Hi, ive got a Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7 camera.

Ive had it for about 2 years now, and its been great up until now.

I would say ive looked after it well, and bought a good protective case for carrying it around in.

Today when i tried inserting the memory card back in, (i had removed it to put it in my card reader and transfer some pictures) and it said memory card error. I have checked that the memory card is not locked. I tried removing it and inserting it a couple of times, but still no luck. I put the memory card back in the card reader, and it read fine. So i tried a different memory card in my camera, and it came up again memory card error. I have tried blowing out the memory card slot, but no fix. When i insert a memory card, its like the camera goes slow for a mute trying to recognise it, but then the error pops up, Memory card error. I have tried formatting the memory card on my PC, but that didn't work either. 3 memory cards have gave me the same problem now, so im guessing its something to do with the part in my camera thats reads them. I have tried doing a reset though the set up memory. I clicked on reset, clicked yes, and also clicked yes to reset parameters and rec. settings.

Does anyone have any ideas? Its the best camera ive ever had, and to me cost alot of money, i use it for taking pictures whilst fishing, but its always been kept safe in a heavy duty protective case. So i know there has not been any water damage or anything like that.

I tried looking for some new firmware or something, could that fix the problem if i can find it? or reset the current firmware? Or do you think its a physical problem and i need to get it into a repair shop. Cant find anything on the panasonic website.

Any advice is appreciated as im really gutted right now.

Thanks