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Panasonic's latest megazoom goes wider

Though it keeps the same 18x zoom as its predecessor, the FZ28 starts at a 27mm-equivalent focal length instead of 28mm.

Lori Grunin Senior Editor / Advice
I've been reviewing hardware and software, devising testing methodology and handed out buying advice for what seems like forever; I'm currently absorbed by computers and gaming hardware, but previously spent many years concentrating on cameras. I've also volunteered with a cat rescue for over 15 years doing adoptions, designing marketing materials, managing volunteers and, of course, photographing cats.
Expertise Photography, PCs and laptops, gaming and gaming accessories
Lori Grunin
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 Panasonic

It's not only compact cameras that are embracing the wide-angle views this fall; even the megazooms are getting in the game. Panasonic's replacement for its Lumix DMC-FZ18, the FZ28, maintains its 18x zoom range, but backs off on the telephoto to provide a slightly wider 27mm entry focal length compared with 28mm previously.

In many ways, the specs of the FZ28 bear a striking resemblance to the Nikon CoolPix P80's:

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 Nikon Coolpix P80
Resolution 8 megapixels 10 megapixels 10 megapixels
Sensor size 1/2.5-inch 1/2.33-inch 1/2.33-inch
Lens f2.8-4.2 28-504mm f2.8-4.4 27-486mm f2.8-4.5 27-486mm
LCD 207,000 pixels, 2.5 inches (4:3) 230,000 dots, 2.7 inches (4:3) 230,000 dots, 2.7 inches (4:3)
Raw format supported Yes Yes No
Max ISO sensitivity at full resolution ISO 1,600 ISO 1,600 ISO 1,600
Movie capture 848x480 30fps 1,280x720 30fps VGA 30fps
Pricing and availability $349.95; now $399.95; late August $399.95; now

Like the rest of Panasonic's fall models, the FZ28 incorporates Venus Engine IV, the latest version of the company's image-processing algorithms. These include tweaks to the company's family of Intelligent Auto technologies. Burst performance increases to 2.5fps, and Panasonic adds a new high-speed burst mode, which it claims delivers 13fps, albeit at a reduced resolution.

Like the FZ18, the FZ28 will come in black and silver when it ships in late August.