Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28K 10MP Digital Camera with 18x Wide Angle MEGA Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black)

When this camera takes good photos, it takes REALLY good photos. But when it takes bad ones, well... I adnmit that I am an amateur who wanted a "good" camera with a zoom lens. After agnozing over tons of product reviews, I ended up with this camera.

The main problem I have with it are with indoor photos. If there's not enough light (apparently it needs a LOT of light, as in bright sunlight plus all your household lights on), then your photo comes out incredibly grainy and fuzzy-looking. When I use the flash indoors, however, nine times out of ten it comes out looking way, way too bright. Everything is lit up like a huge white spotlight it on the subject, and there's usually a big conspicuous shadow behind the subject unless you're really far away from it. I HATE that.

It's also often hard to get non-blurry photos, especially of people and animals. Even when you're holding the camera perfectly still,are holding your breath and have the anti-shake feature on (which, by the way, I think is entirely useless) I usually need to shoot 2-4 photos before I get a non-blurry one. Sometimes I can't get a non-blurry shot at all and I just give up. I know a tripod would help this matter, but who wants to lug a tripod around for everyday photos? Not me.

This camera performs best for me when it's outdoors in good light with subjects that are mostly stationery. I got some amazing shots at the Philadelphia Zoo, including some crystal clear and crisp close-ups of crocodile scales, python eyes, a gorilla's hands, etc. If you can keep it still and the light is right, you can get some ridiculously clear shots, particularly with closeups. This camera also takes really REALLY good photos out the windows of moving cars, and I mean 55 MPH to 75 MPH. I have no idea how it does that, but it does. I do that all the time (not when I'm driving, of course!) and you'd think I had been standing on the side of a road with a tripod.

The video feautre is OK but record time is quite short, and the sound is very tinny. I like it and will keep it (too late to return it, anyway) but I definetely don't love it and it DEFINETELY frustrates me a lot of the time.

I did a lot of research regarding these 18x DSLR-like 10mp cameras. There are a number of them on the market. Some are cheaper than the Lumix. The reviews I saw put the Lumix at the top of the line. I believe it. When you understand how to maximize the use of this camera, it is absolutely fantastic! I will be taking it to Italy and Greece in August instead of my Nikon D40 and lenses (which I absolutely love). I need something versatile, simple and space saving. Graet buy! Don't hesitate!

We found in the FZ28 a lightweight, versatile, inexpensive carry-around which takes images (landscapes, macro, and people) that rival our Nikon D90/18-200mmVR. It's practically weightless around the neck (14.7oz); and we were astonished by razor sharp macro and tele shots taken hand-held at full 480mm zoom. Unlike most other cameras in this class, no special adapters are required to add filters (46mm, but beware the B+W polarizer whose adjustment ring is too large; we exchanged for Heliopan which fits fine). Needless to say we're impressed.

Just bought Panasonic FZ28 tonight. Returning it tomorrow first thing.

The quality on the camera is very good taking pictures close up or far away.

The audio when recording video is utterly ridiculous. I can't believe someone would have a $300+ camera and roll out a product that has audio this poor. I'll admit that maybe there is a setting that I am not aware of that says "make audio with video not completely horrible" but I can't seem to find it in any documentation or online. Again, I've combed through the manual and as much documentation as possible...the horrible audio appears to have been missed by Panasonic QA. The audio is ok within 3 feet but after that it is nothing but muffled audio. Anyone who says audio with video is fine should publish something on the Internet that clearly explains how to fix this major issue. I've seen a couple videos that are suppose to show the audio with video is fine but remember that within a few feet is ok but after that it is muffled.

If audio is important for your video is required for use (don't the 2 go hand in hand usually anyway) then this not a camera for you.

I considered giving this camera more than 2 stars due to its superb pictures but can't justify it for something I plan on returning. No more panasonic for me.

It's my first Lumix/Panasonic camera and I love it. My previous camera was a 5-6 year old Sony 5.0 MP with 3x optical zoom.[...]
Anyways, I have used this Panasonic FZ28 for a month now and have made some prints already and took a lot of shots.
Battery life is above average. I am still learning all the options and features it has but it makes very good quality photos in it's Intellegent Auto mode.

I am very pleased with my purchase and will recommend this camera to anyone who is looking for a camera in this category.

I did a lot of research and this one came on top of the list.
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