Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28

Tho' a pleased owner/user of an FZ18 (over 1500 pics so far), I feel the FZ28 not a big enough step ahead to upgrade. Larger sensor + better viewfinder might persuade me, however! Wait for the FZ60?

The only drawback with a bigger sensor means the camera would need to be bigger,and the lens as well,thereby defeating it's biggest advantage over a compact DSLR,i.e the Lumix's sheer portability.
I also have a Nikon two lens D40 kit,and while it can produce cracking enlargements,I am much more likely to take the FZ18 when I go on holiday,or even just out for a ramble,as the little Panasonic packs so much in into the well made body,and the weight is much more manageable on the shoulder(I am retired!).
And any 8x10 prints I produce are sharp and colourful,and perfectly acceptable,and I feel I can recognise a good print after 40 year experience of photography.
We all know that if you blow up a print to A3,or do a lot of cropping,the DSLR will outperform the vast majority of compacts,and in some situations,i.e sports photography,etc.,is much quicker to use,but for most photography,these Panasonics are really good,offering great flexibility.
How many people out there print bigger than A4 anyway? Not many I bet!
Both my son and daughter have digital cameras,but never print,or even get prints made,just viewing them on their computers.I suspect the're not alone either.
These Panasonics however really are technological marvels,and the new FZ28 does seem an improvement over the FZ18,seeming to manage high ISOs better,although that is not really important to me,as I seldom go out taking photographs which need high settings anyway.
Again,I suspect,apart from camera reviewers,nether do many other people!
They would just use the flash if required.
There are other general improvements in the new camera,but not enough to warrant me stumping up more money for the new model.
Where do you stop?
Some people are forever "upgrading",seemingly obsessed with having the latest kit,which ultimately is very costly,whereas if they just used what they already have,better, more productively,they might enjoy their photography better.
I still use a Fuji S7000,now nearly 5 years old,but the prints it can produce are really great,if only it had a bigger zoom,it would be even better
I don't really buy photo magazines anymore,as they encourage this obsessive behaviour in my view,being full of "battles" between the latest "must-have" bits of kit.
Be happy with your FZ18,it's a great little camera!!
Doug Sinnott

"The only drawback with a bigger sensor means the camera would need to be bigger,and the lens as well,thereby defeating it's biggest advantage over a compact DSLR,i.e the Lumix's sheer portability"

?

The review states the body and lens are identical to the fz18.

To Bugmenot: I was only replying to John Merchant's comment that the only improvement he could suggest to both the FZ18/FZ28 would be a bigger sensor/viewfinder.
In my view this would invariably lead to a bigger camera,hence my comments.

image quality 10 out of 10 ??? how come .. ?? please tell me how then the d700 nikon got 9 ??
http://www.trustedreviews.com/digital-cameras/review/2008/08/08/Nikon-D700/p1
why u didnt mention the bad EVF ??

sorry for my bad english

I agree a larger sensor would result in a larger camera, but the resultant images would also be improved. A DSLR will produce better images than a compact, mainly, but not entirely, due to the sensor size (?) I too have some experience over many years (my first camera was a Halina 35X at age 16!) but all snap shot pictures, though using several different types of camera including SLR, some of which I still have (Contarex Super; Minolta S1 APS). Still searching for a D700 with a 14-600 zoom (& 10/10 images) that I can carry in my pocket! The FZ8/18/28 is the nearest yet!

Maybe it's just me but all the sample photos look overexposed.
I'm also having trouble seeing an image quality of 10 out of 10.

Hi,

How does the FZ28 compare to a Canon G9 or coming G10. Which one has the better picture quality. The G9/G10 has very good manual controls.

Kazzaz;
This is always the problem with review scores, they are subjective, not just in terms of the point of view of the reviewer, but also in terms of the price category of the product and the product class too, like superzoom or compact. In reality, only the very best top of the range cameras should get perfect 10 scores, and all other cameras should be marked against that score. But of course this would result in compacts inherently never getting higher than 3 or 4. Maybe the fz28 would get 5 or 6.

So in this review the fz28 gets a perfect 10 for image quality because (i guess) it is the best image quality you will get from a superzoom camera?

Review scores are always a bit rubbish in my opinion. A good example is the Trail magazine which will review 30 products briefly, then about 8 of them go through to a detailed review. The problem is that the score is only out of 5, so almost all the 8 final products will have the same score!! What's the point in that? At least trustedreviews uses scores out of 10.

I think it's important that people understand that a camera's capabilities (any camera) is rated against other cameras from the SAME CLASS. By extension, the image quality from a $32,000 Hasselblad H3D is gonna rate a LOT better than a Canon Rebel XSi for example. Again, different classes. So... I'm quite happy to see the FZ28 get a perfect score for IQ.

Regarding the point about review scores subjective and being a bit rubbish, it's not untrue. However, it's also a quick and invaluable tool for us who don't have the opportunity to spend a reasonable amount of time trial testing the numerous options out there. That's why it is always prudent to look at reviews from different sources to minimise some of the individual reviewers' "bias". Also important to note that the timing of the reviews and product launches relative to the competition will also affect review scores to a certain degree. I usually take ratings not so much in absolute terms but as a range. So anything scoring 8-10 to me is considered a great score. Of course if a product gets a 10 in image quality while it's competitors score 6 and 7s (as the SP-570UZ, P80, S8100fd, DSC-H50 did), then I guess it must be a significant difference, and something to take note of and to verify for oneself. Then the reviews would have done their job!

Life would be amazing if everything in life got 10's... It's a pleasure knowing there's a company out there producing quality products for the photographer, be it amateurs or professionals.

Married with 3 kids and as much as I would love to carry a DSLR around with me with the lenses to go with it. It's a pleasure to have a camera that I can take with me and that allows me to carry the kids in my ruck sack.

As for the marks... As bevo76 mentioned, take several reviews and judge a product and I'm sure all will make the right choice.

Trusted review is class... keep up the good work :)

On a completely different note - seeing as so many happy panny clickers have commented - I'm one too by the way. Are there any good online forums or clubs for getting the best out of the FZ18?

From what I've read, the lack of barrel distortion is due to the image processing of the camera. I believe you would still have the distortion with a RAW image.

In reply to Mike Wrob, I have not noticed extra barrel distortion shooting raw with my FZ18 over jpeg; it depends on the subjects shot. If due to the internal processing, it works real good!

Cliff, does that mean that the noise and limited dynamic range issues of the FZ18 are gone?

I ordered an FZ28 on the basis of your review. After having done so, I find that the EVF is very small, and less than half the size of the EVF in the FZ18. There is no mention of this significant fact in the review. I think it should be updated to reflect that fact. In the review of the Nikon P80 you say that the viewfinder is small, but not adequate. I looked at both cameras at a local shop and found the Nickon EVF to be quite big and clear and very serviceable. The one on the FZ28 was small and barely adequate. This dicrepancy is quite disturbing, and I wonder about the accuracy of the rest of the review and whether I should cancel my order for the FZ28. Any comments on this would be appreeciated.

Well well. Been away for a while, so missed this review. But I am pretty much disappointed. We expect a lot more from a review. What about the video quality? Where are the samples? Why is there no mention of the absolutely horrible audio with the "high definition" video? I think "trusted reviews" is really very very biased towards panasonic. Although I do appreciate the good features in this model, I would really like panasonic to try to understand that they will always be considered a mediocre brand as far as non-dslr digicams are considered (compared to canon) unless they really give due attension to the video part. Canon S5IS is still one of the best superzooms to feature stunning video (although standard definition) with cd-quality stereo audio which only good camcorders have. And with the Nikon D90, I think the days of compacts for "all-in-one" solution "for any situation" are starting to get over. Anyway, this FZ28 has really disappointed me. I really expected panasonic to improve the audio. And also, the increase in resolution is totally unwelcome. It's ridiculous. The totally killed the prospects (less noise) of the slightly bigger sensor, by this idiot-luring gimic callled "MEGAPIXELSSSSSSSSSS". Can they produce better photos than the 6MP Nikon D40 or any other low-resolution DSLR out there? Disgusting. And as some other guys mentioned above, Not many people want to make poster-sized prints from their handy compacts. So, thumbs down to every company's MEGAPIXEL strategy. And also, people looking for a superzoom bridge camera don't give a damn about size as long as they can carry it in a small side bag. So, opposing the idea of bigger sensor in a bridge camera is ridiculous. Because not everybody can afford dozens of cameras/camcorders for different occations, the bridge cameras MUST fulfil the requirements of such customers. Good audio with SMOOTH video is such a feature. I am saying all this not because I hate Panasonic, but because I thought panasonic does have almost all the features I want, and the new model could just have been perfect.
I hope canon/Nikon comes up with a better alternative soon...

Hi there, I'm just looking for some advice as I'm completely confused! I'm buying a camera for my partner for his birthday, and had decided on the FZ18, then I read about the FZ28. He's really just looking for something he can take decent pictures on, and wanted an SLR, but my funds wont stretch that far! I'm wondering if there is really much difference between the two for a complete amateur to justify the difference in price?

Unlike the FZ18, the new FZ28 can capture HD videos and the optical zoom (with dual IS) is usable during the shoot. Also, the FZ28 has better automatic mode. Those are the main differences.

The FZ28 has the same sensor size as FZ18 so I think has the same handling with respect to the noise at high ISO so the increment in the nr of pixel is irrelevant.
The only major difference I see is the video size (1024x720 from 840x480) and the auto-zoom during movie.
The review is wery weak as there is nothing to mention about video resolution, video recording time on a 2GB card (about compression) as well how the camera makes pictures works the super zoom at x18 or x33(when is set at 3 mil pixels the res) or close-ups as well.
I own a FZ7 model and I am very happy at the moment with it, I would upgrade only if I would see a big improvment on these aspects I mentioned before.

Dear AB,

"The FZ28 has the same sensor size as FZ18..."
NO. The FZ28 DOESN'T have the same sensor as FZ18. The FZ28 is SLIGHTLY bigger.
FZ18: 1/2.5 " (5.75 x 4.31 mm, 0.24 cm²),
FZ28: 1/2.33 " (6.13 x 4.60 mm, 0.28 cm²)

"...so I think has the same handling with respect to the noise at high ISO so the increment in the nr of pixel is irrelevant."
What you "think" is stupid and baseless. On such tiny sensors, the more the pixel count, the more the noise.

"The only major difference I see is the video size (1024x720 from 840x480) and the auto-zoom during movie...."
The proper term is "resolution" and not "size". And it is not (1024x720 from 840x480), it is 1280x720 from 848x480. And there is no such thing anywhere as "auto-zoom". The user needs to utilise the zooming controlls manually, if desired. The difference from FZ18 is that the zoom is usable during movie recording.

"...The review is wery weak as there is nothing to mention about video resolution, video recording time on a 2GB card (about compression) as well how the camera makes pictures works the super zoom at x18 or x33(when is set at 3 mil pixels the res) or close-ups as well..."
"wery"? wth is that?

"...nothing to mention..."
Actually there is quite a lot to mention. But here is very little mention.

"...how the camera makes pictures works the super zoom at x18..."
Actually he did give us quite a detailed report on that, and I think you mean 18x and not x18.

"...or x33..."
It is 32.1x

"...3 mil pixels the res..."
Now wth is "mil" pixels? It is "MEGA" pixels.

"...only if I would see a big improvment..."
I really doubt if you ever would.

Finally, sorry for sounding rude, but you do need to know what you are talking about, especially when you are critisizing an expert.

NRoy... shape up
many people on this forum are writing in a foreign language, so please do not comment on spelling.
and if you add a comment like "sorry for sounding rude" don't be.. change your attitude instead and take a coffee break..
it's easy to just ignore people with your type of approach, but if you like to share your knowledge, and I really like to take part, please shape up ;-)

I WAS rude indeed. Sorry.
What pissed me off was the fact that he was commenting on the basis of 100% wrong assumption/information. Besides, I was a little drunk as well.
Anyway, sorry again. I will be carefull in the future.
P.S.
English isn't my native language either ;-)

NRoy made some good points about the video - I will take that into consideration, though I like the fact that you can zoom during video. I had heard good things about the video on the FZ18, but perhaps that user wasn't concerned with the audio quality.

The problem with Canon is that they don't make a 'super' zoom with a wide angle lense. For me, that removed Canon from any consideration, Sony as well. Which narrows my choice to the Nikon and the Panasonic (Olympus gets dinged for poor menu design in all the reviews I have read).

The review confirms what I've heard about the Panasonics, that they have one of the best quality lens but are somewhat lacking in the processing area, though it looks like they are at least as good in that area with this model. I'll wait for some more reviews to come out (and hopefully for the price to come down).

Good wide angle, ~18x optical zoom with IS, minimum noise (at ~400 ISO) and purple fringing at telephoto, good dynamic range, and smooth video with GOOD AUDIO is all I want. And working zoom with IS during video recording.
Canon has a reputation for "quality". But like MurSki said, the zoom ranges are ... terrible. Similar arguments hold for Sony/casio/Kodak etc as well. The only ones with decent wide angle (~27/28mm)and whooping 18-20x zoom are Panasonic, Nikon, Fujifilm and Olympus. Now, although Olympus has outstanding zoom range and a host of other attractive features, the one thing I don't like is the overal slow responsiveness of the olympus cameras. The time to actually take the snap after clicking the shutter button is very slow, and most of the time the image gets blurred unless used by someone who knows exactly what/how to do. And I'm not sure if a opportune snap of a fast moving object would be possible with those. Some critics say that olympus/fuji are basically same. Nikon(P80) has nothing noticably attractive. And the ONLY one camera out of these which can use the zoom during video recording is the Panasonic FZ28. And it (as well as FZ18) has the least purple fringing at extreme telephoto end. And the FZ28 also takes 1280x720p videos. All these good things puts the FZ28 ahead of the competition. I just wish it had the bigger sensor without the unnecessary increase in resolution. It only increases the noise - not image quality. I wonder if an updated version of the FZ28 would have better audio. Anyway, new things are coming up (like the micro four-thirds etc) and we can only hope for the better. The manufacturers should concentrate more on the lense, sensor and AUDIO QUALITY. Some cams do have good audio, but lack the ~27-486mm or ~28-504mm zoom ranges etc. Let's see what Photokina 2008 brings us. Canon is deaf and dumb, so I'm not holding my breath for any S*IS...

Hi every one, Iam using Connon 570 IS and need to upgrade it. After a deep research I found lumix fz18 gets an good rating overall, but now lumix fz28 is released. Someone kindly advice me which one is the best.

I want to buy a camera, and my choice is the fuji s8100, Panasonic Lumix z28 and the Canon s5....can some one help me what is the best from these mentioned?

cpax

This is turning into GSM Arena.

I apologise, canon! You are not deaf or dumb at all! Thanks for the SX10 IS. (http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=144&modelid=17630)

Now TR please get us a quick hands-on preview with sample movie clips and images please...

Sorry, I meant the SX1 IS with cmos sensor and FULL HD 1080p video with superb STEREO audio. The SX10IS doesn't have cmos sensor or HD video.

Trusted Reviews,
Please provide us a preview with some sample video and images. I'm dying to read your review.

canon SX1 IS

"...Optical zoom may not be available during movie recording."

DAMN!!!! Canon IS dumb. The dumbest.

Hi All,


I'm just an amature phtotgrapher.Not a genius.I think I'm a good learner.So,I don't have any rights to put in an authentic comment.Still I would like to add a few things from my point of view.


I'm from Kerala http://s454.photobucket.com/albums/qq265/prem2007a/KERALA/ a land for ethustiatic phothographers.You will find a variety of things to be snapped (like boat race,elephant race,decorated elephant precessions,our festival -ONAM which is full of flowers,dances etc etc).We have a rich wild life & have the largest back waters which is quiet a beauty which no photographer will ever want to miss .Well,you might be thinking what the HELL !

Well,I just wanted to tell,having such a variety or diversity of scenery infront of you,ordinary people love to have a camera that satisfies all our needs.Not that they too love to hang around with Nikon D60 with multiple lenses knowing its capabilities to provide pictures with most elegant qualities.Actually, every one of us would love to have a DSLR like that.But
most of us can't afford the price of a DSLR + Lens + accessories,particularly when you take photography as a hobby,not a proffession.Since you are not one,you won't like to add a few more pounds to your travel bag with a DSLR + Kit.And changing lenses and filters - stuff like that won't be in the circle of your choice either.So for most of us a good choice will be DSLR- Like/Super Zooms.And another point to make is if I have a DSLR,I would definately want to make my pictures perfect.This is a mere psychology.The more the perfectionist in you,the more the lenses you'll want to have.So more expense.Thz the way things go...


There is a saying in my land, "What if a Rabbit trys to frat like an Elephant ? ".Well,I guess everybody knows !!! Thtz the case with a DSLR-Like and DSLR.To comapre or to debate about FZ28 or other super zooms to a DSLR won't be fair enough.So it's just like comparision between Film-Cameras & the DSLRs ! Its again like the good old question- "which came first ? Egg or the Hen ?".So the manufacturer's of DSLR Like/Super Zooms have a lot of limitations.And they have to keep a balance between the Elephants & the Rabbits.If they start building the Rabbits with the strength and power of Elephant,then who the hell will spend money buying Elephants(DSLRs) ?

Regarding FZ28's ranking,I think Mr.Cliff Smith is always loyal to his work.If you go through many other review sites you will find that they all have given FZ28 a good 9/10.And many other professionals are recomending it on Flicker !.Here Mr.Cliff Smith might have ranked the image quality 10/10 keeping in mind the 27-486mm Lens & the small sensor.He knows very well its really hard to achive a perfect image with lens that is capable to achieve both wide angle & super zoom images and that too with a not so big sensor.But with FZ28,if we are getting images with no wide-angle barrel distortion & almost no purple fringing despite the small size of the sensor,I would call it "close to sky limit".But I do agree with the point of increasing the size of the sensor a bit more,I mean a very good noticable change would definately satisfiy all of us here.That can re-write the whole way of approach to Panasonic's efforts in building up a high quality digi-cam,which every one of us will love more.And how to fit a bigger sensor in the same pack ???Well,there can always be an alternative.Once computers occupied a full room space or more but now they occupy just the space of your palm.So nothing is impossible.Its just the time that matters.I think we should leave this burden to the engineers of Panasonic.Co.Let them find it out.If no one else have found the solution,then let's give a chance to Panasonic.

Excalty because FZ28's features are really up to the mark,I too agree with the opinion of having a bigger sensor.Only then you can exploit the full potential of this camera.I mean it could rectify almost all the problems with the ISOs leading to a far more better photography;very close to that of the professionals !And thus we make use of both the Teleconverter Lens & Wide angle coverters as well.Otherwise they are waste.No doubt !FZ28 is the best super zoom availabe now.It can enhance it quality much more if it had a bigger sensor.

We all want to dream higher.May be not heaven~high.But atleast sky~high !Mr. Doug Sinnot stated about the printing size.I agree with him that most people won't make a print more than A4.But then agian;why can't it be the sensor a bit more bigger inresult will give a much more better picture ? Hope he too will agree.

And have you noticed something,So many people buy,love,read & commentover the net on Panasonic FZ18/FZ28/FZ50.They include genuine critics from all catogary of phtographers.I guess this should open Panasonic's eyes.Its high time they should know their potential & look at our hopes in a wide angle,not just a 27mm atleast in a 20mm.So with almost the same price & a bigger sensor & few correction in video,I guess no one of us would be disappointed nor would like to opt another camera atleast for next 3 years unless there is a dramatic revolution in the area of super zooms.

Well guys,I think Panasonic spyed what I's telling you.So may be they are gonna satisfy us with their new Lumix DMC-G1 ( http://www.trustedreviews.com/digital-cameras/news/2008/09/12/Panasonic-Announces-First-Micro-Four-Thirds-Camera-And-Lenses/p1 ) or logon to http://panasonic.net/pavc/lumix/systemcamera/gms/g1/index.html for more details.

But.....who knows at what price they are gonna sell G1 !!! And more over we are gonna miss the Lecia lens in G1.
So FZ28 will still hold its place for the main reason for it superb lens,image quality & new AI autotracking & and ofcoure the "no need to change lenses" psychology.I think if you own an FZ28,you are one amough the most luckiest.

Dear prem_2007a,
Lumix G1 is undoubtedly a revelution in the world of photography, and I'm sure there will be much improvements and enhancements in this technology (micro four-thirds). But from what you said, I think you want an all-in-one solution - good zoom range with great wide angle, and better video. But there's no surprise waiting from the G1. It DOES NOT RECORD VIDEO!

Dear NRoya,

Yes.You are right.Who doen't want an all in one camera.I'm not much interested in taking videos with a DigiCam.May be bcoz I have a camcoder.Any ways thanks for reminding me that point i have missed.

Eventhough I'm thrilled to know more about G1,I would still prefer a FZ28 with a bigger sensor.Coz its a well eqipped camera with all the features you need.Cannon has relesed 2 new models with 20x.But I doubt they will have so many excellent features FZ28 has provided us.

Last day in World Tech News i head G1 will cost around $800 ie about 400 pounds !They didn't make it clear whether kits is included in this price !

Dear prem_2007a,
G1 is targeted towards the potential DSLR buyer. They have removed the prism-mirror mechanism of the convensional DSLRs, and so it is a lot smaller and lighter than a DSLR with similar capability. It's sensor is comparable to that of a DSLR and so it's photos will undoubtedly be better than those from a compact or bridge camera. You can add conversion lenses too.
The canon models are great, especially the SX1S, but the prices are ... well, not attractive at all - at least for me.
"Pricing & Availability
The PowerShot SX1 IS is available from December priced at £519.99 / €679.99 RRP inc VAT
The PowerShot SX10 IS is available from October priced at £359.99 / €469.99 RRP inc VAT"
(http://www.canon.co.uk/About_Us/News/Consumer_Releases/2008_News/PowerShot.asp)

Only the SX1S takes FULL HD (1920x1080p) videos with cd-quality stereo. But it's likely that it won't be able to use zooming while recording. I have no idea why they made it crippled in this way. They implement one good feature and remove another.
The Casio Exilim EX-FH20 seems to be a better choice to me, (compared to the pricey sx1s)with almost half (~£399.) the price-tag. I think the casio has some better features compared to the FZ28.
Focal length of 26-520mm is awesome, and it comes with a 9.1 MP 1/2.33-inch CMOS sensor which really outperforms any CCD censor of same size and resolution. The high-speed shooting can be quite handy. It can take 7MP photos at 40FPS and low-res movies at stunningly high frame rates of 200, 400, 800 or even 100 FPS! It's got a 3" LCD, and better EVF, and the audio, though not stereo, is much better. But Im not sure if the optical zoom is usable during movie recording, and therefore, FZ28 is still a very strong contender with a much affordable price of $325.75 at Amazon.com compared to $599.99 of the EX-FH201. I don't have a camcorder, so the video features are very important to me. Besides, even if you have a camcorder, is it always practical to carry a digicam (with conversion lenses etc, if you have) AND a camcorder? I wonder if panasonic will consider releasing an updated version with better audio quality.

Dear NRoy,
I totally agree with your view points.But Canon's prices are always a bit higher.And they seldon get down even after 1 year or so.As you said Casion may have much more good features ..still look at the price.And we don't know the real image quality of these two with such a super zoom that of 20x or what ever.Usually super zoom with small sensor have a g8 tendency to generate purple fringing.Even Nikkor 18-200mm VR have this problem & rember that to with a big sensor.Many of the wide angle -zoom lenses made for DSLRs have this problem.That is where Panasonic scores hight holding hands with the No.1 lens makers in the world Leica.And this one good piece of lens plays the most important role in producing such fine images for Panasonic's all model.Carl Zeiss lens comes next which is used in all their models by Sony.Even though many of their cams aren't worthy enough copared to Panasonic,even the dumbest cam they make with Carl Zeiss lens produce good images.And rember Leica lens are never cheap either.And if you notice,all the images created by these two lens-ed camera really have an X-faxtor..!!
Considering the quality of the lens + all other features definately like Mr.Cliff Smith, I too will give 10/10 to FZ28.And if the price come down I bet its will be a g8 value for money.But still,I will cling on the idea of having a bigger sensor.He he

Dear prem_2007a,
You're right about canon's prices. The S5IS is still a pricey model, even after more than a year of it's release. And so is the really old S3IS. The lenses of the new canon models are good enough, and the CMOS sensors in the SX1S and casio EX-FH20 are bound to produce minimum of noise. But like I said, they are too costly and I'm not satisfied with their video features (one has monoural sound and the other can't zoom while recording video). As such, the FZ28 seems to be the only one with otherwise good features and with an affordable price tag. Well, now that DSLRs too have started to feature video (and that too HD!) capabilities, I think manufacturers have no reason to not consider making "compacts" or "bridge cams" with better audio and video. The HD video features are marred by the poor quality audio and unavailability of zooming while recording in most digicams. But some models, though have very good audio and video, lose out on the zoom range. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T500 has a Carl-Zeis lens of 33 - 165mm (35mm equiv.). So, even the mp4 (MPEG4 AVC/H.264) HD(720p) video capability fails to make me fall for it. It does support conversion lenses, but I want a PACKAGE - because otherwise it is meaningless to use a COMPACT camera. What a terrible zoom range! I noticed that NONE of sony's non-DSLRs have a decent wide angle. All they have is a brand-name (which really pisses me off, having used a lot of sony products and suferred their non-existent customer service which only exists to sell totally new parts for ten times the normal price).
FZ28 is still ahead of the competetion and unless Photokina brings something really outstanding, I guess I"ll HAVE to overlook the FZ28's terrible audio and ... ;)

NRoy....is the audio that horrible on the FZ28? Everything else sounds great on this new camera. I need to have good audio. I guess my only other choice is the Canon S5 IS...and there are very few new S3 IS's to be found? I need to know by tomorrow, as I am buying a new camera this week. Thanks for any help that can be provided.

~emerson

FZ28: 16 bit integer (Big Endian), 16 khz, mono
(The S5IS has PCM 16 bit integer (Little Endian) 44.1 kHz, stereo 1411Kbps : "CD-Quality" audio)

Yeah, it sucks, man :(

P.S.
While the movie mode in S5-IS is stunning, I must warn you that it's "photo quality" is nowhere near FZ28. There's quite purple fringing at extreme telephoto, and the wide angle is unacceptable (to me, that is...). If you intend to take many indoor or landscape photos, it may not be the camera for you. But for casual wildlife shooting or regular use, it's still a great camera. Very handy.

Hi. I'm a very "newbie" photographer. Until now, I've only had a small compact digital camera (run of the mill Olympus - nothing special) and I've just taken "snaps".

However, I want to do more with my hobby. I've just enrolled on a photo improvers course at the local adult education centre, and need to upgrade my camera.

First hurdle ... my wife! She's adamant we don't want a bigger camera because it won't fit in her handbag! (We chose our current camera because of it's size!!!)

I've looked at the super zooms and the entry DSLR's and whilst I much prefer the benefits of a DSLR, I have to agree with my wife ... the DSLR's are that much bigger and apart from when I take it to my photography class, it's not the sort of camera I would take out all the time as it would be too big! Also, to cover the same range of zoom / macro as a good super zoom, I'd have to spend hundreds of £££ on lenses! The super zooms, on the other hand, seem to be the ideal middle-ground.

I'd looked around and checked out as many reviews as I could and thought I'd settled on the Panasonic Lumix FZ28 as the best all-round superzoom, with the best DSLR-like features - thanks to Trusted Reviews.

I was just about to part with my hard-earned pennies when I came across the Fujifilm S100 Pro on the Currys website. I checked several review websites, including this one, and could find no mention of this model - not even on Fujifilm's own website!

Does anyone know what this camera is, whether it's the same as the Fujifilm S100FS, and how it / they compare to the Panasonic Lumix FZ28?

P.S. I KNOW a DSLR is better, and the more I look, the more I think I want one ... but I also KNOW that apart from special occasions I'll never take it with me! So it's got to be either the FZ28 or the FS100.

I don't know and I need help! Thanks in advance! :)

I think it's the same as S100FS, since they seem to have exactly the same features and specifications. And FZ28 is better than that by all standards.

FZ28 is much more "affordable".
FZ28 zooms a LOT more.
FZ28 has better lens.
FZ28 records HD movies.
FZ28 can use the zoom while recording video.
FZ28 can also use conversion lenses, if you ever need.
FZ28 has much better features.
...etc etc.

Thanks NRoy ... pretty much what I thought ... but I'm only a beginner and just comparing paper specs (don't know what most of them mean yet!)

Just one last question ... the FZ28 spec says lens aperture is f/2.8 - f/4.4. Is this good? Will I be able to take photos with a long "depth of field" (?????) (or do I mean short) - you know, those great pics where the main image is in focus and everything in the background is a blur?

Once again, thanks for your help. It's good to get someone who know's opinion before I buy a camera that will have to last me a good few years before I can upgrade again.

Hi Newkid,

i saw u asking about Fujifilm S100 Pro.In some reviews S100FS is also termed as s100 pro coz it had adopted some features from Fuji's own FinePix S5 Pro SLR.

Well, S100FS is Two Third system camera.So it should naturally produce better images compared to FZ28.Even though the sensor is bigger the pixel desity is 20MP/cm2 compared to FZ28's 36MP/Cm2.Its much heiver too.And zoom range is only 28-400 compared to 27-486.It has got a good shutter speed of 1/4000 compared to 1/2000 of FZ28.You can trust Fuji for its colourful pictures.You might have to pay around £390.00.

Where FZ28 hits the upper ranks is in it good lens quality apart from all other new functions it offer.S100FS looses all its charms here by generating very bad Chromatic Aberration at both wide-angle and telephoto and a fairly noticeable barrel distortion.I khow how bad it is to have a camera which produces a good amount of Chromatic Aberration in almost every shots.(coz my brother have one sony cybershot).

FZ28 is a very good cam for amatures.And with f/2.8 you will be able to take control of the DOF.Don't worry.
http://artzen2.com/artzen2-0083.htm

"Just one last question ... the FZ28 spec says lens aperture is f/2.8 - f/4.4. Is this good? Will I be able to take photos with a long "depth of field" (?????) (or do I mean short) - you know, those great pics where the main image is in focus and everything in the background is a blur?"

You mean a short/shallow depth of field (DOF). For a shallow DOF you need a large aperture (small F number) but the physics of the sensor/lens affects things greatly. Unfortunately due to the fact that compacts and superzooms have small sensors you naturally have a large DOF which is great for Landscape photography, however getting a shallow DOF isn't always possible and won't be as impressive as you could get with a DSLR. These have large sensors that lend themselves better to shallow DOF. For portrait shots you will most likely find people using fast (large aperture ie small F number) prime 1.4/1.8 50mm lenses for shallow DOF, or bokeh as they call it, see here ...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bokeh

As for the FZ28 maybe someone could post a link to sample shots that demonstrate its shallow DOF control.

Newkid.....Give the mini pic taker to your good wife & buy your own DSLR or FZ28, to choice! It worked for me!
Remember - try all contenders in the shop before purchase. What suits one may not suit another.

Hello,Newkid,
I'm glad you asked for it. It made me google for FZ28 samples and I'm humbled by some stunning pics I saw. And I hope Frazoire too will find these links handy.

http://www.pbase.com/lgprice/bugs_of_lake_rieger
http://flickr.com/cameras/panasonic/dmc-fz28/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/alphaducentaure/2853016750/ (FZ18)
http://www.dpreview.com/gallery/photo.aspx?gallery=panasonicfz18_samples&photo=20 (FZ18)

I would still like to see some "proper" implementations of the DOF in non-macro, i.e, using maximum (preferably) telephoto from a distance, using the FZ28 (or even FZ18). That said, I do beleive DOF is quite possible using the FZ28. The *only* problem is the noise (and NR), compared to better sensors. Fiddling with photoshop/GIMP isn't that enjoyable when you have hundreds or thousands of pics to deal with.

Hi NewKid,
Roy is right.You should go for fz28 as far as it won't end up in a divorce!!!
Any ways,don't be afraid of the shallow depth of field.FZ28 is capable of that.Actually most of the cameras now in market is capable of that.Its just how you use it.Ofcouse you can't compare the results with a DSLR.

I have collected some pictures for you taken by many people with FZ28.Hope this should keep your mind steady abt FZ28 n DOF.

take care.

http://s454.photobucket.com/albums/qq265/prem2007a/Panasonic%20Lumix%20DMC-FZ28/

Hey guys!
To begin with, I am not very pro in digital cameras. But I am very interested in improving myself and I did some research and have a really good deal on Canon S5 IS. I took some pictures with that camera and I dont like much noise it produces inside and in low light (ISO 200 as well). And this panasonic seems like a really awesome camera. I'd like to ask if you know about noise reduction in this camera. and how would you compare it overally to S5 IS? thanks very much, im really confused, cos i have to decide quickly but since i dont really understand all that stuff, its quite hard. that would help me a lot. thanx again

I made my choice: the Panasonic Lumix FZ28. But recently I read (dpreview)about the introduction of two new Canon Powershots: SX1 IS and SX10 IS, which replace the Powershot S5 IS. My question: do I have to wait for this cameras (especially the one with the CMOS-sensorchip)? Thanks for your advises. John

Hi prem_2007a,

Will you tell from where I can buy FZ-28 in India.

I am a fan of panasonics having owned the excellent TZ3 for the past year and got some excellent shots with it.

I'm seriously thinking of upgrading to the FZ28 and from all accounts it sounds like an excellent camera. My only concern is that one of the reasons for upgrading is to try to get good shots of my partner's mobile disco efforts. This represents quite a low light challenge. To use flash will destroy the light effects but to use a longer exposure induces blurring. The TZ3 copes ok if there's little to no movement in the shot and can use a longer exposure but at high ISO gives a lot of noise.

I'm assuming the FZ28 will cope better, but how much better can I expect? Would I be able to use say 400 ISO which seems to be OK according to the review noise wise, and not get blurring or would it be necessary to go higher?

I love the sound of this camera for all other aspects of my picture taking I think it's perfect. I just want to know what to expect in the above case. What settings would be best?

I know a DSLR will offer better low light ability etc but I'm a bit reluctant to go that route for convenience and cost's sake.

Dear Dinesh Chandra,

I think you can find it here.

http://lumix.panasonic.co.in/where/

fz-28 from panasonic is an obvious choice in superzoom. i studied for almost 3 months to decide upon. yes the sensor size is a bit smaller to do the justice to the spectacular lense but that is a compromise you have to make to keep price down. i am anticipating the camera to arrive next week and the first thing to check is the sound quality in video recording. however, sound quality is not an important parameter as generally we record family videos. for any serious video recordings, there is no alternative to a proper camcoder.

and ya people were telling about sx 1 Is and sx-10 is from canon. the specifications are massive and easily equalling or exceeding fz-28 (the screen in the pic is looking awesome!!). but two important things- sx 1 IS (with CMOS sensor) is not launched in usa yet. sx-10 IS (with conventional CCD sensor) is available on pre-order basis at amazon. the price of sx-10

sorry for my last comment.. it was incomplete as i got busy in some other work and pressed submit button by mistake. i am completing it now.

the sx-10 IS is available at 399 dollars on amazon. the retail price in showrooms will be much higher. at present it is almost 20-30% higher then fz-28. the sx-1 IS will be much higher then sx-10 IS. i anticipate the price in the region of 475-530 dollars. that is too high price for the asking.

considering all these i believe fz-28 still rules.

the best choice for any digital camera enthusiast on the other side of slrs.
it has jumped to 8th best selling camera in just two months after the launch.

cheers!!

"sound quality is not an important parameter as generally we record family videos. for any serious video recordings, there is no alternative to a proper camcoder."

It depends on a particular person's personal needs and tastes. I record family videos too. I don't usually need such video-sounds to be studio quality 96KHz 24bit DS or Dolby Digital or Full HD quality, but I don't think there's a single person who wouldn't prefer it to be at least a decent "mp3-quality", because it's nothing new, and there's no reason for a digicam to not provide a little "less-noise" for the ears when we're trying to impress our eyes with HIGH DEFINITION VIDEO. Many cameras DO feature cd-quality sound now-a-days, and if you do a little search, you"ll find that majority of users (who don't own dozens of digicams and camcorders) throughout the planet are frustrated by the disgustingly terrible audio featured in the "HD-CAPABLE" FZ28. Yes, it's price-tag is modest-looking in the face of SX-1S, but it's not "cheap" by any means, and I absolutely refuse to accept that a little improvement in the audio part would cost them too much and make the camera non-affordable for their "potential" customers. Panasonic used to (not sure if they still do) make music systems and that's how we first knew that brand. So it's not like their engineers are too dumb or not equiped with audio technology etc. It's just that their marketing division is too dumb. May be the board of directors too. Otherwise they wouldn't make a handicapped version, when it could be a perfect one.
"Serious" is a relative term. Yes, I'm mad. Photokina was't that helpful. I expected a lot more competetion in this (superzoom) category, but I guess I"ll have to wait more. I will continue to be critical, until I get something which compels me otherwise.

A comment of what prem_2007a said on 26th September 2008

Well, S100FS is Two Third system camera.So it should naturally produce better images compared to FZ28.Even though the sensor is bigger the pixel desity is 20MP/cm2 compared to FZ28's 36MP/Cm2.Its much heiver too.And zoom range is only 28-400 compared to 27-486.

Pixel density ? Max resolution on FZ28 is 10MP. But if you choose maybe 7MB for your pictures would pixel density get closer to S100FS. Or do i think wrong ?

dear N roy..
have u ever used fz-28 or for that matter any other alternative?
we sometimes gets carried away a lot by the reviews that we read and the specifications ... sounds... etc. glad you have "rich" information.

would love if u share your own photographic experience with the camera you have!!
i will post my first hand impression next week.
i have used canon a 710 IS canon canon powershot a 470 and nikon S-51. in spite of very basic features and low megapixel (i don't remember but it should be 5mp for 470 and 7 mp for A710 Is)let me admit, A 470 was producing stunning results. and S-51 of nikon lagged far behind in the colour reproduction, tonality, exposure and red eye generation as compared to canon.

i have been always fan of canon. i chose panasonic as the best possible option with features / price and the great lens (as all reviewers were unanimous abt it). i still have to check whether it is worth the praise it has got.

however, u said pansonic is not cheap. dear friend compare it with the products of canon and it is cheap and it is equally priced with sony h-50 and also recent models of nikon. cheaper models of kodak - i have not tried it but still nowhere it has got thumbs up.

To sum up... dear roy... stop getting mad and try using some superzoom.. pics posted on website does serve a little purpose until and unless u feel it..

take some photographs buddy!!

I have not used FZ28 because it is not yet available for purchase in India. It is still marked as "upcoming" in the lumix site.I don't understand what you mean by "alternative", but I'm not a kid and I've used a lot of cameras, but mosly "film" cameras. I don't ever get "carried away" by any review and so I don't import anything rightt away on the basis of that. Apparently, it applies to YOU.
Sharing of experience is something I do all the time, and I definitely will continue to do that. But this is not a forum, and is only a place to talk about the review and feature comparisons, price etc.
You've talked a lot about "photo quality". I didn't say a word about that. As a matter of fact, if you kindly read my earlier comments, you"ll find that I'm rather impressed with the quality of FZ28's photos. Nevertheless, it could have been much better with a better sensor, but the prices would go up, and I CAN live with what it delivers currently. But I'm sure, panny will continue to work on improving that.
I said it isn't cheap because it isn't. I know canon is pricier, but we all know that. Try to understand the context of the discussion before commenting. I said, a little improvement on the audio aspect wouldn't make it out of reach. Nikon P80 is cheaper than both FZ28 and FZ18. And I'm comparing Nikon's "official" price with "other" price sources for panny. Fujifilm FinePix S8100fd and S8000fd are cheaper too.
To sum up, you missed the point altogether. And I'm not mad at you. I'm mad at the attitude of cam-makers. hey must improve the sound when the make a HD cam. And yes, if you do a little reading, you"ll find that camera and camcorder isn't going to remain hell and heaven different for long. And lastly, I don't need to hold or use a camera to judge it's quality. Because "A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS".

dear friend n Roy.

i sincerely respect your "information" about digital cameras.

as you have said, you have not still used "any" digital cameras.

use it buddy. then your information will "transoform" in knowledge.

anyways, p-80 fuji 8100fd and 8000fd do not stand in comparision with fz-28. i sincerely wish that the "informed" person like u can make such a statement.

you must be aware that the experience of using film camera is completely different then using digital camera. i need not explain this basic thing to "informed" person like you.

i hope to receive a comment from "knowledgeble" n roy rather then "informed" n roy.

i will be using fz-28 from monday. will submit my first hand impressions shortly after that

Start using digital camera my dear friend!! u still need to climb the first step!!

good luck!!

Thanks for your "respect", Kaustuv, but that's not what we look for when commenting on reviews or any "news". I have never said I never "used" any digicam. I said I don't "own" many. That's because of the price differences in Indian markets compared to UK/US counterparts. "Cheap" models aren't what I'm looking for, and there haven't been hundreds of superzooms to choose from - not just in India, but anywhere. What exactly I want is for you to figure out by reading my earlier comments. I don't own a lot of black money, so I can't afford to buy a new digicam every other week. So, after becoming "knowledgeable" about the drawbacks (which I am already "informed" about) of a camera, I won't be able to buy a better one in years. Not that I can't afford to, but it would be an unnecessary extravaganza which my parents and relatives wouldn't appreciate much. I am from a middle-class family and you"ll have to be in India to figure out what that means. And I don't intend to buy a digital camera to become knowledgeable. I need it. A good superzoom digital camera which also takes good video with decent quality sound. The fact that I didn't go for the fuji or Nikon ones signifies that I am well aware of what I need. I don't need to buy each and every model to have "knowledge" about that. Information IS knowledge. And what these reviews and numerous forum members do, is sharing of that knowledge. I believe that "that" knowledge is good-enough for my purpose at this moment, which is to choose a model.
The purpose of writing these comments is only geared towards getting panasonic to understand what many of us need, in the hope that they will release a better version of this model. There are some post-photokina interviews published in dpreview.com. Panasonic says that FZ-xx will continue to be developed. All I'm trying to do is tell them "what" exactly is expected.

I know the difference between film and digital camera. But I don't quite understand how to become knowledgeable by buying everything I read about. Information technology and electronics have been my speciality for 12 - 13 years. Information is what I believe is knowledge. I don't need to detonate a nuke to become "knowledgeable" about what it is. Just to remind you, I HAVE used many digicams, mostly from friends.

Bought FZ8 18 months ago; bought FZ28 3 days ago. My opinion is that this camera range finally got the sensor it always deserved. FZ28 at default settings now performs at iso400 like the FZ8 at iso100. My FZ8 (while still producing exceptionally well exposed and focussed photos) had visible noise even at iso100 particularly indoors. The FZ28 is pretty much noise free at 100 and 200 and even iso800 will probably produce a nice 10x8 print. Control layout is also much better, don't need a barrel to fit filters, and wide angle shots are terrific. Electronic viewfinder is slightly higher resolution but now appears a little further away. Seems odd at first but results in less visible pixelisation of the image and much easier manual focussing with the blown up centre image. Think of it like a TV screen, sitting 3 feet away from it doesn't improve the image, just makes your eyes aware of the pixels. Two years from now when EVF's have 500,000 pixels or more, the situation will be different but until then I think Panasonic have done the right thing. All in all, a terrific camera.

dear n roy!
don't be so frustrated buddy! i am also from india and am working professional. i also do not have a single penny in black money! you are missing the whole point. i am also crazy about automobiles and read all available magazines and view tv shows on the automobiles. but then just by watching reviews or reading technical jargon u do not become an expert giving such definitive comments that you are giving.

you see, many of the potential digital camera buyers/ persons upgrading might take your comments seriously - which which is nothing but a culmination of various reviews and reading of technical terms. tell me what is the value of comments on aperture, depth of field and even iso when u have absolutely no experience of utilizing features of any digital camera? you said u r not a kid; i know that buddy and let me tell you, i know its personal... but i like you. i like your agression. but unfortunately u still sound kiddy. its like a big fan of cricket watching cricket matches regularly on tv, reading and viewing discussions... and then giving "definitive" comments about cameras. heck.. its spoiling the whole contex of this section called "comments".

honey, u said u want the best of camera and u still are on tight budget? wake up dear.. the best of camera at a particular moment will not be cheap.. especially in india. so forget about the specification u always fantasize. there is no point in doing it.

one more thing.. no camera can remain best.. today it might be fz-28 (for a particular section of digital photography and particular price range) tommorow it can be something else. technology is making the word "best" redundant.

don't waste time... grab the tool with watever budget your parents and family approve. ultimately behind every machine there is a man.. behind every camera there is a photographer and those photographic instincts and two lovely hands really makes a big difference.. whatever camera is in the hand...!!

lastly.. a kid who has never riddena bicycle... and fantasizing to ride ducati at full speed... wat do u say honey? what is he thinking of??

get on the bicycle honey... all these technical terms are available everywhere.. holds little value if you have not used it even once..

good luck!!

Kaustuv, I don't know you and even if I did, I really don't have the taste or interest to take this futile, unnecessary, meaningless arguement any further. You make up a hypothetical situation in your mind, and without having any idea what you are talking about, you keep arguing and lecturing on the basis of that. From what I've learnt from your lectures, you"ll never become the least knowledgeable (much less "expert") even if you have all the best equipment in this entire planet. And just a last word of advice: Please try to stick to the subject, if you ever want any kind of respect. Because:-
I never said I "never used" a digicam;
I never said I want the "BEST" for <20 bucks. (I can't afford the "best" even if I sell myself and all my friends). Even Microsoft has been on too "tight budget" apparently, although yahoo was way far from being the "BEST"; I just want "just a little" more, even if it costs a little more;
I'm not lecturing on the basis of "information" from reviews, but from the experience of watching and HEARING the output from numerous cameras;
Apperture or DOF are not "digital"-exclusive terms; This proves that you have no idea either about "digital" or "camera".
Lastly, do not ever talk about cricket again. Because if you had even watched a few matches on TV, you'd have known the well-known commentator Harsha Bhogle, who gives more "definitive" comments than anybody else on most big matches. All he does is reading and talking. He gets paid for that, by the world's biggest tv channels. And EVERY international cricket player knows him. He himself is NOT one of them.
... ... ...
etc. etc. etc.

END

Dear Zebron,

Pixel Density is the no: of Effective pixels divided by the imaging Area of that particular sensor.It may with size of the sensor as well as trype of the sensor (CCD,CMOS,LIVEMOS etc).So changing the resolution (as you mentioned 7MB) is not going to change the pixel density.

Effective Pixels Sensor Size Imaging Area Pixel Density
FZ28 10.1 million 1/2.33" (6.13 x 4.60 mm=0.28 cm²) 10.1/0.28=36 MP/cm²
S100fs 11.1 million 2/3" (8.80 x 6.60 mm=0.58 cm²) 11.1/0.58=20 MP/cm²

I think you are mislead by my comment on Pixel Density.I didn't meant to say that FZ28 is having higher pixel density than FS100.My point was that even after having a higher pixel density on a small sensor which will usually end up in producing noise,FZ28 manages well to overcome it when compared to other cameras of the same catagory.I should have explained this.

My apologies.

got the camera. zoom is mind blowing. no distortion at all at wided as well as telephoto end.
the picture quality is lovely. sligtly different compared to canons which i still love for its natural colours and superb exposure. fz-28 also is very nice but i still have to take photographs in bright sunny day (could not take more due to tight schedule only took photographs at night and some at cloudy day). i still have to check out the dynamic range.
video: fantastic recorded in vga (as wvga and hd is for LCD / HDTV With 16:9 aspect ratio). i don't own hd tv so no point in taking video in that. vga video on my 29 inch TV looks fablous
and this is for those who suffers from "indigestion of information". they have changed the audio system from their camera manufactured after july. the sound level from camera when played back is very low (even with sound level increased to maximum). however, if u plug it on tv and increase tv volume then sound is crisp, clear and absolutely fine.

the manual is exhaustive. settings are just too good. manual focussing is bit clumsy (no focussing ring.. may be to reduce weight). joystic is nice but i still have to get used to it.

most importantly: night shots with flash are superb. absolutely no red eye. in fact, i could see the colour of eye lens (i photogrphed people with black and brown eye lens colour)is perfectly reproduced ....... superbb.. i had used nikon s-51. when i compared the results, s-51 was horrible - red eyes everywhere; even in day time when u use flash.

flash range is also nice. great camera overall


will be posting my pics shortly and submit the link for u all.

god give peace to frustrated souls..

Well I got my FZ28 today and I've spent the last few hours playing with it. I've taken around 80 shots in lots of different modes indoors in low light. The camera has impressed me and I'm no longer worried about whether it will perform better than the TZ3 in low light, it does without a doubt. May not be as good as a DSLR but I think it will be fine for our purposes. I took a test shot on ISO 400 at 1/8 in low indoor light, flash off on the TZ3 and the same shot with the same ISO and shutter speed on the FZ28. The difference is immediately noticeable. The FZ managed to capture a lot more light, probably due to it's larger 2.8 aperture compared to the 3.3 on the TZ3 and there was a lot less noticeable noise. So I'm pleased. What I also didn't realise was that the FZ can reduce the power of the flash which may be useful for me taking shots of dancers at disco's without ruining the disco light effects.

I'm already impressed and I haven't had a chance to take any outdoor, good light shots yet, and I'm still learning about all the settings and capability that this camera has.

Dear NRoy & Desai,

Though you both guys made some important points,I still disagree with your attitude.Argumets & fights are good only if they are healthy & upto the point.And this is not a place to exibit our egos either.Any suggetion feeded in by any one here should help some one trying to buy a cam with his hard eraned money.

I got a Nikon's Film SLR when I's in College which was my dad's.Though I learned my first lessons with it,it turned out to be really expensive & I had to drop the ideas & dreams about learning photography.I had almost forgot about photography till I bought a Sony T200 for my brother.With the digital technology I got back to my shoes.Though I'mn't a genius to comment,I really belive that its matters how you use an equipmet well enough.Whether its DSLR or Film DSLR the basics are the same.Its like if you got a good balance to ride a bicilce,then you can certainly ride a Honda-SuperBike.May be it will take some time for the transition.Thtz all.!

I'm here coz now a days since last Sept'06 I really get good chances to play with almost all digital cameras in the market as my Uncle is running an electronic store in Dubai.To be frank,After trying so many cameras,though DSLR's are realllllly
impressive I'm relacuant to buy one becoz of 3 main reasons :
1.Even though I can raise funds to buy a good DSLR kit,I don't feel it worthy enough.
2.I don't like the bulkness of DSLR's.
3.I wanted a camera with wich I can experiment a lot b4 buying a DSLR.I have found only Panasonic FZ28 matching my dreams.I loved this camera the moment I saw a displayed one in our store (that time it was just been relased no there wasn't one ready for sale).But as I want to experiment more with higher ISO I still persist on the need of a bigger sensor.Recently I got a TZ5 as a gift.Its also a super camera.I'm just waitng for the Panasonic G series with twin lens kit.


Take my word for granted,FZ28 will never disappoint you.If you are a hobby photographer or even an amature like me,then thing is the best you can get.I's a Nikon fan,but changed my mind.Now love Panasonic for they think from our side rather than this impressing only the genius photographers.G1 reallys tells us the same story that Panasonic's R & D wing read our minds.Right from the day my dad gave me his SLR,I hated & thought why can't this mirror system be just avoided !Any ways,if G1 is really costly,I would buy FZ28 only.Till then will play with my TZ5.

I just loved FZ28 when it was with me.Great camera for all kinds of shots.You can do a whole lot of things with it.If yo can afford it,buy it coz its the best in its section.If you really want to learn more about photography,this camera will really help you.Panasonic's new AI is at its best.And i loved the AF Tracking.

So plz make use of these reviews and comments b4 buying FZ28 & b4 you pay the cash,try all it features told in the reviews.I bet you are gonna love it.

NB : There is definately a big difference between Iformation & Knowledge.Still,they are two sides of the same coin.They have no existance with out eachother.So none is bigger than the other.You can be "Iformative" with "Knowledge" & same time you can be "Knowledgeable" through "Information".

NRoy & Desai

They seem both a bit stupid filled with confidence of camera knowledge...

dear zebron
don't get so carried away and comment on personal wit!! you have shown your knowledge about your confused comment dated 3/10.. i just wished that this comment section get "useful" for photography lovers.. who actually uses their camera whatever they have and then relate their experiences with latest products.. what we find.. a non user like n roy.. occassional user like prem.

don't try... for god's sake use all technical jargons which are freely available on all website... for example www/dpreview.com/glossary etc.. u get all that.. let these terms to be understood by the learned and experienced reviewers of this lovely website and also by the potential users who can really analyze the effect of depth of field, exposure and noise.

i have got fz-28 from a relative who was kind enough to carry the same from usa. its a great camera by all standards.. i still wished it had bit better low light capacity.

i took my decision finally after reading review of the same on this website and i am glad to make a decision. but let me tell u, i had taken the reference of reviews on amazon as there were very few "real reviews" available here. and still, the comments written by these "pseudo" and "extremely shellow" intellectuals.

this is to moderator- i had high hopes to get something fruitful from this section. but you can see what is happening here. there is a person who is continuously shouting about audio quality.. and worse.. picking a line from the comment and then writing the response insulting the person writing a comment. please examine what i had returned on 3rd october (my first comment and what was the reply!)any photographer... amature... professional or just a newcomer will undertand where the intelligence lies.

please, don't try to act smart zebron and mr. prem.. ur making this whole section very ugly.

and zebron... may god bless u! u seriously need his blessings..

Dear Kaustuv,
We do learn technical jargons from the internet and books, some of which are free and some are not. We don't learn technical jargons by holding a camera. And, we can ONLY learn to properly use a camera (or anything else for that matter) by reading the great tutorials and "freely available technical jargons" from Trusted Reviews, DPReview, Steve's Digicams etc., unless we take years of photography course in some institute, which teach you the same (may be even less) for a lot of money. How a person prefers to learn is for him to decide. The main thing is to actually learn. Just because you happen to own a few digicams doesn't make you an expert. And I repeat, this place is not meant for people to tout about how damn knowledgeable they are. I talked about the sound quality because I think that is a very important feature for me, like many users worldwide. A dedicated camcorder captures much better quality audio, usually 5.1 ac3 48khz. I only want a decent quality stereo sound which is available in many digicams, but the other aspects don't even come close to that of FZ28. So, if panasonic had considered this aspect, I would have bought it by now. I just want to bring this to their attention (and also others), so that they keep this in mind and may be release a more "audiophile-friendly" version next time. And users don't come to read stupid comments from a "self acclaimed expert" like you to learn about anything. There are more "proper" places for that, like the forums in TR, DPReview, cameralabs.com etc. You stay happy with your cams and don't lecture others about what to do and what not to. The more you shout, the funnier you look. But this is only making this place ugly. I had ended the discussion earlier, but you don't seem to like that. Please get some education before calling names ranting.
Zebron, sorry bro. Yes, I've been stupid in engaging in this rubbish arguement. I wish you had pointed out the mistakes in my comment about FZ28, so that people could actually benefit a little.
Prem, I respect your judgement.

Goodness! When I opened the FZ28 comments, I did not intend to start a war! Surely the person behind the camera creates the picture? The camera is merely an instrument, of some desire perhaps, sometimes, but still a mere tool in producing images. May I suggest that this hatchet be buried, preferably not in someone's head! The FZ28 is still a great camera and will remain so until after its successor, even.

I've battled between four cameras for the last 6 months. The most difficult final decision was between the FZ18 and the FZ28. Being a bit nearsighted, to put it lightly, the FZ28 viewfinder was my biggest final hurdle, but I went for the FZ28 due to other improvements/refinements over the FZ18.

WARNING to Panasonic camera buyers in Europe! Buy your FZ camera from the U.S.A. if you wish to record movies Continuously for longer than 15 minutes. Panasonic's only reply to Why they limit the movie clips to 15 minutes for European models of their cameras: " If you want to do movies, you should buy a video camera ". They had NO real explanation as to WHY Europeans have to settle for less. It has nothing to do with the FAT storage limits. My previous Fujifilm S5800 could do videos (movies) for 2 hours and longer continuously on a decent size SD card. Even Fujifilm European cameras have NO stupid 15 minute limits.

I asked both the U.S. and the U.K. tech support for Panasonic about this movie time limit and they know of no method to modify the European models so that the 15 minute European limit can be 'updated' (flashed, etc.).

The other thing I missed from the Fuji cameras: The EVF and the LCD displays are Superior technologically (OLEDs) and visually.

The stopper for me with the Fuji cams: the lack of good image stabilisation... and important factor to consider with zooming and low-light shots.

Dear Frndz,(Especially Dear Desai),

I never told any one that I'm a intelluct or anything.I truely belive 'learning never ends'.I'm a humble student of a great photographer Mr.SHIVAN who himself is a great photographer & who is the father of Mr.Santhosh Shivan who's the best cinemetographer in Indian Cinema who won many National & Internation awards.Being & working with such masters you learn a lot more than you read online or in books.

So I never "copy" for any review sites.I did play with FZ28 for more than 2 weeks which I guess more than enough to know about it.The real fact is that if you know more you will be less satisfied.I love FZ28.But I'm delying owning it coz I can't practice all the things I have learned especially when it comes to very low light shootings.For that
a bigger sensor is a must.Now a days I'm playing with Nikon D90.But I know I can't afford it unless i become a professional.With a DSLR in hand you will need lot more accessories to make your pictures much more perfect as you have imagined.

Ok I don't want to head to bushes.As I said I get good chances to play with most of the Digicams in the market,I'v ever or will never dare to write a review here technically like Mr.Smith.I simply said what I felt true about this camera.The one reason I commented about FZ28 coz NIKON,CANON,PENTAX,FUJI etc are manufacturing cameras for a long long time since films were in use.Panasonic is just a new comer in the Digicam sector.Yet they are very innovative & thoughful in products.AFTracking in FZ28 & the new G1 are best examples.I never commented before on any cameras other than FZ28 and G1 in TR or any other sites.I'm true to my words.

In short,I never commented on this camera without using it or having experienced the pros & cons of this camera myself.I didn't say much about the cons becoz telling about bad noise in low light shooting is ignorable since it would be like comparing FZ28 to a DSLRs which can create a bad impression on the readers where as not too many of them are going to shoot in very bad light.I said about the need of a bigger sensor,just becoz this will make FZ28 a real neat product.

All i wanted to remind the readers here was if you are not tooooooo much concerned like a professional about photographic works,then FZ28 is the best.Coz FZ28 gives really neat prints for your home needs.As I have used it really well enough I can tell you with full confidence its really a good equipment to start with for those who can afford even a entry level DSLR.


Dear Desai,

Sorry if I hurt your egos which I never meant.
Well,I enjoyed you lined to the moderator which reminded our school days where we used to complain our teacher "teacher he pinched my butts".

Just joking.Don't take it to heart n make it another issue.

I think I should end this here.Thank you frnds.Tnks TR
Bye

Hi all..
Getting a little confuse reading this review, hopefully this won’t hurt anybody here :p
I’m a newbie in photograph, and also sorry for my English.
I have read some reviews and interested in : Canon SX1 IS, though I have Panasonic FZ28 first in mind. Got a plan to buy one prosumer cam end of this year, a cam with as much as possible best features that could last for at least 2-5 years.
But until now I never found any with all perfect features in it, my friend told me that if I could get one, the others won’t sale anymore &#61514;.
And I hav to admitted that probably I had a little “brand oriented” in this case, might be caused of since I was a kid I only know camera by Canon, Olympus and Nikon. Panasonic is a brand for household electronic device for me and not so sure for they experience and quality but the LEICA lens alone.
Here is my wish list:
1. Recording family video is one of my priorities, HD or full HD is preferred with acceptable sound.
2. Ultra Zoom and Wide angel is a must coz I also capture interior n architecture sequence.
3. Handy, not too bulky nor heavy.. just to make sure that I’ll always bring it in any moment.
4. Just wondering if may have a zoom ring operation &#61514;, better than un-responsive zoom ring of Olympus SP570 ? just wondering…
5. Zooming while recording video..its nice to have it.
6. Good EVF and big LCD 2.7-3.0”, sometimes I need to have a variangle LCD to shoot in any position.
7. Other internal tech specs that I haven’t realized..
8. I prefer Lithium battery rather than AA, I don’t know..my friend told me that AA is easy to get damaged after several re-charging, although its easy to find in anyplace. And after searching, many good quality camera and dSLR do not use AA battery, any idea for this issue?
9. Maybe a physical quality will be needed just in case the cam fall of the table by kids &#61514;
I’m sure this will remain a wish anyway, but I still need your advice before I make a decision.
Or at least please let me know your vote and opinion for : Canon SX1 IS vs Panasonic FZ28.
Thanks all.
Peace !! ( i think it’ll be wise to hav this word in a battlefield if u don’t wanna get shot &#61514; )

After reading every available on-line review on the Internet about the Panasonic FZ28, I bought one and have been testing it out heavily over the past month. I must state that I have been a long-time fan and devoted user of Canon the S2, S3, and S5 IS models, so I felt like a real cheater going to a Panasonic. Nevertheless, I am glad I did. The color reproduction of the FZ28, even in fair to low light, is stunning compared to what I was used to with Canon (which was still good). The Canon SxIS models all had terrible red-eye with their stubby, midget popup flashes, but the FZ28 has a better 1.5" or so popup, so redeye is MUCH better, though still creeps in now and then with closeup shots (less that 8 feet from subject to lens). The 720p HD video mode is WONDERFUL on the FX28, compared to the Canons little VGA clips, even on their new SX10 IS, which Ived owned as well. When I play the video clips on my 26" widescreen LCD monitor, they look nearly as good as my dedicated HD camcorder, though the autofocus and zoom cannot touch even that of a lame dedicated camcorder. However, when out taking stills and you want to get some great vid clips, the FZ28 is super-duper! Now, for a little negative comments. The FZ28 has much higher noise levels than the Canon S3 and S5, especially the S3, which was just a DREAM camera!! But it may not be noise, per sey, because when I run the images through my noise software of choice, Neat Image (the best there is for now), it does very little with the FZ28 images. Nevertheless, the FZ28's ISO 100 images at 100% crops look quite grainy to my eyes, compared to the S3 and S5 I am used to for so many years. Even so, the images are striking, expecially faces and portraits, with the FZ28's face detection and auto AF tracking. I loved my Canon S3 and S5 photos, but my FZ28 shots are stunning. Not as smooth as Canon's images, but overall better still. Exposure is superb as well. The FX28 also has much better optical stabilization than the Canons. Lastly, I also owned and used the new Canon SX10 IS camera recently, and I sold it after a week. Need I say more?
http://digitalcamerabattle.blogspot.com/2008/10/canon-sx10-is-vs-panasonic-dcm-fz28.html

Hi Anquan,
what a nice review of FZ28 vs SX10 IS u got !
i think the FZ28 wins lot of points..

how bout SX1 IS ? since u can't get this stuff in US, so im not expecting too much for your detailed review..but maybe some advice or opinion will enlighten me.
and also about the AA battery issue as in my last comment above.

thanks..

Thanks Monolithos, good to know someone read my review (wink). There is no way to know what the SX1 will be like, but after reading a whole lot of negative comments about the SX10 now on a bunch of websites, I can deduce that Canon rushed their camera line this year, at least the non-DSLR models, and perhaps did not engineer them up to par. Having said that, I would ASSUME the SX1 will be pretty good, but not the awesome little droid we may hope for. The 1080i HD video would be great, but the FZ-28's 720p HD mode is close enough and only is a slight difference to the human eye on a good 1080 monitor. The CMOS sensor may or may not make a dramatic difference in noise levels, because the SX10 is not impressive there. If noise and fringing are fixed with the CMOS, I would be persuaded to get one...

As for the AA battery issue, yeah, I think the proprietary batteries are better, at least with Panasonic. Smaller, light weight, and more shots per charge, I see absolutely no reason pro-review websites prefer AA's. Just for convenience sake? Bulldinky! In this Ebay world, you can buy extra non-OEM (I use them, for my camcorders and still cams - they work wonderfully!!) proprietary batteries for ANY model on Ebay for cheap, cheap, cheap prices.

Hi all,
Quoting Henry:

"WARNING to Panasonic camera buyers in Europe! Buy your FZ camera from the U.S.A. if you wish to record movies Continuously for longer than 15 minutes. Panasonic's only reply to Why they limit the movie clips to 15 minutes for European models of their cameras: " If you want to do movies, you should buy a video camera ". They had NO real explanation as to WHY Europeans have to settle for less. "


Probably, this limitation is here to avoid Panasonic/End Customer paying a european union tax for the video capability of the camera.
I heard that the tax should be 5% if the still cam is capable to record more than 30 min of video at mini 800x600 @ 23 fps.
Maybe the tax rule has changed, but it really sounds like that.

Cheers,

Laurent, considering upgrading my 2 years old Kodak P880 (weak sensor but great wide angle 24mm and manual zoom ring) for the Pana FZ28.

About the Canon SX10 IS. I've owned it for two full days and have been putting it through its paces. I want very much to like the camera--I have been a diehard Canon fan for over thirty years and am a fairly advanced photographer.

I regret to say that the SX10 is not an easy camera to like. This is the sixth PowerShot I've owned in addition to five different Canon SLR models, and while none is perfect, the SX10 is the first that has really disappointed. While lens aberrations and noise are better controlled in this than in previous of the "S" superzoom models, its image stabilization simply cannot compensate for the slowness of the lens. Just beyond the 100mm mark, the largest aperture of which the lens is capable is a mediocre 5.7--considerably smaller than Panasonic's current offering or Canon's past "S" superzooms. It does zoom--boy, does it ever! Furthermore, digitally zoomed images are surprisingly sharp compared to the previous PowerShots I've owned. If one composes an image of a subject in enough light to get a steady shot, that is.

Further, the camera has considerable difficulty focusing in less than optimal lighting and often fails altogether. This happens on occasion even in bright sunlight, as well. When the camera does succeed at focusing indoors, the wait seems interminable. More than half the time indoors, my copy fails to focus, no matter what. This is unacceptable, especially given the crudeness of its manual focus controls.

Further, images have an unpleasant blue cast that I find hard to stomach. I use manual mode almost exclusively and set white balance for the appropriate lighting; I've even tried tweaking My Colors to bring out green or red but so far not succeeded at eliminating the blue cast. I really would prefer to get at least SOME usable shots straight out of the camera rather than post-processing every last one in Photoshop!

Tomorrow I will run the camera through another day of exhaustive testing, but given the difficulty I've encountered with its control dial, the slowness of the lens, the autofocus issues and several niggles I haven't touched on here, I will be surprised if the results turn my head. I'm afraid this purchase will be returned to Amazon. To keep the camera would mean hauling around a monopod to capture long shots, and to me that is ridiculous. The whole point in owning a camera smaller than my d-SLR is to eliminate the necessity of carrying about a lot of equipment when that simply isn't possible.

Expert reviewers of the Panasonic FZ28 agree that its LCD becomes washed out in bright sunlight and can be impossible to use under such conditions; in addition, it has a tiny viewfinder. Those are big concerns. I have a hard time with the readout in a good, big viewfinder, and I live in the American desert southwest where sunlight is very intense. So, although my research led to the Panasonic as the first choice in this years crop of superzooms, I opted for Canon SX10 IS over Panasonic FZ28. Nevertheless, if I return the SX10, as I'm so inclined after today's work with it, I think I'll go for the less expensive FZ28 and be much better satisfied. And will have RAW recording and HD video in the bargain!

A note about the SX1 IS, which is not yet available in the US--that camera is built around the same lens as the SX10. Ouch!

The FZ28 is so good in so many other areas over the SX10, dont let the LCD issue hinder you. Ive used the FZ28 in bright sunlight many times, and the LCD has a 'high-angle' setting which makes its grossly bright, and it works. Plus the viewfinder, while it may be small, works great in such situations, size doesnt matter since its an electronic view, not actual, and the image is high resolution, not grainy and noisy like the SX10s. And to me, like you mentioned, the RAW+JPEG option is immeasurably better than the SX10.

Why, thank you, Anquan. Your comment is VERY helpful! It certainly eliminates a lot of my dithering. This morning's work with the SX10 has been every bit as disappointing as yesterday's. The camera goes back in the box and off to Amazon!

Kaustubh, Re following comment on the FZ28:

"they have changed the audio system from their camera manufactured after july. the sound level from camera when played back is very low (even with sound level increased to maximum). however, if u plug it on tv and increase tv volume then sound is crisp, clear and absolutely fine".

When you say Panasonic have changed their audio system for cameras manufactured after July I have some questions:

1. Do you mean for the better? If so in what respect? Your comment regarding low sound
level is confusing -is this a result of the change?
2. How on earth would a prospective buyer like me know if the camera was manufactured
after July? I know this is a difficult one but perhaps someone might know the answer!

I am seriously thinking about buying the FZ28 but if The post July version has a better audio then I would like to ensure I get one of those...

Am struggling in choosing a digital zoom. Finalists are: the Lumix FZ28, the Nikon P80, and the SONY H50. Now somebody just said I should look at the Olympus 565. Any advice?

photo gurus, need help, pros and cons between this panasonic or my other choice the fuji s9600.
cheers

I have a FZ7 - I chose it over an FZ8 because I thought that the increase in pixels was bad for sensitivity - which I have used a lot for wildlife shots, mainly at high zoom. Often I would like to use manual focus, but I find it very dificult to get an accurate setting, and impossible on high zoom. No comparison to the old SLR. I am considering upgrading, but, from anyone who has used both, is the FZ28 a big improvement in this department, and is the FZ28 markedly better at low light (which we get a lot of in English winter)?

I have read the FZ28 can take up to 2.5 seconds from mimimal zoom to maximum zoom + focus, and 1.25s to max zoom without focus.
Is this true????

I bought this camera based on Cliff's overall 10/10 score and reading the reviews on other comparison websites. It is a delightful camera and I have been very satisfied with the photos I have taken so far. I want to thank Cliff and the website for the reviews.

The zoom is amazing and the macro is beautiful. The auto function generally does a good job, but the camera offers a wealth of manual functions as well. The camera does a satisfactory job up to ISO 400, but anyhting above ISO 400 is not very usable.

That Leica lens is just great. I also think Panasonic does some of the most user-friendly menu systems in digital cameras.

The camera is really light and is easy to carry around, which is a bonus for those who may find carrying bulky DSLRs impractical during their leisurely strolls.

Overall, this is a very good camera for the amateur enthusiast who demands an advanced digital compact to improve his/her photography skills, but who does not feel ready to move into the DSLR universe yet. Highly recommended.

To get back to some earlier questions I didnt answer yet, the FZ28 does not offer the movie-snaps feature, which means to be able to take still shots in the middle of video recording. My Canon S-series models all had this, and I found it useless and lacking, because the snaps were low-res and small, thus, pointless to me. Besides, if I really want a still frame from within a video, I just capture the frame out with my basic video editing software, which results in the exact same quality (low) as the camera's with the built-in function provide. Again, in my opinion, movie-snaps are just marketing gimicks.

Also, the US model FZ28 will record video, even the 720 HD video, continuously, until the clip reaches the 2 GB limit. This is way more than adequate. Of course, you will only get good results with very high-speed SDHC memory cards. If you try and use regular speed SD cards, you will despise and curse the choppy, lagging, slow video recorded. Get a nice Class 5 or Class 6 SDHC card of Ebay. The Sandisk Extreme II's are class 4, and they work OK, but still not as smooth as a Class 6 card.

Black Friday heads-up! Circuit City will be selling 8 GB Sandisk Extreme II SDHC memory cards for $24.99 on the day after Thanksgiving. Thats cheaper than generic 8 GB cards on Ebay! Check out bfads.net (I have zero association with that site).

Last night my son was in his school class musical program. In previous years, I recorded them with quality camcorders, but this time I took my PANASONIC FZ-28. Now I must expalain I always sit in the very back, or go to the balcony, which either way is about 150-200 feet from the stage. With the camcorders and 10x-12x zooms, I always took a 2x converter lens to add on and get up in the kids faces from that far distance, and I used a tripod. Last night, with the FZ-28 and its 18x zoom, totally, totally awesome Leica lens, and fantastic opitcal image stabilization, I can attest to the fact that my video clips are not only HD, but look as good, if not better, than previous programs with a dedicated quality camcorders!! At 18x zoom, I am right in there, in their faces if need be, and there is no chromatic distortions like you get with the 2x and 3x add-on lenses. Plus, I did NOT have a tripod, but handheld the FZ28 above my head the whole time, and its amazingly steady for not using a tripod. My whole family is pleased as punch with the video capability of the FZ28. The sound is good, while not as good as a dedicated camcorder, its still good. (Note, the speaker on the FZ28 is not great, and playback on the camera is iffy, but the clips played on your PC are good.) And of course the autofocus is not near as quick as that of a camcorder, but its not bad. When you consider the immeasurable benefit of being able to switch back and forth and also take wonderful hi-res still photos as well (not while recording video at the same time), the FZ28 just keeps getting better and better, and I can just hardly wait until their next model comes with hopefully 1080 HD and a hotshoe.

I added a few samples stills captured from the video I mentioned above, so you can see the amazing power AND quality of the FZ-28 lens. No image editing was applied, just crops.

http://digitalcamerabattle.blogspot.com/