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.
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
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.