There have been a great number of really impressive super zoom models from the Panasonic stable in recent years. The brands use of Leica optics in the Lumix range has helped to deliver excellent image quality and combined with some impressive technology has meant that Panasonic can boast a number of high ratings on our pages.
This Lumix DMC-FZ28 has an excellent 18x zoom range, which starts from a wide-angle 27mm through to an impressive 486mm top end (in 35mm terms). Quite often, the more a digital compact magnifies, the softer the images become, so with an 18x zoom, this could be a problem. The good news is, that the FZ28 appears to break this mould, but more on this later in this review.
The FZ28’s 10-megapixel sensor is a 1/ 2.33in chip, which gives the camera a better quality performance than smaller chips used on similar cameras.
The Panasonic Venus Engine IV processor manages the sensor, which is a cool customer when it comes to the quick handling of files and intelligent processing of digital signals to reduce noise levels at higher ISO settings. To put this into perspective, the camera can shoot at a speed of 13 frames-per-second (fps) in high burst shooting mode (at a reduced resolution of two-megapixels), and the ISO can also be extended beyond the standard ISO 1600 to 6400, but also at a reduced resolution setting.
Photographers who like control over their images will relish this cameras manual elements that include shutter and aperture control. On the flip side, users who just want the camera to do all the technical stuff while they point and shoot will enjoy shooting modes like the new intelligent auto (iA). This newly developed mode offers some complicated functions like autofocus tracking, continuous metering and face detection, but you don’t need to set anything other than the iA mode itself.
On the back of the camera is the large 2.7in LCD panel, which can be used to view and frame images. This is a very high-resolution panel with 230,000 dots giving a very clear image. If you prefer to use a viewfinder to frame your images, then the FZ28 has an electronic option. On the top of the camera is a built-in pop-up flashgun, which offers increased power over previous models.
Technology wise, the FZ28 is packed with different systems to help improve your images. The most obvious is the MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabiliser), which is there to help control potential camera shake problems.
At 18x magnification you really need a good stabiliser, and this system is one of the best we have seen. You can actually see it working when you are viewing a scene on the LCD screen. Those of you with HDTV flat screens will like the HD output facility, so you can play back images onto your TV. On the inside, the technology continues with a multitude of scene modes and an in-camera red-eye fixer.
Delving into the menus is a really nice experience. On the back of the camera is a mini joystick labelled as Q.MENU. Pressing this accesses a quick menu display where you can easily set functions like ISO, metering, image quality and white-balance. Using a separate button located to the side of the LCD panel and in the middle of a four-button array for function settings, the main menus can be accessed. These contain some of the same elements as the quick menus, but there are a lot more options for fine tuning and other set ups.
The FZ28 is a well-made camera with a design that looks quite similar to the layout of a small DSLR. Having such a phenomenal zoom range takes away the need for interchangeable lenses, especially as you have a wide-angle starting point. Taking a look at the image files, you would be hard pushed to spot the difference between the images from the FZ28 and a DSLR. Even at the long end of the zoom the camera delivers results that are pin sharp from the centre to the edges.
Exposure is very accurate and the camera copes well in back lighting. Colours are vibrant, but remain natural, thanks to controlled contrast and tonal range.
For the price, you get a superb camera that delivers brilliant images with its 18x zoom. The features are genuinely useful and the stabilisation is one of the best you will find.