Panasonic's latest megazoom goes wider
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28
(Credit: 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.
