Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28

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The 10-megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28's 18x zoom lens (27-486mm equivalent) may seem modest compared with some of the other megazooms on the market, such as the 26x zoom Olympus SP-590UZ. But the FZ28 makes up for these possible perceived shortcomings with a solid feature set which includes manual exposure controls, Panasonic's excellent Mega O.I.S. (optical image stabilization), and a relatively effective intelligent Auto (iA) mode. If you're enticed by the higher image resolution of other superzoom models, you don't necessarily have to be. 10 megapixels can be more than enough resolution to turn out some really nice-size prints.

Editors' note:

This review is based on tests done by our sister site CNET.com. As such, please note that there may be slight differences in the testing procedure and ratings system. For more information on the actual tests conducted on the product, please inquire directly at the site where the article was originally published. References made to some other products in this review may not be available or applicable in Asia.

Design

Like its predecessor, the FZ18, the FZ28 has the standard megazoom look and feel of a digital SLR, but without an interchangeable lens. At 413g, the FZ28 is lighter than the Canon PowerShot SX10 IS. This makes the Panasonic portable enough to carry around all day without feeling any strain. This Lumix measures 117.6 x 75.3 x 88.9, so you won't be able to stash it even in the largest of pockets, but a small camera bag or midsize purse should easily hold the snapper.

The FZ28 is available in silver, too, though we do find the black version more professional looking.
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While amateurs may experience a learning curve when stepping up to the FZ28 from a point-and-shoot (except when they're using the iA, Program AE or Scene modes), more experienced users will take to the FZ28 easily. Outfitted with plenty of dedicated controls, buttons and dials are logically arranged along the surface of the well-designed and comfortable grip and on the camera's rear panel.

While the silver mode dial is attractive, it's highly reflective. Under sunlight, the individual icons were difficult to see. Fortunately, the modes are visible on the LCD as you cycle through the options.

The silver mode dial can be a bit difficult to see under sunlight.
(Click for larger image)

Above the grip you'll find the mode dial, AF macro focus, and AF/MF buttons as well as the power switch and shutter /zoom lever combo. The silver mode dial looks nice and is packed with options such as iA, Program AE, Aperture priority, Shutter speed priority, Manual, two Custom settings, Movie and Scene (which provides access to the Scene menu). There are also several commonly used scene modes such as Night portrait, Sports, Scenery and Macro which all can be accessed directly from the mode dial. Other scene modes also offer multiple options within the settings. Under Macro, for example, you can choose from Flower, Food, Objects or Creative.

The rear of the camera is well-organized with an EVF/LCD switch, flash open button, AF/AE lock, and a new, helpful record/playback switch. A joystick calls up a quick menu for easy access to most often changed settings.

The four-way controller with a center Set button has a little more depth to it than most. The up arrow, when pressed multiple times, provides access to exposure compensation, bracketing options, and flash output adjustments. To change flash settings, press the right arrow when the flash is popped up. The down arrow can be customized to access ISO, white balance, metering mode, AF mode, intelligent exposure, or as a review button. The left arrow accesses the self-timer that includes a 10-second/three-picture option. The center Set button also calls up the easy-to-navigate main menu.

Tags: Mode, Camera, compensation, LCD, joystick

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