dd lee Loc: Michigan

I have never gotten a camera fixed, so don't know the costs involved. I have a Panasonic Lumix, love the zoom, but hate that I cannot change lenses and the shutter speed is horrendously slow. Now it's really hard to push the shutter, so I need to decide. Fix, or upgrade to a Nikon or Canon? Thoughts?

pdsdville Loc: Midlothian, Tx

I'd upgrade although I've had cameras fixed before. Take a look at Sony, I think you will be surprised.

therwol Loc: USA

How old? Under warranty? I have a Panasonic Lumix that dates to 2011 (6 megapixels). If it is reasonably current, then it might be worth having someone take a look at it, but you also say there are things you don't like about it. I say upgrade to a current model of something that fits your needs. There are more than two players in this game. Look at Sony, Olympus, Fuji, for example. Have B&H send you a paper catalog to start and look at what's available as a starting point. All of the brands and models are laid out nicely. Then dig deeper into the cameras that seem interesting and ask questions and say what your needs are.

f8lee Loc: New Mexico

Frankly, as cameras have become 90% electronic and 10% mechanical in nature, it might well be worth considering replacement, particularly since you say you want to be able to change lenses (I assume for more creative control).

By the bye, when you say the "shutter speed is horrendously slow", are you referring to the lag time between you pressing the release and the actual shutter firing? If so, you will find any newer camera will be a great improvement on that front. If, on the other hand, you are referring to the shutter exposure being t=so long as to create blur from motion, then that is a matter of using a higher ISO or a wider aperture (both of which will be available to you with an interchangeable lens camera).

Understand that all the major manufacturers make excellent gear nowadays - Nikon, Canon, Fuji, Pentax, Sony (who bought Minolta years ago) as well as Panasonic (and a few others I cannot think of offhand). But the critical thing for you to see is how well a particular camera feels to you; how it fits and balances in your hands, how the viewfinder does or does not make sense to your eye, etc. These ergonomic issues can have great impact as to how much you enjoy using the camera, or don't

You don't mention a budget, but I would humbly suggest you go to a camera store (if there is one around) or Best Buy or some other big box store to actually pick up and handle a few different kits. You will no doubt see all kinds of comments in response by well meaning folks telling you why a DSLR is better than a so-called mirrorless camera (or vice-versa) but ignore them - go see for yourself. What works for one person may not for you, and spec sheets and reviews online only go so far.

So, go and handle a few cameras. Once you do, feel free to post another question here once you decide your budget, what kinds of things you want to shoot, etc., so as to give anyone trying to help some direction.

tramsey Loc: Texas

I would upgrade. As long as you have a Panasonic and know how they work, I would go to a Lumex DX FZ1000.

Just my opinion.

dd lee Loc: Michigan

Thanks all for the tips! My current camera is around 10 years old, yes, I want to get more creative with lenses, and yes, I'm talking about shutter lag time ( I've missed a good many shots before the shutter actually fired). I tend to be an impulse buyer, but can't afford to mess this up, so I think I will shop around and get a catalog. I love taking full moon shots, nature and wildlife, and interesting objects. I know I will need a good telephoto lens. Thanks all!

dd lee Loc: Michigan

Thanks all for the tips! My current camera is around 10 years old, yes, I want to get more creative with lenses, and yes, I'm talking about shutter lag time ( I've missed a good many shots before the shutter actually fired). I tend to be an impulse buyer, but can't afford to mess this up, so I think I will shop around and get a catalog. I love taking full moon shots, nature and wildlife, and interesting objects. I know I will need a good telephoto lens. Thanks all!

zug55 Loc: Naivasha, Kenya, and Austin, Texas

I would definitely not repair a camera that is ten years old. There have been a lot of technological advances over the past ten years. Most newer cameras will address the issues you mention.

If you upgrade I would seriously consider a mirrorless system rather than a DSLR. DSLR cameras are often sold at a discount today because the industry is shifting towards mirrorless, which is where all the innovation happens today.

Do a lot of research, go to camera stores, watch Youtube reviews and decide what meets your needs and budget.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Typically any manufacturer only keeps spare parts for about ten years.
Mine is nine years old. If it broke, I'd replace it.
Plus, the newer technology is an improvement over ten year old technology.

mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

Upgrade. Even though the sticky shutter may get fixed, the other annoyances won’t go away. It sounds very much like you’re ready to move on. I hope you have a decent camera store in your area. If so, go in and take a look at the various options you have. Take a look at mirrorless and micro 4/3s, Sony, Olympus, Fuji, Nikon, and Canon. Hold them in your hands. Think about your budget. Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, do some research. I always read not only the professional reviews but also what users have to say. I read the reviews for the item on the B&H website and Amazon. Then I take the plunge!

Low Budget Dave

Never fix a camera that was slow to start with. Panasonic has made such huge improvements just in the last four years that if you have a slightly older Lumix, any repair over about 20% of the cost of a new one is not worth it.

The FZ60, for example, came out in 2012. You can get a new one for about $250., but unless you really loved the old one, $50 would be a lot of money to spend to fix it.

The G7, on the other hand, came out in 2015, and a new one will cost you $500. Most users liked most everything about that camera, and if I had a broken one, I would repair it, even at $100.

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

If you don't like the camera then why put money in it to fix it and then still have a camera you don't like? I would upgrade to a Nikon such as the D7200 series. You will be happy you did.

Dennis

Jerry G Loc: Waterford, Michigan and Florida

"but hate that I cannot change lenses and the shutter speed is horrendously slow. "

That's the answer.

Fredrick Loc: Former NYC, now San Francisco Bay Area

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

"Panasonic Lumix" doesn't help much.
Any digital camera more than 10 years old is probably not worth fixing unless it is a very minor repair.