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Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX7 Digital Camera - Page 4 Questions & Answers
Battery life
Hi,
Yes, there are both possibilities - either the camera is faulty and drains too much power from battery or the charger is faulty and can't charge the battery enough.
How long does it take to "charge" the battery - from the moment you put the battery into charger to the moment it will signalize battery full?
Do you have any friend with the same or similar camera? Try using your battery in his camera or recharging your battery using his charger. If not, try your local store if they will allow you to charge the battery in new charger...
BTW it is normal for these batteries to have significantly lower life in very cold temperatures. The advise is to have the camera (or just battery) near your body so that it is not in cold for all the time and put it out only for time you take photo.
Doesn't acknowledge memory card?
I suspect your memory card is damaged. If it is new, return it.
If you can find a computer or printer with a slot for that type of memory card, see if the computer recognizes it. You may be able to repair it by using the computer to format the card. Usually you right click on the card's icon in My Computer and choose to format. This erases everything on the card and makes it ready for use.
Panasonic lumixDMC-FX7 camera
Could be either.
If on switch on again the indicator is full and you get more work done then its a camera fault.
If when you switch on again the battery remains flat then this could be the camera fault too the flash capacitor showing signs of distress.
On the other hansd the battery could be nearing the end it useful life.
How much is a new battery?
Lens won't pop out! HELP!!!!!
Hello detroit73,
This is a mechanical problem. The camera can't align the lents and proper focus or extend them them due to some sort of servomotor failure. Because of that, it tries to get a proper fix, but as it fails, it thinks that some object got the lents pushed or something like that and it askes you for a "reboot". You can't "hard boot" the camera, even a complete reset woun't help as this error is given by the camera's microcontroller circuitry (some sort of camera processor). The only fix can by given by an autorised service center. Even they may find out that you need the whole lens mechanism changed.
This is because the lens assembly is a very delicate mechanism, including small coils, motors and the actual lens. If some of this components get loose, they can jamm or damage other parts, preventing the lens mechanism to extend.
Seems like a S/W issue...
This is a mechanic problem. The camera can't align the lents and proper focus them due to some sort of servomotors failure. Because of that, it tries to get a proper fix, but as it fails, it thinks that some object got the lents pushed or something like that and it askes you for a "reboot". You can't "hard boot" the camera, even a complete reset woun't help as this error is given by the camera's microcontroller circuitry (some sort of camera processor). The only fix can by given by an autorised service center. Even they may find out that you need the whole lens mechanism changed.
Focusing problems
Yes sometimes things that seem like big trouble are nothing but small time and totally fixable problems...
Photoes are not sharp
Hi, I have never had focus problems with my FX7. I suggest you set the AF mode to 1-area-focusing. This mode is quicker than the 9-area-focusing.
To eliminate any possibility that the blurry photos are caused by camera shake, I also suggest placing the camera on a tripod (or setting it down on a flat surface) and using the self-timer to release the shutter. At this point you can also turn off the image stabiliser. A well lit outdoor subject is probably preferable for this test, as low contrast scenes sometimes cause the auto focus problems.
If the photos under these conditions are still blurry, then you probably have a defective autofocus. Otherwise...
Where does Lumix® digital camera store the pictures I take?
Unlike 35mm cameras that store images on film, Lumix® Digital Cameras store images on SD Memory Cards, which make sharing and storing your pictures easy and convenient. You simply insert an SD Memory Card into the camera, take pictures until the card is full, and then you can transfer the pictures onto a compatible PC. Once you saved all your pictures, you can erase the card and start all over again.
DPOF Print Mark Function
The DPOF Print Mark Function allows you to sort through the SD Memory Card and select the images you want to print by electronically marking them. You can then print the marked images on any DPOF compatible printer by hitting the AUTO PRINT button.
Unlimited consecutive shooting function
This functionality allows unlimited consecutive shooting up to the capacity of the SD Memory Card in the camera—ideal for capturing fast-moving objects in high resolution. The number of shots may vary depending on memory card size, picture size, and compression.
Effective megapixels
Effective megapixels are slightly less than the total number of pixels normally stated for an image sensor. They represent the actual number of pixels used to record an image.
MEGA Optical Image Stabilizer
The MEGA Optical Image Stabilizer helps correct hand movement from shaky hands, one of the main reasons why cameras produce blurry images. Lumix® Digital Cameras with MEGA Optical Image Stabilizer technology have a built-in gyrosensor that detects any hand movement and relays a signal to a tiny microcomputer inside the camera, which instantly calculates the compensation needed. A linear motor then shifts the Optical Image Stabilizer lens as necessary to guide incoming light from the image straight to the CCD. You won't even notice it working—all you'll see are the outstanding results!
If you have a older Lumix that does not want to power on
As you know Panasonic issues Firmware Updates that can be downloaded online, and then installed using a computer and an SD card.
Some of those Firmware Updates made the cameras refuse to turn on if the battery was not an "approved" Panasonic battery.
This significant change was not publicly announced.
Panasonic Lumix batteries are available, but there are also dozens of different generic Lumix batteries available, and there is no reference source as to which generic batteries are "approved."
Therefore I would encourage you if you have a Lumix camera that is balking on startup to first try a genuine Panasonic Lumix battery that is fully charged.
You may find that the only problem was a generic battery that the camera did not care for.
(And of course many "Lumix" batteries sold online are not actually Lumix batteries, but merely counterfeits. They have Lumix markings and are often very good
imitations on visual inspection.)
Another reason some Lumix cameras will not power up is the memory card.
Sometimes people use a newer SDHC type card in an older Lumix, and the camera goes into electronic spasms trying to read the newer card. An older plain vanilla SD card will often solve the problem instantly.
If a Lumix camera is not powering up with a 8gb SDHC card there is a good chance it will power up immediately with a 1gb SD card.
I frequently recommend the Lumix TZ5 to people starting out, as it is a quality build, metal, not toy-like plastic, has more manual controls than most people will ever use, and the engineering is remarkable. I repair TZ cameras and donate them to homeless shelters and domestic abuse safe houses and college photography students and such, as they have full User Manuals available to download, full Service Manuals available for download in PDF format, have a very gentle learning curve, and produce photographs that are superior to many of the current cameras in the 600 to 800 dollar range. Yet a used TZ5 can be bought for 50 dollars or so.
Update the Firmware to v 1.2, never carry it in a leather camera case or pocket or purse or with any cloth of any kind, and you have a superb camera for many years.
Caution about Lumix cameras with Japanese language
Some Panasonic Lumix cameras are made in Japan expressly for Japanese Buyers.
These cameras may be programmed in Japanese and Japanese only.
They cannot in any way be converted to English or any other language.
Most Lumix cameras have a menu option that allows choice of language.
That option is not available in some Japan-originated cameras.
I see Lumix cameras often on eBay that are listed as "From Japan".
Be careful.
I advise you ask the Seller to take photos of the LCD screen of that specific camera being sold with the menu choices showing, to be certain that it is not a Japanese language only camera.
Insist also on a photo of the bottom plate.
Is it in Japanese?
Sellers have told me in the past "You can choose any language easily".
Yes, that is true.
If the Lumix camera was made in Japan for export.
But if it was made in Japan for use in Japan it may not be true.
Before purchasing any Panasonic Lumix
I have repaired too many Lumix cameras that someone recently purchased.
This is what I urge anyone to do if they are considering the purchase of a used Lumix.
First, absolutely pass, swipe right, turn the page, on any Lumix that does not show TWO photos of the front of the camera, 1 with the lens fully extended and 1 with the lens fully retracted.
Most people are aware of the Kiss of ***** of Lumix cameras; the System Error. If a Seller won't post photos of the lens both extended and retracted it likely is because the lens won't extend and retract.
Second, insist on a photo of the camera from behind while the camera is turned ON and the LCD screen is in sharp focus and fully visible.
When a Lumix has a System Error it usually shows "System Error Zoom" or similar in the LCD screen.
If a Lumix is for sale and the Seller shows only the back of the camera but not with the LCD screen lit and sharply focused, you are wise to not purchase that camera.
I will add further posts, if requested.
I think the Lumix cameras are some of the finest cameras available, exquisitely engineered and high quality.
But there are definite caveats when shopping for a Lumix.
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