i bought a Panasonic camera on ebay. nice camera and cheap but its made for japan market only so no English. i could send it back but i like it but can't figure out all the menu options, especially the wifi setup

so does anyone read Japanese here or know someone that would help me for a few mins?

thanks, steve

What's the model number? Might search for it in YouTube under make and model. May find an unboxing video that explains the controls.

What's the model number? Might search for it in YouTube under make and model. May find an unboxing video that explains the controls.

i've tried everything short of learning Japanese. its not possible to hack it or re-flash it. its either get help or send it back

What I've read on line is that Panasonic and Sony produce models with Japanese menus only for their domestic market. Export versions (with a choice of languages) are available from some of their larger camera stores, but are much more expensive. Looks like you'll be returning it Steve.

I just had a look at google and there are dozens of links saying that Panasonic have a language option in the camera. You just have to figure out which option is to change the menu. Google your model number and you're sure to find it.

And if it doesn't have language options, try downloading both an English and Japanese manual and you should be able to compare the manuals to figure out how to use all the features.

Found this comment from a camera forum:

"I also have the Japanese-only version camera. Just download the English advanced user manual from the internet. You can then figure it out from the icons that are displayed. Not a deal breaker. And it is intuitive enough that you can be up and running quickly."

What's the model number? Might search for it in YouTube under make and model. May find an unboxing video that explains the controls.

i've tried everything short of learning Japanese. its not possible to hack it or re-flash it. its either get help or send it back

Again, what is the model number of the Panasonic camera?

What's the model number? Might search for it in YouTube under make and model. May find an unboxing video that explains the controls.

i've tried everything short of learning Japanese. its not possible to hack it or re-flash it. its either get help or send it back

Again, what is the model number of the Panasonic camera?

dmc-fx90

sure, i can figure out how to take pics but i got it because it has wifi and in theory can upload pics to your computer via wifi but i can't get that to work and its frustrating only having Japanese menus

i'm am 100% sure the language cannot be changed. Panasonic hard code it into the camera for the home market so none Japanese can't use them.

here's the basic manual - see if you can find the language option - it may well be there.

http://service.us.panasonic.com/OPERMANPDF/DMCFX90.PDF

here's the advanced manual - language setting on page 48

http://service.us.panasonic.com/OPERMANPDF/DMCFX90_ADV.PDF

Wifi how-to.

Wifi how-to.

seen it. that's fine if everything works ok, but if it doesn't, what to make of the Japanese error messages?

Wifi how-to.

seen it. that's fine if everything works ok, but if it doesn't, what to make of the Japanese error messages?

Could be in the manual mentioned in post #9.

Maybe this will help:

http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/panasonic-lumix-dmc-fx90/4505-6501_7-35094988.html

But note that the WiFi capability is panned.

I've also got camera from Japan, but it has English!