Hard cell
About three years ago, Panasonic was happy to sell me one of their Lumix digital cameras.
They’ll have a difficult time trying to sell me another, though:
New consumer digital cameras introduced by Panasonic in 2009 have been disabled to require the use of Panasonic original batteries with an embedded security ID chip. The problem? Panasonic cannot supply batteries! Third-party batteries (at a cost of $10-20) no longer work.
Panasonic brand batteries ($40 to $80) with the security chip have never been available from Panasonic or anyone else. Users have only the battery supplied with the camera, and when it’s depleted you are done taking photos for the day. In an effort to sell over-priced batteries that they are unable to supply, Panasonic has crippled a line of fine, expensive cameras ($300-$1,200 retail). The situation has existed for months and involves sixteen of their latest cameras.
The Lumix I have is aging gracefully, and its presumed preference for batteries supplied by its manufacturer notwithstanding, it runs perfectly well on ordinary AA cells. Probably one reason why they discontinued it.
Dick Stanley »
31 July 2009 · 12:51 am
Their executives have genuinely lost their minds.
McGehee »
31 July 2009 · 7:16 am
I wonder how many of Obama’s advisers are from Panasonic?
fillyjonk »
31 July 2009 · 8:06 am
I think the situation described in the blockquote is deserving of a “Wait…..WHAT?”
Seriously, when did companies start hiring stupid executives/r and d guys?
Baby M »
31 July 2009 · 8:26 am
Is Panasonic a subsidiary of General Motors? They’re sure acting like one.