Panasonic's new DMC-FZ28 boasts a premium 27mm wide-angle LEICA lens with an 18x optical zoom, ideal for tight indoor shots and long-distance action photos. The 10.1 megapixel digital camera also features an enhanced Intelligent Auto Mode (iA), with the new AF (auto focus) Tracking function, making it easier for photographers at any level to shoot sharp, well-focused photos, even when the subject is moving -- making it ideal for action shots.
Product Details
10-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality poster-size prints
18x wide-angle MEGA Optical Image Stabilized zoom lens
2.7-inch high-resolution LCD screen; HD video capture
Full SLR-like manual operations including aperture, shutter, program and full manual modes with Advanced Scene modes
Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)
My wife and I purchased this camera in March 2009. So we have had some time with this camera before writing this review. The camera is excellent. Picture quality is excellent. Plus we love how there is so many ways to customize the camera's settings. We purchased this camera to use for vacations and family functions. We also have a baby on the way and figure we will be using it for her as well. We were looking for a camera that has better picture quality then a point and shoot and more ways to customize the camera's functions. There is a learning curve if you are coming from a point and shoot camera. However, I feel that is part of the fun.
Recently I was using the manual mode on the camera for the first time. I was adjusting the settings and noticed that the mini joystick is working in all directions but to the left. This drives me crazy because there is not other way to adjust the manual settings except with this joystick. This means until we have it fixed we will not be able to use manual mode settings. We are overly careful with this camera so I am confident it was this way from day 1. I wish I had experimented with camera more and noticed this while it was still under warranty.
On and Off in Seattle
Review Date: August 22, 2010
Reviewer: Maria in Seattle,
The Panasonic Lumix DMC 18X Zoom camera is a very nice and light weight model. I have been using it since Dec. of 2008. It was a bit difficult to learn at first due to all the different settings available and my not being a professional. However, I was very much drawn to it due to the wonderful zoom capabilities. I was used to a 10X Zoom with my Olympus C-740 and Zoom was important as I did not want to get into changing lenses quite yet. Once I got used to it's features I was able to take some very nice photos and the videos were good with the FZ28 and if I wanted I could change lenses...I never did buy other lenses. I was pretty happy with what I was getting. Then disaster struck. Unfortunately, the on and off button quit working a few days ago (just slides back and forth and nothing happens) and I was left with a decision on what to do. Repairing it was quite expensive compared to buying another similar camera. I did a little research and found that Panasonic has a newer model for a reasonable price on Amazon, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35 (18X Zoom). After comparing it with the comprable Nikon Coolpix P100 (26X Optical Zoom) and the Canon SX20IS (20X Optical)...I began to think it was the Nikon I wanted instead because it had the higher Zoom...however, after finding out that you cannot charge the battery outside of the camera for the Nikon and the Canon uses AA batteries instead of the battery packs the Panasonic uses I realized that I would be happier with the Panasonic FZ35 afterall and for some other reasons as well...so, I just ordered it and am awaiting it's arrival. Another feature I like with Panasonic is that you can copy, move, etc. photos between the camera and your computer with no additional software needed on my PC besides explorer and windows XP. Evidently this is not the case with some cameras. Also, a bit of a hassle I found out, I understand the FZ35 manual is on pdf rather than paper...although an inconvenience, I can live with it. Pricewise it is also doable, since I am still not ready for that bigger step of the DSLR.
Very Good Prosumer Camera
Review Date: June 16, 2010
Reviewer: Nightworldp,
Very good wide angle shots. 18x is too much, adding complexities to lens for casual and softer images. Too many modes.
Better EVF and manual mechanical zooming would be nice.
Disappointed with picture quality
Review Date: June 3, 2010
Reviewer: B. Kushnir, Boston, MA
Picture is grainy and not very highly defined. Pictures taken with 7 mega pixel simple point-and-shoot cameras look much better than pictures taken with this camera. Very disappointing for a higher quality camera.
Great camera for most amateur photographers
Review Date: May 26, 2010
Reviewer: wogan, U.S.A.
I've taken pictures for many years, beginning with a 1940's 35mm Argus where you had to set the lighting, focus and everything else, a professional zoom Nikon, right up to a point and shoot simple digital and this camera is such a good choice, you can adjust it to do most anything, but in trying to simplify life, I have used mostly the auto focus mode and am extremely impressed with the results; especially using in areas without a flash. I have taken great pictures of fireworks and gotten close-ups of lectures and grandsons on a school stage all without using any other special settings. As for the auto focus, it has a fine point, so that, for example when I have taken pictures of cherry blossoms, pointing at the blossoms, have a good close-up and then move the auto focus point a bit to the Jefferson Memorial and gotten a good picture of it with the cherry blossoms still in the picture. The auto stabilization works fine, especially when pulling out the camera fast for a quick picture. The zoom brings most objects in for suitable viewing, even from several hundred feet away.
The battery does seem to run out sooner than I expected, but then that is also because I am constantly using the zoom feature. I simply bought another battery and have it charged at the ready. The camera will tell you when the battery power is running low.
My only complaint has been I have lost two lenses because they don't seem to fit tightly on the threads enough to stay there. Otherwise it is a camera that is `big' enough to take wonderful pictures, but can be tucked into a bag of a medium size pocket in a backpack.
No video reviews found for this product.
Love the camera only one issue
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