Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28K 10MP Digital Camera with 18x Wide Angle MEGA Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black) by Panasonic
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Digital camera reviews of Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28K 10MP Digital Camera with 18x Wide Angle MEGA Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black)
Digital camera Review: A really great point and shoot.
Summary: 5 Stars
I was looking for a great balance between a point and shoot and the prosumer SLR's. This camera definitely fits that profile, easy to use and takes great shots with little effort. I've never had a camera that was good at taking the extremely close macro shots, but...wow, this camera is amazing at it. The zoom is incredible and I would go out on a limb and say it's probably the best camera in this price range by far.Digital camera Review: A review written after one year of use
Summary: 5 Stars
I purchased this camera one year ago and very very happy I am that I did. In reading what follows please keep in mind that I am only an amateur so I won't go into any technical details. Here are a few thoughts about my experience with this camera:
- First and foremost, if used well, this camera takes amazing pictures. I am particularly impressed by the quality of pictures taken at night or with indoor lighting. With a tripod, and using 100ISO and 1-2sec exposure you can take really amazing pictures.
- The price is amazing, given the quality of the pictures.
- The lens is very eclectic, going from very wide angle (for landscapes) to a powerfult zoom (but see below). About the zoom, do note that in certain settings you can achieve 32x magnification (not just 18x).
- I really like the cap, which is securely tied to the camera by a string. I do not agree with the reviewer that writes that it falls off easily. It never fell off my camera in more than a year, although it did partly break recently (but because of my fault).
- I also LOVE the fact that it takes filters. This was very important for me, because I think polarizer filters can improve outdoor photography a lot.
- The provided software is good and functional.
- I find battery life satisfactory. I rarely take more than 40-50 pictures in a day, but I never had problems with the battery and anyway I usually have a spare with me. Also, the battery recharges quite quickly (one-two hours).
- Movies are of very high quality, altough I have not explored this much.
- The manual is quite clear and without being a genius, but with a bit of skill, you can actually navigate the built-in menu quite easily without using the manual.
- I found customer service fantastic. At some point (see below) the camera was damaged and I got a refurbished replacement at no cost which is now working perfectly. Thanks Panasonic!
My two reasons for not being totally happy so far?
1- the reason why the camera had to be replaced was that at some point a bit of of water fell on it. Not much water at all, really, but after a few minutes of increasingly erratic behavior the camera totally died. So, don't expect super-sturdy construction and do be careful when you handle the camera in wet conditions. On the other hand, like I said, the customer service was fantastic.
2- if you are naively thinking of buying this camera (also) for wildlife photography, you will likely be disappointed. The zoom, although powerful, if not good enough for that. What I mean is, for instance, that I see much more clearly birds with an 8x42 binocular than with this camera with maximum magnification (that is, 32x, which you can achieve in some settings). If your subject is more than 15-20 yards away the level of detail you can achieve is rather disappointing. As far as I can see, for wildlife photography you really need to spend significantly larger amounts of money, too bad!!! On the other hand, the zoom is often good enough that you can use your pictures to help in identifying a bird on your field guide.
Anyway, to sum it up, after one year I can say that I recommend this camera highly and I would certainly buy it again.
Digital camera Review: A wonderful camera!
Summary: 5 Stars
I purchased this camera as an update from my beloved Canon S2, which had served me well for 3 years and taught me the basics of using the manual features of a bridge camera. I consider myself a camera enthusiast, taking photos of mostly my travels and my children. I originally planned to upgrade my S2 to the newest S-model being released by Canon. I was so excited when the Canon SX10 was announced and had actually even preordered one online before I realized that it would not accept a polarizing lens. During a recent trip to Hawaii, I had fallen in love with my polarizer and couldn't see paying $500 for a camera that wouldn't allow use of additional lenses. I thought about upgrading to a DSLR but decided that I wouldn't like the bigger camera and expense. Online reviews pointed me to the FZ28, and I couldn't be more pleased with my purchase.
The camera offers a variety of very good presets as well as full manual controls. Noise levels are very good, even at higher ISO speeds than my previous camera would accommodate. Overall, I agree wholeheartedly with all of the reviews previously posted, so I won't bore you with restating what has already been stated. I did want to provide a bit of information for those of you who may be interested in using add-on lenses for your FZ28, as I don't think this has really been covered much yet in the reviews. Unlike my previous camera which required an adapter tube AND an additional lens cap to accept a UV or polarizing filter, the FZ28 has threads on the end of the lens tube itself to accept a 46 mm lens. The lens screws directly onto the camera's lens, extending and retracting as the camera is used. It essentially becomes part of the camera. Therefore, there is no need to buy extra adapter parts or lens caps in order use either of these filters with the FZ28. When you turn off the camera, the add-on lens slides into the camera and can be covered with the camera's regular lens cap. (As a side note, I understand that Lensmate is releasing an adapter that works with the lens hood for the Canon SX10 very soon, but it's still an additional expense and a separate piece to be used with the camera rather than becoming part of the camera like the FZ28 model. Having personally used both a Canon separate adapter and the FZ's built-in threads, I much prefer the convenience of the FZ model's threaded lens.) Teleconverter and macro lenses are also available for the FZ28 if desired, although I don't anticipate needing either for my own use.
The pictures I have taken have been sharp and colorful, even in less than idea lighting conditions. Even photos taken through a double-paned window at a distance were detailed (see bird and berries photo in customer's images on this site). I haven't had an opportunity to use the video components yet.
In summary, this is a great camera offering beautiful photos and seemingly foolproof options. I highly recommend it for anyone wanting a small camera with big potential!
Digital camera Review: AMAZING CAMERA
Summary: 5 Stars
I did a lot of research regarding these 18x DSLR-like 10mp cameras. There are a number of them on the market. Some are cheaper than the Lumix. The reviews I saw put the Lumix at the top of the line. I believe it. When you understand how to maximize the use of this camera, it is absolutely fantastic! I will be taking it to Italy and Greece in August instead of my Nikon D40 and lenses (which I absolutely love). I need something versatile, simple and space saving. Graet buy! Don't hesitate!Digital camera Review: Above expectations!
Summary: 5 Stars
Next to this, the 12MP Kodak Z1275, we had, PERFORMS like a toy. Decided for the z28 after reading tons of reviews(considered the Nikon p80, canon g9 etc). Needed something fast with options yet not too complicated. This is IT! +THE LEICA LENS!!
It has it's cons though (what does not?): won't fit in your jean's pocket... Video limit around 9min no matter how big you SD is.