Joy can be spontaneous, disappointment has to be planned
Joy can be spontaneous, disappointment has to be planned
Member since:31.08.2009
Reviews:32
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The Lumix FZ28 is an upgrade to the Lumix FZ18 and is almost identical on the surface. The LCD screen is now 2.7", compared with the 2.5" screen on the FZ18 and there is an extra switch on the back now to switch between Recording and Playback mode - which used to be handled via the mode-dial - a definite improvement in my opinion. I understand that not everyone will be upgrading from the earlier model so I will keep this comparison to a minimum from this point in.
The aforementioned LCD screen is the same size as you would find on comparable models such as the Fuji FinePix S1500 or the Canon Powershot SX10 IS, but it is very bright and easy to see, even in sunlight - certainly easier than the Fuji.
The appearance is SLR-like, as is the fashion with these super-zooms, and it feels reassuring to hold with its rubber-coated protruding grip. In terms of size and weight, it sits between the Fuji FinePix S1500 and the Canon PowerShot SX10 IS, measuring 118mm (4.6in) x 75mm (3in) x 89mm (3.5in) and weighing in at 417g (14.7oz) with battery fitted.
The controls are well situated and well labelled and the menus are easy to understand and navigate, having an additional superimposed Quick Menu feature that is controlled with a little multi-directional joystick on the back (a little small for my big hands if I'm honest).
Like most Lumix cameras, the strength of the FZ28, especially for those who are new to photography, is the all-encompassing Intelligent Auto mode, which handles Scene Selection, ISO, Exposure, Face-Detection, etc, and handles it all so well. Of course, for the more adventurous, there are 22 preset scene modes (5 of which are conveniently situated on the mode-dial) and even Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, Program AE and full Manual modes for those who want to walk unaided.
Picture quality is great but does suffer a little at smaller aperture settings. Of course, this can be offset by widening the aperture and increasing the shutter speed if depth-of-field is not a consideration.
The other two features that stand out are the mammoth zoom capability, which now covers a huge 27-486mm range in 35mm equivalent terms, and the clever autofocus tracking that allows you to keep an object in sharp focus even if it is moving around - yes I know I bang on about this but I still find running-water impressive :)
If I have to find a fault to pick with the FZ28, it would have to be the little EVF (electronic viewfinder) LCD, which seems to have shrunk in the evolution from FZ18 to FZ28, but in general, the features that aren't superb are still perfectly adequate.
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