Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28: Review

Posted to Digital Cameras 2009-01-09

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 Review:

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 is this year's entry by Panasonic into the compact ultra zoom category. It boasts a 10.1 megapixel resolution (last year's entry, the FZ18 was only 8.1 megapixels), a wide-angle18X Leica lens, and compact DSLR-like styling. It also features a 2.7 in. TFT LCD display, a host of shooting and scene modes, and 13 fps video capture rate (at 2 megapixel resolution).

The camera also features an inline EVF (electronic viewfinder) with diopter correction, an enhanced Intelligent Auto mode, auto focus, and a 35 mm equivalent focal length of 27-486mm. The FZ28 also includes face recognition technology, full manual control of exposure and focusing, and a built-in intelligent flash. Styling is sleek and compact, with a polycarbonate body and a rubberized handgrip on the right-hand side. The camera also uses an enhanced IS (Image Stabilization) to minimize blurring in those ultra close-up or tightly zoomed shots.

Rating:

4.8 out of 5

Features

An impressive array of features earns 5 stars in this category. Aside from those already mentioned, the camera features improved auto focus tracking capability which keeps your moving subject in focus and an ISO range of 100 to 6400. There is a 4X digital zoom capability, although one can't imagine needing it with the available optical zoom. Shutter speeds range from 1 to 1/2000 sec., images can be recorded in RAW format, and the camera is capable of recording or outputting HD video.

Ergonomics

Panasonic gets an A+ for styling and usability as well. The cameras sleek polycarbonate body is accentuated by the comfortable rubber grip to the right of the lens. Control placement on the back panel is well planned and convenient. There's a mini-joystick for navigating menus and setting focus points which takes a little getting used to, but is well worth the effort. And the camera includes a well-designed removable lens hood that the competition only offers as an optional accessory.

Summary

You'd be hard-pressed to find better performance in the compact ultrazoom category, regardless of manufacturer. The excellent Leica optics, Panasonic's leading edge Venus Engine IV image processor, and the camera's incredible ease of use all add up to an excellent all-around digital camera. And it's very easy on the eyes as well.

Pros

18X optical zoom Lens
10.1 megapixel resolution
Advanced iA (Intelligent Auto) mode
2.7 TFT Color LCD
A host of scene and shooting modes

Cons

There are no cons for this product