Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 Review

By Movable Type Admin


First look posted 11/6/2008
Conclusion and samples posted 11/10/2008

Introduction & Physical Views


Click to take a QuickTime VR tour of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28
Click on the Lumix FZ28 to take a QuickTime VR tour


Panasonic has added yet another powerful Super-zoom to their ranks, with the new Lumix DMC-FZ28, which boasts a 27mm wide-angle LEICA lens with an 18x optical zoom. The 10.1 megapixel digital camera also features an enhanced Intelligent Auto Mode (iA), with the new AF (autofocus) Tracking function, making it easier for photographers at any level to shoot sharp, well-focused photos, even when the subject is moving - ideal for action shots.

The AF Tracking function is the latest component to be added to Panasonic's iA system, and 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 (up to 15 faces), by providing continuous adjustment of the focus and exposure, even if the face is turned away from the camera.

In addition to the AF Tracking functionality, Panasonic's other iA technologies include:

  • Intelligent Exposure - Helps prevents photos from being under- or over-exposed by instantly analyzing the framed image and adjusting the brightness in areas that are too dark because of dim lighting, backlighting or the use of the flash. The camera will automatically adjust the brightness accordingly.
  • Digital Red-eye Correction- This feature helps to eliminate the red-eye problem that sometimes results when taking flash shots at night. Incorporated into the camera, the built-in flash emits a small preliminary flash before the main flash, detects red-eye and will digitally correct it.
  • MEGA O.I.S. - Gyrosensors detect hand-shake and the lens system shifts to compensate, helping to prevent hand-shake from creating a blurry image.
  • Intelligent ISO - Determines if the photo subject is moving and changes the ISO setting and shutter speed accordingly, thus giving a blur-free photo.
  • Intelligent Scene Selector - Senses the ambient conditions, recognizes the shooting environment and will automatically select the appropriate scene mode from: Scenery, Portrait, Macro, Night Portrait or Night Scenery mode. This intuitive technology, helps the consumer use the most common scene modes that are built into the camera, but often go unused, without making any manual adjustments.
  • Face Detection - Detects faces in the frame (up to 15 faces), even if they are moving, and selects optimal focus and exposure settings so portraits come out clear.
  • Quick AF (Auto Focus) - Starts focus on the subject by just pointing the camera at the subject, thus minimizing the AF time.

The high-performance Venus Engine IV supports a faster response time, allowing the camera to shoot 2.5 shots per second at full resolution and 13 shots per second in High-Speed Burst mode. In High Sensitivity mode, the FZ28 can shoot up to ISO 6400 in extremely low-lit situations. The FZ28 also is equipped with a large 2.7-inch LCD with 230,000 pixels, and a high resolution electric viewfinder equivalent to 201,600 pixels.

Additional features of the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ28 include:

  • Image Leveling - When a captured image "leans" to the right or left because the camera was held at a slight angle when the photo was taken, the Image Leveling function rotates the image to straighten it and crops the unnecessary edges. No computer needed!
  • Scene Modes - The DMC-FZ28 offers a total of 37 scene modes to respond easily to any shooting situation. The new Pin Hole and Film Grain modes add unique, film camera-like effects and ambiences to images. Additionally, the actual effects of the scene mode can be viewed on the LCD before taking the shot.
  • Flash - Reaches a distance of 8.5 meters at the wide setting and 5.4 meters at the telephoto setting (ISO AUTO).
  • SILKYPIX Developer Studio 3.0 SE - Software application comes bundled with the DMC-FZ28 for editing and developing images in the RAW file format.

The DMC-FZ28 also features High Definition (HD) video capabilities with a resolution of 1280 x 720p at 30fps. Still photos can also be shot in a 16:9 aspect ratio for optimal full-screen viewing on a HDTV. Panasonic VIERA Plasma or LCD HDTVs also feature an integrated SD Memory Card slot, allowing users to easily view photos by simply inserting the SD Memory Card into the convenient SD Card slot built into the TV. Consumers can also enjoy watching videos in HD quality and view still images by connecting the DMC-FXZ28 via an optional Panasonic component cable (DMW-HDC2).


Major DMC-FZ28 Features:

  • 10.1-megapixel effective CCD for images up to 3648 x 2736 pixels
  • Leica DC-VARIO ELMARIT 18x zoom, equivalent to 27-486mm on a 35mm camera
  • Mega O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilization) system to help prevent camera shake and blurring
  • Venus Engine IV LSI for robust camera operations
  • JPEG and RAW still image capture
  • Full-Resolution Burst capture at 2.5fps (total of 3 images in Fine mode)
  • Face Detection AF technology for great portraits
  • Macro focus with autofocus down to 0.39 inches (wide)
  • 2.7-inch TFT color LCD monitor with 230K pixels of resolution
  • Eye-level color electronic viewfinder with 201K pixels and dioptric adjustment
  • Intelligent Auto, Program AE, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual modes
  • Five Advanced (Portrait, Scenery, Sports, Night Portrait, Macro) and 17 Normal scene modes
  • Four programmable Custom modes
  • High Speed and Low Speed Continuous or "Burst" modes
  • QuickTime movies WVGA (848x480), VGA (640x480) or HD (1280x720) at 30fps w/audio
  • Shutter speeds from 1/2000 to 8 seconds in Shutter priority, (up to 60 secs. in Manual/Starry Sky modes)
  • Built-in flash with auto, fill, slow synchro and red-eye reduction modes
  • Intelligent Multiple and Spot exposure metering
  • TTL Auto White Balance, 5 presets and custom set
  • Approx. 50MB of internal memory, plus SD/SDHC/MMC memory card slot
  • Plug-n-Play USB 2.0 High-speed, Mass Storage compliant
  • PictBridge Direct-Print compatible
  • Li-ion rechargeable battery and rapid charger included


The DMC-FZ28 is available in Black or Silver with a suggested retail price of US$399.95, and ships with: Battery Charger, Battery Pack, Lens Cap, Lens Hood (L)(S), Hood Adaptor, AV Cable, USB Connection Cable, AC Cable, Strap, CD-ROM.


Physical Views

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28



Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28

The DMC-FZ28 compared in size to a standard CD disc.




Continue to
Features & Controls







Lumix DMC-FZ28 Specifications

Camera Effective Pixels 10.1 Megapixels
Optical Image Stabilizer MEGA O.I.S. (Auto/Mode1/ Mode2)
Optical Zoom 18x
Image Sensor 1/2.33", 10.7 Total Megapixels CCD, Primary Color Filter
Extra Optical Zoom 4:3 Aspect Ratio: 21.4x for 7Mega, 25.7x for 5Mega, 32.1x for 3Mega, 2Mega, 0.3Mega
3:2 Aspect Ratio: 21.4x for 6Mega, 25.7x for 4.5Mega, 32.1x for 2.5Mega
16:9 Aspect Ratio: 21.4x for 5.5Mega, 25.7x for 3.5Mega, 32.1x for 2Mega
Digital Zoom 1 4x
( Max. 72.0 x combined with Optical Zoom without Extra Optical Zoom )
(Max. 128x combined with Extra Optical Zoom)
Focal Length f=4.8-86.4mm (35mm Equiv.: 27-486mm)
Lens Leica DC Vario-Elmarit Lens
Lens Construction 11 elements in 8 groups
(3 Aspherical Lenses / 4 Aspherical surfaces, 2 ED lenses)
Aperture Range Wide: F2.8 - F8.0 Tele: F4.4 - F8
Conversion Lens Compatibility Yes
Focusing Area Normal: Wide 30cm/ Tele 200cm - infinity
MF / Intelligent AUTO / Macro: Wide 1cm / Tele 200cm - infinity
Tele Macro (approx. 11x - 18x) : 100cm - infinity
AF Metering Face / AF tracking / multi-area / 1-area high speed / 1-area / spot
AF Assist Lamp Yes
ISO Sensitivity Auto /100 / 200 / 400 / 800 / 1600 (High Sensitivity Mode : Auto(1600 - 6400) )
White Balance Auto / Daylight / Cloudy / Shade / Halogen / White Set / White Balance Adjustment (+10steps, except for auto set)
Exposure Program AE, Aperture Priority AE, Shutter Priority AE, Manual, Program Shift(Program AE mode)
Exposure Compensation 1/3 EV Step, ± 2 EV
Backlight Compensation Yes (auto in Intelligent AUTO mode)
Auto Bracketing (AE) +/- 1/3 EV ~ 1EV step, 3 frames
Light Metering Intelligent Multiple / Center-weighted / Spot
Scene Modes Party, Candle Light, Baby1, Baby2, Pet, Sunset, High sensitivity, Hi-Speed Burst, Flash Burst, Panning, Starry Sky, Fireworks, Beach, Snow, Aerial photo, Pin Hole, Film Grain
Advanced Scene Mode Portrait/Sports: Normal / Outdoor / Indoor / Creative
Scenery: Normal / Nature / Architecture / Creative
Macro: Normal / Moving Subject / Creative
Night Portrait: Normal / Night Scenery / Illumination / Creative
Shutter Speed/Shutter System P:1-1/2000sec (Selectable minimum shutter speed)
A/S:8-1/2000sec, M:60-1/2000sec?
Starry Sky Mode : 15, 30, 60sec.
Self Timer 2 seconds / 10 seconds / 10 seconds / 3 images
Auto Review 1sec, 2sec, Zoom, Hold
Review 1x/4x/8x
Picture Adjustment Contrast +2steps
Sharpness +2steps
Saturation +2steps
Noise Reduction +2steps
Color Effect Mode Black & White, Sepia, Cool, Warm
Recording Format Still Image: JPEG(Design rule for Camera File system, based on Exif 2.21 standard), RAW, DPOF corresponding image with audio: JPEG (Design rule for Camera File system, based on Exif 2.21 standard)+ QuickTime
Motion picture: QuickTime Motion JPEG
Image Quality Fine/Standard/RAW/RAW+JPEG
RECORDING IMAGE SIZE (Pixels) .
4:3 Aspect Ratio (Still Image) 3648 x 2736
3072 x 2304
2560 x 1920
2048 x 1536
1600 x 1200
640 x 480
3:2 Aspect Ratio (Still Image) 3648 x 2432
3072 x 2048
2560 x 1712
2048 x 1360
16:9 Aspect Ratio (Still Image) 3648 x 2056
3072 x 1728
2560 x 1440
1920 x 1080
Motion Image (4:3 Aspect Ratio) 640 x 480 pixels 30 fps, 320 x 240 pixels 30 fps/10 fps
Motion Image (16:9 Aspect Ratio) : 848 x 480 pixels 30 fps
CONVENIENCE FEATURES .
Burst Shooting Mode Full-Resolution Image, 2.5 frames/sec Max. 5 images (Standard mode), Max 3 images (Fine mode)
Unlimited Consecutive Shooting 2 Yes
Intelligent Exposure Off / Low / Standard / High
Digital Red Eye Correction Yes
Easy Zoom/Zoom Resume/Motion Zoom No/Yes/Yes
Still Image Recording with Audio 5 seconds
Audio Dubbing Maximum of 10 Seconds
Composition Guide Lines Yes (2 patterns)
Built-in Memory approx. 50MB
Scene Mode Help Screen Yes
Auto Angle Detection Yes
Flip Animation Yes
Travel Date/World Time Yes
Title Edit Yes
Text Stamp/Date Stamp Yes/-
STANDARD FEATURES .
Built-in Flash Type/Mode Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off, Flash Synchro ; 1st / 2nd
Flash output Adjustment (1/3EV step, -2 - +2 EV)
0.3 - 8.5m (Wide/Macro/ISO Auto), 1.0 - 5.4m (Tele/ISO Auto)
External Flash No
Viewfinder 0.20" Color EVF (201.6K Pixels equiv.), Field of View : approx. 100%, Lens 19.6x
LCD Monitor 2.7" TFT LCD Display (230K dots)
Field of View : approx. 100%
AUTO Power LCD mode, Power LCD mode, High angle mode
Playback Mode REC/Play Selector Switch, 30 & 12-thumbnail Display, Calendar Display, Zoomed Playback (16x max), Playback of Fav Pics, Image Rotation, Resize, Trim, Protection, Aspect Conv. DPOF Print Setting Creating Still Pics from Motion Picture, Dual Image Playback
OSD Language English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Japanese
Recording Media Built-in Memory
SD Memory Card
SDHC Memory Card
MultiMediaCard (Still image only)
Microphone Yes
Speaker Yes
Interface DC Input, AV Output (NTSC), HD AV Output (Component), USB2.0 High speed
Direct Print PictBridge
Color Black
Power Supply Lithium-ion Battery Pack (7.2V, 710 mAh)(Included)
AC Adaptor (Input: 110-240V AC)(Optional)
Battery Life 3 460 pictures (CIPA standard)
Included Software PHOTOfunSTUDIO -viewer- 2.1E
ArcSoft (MediaImpression / Panorama Maker)
SilkyPix Developer Studio 3.0SE, QuickTime, USB Driver
Standard Accessories Battery Charger, Battery Pack, Lens Cap, Lens Cap Strap, Lens Hood, Hood Adaptor, AV Cable, USB Connection Cable, Shoulder Strap, CD-ROM
ISO Limit Set Yes
Multi-Exposure No
Multi-Aspect No
Rec Mode (Mode Dial) Intelligent AUTO, P(Program) mode, A(Aperture Priority) mode, S(Shutter Priority) mode, M(Manual) mode, Custom1, Custom2, Portrait mode, Scenery mode, Sports mode, Night Portrait mode, Close-up mode, Scene mode, Motion Picture
Color Bracketing Standard / Black & White (2 images), Standard / Sepia (2 images), Standard / Black & White / Sepia (3 images)
Motion Image HD?16:9 Aspect Ratio) 1280x720 pixels 30fps
Real-time Histogram / Highlight Display Yes / Yes
Dimensions (H x W x D) 2.96'' x 4.63'' x 3.5''
Weight .82 lbs

Footnotes

1   As digital magnification increases, resolution significantly decreases.

2   Number of shots may vary depending on memory card size, battery power, picture size, and compression. The consecutive shooting speed varies depending on the memory card or the built-in memory.

3   Shooting conditions: 73.4°F with 50% humidity;LCD On; Using an SD Memory Card; Starting to shoot 30 seconds after turning on the power; Shooting once every 30 seconds with the flash in full operation for every other shot; Changing the zoom setting from telephoto to wide, or wide to telephoto, for each shot; Temporarily turning the power off after each 10 shots (long enough to lower the battery temperature. For DMC-LC1: Shooting once every 30 seconds, flash in operation for every shot, 77°F(25°C) ambient temperature.

(Specifications as provided by the manufacturer.)


Next: Features & Controls

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