Hi,

I'm worrying because my new digital camea -- so new I have never used it -- got knocked off a low table onto a hardwood floor. It's a Lumex and I had put it inside the padded case I bought for it, so when it fell to the floor, in was in the case. My husband had tipped over my purse and the purse was open. All the contents fell to the floor.

I know you are going to say: "Just try the camera!" But the thing is: I don't know how the camera works! I'd only gotten as far as reading the instructions that said that I had to charge the battery.

Think my new camera is going to give me problems when I trry to figure out how to use it for the first time?

I feel silly for asking but I'm just sitting here worrying!

That question is almost impossible for us to answer without being there, because we don't know how much the camera weighs, how hard it hit the floor, etc.

However, the good news is that digital cameras (except for the more expensive digital SLRs) do not have moving parts. The most likely thing you could have broken would be the LCD screen on the back or the lens. It should be quite obvious from the get go whether the camera is in good shape or not. Charge the battery, take a few pictures, download them to your computer, print a few. If they look fine, don't worry about it.

It will work. Mine fell out of my backpack @ the airport...I was running..it fell...smashed to the floor...hard floor...I did not even have it in its case. It was fine. Stop worrying & go & take some pix!

I agree. I'd be far more worried if it was a camcorder.

We have a Lumix by the way and love it.
Hope you enjoy yours.

Most cameras are fine with a fall that short (especially if they are in a case). They're actually pretty tough devices. As Andrew indicated, take a couple shots - if nothing looks crazy, then don't worry.

Thanks! You all are great. Now I can go to sleep. I'll have to wait until morning to check out the camera -- the camera is so new I hadn't even put in the battery.
But I feel better.

I have a Lumix FZ30 and it's a great camera and very sturdy so you'll be allright.If you're not used to cameras I would suggest you read the instructions carefully . This is a very sofisticated camera and you will probably only use a small part of its possibilities.You can also check out this website giving a review of the camera :www.dcresource.com Have fun.PAul

>> I know you are going to say: "Just try the camera!" But ...

No, what was going to say was: just read the manual and then try the camera.

I think it will be fine.

I dropped my new Nikon on the Charles Bridge in Prague last year. The batteries fell out and rolled under the feet of several hundred tourists, but we finally rounded them up.

My husband put it back together, and it works fine.

They must be tough little things!

Byrd

This is a very good camera and should serve you well for years. The only problem will be with the memory card that typically comes with these cameras. Usually 16 or 32 MB. Sounds big but will only handle a half dozen to a dozen photos. Get at least one 1 GB (Giga Byte) memory card and two are better.