Photos of and sample images from the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28.
Lori Grunin
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.
At 14.6 ounces, the FZ28 is about half the weight of the Canon PowerShot SX10 IS and is light enough to carry around all day without any strain or pain. It measures 3.0 inches high by 4.6 inches wide by 3.5 inches deep, so you won't be able to stash it even in the largest of pockets, but a small camera bag or midsize purse can easily hold the camera.
While the silver mode dial is attractive, it's highly reflective, and under sunlight, the individual icons are difficult to see. Fortunately, the modes are visible on the LCD as you cycle through the options.
As with many Panasonic cameras, you can see noise artifacts even at its lowest sensitivity of ISO 100, particularly in shadowed areas. In part, this seems to stem from more poorly executed noise suppression in the blue channel than most. There's visible softening as low as ISO 200, and by ISO 800 you lose a significant amount of detail.
