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Note: this camera was first sold in Jan 2007. There may be newer versions available.
Panasonic Lumix TZ3
Panasonic Lumix TZ3
B
HQ Grade: B
A is outstanding and exceptional, rated in the top 10% of digital cameras.
B means they are good, with some standout features.
C means they are mediocre, and probably more trouble than they are worth.
D & F mean they are absolutely awful or old. Avoid at all costs.
  • 4 out of 5
"Impressive High resolution video recording, but not as good in low light condition"
  • 4 out of 5
"Panasonic Lumix TZ3"
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S. Sowada (analog-mommy) 1 pts
April 24, 2009 8:03 PM
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What happens after 999 photos? A Y2K meltdown?

It appears that after taking 999 photos over 18 months my computer (or the Lumix software) no longer can see the photos on the chip. The responses from Panasonic customer support have been so cryptic I've nearly given up. I have been able to save the newer photos with another program but would like to just be able to download normally without the drama of figuring out what the heck's wrong.
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by James DeRuvo (byjamesderuvo) 58448 pts
April 24, 2009 10:22 PM
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It probably comes down to nomenclature. The camera firmware probably can't name the file to 4 digits plus the date info. The best bet is to probably save the imges to a different folder on your PC after every time you use it. Then, clean the card off for the next time. See if this will help you.
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Larry (logcabiny) 4897 pts
April 25, 2009 10:02 PM
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This is yet another example of why not to use the software that comes with the digital cameras.
I would suggest getting a card reader for $10-20 and a copy of Picasa3 available free from Google. By using these two you will overcome all obstacles to the transfer and organized storage of your images in your computer. Picasa3 will detect the photos already in your computer and be happy to add a gazillion more as you take them for years in the future. This is a very low cost and virtually fool-proof solution to your dilemma.
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S. Sowada (analog-mommy) 1 pts
April 26, 2009 2:45 PM
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I supposed I should have listed all the attempts my husband and I have already made at troubleshooting so far. We have most of the photos on the card saved to a new folder (surprisingly they are listed with the logical next jpg numbers) and all of the former photos (the first 999) have been saved to a new folder as well.

I've also tried loading the newer photos on the card with Picasa 3 but my response is "A file error has occurred while importing files. Canceling import."

I guess my next steps will be do manually delete the photos on the card that are already in one of the new folders and see what happens to "Easter and beyond."

Would a card reader make a difference over the USB connection?
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S. Sowada (analog-mommy) 1 pts
April 26, 2009 3:17 PM
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Okay, I've deleted all the photos that were still on my card (didn't delete the MOV's though) that I had previously successfully downloaded. Then I organized them and made sure the folder PANA_102 was not buried.

I tried loading with Picasa 3. It looked hopeful but I got the message "An error has occurred during importing. Either the source in unavailable or the destination is full or readonly (10)" A second attempt gave me the message "An error has occurred while importing files. Cancelling import."
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by James DeRuvo (byjamesderuvo) 58448 pts
April 28, 2009 1:30 AM
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What I would recommend at this point, is to use a file recovery utility like F-Recovery (Google is your friend) and plug the card into a USB card reader. Your PC will read it as a drive and then you either try and drag the drop the files onto your PC or run the recovery utility and see if it can recover whatever parts of the files are missing.

The moral of the story here? Get your pictures off as soon as your done that day. And carry a spare card. Any card can fail, and to have a backup will enable you to keep taking pictures.
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S. Sowada (analog-mommy) 1 pts
April 28, 2009 2:03 PM
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Sounds good and logical. Hubby's out of town this week, so when he's back we'll give that a shot. It might be next week before we know if that works for us. If it doesn't, I'm in the market for a new camera and/or a new PC since my son has a birthday coming up!

Thanks & will reply again soon!
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S. Sowada (analog-mommy) 1 pts
April 30, 2009 5:13 PM
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I realized we have a field trip tomorrow to the zoo--a classic photo op with both kids. I bought a new card to try. If it didn't work, I planned to buy a quick point-and-shoot to cover the upcoming events. Well, the new card seemed to do the trick.

Now it appears I need a way to get the photos and videos off the old card. So in a way, both James and Larry helped with a solution. I'm not sure if this is the time where I assign points or if the problem is solved once I've retrieved my photos.

Do I need to post a new question? Thanks!
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Larry (logcabiny) 4897 pts
April 30, 2009 11:30 PM
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The main thing is you have a working camera with the new card.
James's advice to use F-Recovery (or similar software) to retrieve whatever remains on the old card is the way to go.
There is no rush to award points. You may do so at any time you feel appropriate.
I would suggest posting a new question only if you are unable to completely resolve your problem through this thread, and so far, it looks like you are doing great. Keep up the good work and hopefully all will come out right.
Just let us know how we might be of further assistance.
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S. Sowada (analog-mommy) 1 pts
May 17, 2009 8:24 PM
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My husband put the card in his laptop and was able to correct the error on it somehow. I am now the proud owner of 3 months of photos plus a lot more information about digital cameras. I am a happy camper once again after being frustrated for so long!

Thanks to James and Larry! Love this site!
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Larry (logcabiny) 4897 pts
May 18, 2009 1:51 AM
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Congratulations!! So glad we were able to help restore your photos.
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