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: Affordability, flexibility and creativity. What's not to love?
Summary: 5 Stars
As a child, I would often borrow my father's old Canon 35mm camera and fill many rolls worth of film. True, I was just goofing off and those rolls sat in my closet for years until they were no longer able to be processed, but it sparked something in me.
Years later, I would get my first digital camera: an Argus brand with a 2 megapixel limit. Then, a Canon Powershot A540 in 2006. I would steadily become more and more experienced, yet never quite "serious" enough to learn about things such as Aperture, ISO or even utility items like tripods.
This all changed in late 2008. With quite a bit of discretionary funding set aside, my interest in photography turned into a full-blown passion as I browsed the Camera & Photo section Amazon. I came across the "Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28K". While I was biased towards Canon cameras, I had read that the Lumix series of Panasonic cameras were worth consideration.
So, I purchased it in early January and didn't really get around to using it until February. I also purchased a polarizing filter to try out against sky-filled backgrounds, and both a monopod and tripod for stable shots.
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After taking a couple hundred pictures with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28K, I can safely say this is one hell of a camera.
Being what is known as a "bridge" camera, the FZ28K combines the ease of use present in a "point and shoot" camera with the manual control present in more expensive models. For this, I am thankful: I can turn the dial to the well designed IA (Intelligent Auto) mode which will, given the surrounding light and motion of the camera, choose the optimum settings to take pictures with.
However, as I want to learn more, I can turn the dial further to access the Manual, Aperture or Exposure values and lower/raise them to my heart's content. In doing so, i've taken some good low light and night time pictures.
There are some pre-set modes you can select such as "Scenery" or "Portrait" if you don't want to fiddle around with the controls. In particular, I have been greatly enjoying the "Macro" setting as it allows me to take some very crisp up close shots and the "Landscape" setting to take wider shots of outdoor areas.
Along with the silver dial mode on top, the FZ28K has many standard options present in the current generation of cameras: black and white mode, histogram, color/light balance, and timer to name a few. Some have complained about the menus being hard to navigate, but after a few days worth of use, it becomes second nature.
In terms of construction, I am highly impressed. The FZ28K is larger than a point and shoot, yet smaller than a DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex camera). It just feels sizable in my hands without being too heavy or bulky to carry while taking many pictures on the go in a short span of time.
Included with the package is a battery (proprietary rechargable), battery charger, handy strap, lens cap, lens hood, audio/video cable, USB cable and software for editing pictures/creating panoramas. I suggest the "Tamrac 5230 T30 Photo/Digital Camera Bag" to carry the FZ28K in. Finally, get an LCD screen protector: the 2.7 inch wide screen on the back is surprisingly easy to bump into.
Do I recommend this camera? Absolutely. It is excellent for those in the beginner and intermediate states of learning about photography. And, from what I hear, has been well received by advanced users as well.
Digital camera Review: All in one, One in all, Everyone
Summary: 5 Stars
As many people said before me, this camera is great! I received it from OneCall a few day ago in perfect condition for a low price. It was new in the box and was delivered right on time. Trying on this camera was a similar experience. It is great!
I am not a professional photographer, I just like to have a versatile camera that can do it all. First off, it has great picture quality in most given conditions. I made most of my pictures inside of my house to test low light conditions and it handled it well. Previous cameras I used always made pictures with yellow tints from indoor light. FZ28 has a party and indoor portrait mode which can eliminate that. And if that is not it enough there are manual settings that can be tweaked in every way.
IA MODE: Perhaps the greatest part of this camera is the intelligent auto mode. It is the best one I have ever seen. I would say, 9 out of 10 using IA were perfect. Its not 100%, but what is?
FOCUS: I am also very impressed with the focusing abilities of this camera. It is very good considering the 18x zoom. Sometimes is takes a little bit to focus well, but once it does it is great.
MOVIE: The movie mode is very good on this camera. It is high quality and there are 5 different quality setting. To use HD make sure you have a fast SD card.
SIZE: It is clear that you will not be able to fit this camera into your pocket. However, it depends how much size means to you. Personally it took me a long time to decide to get this camera and I am surprised that it is actually very small for its parameters. It gives A LOT for its size. So I suggest if you have somewhat of an issue with size but really want a lot for that sacrifice. Buy the camera. Its really not so good to carry a camera in a pocket anyway.
OUTDOOR PICTURES: WOW. WOW. WOW. Outdoor, sunny, well lit places are simply phenomenal!!
ZOOM: 18x optical zoom with 10 megapixel? Heck Yea. And up to 32x optical zoom (125x with digital zoom) on lower megapixel settings (7, 5, 3).
IMAGE STABILIZATION: Panasonic has the best OIS in my opinion. At 18x the manual says a tripod is required, I find otherwise. With OIS mode 1 the picture is stabilized with the shutter button halfway pressed. You can still take a great picture if you can limit your shaking hands.
OVERALL: There is still so much to write about this camera. I am very satisfied with it. It has all functions in a relatively small body. Every picture is great because it could also be tweaked with RAW editing software. Finally, it is easily adaptive to any user. My whole family can use it. I read the manual and set a few custom modes that my parents will most likely use. One for my brother and one for my self. In the end there is still a great auto mode and raw editing.
I have some sample pics uploaded.
Digital camera Review: Almost Perfect.
Summary: 5 Stars
This camera is everything you want in a point and shoot. Closest to a bridge camera I've seen. One drawback is the shutter lag is waaaay to long. The quality of image is a 10. Buy an extra battery (PANASONIC ONLY NOT A LOOK-ALIKE). If you are going to shoot RAW get a 8G SDHC card. Shooting JPEG only using a 4G card gives you 700+ pics. Shooting RAW+JPEG gives you 200!! If you don't know why the FZ28 is a little pricey IT IS THE LEICA OPTICS. The SILKY PICS RAW software is very easy to use. Adobe 6 doesn't recognize the Panasonic format,so you have to develop in SILKY and save as TIF or Jpeg and then reopen the TIF in adobe for any final manipulation. Having a lens hood is a great accessory. ELF has a dioptor contro for adjusting to your own eyesight.
This is the camera to buy! If you can't afford it wait and get the soon to be released (SEPT) Kodak Z1015. It doesn't shoot RAW but, it is a GREAT camera. Check out my website for pics I took with the FZ28 and the Kodak Z812. [...]
Digital camera Review: Amazing Camera
Summary: 5 Stars
HI,
First off i must say am no pro at using camera's but i love taking pics. especially posing in them.
but this i have to say is the best cam i have not only owned but seen and for the deal i got this .
good bye dslr. it has all the features that a non-professional photographer needs from a camera. with 18x zoom and 10.1 mp its a lot trust me.
clarity is good and so is the ease of use.
Videos are amazing!!!! i took a 1.5 hour video of me walking through the golden gate bridge.!! was crystal clear even with lot of winds and a bit of fog.
flash also works really nice. the face recognition is also a great + when taking profile pics.
overall i love my new cam!! its amazing and i would recommend it to anyone!!!
Digital camera Review: Amazing Camera!
Summary: 5 Stars
I previously owned a Canon 20d and this camera is amazing, lightweight, and 4 times cheaper! I love it and would recommend it for anyone wanting vivid pictures. The colors are so much more vivid and "alive" much more than the Canon 20d. I love how with one lense I can get both closeup and zoom telephoto shots. Great camera, you will not be disappointed.