be welcome to have a play with mine to see how you like it. IQ is indistinguishable from that of the X-10 but the XF does handle slightly differently.

TBH, I thought (possibly erroneously) that the DSR allowed a purchaser to try a product and return it if it was unsuitable.

If you want a couple of test shots, I can e-mail you a couple of examples.
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Well that's very kind of you, and thanks for your offer. I have just had a good look on various photo sites, of XF1 owners and the photo quality does look pretty good.
Besides I have already had confirmation from yourself, and other members on here that the quality is good. I do trust what all you guys are saying here, so I am confident on the quality, just now down to how it feels, and that is obviously a personal thing. I am grateful for all the input so far, thanks fellas.

Hey Nod if I was not so far away, I just might have taken you up on your offer. I see you are in Devon, I used to go down that way often as my sister lives over that way.

Got a free afternoon, so I will trawl the net and keep an eye open. I have a feeling I am going to get something pretty soon
 
I'm pretty sure that with all the xf1 owners on here there will be one near you that wouldn't mind you having a go with one. If you're ever near Nottingham I have a red one you can have a play with... The camera that is.
 
minnnt said:
I'm pretty sure that with all the xf1 owners on here there will be one near you that wouldn't mind you having a go with one. If you're ever near Nottingham I have a red one you can have a play with... The camera that is.
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:eek: Thanks for the offer another kind gesture, just looks like I will have to buy blind I suppose. That's providing I can find anybody that still has old stock left. I have gone as far as adding the Fujifilm XF1 to the shopping basket in Currys checkout, just to see if it would let me add it, and it did. I was looking for a message to say it was out of stock, but it let me get as far as name address, then asked for a credit card. Just not sure if it will let me get as far as adding credit card, then informing me it is out of stock? I know fujifilm has them refurbished, but if I can get a brand new old stock, I would rather try that route first.
 
Nod said:
TBH, I thought (possibly erroneously) that the DSR allowed a purchaser to try a product and return it if it was unsuitable.
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I think that's got more to do with the individual store's policy, which can be more generous than the regulations require, but not less so. It's come up on a couple of other threads IIRC?
 
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I took a trip the the big Currys in Aintree, Yippee Result :banana:

The sales assistant said they had non in stock, but I insisted she go and check. They have LOADS ! So I bought one there and then. Thanks for you guys for helping me decide on the Fujifilm, lovely little Camera.
Cheers Guys Off to charge up my little Beauty ;)
 
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Woooooohoooooooo!! Enjoy. It's a little quirky but once you've got the hang of it you won't put it down.

Glad you've sorted it and we have a new member in the gang. Make sure you check in to the xf1 thread and post up some of your images.

David.
 
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