Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 (TZ7) discontinued already?

[Mojoed]

I've had my eye on this camera for awhile now. There have been large price reductions lately on this model. Example, recently J&R and other online retailers have had it for $279 ($299 now - $399 MSRP).

As of this week, it's a deactivated item at Newegg.com too.

So now I gotta decide whether or not to pick it up cheap, or wait out to see what it's replacement will offer.

This is a very solid camera. Anyone care to speculate what upgrades the ZS3 replacement will have?

 

[Mojoed]

Ya I know my threads suck and the scope is very limited, but does anyone have any idea when Panasonic will refresh their Lumix line?

 

[shortylickens]

I dont think they need a refresh as such. They have an assload of items right now. The LX3 is still available and is one of the best damn point'n'shoots ever made.

 

[shortylickens]

We're gonna need a better explanation here.
What do you mean by "refresh"? Do you mean make more units of the old models? Like: They ran out of ZS3's so when are they gonna make more ZS3's?
I dunno. The way companies work right now is to keep updating their models so things always look new and exciting. That leads to increased sales. I dont think they will ever make more ZS3's. Once they stop manufacturing thats it. They were already on to new models when those things left the factory.

Do you mean: When are they gonna make new cameras in the Lumix line?
The answer to that is: They always are, they never stop. There is always a new model just around the corner. Wait a week and see what happens.

OR.......
If you have your heart set on a particular model, dig around on Ebay or find a refurbished model someplace.

Google Marketplace is a perfect way to start.

 

[ElFenix]

panasonic seems to have problems estimating demand. i would bet it's just in short stock. there will probably be a new model(s) in january at CES.

 

[Mojoed]

Originally posted by: shortylickens
We're gonna need a better explanation here.
What do you mean by "refresh"? Do you mean make more units of the old models? Like: They ran out of ZS3's so when are they gonna make more ZS3's?
I dunno. The way companies work right now is to keep updating their models so things always look new and exciting. That leads to increased sales. I dont think they will ever make more ZS3's. Once they stop manufacturing thats it. They were already on to new models when those things left the factory.

Do you mean: When are they gonna make new cameras in the Lumix line?
The answer to that is: They always are, they never stop. There is always a new model just around the corner. Wait a week and see what happens.

OR.......
If you have your heart set on a particular model, dig around on Ebay or find a refurbished model someplace.

Google Marketplace is a perfect way to start.

I thought I was pretty clear. I guess not!

You know, when models are discontinued, new models come out? Kind of like The TZ7 (ZS3) replaced the TZ5 from last year. I was just curious as to why the huge discounts and "discontinued" status are happening at many online shops. Also curious to see what new features/improvements will be added to whatever replaces the ZS3.

Personally I am hoping for better low-light performance.

Originally posted by: ElFenix
panasonic seems to have problems estimating demand. i would bet it's just in short stock. there will probably be a new model(s) in january at CES.

Thanks ElFenix!

 

[Infrnl]

I just bought a ZS3 at frys tonight. They just got new stock in. They could be thinking about new models, but this one is still available. I also heard that they recently dropped the price. I paid $300 which to me is a decent deal, but I was in need of a new camera right away.