EXPIRED - Panasonic Lumix TZ6 Digital Camera - Black @ Amazon £171

Looks like a nice camera, one thing to be aware of though, I've been reading on a few photography sites that Panasonic have enabled their firmware to block the use of compatible batteries. If you think you will need a spare its something to take into consideration as the Panasonic ones are very expensive, that's if you can find someone who sells them.

also if you already have a Panasonic camera and some compatible batteries don't update your firmware to 1.2 as that's all it does, stop you using them.

This move as made me strike Panasonic of my potential buying list.

Just thought I'd pass on the info .

i have this camera and i have to say its great. so good i got my brother one too. the battery on this last a long time so i dont think it should be too much of a problem unless your going on holiday to somewhere where there is now power.

Same here when I was looking to replace my FZ20. Silly fools.

It's 'normal' to include the price in the deal title.

Looks like these are dropping a little in price at last.

Hot

What a stupid move I hope it isn't copied by other manufacturers - I was just looking to get an FZ38 (it's not affected yet but I won't take the risk) - guess it'll be Canon for me or a trusty AA powered camera.

http://panasonic.jp/support/global/c...c_battery.html

I'm sure it won't take long for the 3rd party battery people to figure out how to make their batteries compatable with teh new firmware so don't let it stop you buying one of these as they are great cameras. I have a TZ65 which I use when I can't be arsed to carry my Nikon DSLR. Top camera for the money.

from what I've read this isn't just a firmware thing but the batteries and cameras or actually chipped. it seems they have been planing this for a while as cameras had the chip but this new firmware activates it so it could take the 3rd party manufactures a while to do it (if they can with copyright and all that).

The only reason there is such a large market for compatible batteries is that camera manufactures massively overcharge for originals. if they sold them for a decent price in the first place I'm sure most people would prefer to buy a genuine battery.

Its a shame really as I do think panasonic make good cameras and I like the look of them, but with my other cameras I realise I rely on compatible batteries quite a lot of the time so I decided not to risk it. I'm sure this will loose them quite a few sales. maybe they will rethink this if that happens.

Didn't know that thanks.

I have a TZ3.

Compatible batteries were really cheap for it.

They only lasted a year though whilst the panasonic one still goes strong.

However, for the price of them, a years use seems good value.

I will not update.

I was going to buy a TZ7, but reports of poor battery life put me off. The new Fuji F70 looks to be a good alternative.

I've read this on here before but has anyone actually experienced it or is it an urban myth? If it's real I can't help feeling that:

-Other manufacturers will follow
-Compatibles manufacturers will get around it

Is there no anti-competitive legislation to throw at them?

Fantastic camera at best price yet (by a small margin). However, I've previously experienced very poor availability on Panasonic's own accessories, notably a battery which they couldn't supply even if I was prepared to pay £60 for it! Excellent compatible was £11 delivered and performs as original.

If you prefer TZ6 silver, it's £169.99 delivered here . Black is same price too.
Though I would prefer to buy from Amazon, however, the silver version costs £193.76

Hot deal!

Follow the link I posted below from the Panasonic site - it's not an urban myth.

This is a totaly anti-competitive practice and has really soured Panasonic in my mind.

Incidentally reading around this is really putting me off the idea of li-on batteries - they do seem to be dangerous little beasties.

Edit:I wouldn't touch any compatible 'that gets around it' as to do so they'll be breaking Panasonic copyright (in evading their software) so any company prepared to do that may be willing to sell you a bomb.

Silver and Black available from Fuji at £181.98 delivered for a refurb with 6 month warranty; however you can buy two years warranty (including accidental damage cover) for another £29.50.