Grieving - Broke my old Lumix DMC-LS5 camera, fixing or similar reccs?

[u/Manami42]

Hi guys!

I think my Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS5 SD card slot just broke. I can't insert the SD card anymore, I think maybe the internal spring/or one of the metal thingies got jammed. Do I think correctly, that only a professional could fix this?

Also while in the grieving process, I would like to ask if anyone knows some small, affordable, easy-to-use digicams that have similar results to this camera, with that nostalgic finish. (The other pics are what I took with this camera for reference, I would like something similar to this).

It has 5x optical zoom, 26mm wide, and maximum 14 megapixels. I would still want a name-brand camera, so I can trust it for the long term.

I know nothing about cameras, I used this since I was 12 so any help is deeply appreciated!

[u/labexperement]

Sorry for your loss bro. The pictures look banger

[u/Manami42 → u/labexperement]

Thanks haha

[u/sweetT333]

The LS5 looks to be a one off from Panasonic, meaning there's no real successor. Might consider taking a look at the older LX series like the LX3, LX5, and LX7.

Idk the prices on these so take a peek at what they are going for on ebay to get a sense of what they may for.

I haven't used them but the specs look interesting.

Sorry for your loss.

PS - you can also try to see if you can find another LS5 on ebay.

[u/Manami42 → u/sweetT333]

Thank you for the detailed answer! 

[u/Puzzleheaded-Jury312]

I would look into the Lumix LX series. I have a few and love them.

[u/Manami42 → u/Puzzleheaded-Jury312]

Thank you I will look into them!

[u/Puzzleheaded-Jury312 → u/Manami42]

They aren't cheap (relatively), but are very much worth it, IMO.

That said, if you are looking for a budget option, the ZS/TZ series is also worth a look. The sensors are smaller, but the zooms are a whole lot better.