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

Panasonic's new DMC-FZ28 boasts a premium 27mm wide-angle LEICA lens with an 18x optical zoom, ideal for tight indoor shots and long-distance action photos. The 10.1 megapixel digital camera also features an enhanced Intelligent Auto Mode (iA), with the new AF (auto focus) Tracking function, making it easier for photographers at any level to shoot sharp, well-focused photos, even when the subject is moving -- making it ideal for action shots.

Product Details...
* Color: Black
* Brand: Panasonic
* Model: DMC-FZ28 Black
* Dimensions: 2.96" h x 4.63" w x 3.50" l, .82 pounds
* Memory: 50MB
* Display size: 2.7
* Included Software: Yes

Features...
* 10-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality poster-size prints
* 18x wide-angle MEGA Optical Image Stabilized zoom lens
* 2.7-inch high-resolution LCD screen; HD video capture
* Full SLR-like manual operations including aperture, shutter, program and full manual modes with Advanced Scene modes
* Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)


FANTASTIC - Highly Recommended - Why Read this :)...
Overview of Panasonic FZ28k's :~
Built Quality is Excellent. (it says Made in Japan)
First Look and feel of the camera is good. Nice Grip, not a big camera, fits in small bag. Colour is Solid Black, not like a grey of x10is,
Light weight inbuilt Battery..is better than heavier 4*AA.
Great iA mode of Panasonic
16:9 and HD

For the reasons, WHY and HOW I choose this particular model, read below. Because when I was surfing the Amazon I was looking for this. So, I now know what you're going through before buying a camera. I hope this helps you in deciding which camera to buy and Why.
Ok... I wanted a camera with manual controls, big Optical Zoom, which allows me to do more, I didnot have the budget for DSLR, like a Nikon D60 or something (I am still studying) and I didn't want to buy the Compact Point and Shoot. Then Panasonic's Lumix DMC-FZ28 came to my rescue... It's the best of both the worlds. Price is not big and it allows you do more than a compact and almost as good as a DSLR... full manual control. wow... and a Bonus of 18x Optical zoom is the really awesome. Before buying I was looking at Fuji s8100fd, and then found at the review sites... about this category called superzoom/ultazoom. There are many models in superzoom, the ones that are popular are s8100fd, x10is, P90, 565uz, FZ28k. The dpreview group test helped me a lot, it was really extensive to go into the details specifications, review, samples of all the Super Zooms, then testing each of those extensively, then comparing them... what was left man... and then result was x10is and FZ28, making them tied at the top spot. And Cameralabs.com has done a decent job in putting the comparison at fair table. Very good reviews from that guy as well. The video review from camera labs, give you the practical display of both the cameras. Both Cannon x10is and Panasonic FZ-28 are good cameras, in the end it's up to the buyer to decide. It's only to the personal requirement (or rather liking) that he should choose between the two. Although price is always a big factor when buying something, I agree it is in this case as well. I have made my decision on FZ28k in the end, after a good thought. a continuation from the previous bestseller FZ18
Reasons:-
1. I needed a no fuss DSLR-like camera,
2. Optical zoom is pretty good, 10MP is too much,
3. I shall be shooting at 5MP at max, love the black colour over silver,
4. O.I.S. (optical image stabilisation) of FZ28 is better than 565uz, S8100fd which use censor based,
5. Very Imp - ability of FZ28 to optically zoom in video mode,
6. HD Video in FZ28 over x10is (although it's a still camera, video is secondary),
7. Better than Cannon x10is which uses AA batteries, FZ28 uses Li-ion .. lightweight battery. fantastic, you can buy 1more from at amazon for backup (must have IMO).
8. 27mm of Panasonic Lumix lens is better than one on x10is
9. 16:9 aspect .. thankyou! I dont want anymore squares.
10. SDHC card option is good. Cheaper to replace,
con:
1. Mono Sound ( but i heard it can be improved using software or addon microphone)

Recommended to buy with FZ28:-
A. 4-GB/ 8-GB SDHC card with 10mb/s write speed
B. A good camera case/bag
c. Add-on battery - available just for 10$
D. LCD Screen Sticker Guard.
E. Power Adapter for continuous shooting indoors or direct Display of Playback at your HD LCD-TV
F. Tripod Stand - for steady shots of Landscapes.

Buy FZ28k if you want a decent replacement for DSLR (or the New when it comes), there is always a new thing coming but no doubt FZ28k is known as a bestseller from Panasonic-Lumix. Why spend 1000$ when you can get the same thing is 1/4th of that price. No need to buy 2 lens, Panasonic-Lumix is fantastic, this is my first panasonic and I can safely say that hey..people look beyond Cannon and Nikon. Panasonic Digital Cameras are awesome. If you want a compact Point & Shoot camera buy Panasonic TZ7 ! again a new model of bestseller TZ3/TZ5.

Seller: VANNS @ 268.8$ free shipping (May 2009),
Very good seller, prompt reply to email and shipped through Fed-Ex. I say if you getting a good deal choose these people. They are good at customer service. That's what a buyer needs.

To Panasonic:
a. Supply power cable add charging support, and may be 1200mAh battery.
b. In next model you should add Dual Channel Sound, AVI MP4 recording. (Must Have)
c. Adding a nice bag will be a big plus. In fact a must have IMO.

FZ28 -> Excellent superzoom, highly recommended in SLR-like range of cameras.

Keep Clicking...!! :) Regards

Incredible camera!...
when I bought this camera I have some problems finding the size of the lens (diameter), becase some filters does not fit without an adapter.

if somebody helps its a 46mm diameter lens!

I bought this camera for a non professional use, but has a lot of functions just like a pro, I love it.

Great camera that can take good quality pictures and movies...
Great camera that can take 10 mp pictures as well as shoot excellent HD movies. It is light and small (compared to DSLRs) so that you are willing to carry it around with your diaper bag full of stuff for your two kids.
The discounted price is really low for what you get.

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