Panasonic DMC-FZ28 10.1MP Digital Camera

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why not just spend a bit more and get a entry level dslr?

because not everyone wants to deal with the added bulk and weight of a dslr. and to get a dslr with this zoom range, your cost would be more than "a bit more". this is a great price for this camera.

Same price on Amazon. A Nikon D40 with similar zoom range (two lenses) will cost you $500. Better pictures, much less convenient.
Check out the Canon SX10IS, it's the latest ultrazoom on the market. $330 on Amazon.

#3 -- that D40 would only have a 200 or 300mm zoom, not the 500 mm (18x) of this camera.

Review of the DMC-FZ28: http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Panasonic_Lumix_DMC_FZ28/

Review of the SX10IS: http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_PowerShot_SX10_IS/index.shtml

This camera feels vey cheap/light.

I would get Canon Powershot SX10 IS over this.

This is a GREAT camera and as much bang for the buck as there is. I've had mine for several months and it produces the best range of pictures available in a non-DSLR.
To answer #1: for over 99% of all photographic needs a DSLR is overkill, and this camera can do everything that that 99% needs to do. Once you get into the world of DSLR you are doomed to never-ending outlays of cash for accessories.

meanoldbaldteacher wrote:

...Once you get into the world of DSLR you are doomed to never-ending outlays of cash for accessories.

LOL! You could say the same thing about golf!

#6 I will agree with you about the FZ-28 and I have always wanted one because of the reviews it has received, but your completely wrong about DSLR cameras thus meaning you must have never owned a really good camera.

The biggest advantage is not having to look at a LCD display or LCD view finder to shoot a picture and adjustments for different light levels, also the CMOS sensors are superior.

Doomed? Don’t you mean the DSLR are versatile and one can be purchased with a 42-mm lens for less than 600 bucks. I purchased a 70 to 300 lens for my Olympus E510 and because of the 2/3 system the lens is equal to a 140 to 600 mm lens. It cost 400 bucks, the camera cost 500 with a 42 mm lens and I will out shoot the FZ any day and anyway.

If LCD viewing cameras were so wonderful, professional photographers would use them as the main tool.

There is one draw back to DSLR cameras, for some reason idiots are unable to use a DSLR.


Olympus Evolt E510 10MP Digital SLR Camera with CCD Shift Image Stabilization and 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko Lens $542 @ amazon

#8
I've been shooting with an SLR for over forty years, starting with a Topcon. I now own and enjoy the FZ18, similar to this but "only" 8MP. The only thing I miss is an aux. flash output. And it cost more than this one!

Currently not in stock, but $260 from B&H Photo.

Not in stock? These are a good price. I would hate to spend more than that for that type of camera. They are really coming down in price.

#11 -- this camera was $259 shipped from www.jr.com last month, just keep your eyes open.

I love my Lumix point and shoot. Waiting for them to roll-out more micro 3/4 DSLRs.

This is a fantastic little camera. Shoots true HD video (780p) in addition to offering a super-sharp lens, almost unbelievable optical zoom capability, fantastic macro, ability to shoot in RAW and/or jpg modes, and full manual control if you want it. Bought one for my father a while back, and after putting it through its paces, I'm hard pressed to identify any areas where I'm significantly better off with my SLRs. The size surprised me -- it's much smaller and lighter than I expected from the pictures. Highly recommended to anyone who doesn't want the hassle of lugging around an SLR and lenses, but wants to be able to capture better photos with more flexibility than typically offered by smaller point-and-shoot digital cameras.

The FZ28 or FZ50 are a different kind of camera. In terms of power, they are in-between PShoots and DSLRs. If bulk is not a problem, money is not an issue, and you do low light or hi-speed photography, get a DSLR. If you want a handy camera that has a great zoom negating need to change lenes, Lekia lens, low weight and bulk, and your needs are within ISO100-200, get the FZ50/28 types. What is "good" for you depends on what your needs are. I have a few rich idiots in my neighborhood who got a DSLR but have not clue how to use it effectively. Besides, if you do go the DSLR route, start thinking about the lenses you will use first, then settle on a camera. Longer run, lenses for DSLR will cost you much more for serious photography.

#1...You think your entry level DSLR will give you a 27-500mm f/2.8-4.4 lens with Image Stabilizer? Only in your dream...

#16 - it is surprising how many people do not seriously look at lens a camera comes with. Same goes for DSLRs - it is the lens that you should build the system around, not the other way around.

#8 wrote: #6 I will agree with you about the FZ-28 and I have always wanted one because of the reviews it has received, but your completely wrong about DSLR cameras thus meaning you must have never owned a really good camera.

Let's deal with the fallacy in #7's logic and ignore the poor grammar.
In point of fact, I have owned quality SLR cameras for many years. Now that I am retired I have chosen the ease of modern technology. When I bought my first SLR in the 70's, the alternatives were totally unacceptable. Today's alternatives are very close to matching the DSLR format. I (and nearly everyone who might read this) am NOT a professional photographer and do not need the many lenses and accessories that make DSLR photography so expensive (and wonderful... but oh that expense!). Why do you think so many professional photographers carry this very camera with them? It will suffice for nearly all situations for almost everyone's needs, and it provides professionals with a quick, quality option for many of their photo ops. I recently had a photo published in the local daily rag covering a half page, and the quality was stunning. The paper's professional photographers could not have done much better -- especially considering the price difference between their cutting-edge technology and my Panasonic.

DSLRs are vastly superior to all compacts in the following areas:
- shutter lag: compacts *all* have significant shutter lag. SLRs have none.
- image quality:absolutely no comparison for the same megapixel count (lenses are considerably better)
- low light performance

Now obviously not everybody is willing to deal with the bulk of a DSLR and the lens changes. Most DSLR owners own both a DSLR and a compact or ultra-compact camera. They just serve different purposes, that's all.

For 95% of the people, it is their personal limitations and not the camera that is a choke point. For most people, ISO100-200 is enough 90% of the time. Upper end DSLRs are great if you learn to use them well, have appropriate lenses and are willing to shell out time and money in the process but the rewards are awesome. Anyway, choose a camera based on your realistic needs - not everyone needs a Porsche.

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