MAN I hate user reviews...

[Fritzo]

I'm in the market for a camera (Panasonic DMC-FZ10) and there's not a lot of reviews out for it yet because it's a newer product. There are lots of user reviews at various sites though, and people are so polarized, it'll drive you crazy! This happens with any product you ask people's opinions on. You either get:

"It's great! Best ever used! No flaws what-so-ever!!! Can't buy any better!"

or you get

"It sucks! This thing is the worst POS ever made! Save your money!"

*sigh*...can't anybody just give a balanced opinion?

 

[sillymofo]

You'll just have to decide for yourself, which side gets more hits, the POS or the Great ones.

 

[ggavinmoss]

Why don't you rely more heavily on professional electronics reviewers or specialty website reviews that may do an actual review as opposed to a praise/slam?

-geoff

 

[Wallydraigle]

It has to do with people's experience levels and what they're used to using. If all someone had used was a $50 HP POS and then they buy the Panasonic they're going to think it's great, but if they had something better then they're going to think it sucks. Can you find on in a B+M store and try it out before you buy?

 

[vi edit]

The best are the reviews from the guy who doesn't own the product, hasn't ever seen the product, but heard from a friend that it sucks without really giving any sort of supporting data besides "It sucks!".

 

[PanzerIV]

Usually non professional reviewers who succintly write "it sucks" have absolutely no evidence to back it up or very sketchy information. I take those with a grain of salt. However, those who write coherent, factual reviews are as reliable as a paid professional sometimes so I don't knock them.

 

[slycat]

eh?!...user reviews?...sorry for not reading but i thought u were complaining about
AT user ratings so i went to your profile and gave you a "1"

 

[DaveSimmons]

CNet reviews are almost worthless but Amazon user reviews are often pretty good

 

[Fritzo]

Originally posted by: ggavinmoss
Why don't you rely more heavily on professional electronics reviewers or specialty website reviews that may do an actual review as opposed to a praise/slam?

-geoff

That's the problem, I read a couple of professional reviews and they said the camera was great. Then a couple of user reviews basically said all the things that the review praised was crap. Seems like I go through this any time I need an opinion

 

[Saulbadguy]

User reviews are just about worthless. If there are a bunch of negative ones, you can identify a trend...but all in all they are worthless. 1/4 of the reviews are reviews of the product before its even released. The rest are from men who are proud of their purchase, and give it an automatic good review.

 

[Nocturnal]

Is that the all in one type camera? I had a friend who had one and said it wasn't the best of quality.

Are you looking for just a digi cam or an all in one? If you're looking for the former, I'd suggest a Canon digi cam. Canons can be had for rather cheap, especially if you scoop one up in a hot deal.

If you're looking for an all in one then I guess I could not help you there.

 

[Fritzo]

The thing that stands out about this Panasonic camera is the 12x image stabilized lens. NOBODY has that on a 4 MP camera, that's why I'm interested

 

[amndouglas]

I know what you mean. User reviews are looking more and more like forums. It's all opinion and questions instead of actual useful feedback about the products.

 

[TuxDave]

I just go by what Rossman says.

 

[Atrail]

Originally posted by: TuxDave
I just go by what Rossman says.

amen

 

[MAME]

I agree, user reviews are never detailed and half the time it's by someone who has nothing to compare it to. But generally if there's a 4 or 5 star rating on newegg, it's decent!

 

[CrackaLackaZe]

I use everytime I think about buying stuff amazon.com and epinions.com...they usually have good reviews.