asymptotic_maybe Loc: Southern California

Maybe not the perfect word, but...We recently bought a Lumix ZS100 to replace my wife's nikon P60 that has died. After some months, she's decided she can't/doesn't want to learn how to use this camera. I think it does a really good job of picture takings, but the handling is difficult at best. So small, buttons where you want to hold it, accidentally press something and it takes a trip to the owners manual (almost) to get it back where it belongs. It is very slippery...I have only dropped it once but have been very close to dropping it many times.

I have been using DSLRs usually with pretty large zooms attached for almost everything for many years. I am seeing this Lumix ZS100 as a possible travel replacement for the big stuff, but not unless I can figure out a safe and simple way to handle this camera.

Long winded request, but truly any and all advise for tricks or suggested fixes for these problems will be very welcome. Thanks in advance.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

Suggest you sell it or return it to the vendor if the camera is not compatible with your style of usage. Not your fault, not the camera’s fault - you and the camera are not a good match. There are lots of other choices out there. You might explore Fuji or Sony cameras, both new and used.

bleirer

There are so many cameras and so little time. Sell it now before it drives you to take pictures with your phone.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

My wife has one, uses it and takes great photos. She adapted because she sees the advantage of traveling small. Adapt or get rid of it! It may not be the camera. It may be your reluctance to adapt to the small size.

kmanske2

I had the same problem when I got mine. I got this custom grip attachment and it made all the difference in the world.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/555542350/custom-grip-for-panasonic-zs100-tz100?gpla=1&gao=1&&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_us_d-electronics_and_accessories-gadgets&utm_custom1=d11d7030-3d6a-4be4-a734-3f3ea10a5108&utm_content=go_1843970788_69216072705_346429322600_pla-353904501530_c__555542350&gclid=Cj0KCQjwy97qBRDoARIsAITONTJQFsQPfvxenFZdiR4mrQhMY1JVJPskSntRO1Sy_qy6WyCFbsZEEdUaAgq3EALw_wcB

c

asymptotic_maybe Loc: Southern California

So far, the suggestions are basically some form of "forget it"...while that may be the final result, I was hoping for more supportive solutions...some thoughts on how to make this work.

I do appreciate all of the comments and believe they will help with my decision. Thank you.

asymptotic_maybe Loc: Southern California

kmanske2 wrote:

"I had the same problem when I got mine. I got this custom grip attachment and it made all the difference in the world."


Thank you! That looks like it might be worth a try...I'll bet with something more to hold on to, the random button pressing wouldn't occur as often or maybe not at all.

I hadn't seen your post when I wrote my last entry.

kmanske2

I'd give it a try before you get rid of the camera. I use a D500 normally and use this camera when I'm not wanting to carry a big one. Took it on a trip to the Amazon and it took great photos. I had some concern about the grip not sticking in the long run - but its doing great.

asymptotic_maybe Loc: Southern California

does the grip make it any less "pocket-able"? I don't think so, from the photos, but wondering your opinion. Thanks again for your "positive" suggestions.

chrissybabe Loc: New Zealand

Checkout Smallrig. They make a small housing for the TZ100. I have a TZ110. Now smallrig only make (made - this was 9 months ago) a single body but check. I had to machine the housing in 3 places to make it fit the camera but once machined it was a perfect fit. I then fitted to the left hand side a handle also made by smallrig. They make several so depending on how you want to use the camera will depend on what handle you might select. I did also have to machine the handle to keep the size down but that's me.
The reason for this is that my wife is quite happy to use the camera by itself or with the housing on it. The housing also allowed me to attach a arca swiss plate (25mm) for tripod attachment. The handle I selected, although it stands a little bit away from the body, can be easily removed with a single locking lever. So my wife can remove the handle and the camera is set for her use.
Now the camera with the handle attached is absolutely stable for hand held use taking videos and can be easily changed for my wifes use. The housing bulks up the camera and makes it much easier for larger hands (otherwise it is really a joke to hold).
The housing allows SD card and battery to be changed without taking the housing off.
The only bummer with the camera is that it does not allow use with an external microphone. This is a serious problem for me but it is what it is.
At the time I bought the bits smallrig only made one housing for the smaller Panasonic series of cameras. They make more for the larger bodied ones. I emailed them and they replied saying they might look at further housings down the track but not to hold my breath. Panasonic are a right pain for altering their bodies ever so slightly making housings tricky to retro fit.
And make sure you have somebody who can do the machining if you go this path. The machining was not difficult and I painted the machined areas black and baked it in the oven. It is holding up well.
Going the smallrig way turned a kids toy into something I am very happy with. I even tend to grab this rather than my D800 (my wifes old camera) because it is so convenient to use.
If this idea has any attraction to you let me know and I can photograph the setup and detail the changes I made. I cannot give you detailed diagrams as I never made any but they aren't hard to make if you have the camera in your hand. One machining operation not even required if you don't require access to the HDMI/USB ports.
You could check with smallrig to see if they have made further housing for the small Pana cameras.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Yes, that is a problem with small cameras: they are small. Small body, small buttons - and lots of them - crowded into a small space. Shoot in Auto mode or buy a larger camera. I've always used SLRs, and occasionally using a compact takes some adjustment.

asymptotic_maybe Loc: Southern California

[quote=chrissybabe]Checkout Smallrig. They make a small housing for the TZ100..."

Thanks for this tip Chris...I'll check out Smallrig and let you know if pix would help.

Charlie7

I purchase this product from Amazon and applied it to various hold points on my ZS100. Still a small camera, but much better grip. "Non Slip Grip Tape Decal Textured Rubber Grip Sticky Stickers Black 13 Piece for iPhone Grip case Cell Laptop ipad Tablet".

Hsch39 Loc: Northbrook, Illinois

Thanks for the info. I just ordered one for my wife's ZS100.

lsimpkins Loc: SE Pennsylvania

You might also look at OpTechUSA Cam Strap wrist straps which permit carrying the camera without touching any of the controls.