Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 (black)
Manufacturer: Panasonic Part number: DMC-FZ28K
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Accessories
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- Other cameras may deliver higher resolution and longer optical zooms, but the Panasonic FZ28 proves that the "more is better" presumption isn't always valid.
Read more
Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon.com Marketplace | ![]() | In stock | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 11/07/2009 |
CNET editors' review
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 (black) price range: $429.95
- Reviewed by: Theano Nikitas
- Edited by: Lori Grunin
- Reviewed on: 05/21/2009
- Released on: 08/31/2008
The good: Useful 27mm wide-angle zoom; excellent image stabilization; full selection of manual and automatic exposure controls; 720p movie capture with operational zoom; relatively fast.
The bad: Prone to soft, noisy photos; no hotshoe.
The bottom line: Other cameras may deliver higher resolution and longer optical zooms, but the Panasonic FZ28 proves that the "more is better" presumption isn't always valid.
The 10-megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28's 18x (27-486mm equivalent) zoom may seen modest compared with some of the other megazooms on the market, such as the 26x zoom Olympus SP-590. But the FZ28 makes up for these possible perceived shortcomings with a solid feature set, including manual exposure controls, Panasonic's excellent MEGA OIS (optical image stabilization), and a relatively effective Intelligent Auto Mode. And if you're enticed by the higher megapixel count of other superzoom models, you don't necessarily have to be. Ten megapixels can be more than enough resolution to turn out some really nice-size prints.
Like its predecessor, the FZ18, the FZ28 has the standard megazoom look and feel of a digital SLR, but without an interchangeable lens. At 14.6 ounces, the FZ28 is about half the weight of the Canon PowerShot SX10 IS and is light enough to carry around all day without any strain or pain. It measures 3 inches high by 4.6 inches wide by 3.5 inches deep, so you won't be able to stash it even in the largest of pockets, but a small camera bag or midsize purse can easily hold the camera.
A new, 2.7-inch LCD, only slightly larger than the FZ18's 2.5-inch monitor but of higher resolution, works well under most lighting conditions and can be adjusted via three brightness options. The first, Auto Power, automatically adjusts to the surrounding lighting conditions; Power LCD increases the brightness; and High Angle really pumps up the brightness so you can easily see the screen even when the camera is held over your head.
The electronic viewfinder is relatively bright and large enough to be useful. It also gains up under low light, but we noticed some distortion around the perimeter of the EVF. Also, as with all EVFs, the refresh rate slows in low light. Still, the EVF is quite usable.
There's no hotshoe, but the onboard flash extends far enough to light a subject almost 18 feet away (using telephoto and auto ISO). A feature I always like is the ability to adjust the flash output, and the FZ28 allows up to +/- 2 adjustment in 1/3 steps.
While snapshooters might experience a learning curve when stepping up to the FZ28 from a point-and-shoot camera (except when they're using the Intelligent Auto, Program AE, or Scene modes), more-experienced users will be able to easily transition to the FZ28. 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.
Atop the grip you'll find the mode dial, AF macro focus, and AF/MF buttons as well as the power switch and the shutter /zoom lever combo. The silver mode dial looks nice and is packed with options from iA (Intelligent Auto), Program AE, Aperture priority, Shutter speed priority, Manual, two Custom settings, Movie, Scene (which provides access to the Scene menu), and several scene modes including Night Portrait, Sports, Scenery, and Macro. The latter individual scene modes also offer multiple options within the settings. Under Macro, for example, you can choose from Flower, Food, Objects, or Creative.
While the silver mode dial is attractive, it's highly reflective, and under sunlight, the individual icons are difficult to see. Fortunately, the modes are visible on the LCD as you cycle through the options.
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.
Notable features include 30fps 720p movie recording, in clips up to 2GB, which it saves using the Motion JPEG codec as a QuickTime MOV file. You can zoom during capture, as well as use the OIS. It also offers two custom white balance settings, a Kelvin temperature WB option, and the ability to tweak the white balance by adjusting amber, blue, green, and magenta points. Always a plus is having the option to set a maximum ISO and minimum shutter speed, which earns the FZ28 a few extra points.
Although not the fastest camera on the market, the FZ28 is fairly zippy for a megazoom and can certainly hold its own against the competition. It powers on and shoots in 2.3 seconds, and focuses and shoots relatively quickly under good and low-contrast conditions--0.6 second and 0.8 second, respectively. Its 1.8 seconds between shots is pretty good, and the 2.4-second flash shot-to-shot time is pretty typical for this class. While its burst performance may seem fast, it's limited to three shots at full resolution and quality, which makes it less than useful. In its infinite burst mode we expect performance to be about the same as everyone else's. But I never felt that the FZ28 was sluggish, and autofocus felt very responsive in bright light.
The camera's new AF tracking feature worked relatively well, as long as the subject was well illuminated and didn't move too quickly. And, of course, Panasonic's optical image stabilization did a good job when shooting at slower shutter speeds.
Image quality is solid but not outstanding. It produces natural-looking colors (shoot in RAW or RAW + JPEG or use the saturation adjustment to pump up vibrancy if the colors aren't vivid enough for your taste). And exposures are generally even and accurate, especially outdoors. As is typical, macro shots are especially sharp, as were those from wide to about the midrange of the zoom. Telephoto shots were a little soft, even at lower ISOs. However, as with many Panasonic cameras, you can see noise artifacts even at its lowest sensitivity of ISO 100, particularly in shadowed areas. In part, this seems to stem from more poorly executed noise suppression in the blue channel than most. There's visible softening as low as ISO 200, and by ISO 800 you lose a significant amount of detail. Sensitivity is best kept at ISO 400 or below, but you'll be able to get decent prints above that setting. Just try to keep the noise reduction set low in order to avoid softer images.
Panasonic delivers a solid megazoom in the Lumix DMC-FZ28. Though it's not particularly outstanding in any particular area--its image quality is its weakest link--a well-thought-out and robust feature set plus above average performance help it rise above much of the competition.
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
| Time to first shot | Typical shot-to-shot time | Shutter lag (dim) | Shutter lag (typical) |
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
User reviews
-
-
fun to use, great pictures and a great buy
by togus on September 14, 2008
Pros: Good price. great Leica optics, 18 X optical zoom, HD quality video function, light, intutive and easy to master menus. This product is fun to use and takes high quality pictures in a wide array of situations.
Cons: Doesn't use AA batteries, need to learn to use the zoom properly in the macro function. In difficult light or contrast situations the auto focus and exposure funtions sometimes take a while to work out a solution.
Summary: I bought the camera because I got to use a friend's FZ 18K and liked the image quality. I'm glad I waited for the FZ 28. The range ...
Summary: I bought the camera because I got to use a friend's FZ 18K and liked the image quality. I'm glad I waited for the FZ 28. The range of the zoom was a major selling point and the Leica lens is clear and crisp. The camera also shoots HD video at 720p 30fps and the I was amazed at the quality. At full automatic full point and shoot the pictures fine and the camera supports a good array of manual options. The menus are intuitive and easy to understand. Last night I took a number of moon lit shots and had no trouble finding my way through the necessary commands (for the first time) in the dark. It's light, very thrifty in terms of power consumption and the controls are laid out well. I didn't want to go back to the bad old days when I carried around my big and heavy EOS body and multiple lenses and attachments but I wanted quality pictures and a wide range of zoom; this camera fits the bill perfectly. I'm happy with this purchase and would recommend it to anyone who doesn't want to go the full DSLR route.
16 out of 16 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Best product to date in it's class for overall value
by kylelane on October 10, 2008
Pros: Highly versatile camera.
Tons of different shooting modes to fit any style of photography.
Built solid - very quiet.
Tons of ways to control picture quality.
Can shoot up to 13 frames a sec (burst) with lower image quality.
Powerful zoom.Cons: None so far.
Summary: The FZ28 has so many ways to customize its self that you can literally mold it to fit the way you want to take pictures. It's a third of ...
Summary: The FZ28 has so many ways to customize its self that you can literally mold it to fit the way you want to take pictures. It's a third of the price of a good DSLR and so is a great way to get better pictures than using a compact digital camera without spending alot of cash. (It's a good middle ground camera). The lens is very high quality with very little barrel distortion at the telephoto end. It even shoots HD video. It really has everything that one could ask for in a camera short of the higher overall quality that a camera three times the price could get you. BUT, it even has some advanced features that even good DSLR's don't have. (subject focus auto lock - keeps subject focused even if it moves around in the frame).
11 out of 11 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
An Upgrade and an improvement
by stevefotos on October 15, 2008
Pros: Great lens and improved processing
Well built. Lightwieght and well balanced
Simple to use,Cons: Smaller EVf and fixed LCD monitor
Summary: I've use Panasonic "bridge" cameras for a few years and this time they've really got it right. The larger sensor isn't a big deal but the new ...
Summary: I've use Panasonic "bridge" cameras for a few years and this time they've really got it right. The larger sensor isn't a big deal but the new Venus IV engine makes the big difference. It manages to bring out all the quality the Leica designed lens is capable of producing.
I first got a Panasonic FZ8 for the over 400mm lens capability. Seemed cheaper to get the camera at about $300 then a dSLR lens for over twice that. Didn't use long lenses much so it seemed the way to go.
Fell in love with the FZ8. Gave that one to my daughter for photographing birds and moved up to an FZ18. The FZ18 is magnificent. Took it to Europe and printed a show of big prints for a gallery. Great color, great tonality.
Debated getting the FZ28 but after much thought and conversation with other photographers decided to give it a try. I am very happy I did.
I am a pro and I have and shoot Nikon dSLRS. The new FZ28 produces images that are comparable to the images from my D80. And i'm talking about comparing 11x17s side by side.
This is a great camera. Its perfect for the photo enthusiast looking to move up to a better camera then a point and shoot and the perfect carry camera for a pro who doesn't need to take their dSLRs with them all the time.
Needless to say I will use the FZ28 on jobs where I need an extra long telephoto lens.
I like it that you can use the FZ28 as a totally Automatic camera or use it in total manual control mode. It does take a little practice to get the hang of the zoom and using the camera in macro mode etc but the learning curve will be quick for most people.
Panasonic has happily dealt with the "noise" issues that diminished the ratings of their otherwise astonishing cameras. At 100 and 200 ISO I can't find any noise and at 400 and 800 there is some noise but nothing that will show up on 8x10 prints.
The EVF screen is smaller than on the FZ18 or FZ8 and is a bit harder to use. Not a big problem but it is smaller. THe LCD monitor is bigger and it might have been nice if it was rotatable but these are minor issues.
The FZ28 is a great bridge camera that for most people will be more than enough for all their photography.8 out of 8 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Panasonic has a winner!
by Zen_Master on October 3, 2008
Pros: Very versatile, wide zoom range. Wide f.o.v. at the close end. Great stable shots using the O.I.S. Crystal-clear LCD display.
Cons: RAW mode available but very slow. Small viewfinder. Flash does not automatically deploy.
Summary: A great camera with enough versatility to replace some low-end DSLR kits. Definitely beats lugging around several lenses worth a small fortune. It?s easy to get razor-sharp photos with ...
Summary: A great camera with enough versatility to replace some low-end DSLR kits. Definitely beats lugging around several lenses worth a small fortune. It?s easy to get razor-sharp photos with good lighting. Camera is remarkably light in weight and does not tire the user when carrying or aiming for extended periods. Many manual controls. Extremely tight body case with very good ergonomics and controls. LCD is pinpoint sharp and clear with a very usable high-angle mode.
User must be mindful of the auto-focus lamp. Covering it with a finger is easy to do. It would be nice if the tripod receiver was centered along the lens barrel. Camera does not deploy flash automatically if needed. Auto-focus does seek a bit more with less light. RAW mode available but very slow - save this feature for posed or arranged shots when time is less critical. Panasonic probably could have trimmed down the size of the case just a bit more, but I could be sorely mistaken. I doubt they could have saved any more weight, since it is a very light camera. The LCD viewfinder is fairly functional, but is too small and not the sharpest.
Despite some small quirks, highly recommended!8 out of 8 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
awesome camera...great photos and great HD videos
by leowrobin on November 25, 2008
Pros: easy to use functions, crispy clear photos, great zoom and also able to attach extended tele and wide-conversion lens to it. Able to provide RAW file format.
Cons: slight bulky compared to compact cameras.
Summary: great camera for those who wish to take photography before they start to use a true DSLR camera.
Summary: great camera for those who wish to take photography before they start to use a true DSLR camera.
3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Very good and easy to use super-zoom camera
by eypdas on May 3, 2009
Pros: Powerful zoom, accurate colour, intelligent auto fantastic but enough options for the more experienced. small enough to be easy to carry, very light, big enough to look like a real camera
Cons: When i first took it out of the box i was a little disappointed but the slight plasticy feel of the camera, especially the buttons on the back panel.
Summary: This camera was bought on a whim, i was looking for a replacment for my old waterproof camera, saw this and decided to buy it. I love it, there is ...
Summary: This camera was bought on a whim, i was looking for a replacment for my old waterproof camera, saw this and decided to buy it. I love it, there is a slight plastic feel to the buttons but ones you get used to it you don't even notice that, the camera is so light compared to some others i have tried out. I have never found it so easy to take nice photos. This is a great bridge camera, you could keep it on IA for ever and never have to worry, but it has enough functionality to explore how to take different photos using the different functions available, it may not have the Zoom of some of the newer cameras coming out, but are they really needed, and are they as easy to use. i would roccomend this camera to any one, my father who has had a 50 year passion for cameras even grudgingly admit that the quality of photos were almost as good as the ones taken with his medium range DSLR and that it negates the need to carry round lots of different lenses with the great 28mm to 486mm (optical) lens (on full 10.1 mp) but if you step down the quality slightly it gets even better. Battery life is fantastic, only thing i would really moan about is that when using the EVF it can feel a little hard and plastic.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Takes great pictures-Not simple point and shoot camera
by niceguy2931 on November 15, 2008
Pros: Takes great pictures but as a new user will have to work with this camera to get 98% great results.
Cons: It's not as forgiving as some cameras
Summary: Great lens much detail. Works more like an SLR than a point and shoot so adjusting to this will take time and experiences. Great potential for the experienced user.
Summary: Great lens much detail. Works more like an SLR than a point and shoot so adjusting to this will take time and experiences. Great potential for the experienced user.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Outstanding Camera!
by Paul McCartney Official on December 26, 2008
Pros: 72x in zoom mode; Clear, crisp picture quality; Options that will please both amateur and avid photographer; Self-explanatory; Long battery life; Cheaper than similar models
Cons: Hard to maintain focus while in 72x zoom; Bulky compared to compacts
Summary: The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28K is an overall outstanding semi-compact digital camera with dSLR-like features and versatility.
Very inexpensive on Amazon!
Updated on Dec 26, 2008Summary: The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28K is an overall outstanding semi-compact digital camera with dSLR-like features and versatility.
Very inexpensive on Amazon!
Updated on Dec 26, 20082 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
i'll make this simple..I LUV IT!!!
by DRBRONX on August 4, 2009
Pros: firts the price,image quality over others cameras,hd feature,size,sturdy(it already fall), again guys,very simple,I LUV IT..!!
Cons: ok it does have some cons,it may be a little slow for some actions ( not a big issue),after that it's fine!!
Summary: i did a lot of research before buying this camera and i mean a LOT,it took me almost three months deciding between different brands,this one was the winner,...
Summary: i did a lot of research before buying this camera and i mean a LOT,it took me almost three months deciding between different brands,this one was the winner,i'll recommend the same advise but YES , I DO LUV MY PANASONIC!!.. ps: just try it..
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Camera Rocks!
by sillybill on July 5, 2009
Pros: Pics & Video clear, crisp w/out SLR
EZ to handle, very lightweight & great grip
EZ to understand manual, no double-speak
Quiet compared to others in class.
Superior zoom, wide-angle
Viewfinder large & diaptor dial too!Cons: Panasonic standard bag too small
Summary: Come on guys.. this camera rocks! Does everything you can think of in terms of pics & video for a great price. It has features even a novice can understand ...
Summary: Come on guys.. this camera rocks! Does everything you can think of in terms of pics & video for a great price. It has features even a novice can understand yet great for the up & coming pros. Coming off another great, the Olympus 320, this has has it all.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Panasonic
- Part number: DMC-FZ28K
- Description: The Lumix DMC-FZ28 digital camera 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 mega pixel digital camera also features an enhanced Intelligent Auto Mode (iA), with the 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. The AF Tracking function, the component to be added to Panasonics iA system, allows users to lock focus on a moving subject. The camera then automatically tracks the subject as it moves, keeping it in focus without the need to hold the shutter halfway down. AF Tracking makes it easier to capture moving subjects and spur-of-the-moment action shots. The AF Tracking technology also improves face detection, by providing continuous adjustment of the focus and exposure, even if the face is turned away from the camera.
General
- Product Type Digital camera - Compact
- Width 4.7 in
- Depth 3.5 in
- Height 3 in
- Weight 13 oz
- Enclosure Color Black
Main Features
- Resolution 10.1 megapixels
- Color Support Color
- Optical Sensor Type CCD
- Total Pixels 10,700,000 pixels
- Effective Sensor Resolution 10,100,000 pixels
- Light Sensitivity ISO 100, ISO 200, ISO 400, ISO 800, ISO 1600, ISO 3200, ISO auto, ISO auto (1600-6400)
- Digital Zoom 4 x
- Shooting Modes Frame movie mode
- Shooting Programs Pet, Food, Snow, Baby1, Baby2, Beach, Candle, Flower, Nature, Sunset, Panning, Scenery, Fireworks, Soft skin, Starry sky, Night scene, Sports mode, Aerial photo, Party/indoor, Portrait mode, Self-portrait, Hi-speed burst, Night portrait, High sensitivity
- Special Effects Cool, Warm, Sepia, Black & White
- Image Stabilizer Optical (MEGA O.I.S.)
- Max Shutter Speed 1/2000 sec
- Min Shutter Speed 60 sec
- Exposure Metering Spot, Multi-segment, Center-weighted
- Exposure Modes Manual, Program, Automatic, Shutter-priority, Aperture-priority
- Exposure Compensation ±2 EV range, in 1/3 EV steps
- Auto Exposure Bracketing 3 steps in 1/3 EV step
- Face Detection Yes
- White Balance Custom, Presets, Automatic
- White Balance Presets Flash, Shade, Cloudy, Halogen, Daylight
- Digital Video Format QuickTime
- Still Image Format RAW, JPEG
- Remote Control Optional
- TV Tuner None
- Video Capture QuickTime - 1280 x 720, QuickTime - 848 x 480, QuickTime - 640 x 480, QuickTime - 320 x 240, QuickTime - 320 x 240
Memory / Storage
- Flash Memory 50 MB Built-in - Integrated
- Supported Flash Memory MultiMediaCard, SD Memory Card
- Integrated Memory 50 MB
- Floppy Drive None
- Image Storage JPEG 3648 x 2736, JPEG 3648 x 2432, JPEG 3648 x 2056, JPEG 3072 x 2304, JPEG 3072 x 2048, JPEG 3072 x 1728, JPEG 2560 x 1920, JPEG 2560 x 1712, JPEG 2560 x 1440, JPEG 2048 x 1536, JPEG 2048 x 1360, JPEG 1920 x 1080, JPEG 1600 x 1200, JPEG 640 x 480, JPEG 3584 x 2016
Camera Flash
- Camera Flash Pop-up flash
- Flash Modes Auto mode, Fill-in mode, Slow synchro, Flash OFF mode, Red-eye reduction
- Red Eye Reduction Yes
- Effective Flash Range 1 ft - 28 ft
- Features AF illuminator, Flash +/- compensation
Lens System
- Type Zoom lens - 4.8 mm - 86.4 mm - F/2.8-4.4
- Focal Length 4.8 mm - 86.4 mm
- Focal Length Equivalent to 35mm Camera 27 - 486 mm
- Focus Adjustment Manual, Automatic
- Auto Focus TTL contrast detection
- Auto Focus Points (Zones) 11
- Min Focus Range 11.8 in
- Macro Focus Range 1cm
- Lens Aperture F/2.8-4.4
- Optical Zoom 18 x
- Zoom Adjustment Motorized drive
- Lens Construction 8 group(s) / 11 element(s)
- Lens Manufacturer Leica
- Features ED glass, Aspherical lens
Additional Features
- Self Timer Yes
- Self Timer Delay 2 sec, 10 sec
- Additional Features AE lock, AF lock, DPOF support, Face detection, Audio recording, Date/time stamp, Built-in speaker, Contrast control, Cropping an image, Histogram display, Resizing an image, Sharpness control, PictBridge support, Saturation control, Built-in help guide, USB 2.0 compatibility, Digital image rotation, Digital noise reduction, Highlight point display, RGB primary color filter, In-camera red-eye removal, Motion Detection Technology
Viewfinder
- Viewfinder Type Electronic
- Viewfinder Color Support Color
- Viewfinder Diagonal Size 0.2 in
- Viewfinder Resolution 201,600 pixels
- Field Coverage 100%
Display
- Type LCD display - TFT active matrix - 2.7 in - Color
- Display Form Factor Rotating
- Display Format 230,000 pixels
Digital Player (Recorder)
- Type None
Microphone
- Type Microphone - Built-in
- Microphone Technology Electret condenser
- Microphone Operation Mode Mono
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x USB, 1 x Composite video/audio output, 1 x Component video output, 1 x DC power input
- Expansion Slot(s) 1 x SD Memory Card
Software
- Software Drivers & Utilities, ArcSoft Panorama Maker, ArcSoft MediaImpression, SILKYPIX Developer Studio, Panasonic PHOTOfunSTUDIO 2.1E
System Requirements for PC Connection
- Peripheral Devices USB port, CD-ROM drive
Miscellaneous
- Carrying Case None
- Microsoft Certifications Certified for Windows Vista
- Included Accessories Lens cap, Lens hood, Lens adapter, Shoulder strap
- Cables Included 1, 1 x USB cable, A/V cable
Power
- Power Device Battery charger - External
Battery
- Supported Battery 1 x Li-ion rechargeable battery - 710 mAh ( Included )
Environmental Parameters
- Min Operating Temperature 32 °F
- Max Operating Temperature 104 °F
Product series
-

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 (black)
Manufacturer: Panasonic
Specs: Full body, 10.1 megapixels, 18 x, 2.7 in LCD display, 50 MB - Integrated
-

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 (silver)
Manufacturer: Panasonic
Specs: Full body, 10.1 megapixels, 18 x, 2.7 in LCD display, 50 MB - Integrated
Accessories
Manufacturer info
- Panasonic
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Panasonic products on Shopper.com
-
- Website: http://www.panasonic.com/
- Address:
One Panasonic Way, Secaucus, NJ 07094 - Phone: 800/662-3537



