Panasonic's FZ28 has been the subject of several threads here on BF. However, these threads are all concentrating on particular topics. That makes it cumbersome to get an overview. I'd like to start a new thread here where users can discuss their experiences. There will - inevitably - be a bit of repetition from other threads at first.
I'm trying to start with new aspects that I experienced so far. I must add that my comparisons will be with the FZ8, not the immediate predecessor, the FZ18.
One aspect is a special review switch that is located in the upper right corner of the camera's back. Compared to the FZ8, this allows reviewing without having to turn the mode dial wheel on the top. However, as I bought this camera primarily for its video features (HD and zoom capability while recording), it has happened several times that I inadvertantly turned the recording off with that review switch. With the FZ8, I usually recorded videos without a support. HD videos lose all their resolution advantage in such a case. The shake is just too much. Thus, I try to use a tripod now when I intend to record videos. But following a moving object like a bird or an airplane, means one may move a bit like a contortionist around that fixed tripod. Needless to say that keeping the object in the tiny EVF at the same time distracts sufficiently to forget about that review switch. Trying to get a better or new hold is often all it takes to turn off the recording.
A second aspect is that the mode dial now has so many features on it that it is tricky to quickly switch back and forth between my two preferred settings, P and video. Marking those stops with a black line has helped considerably.
Finally, for now, the handle is no longer as ergonomically designed as on the FZ8. It starts out with a less tacky cover. Then, that review switch is exactly where the FZ8 has a fine thumb rest to give a secure grip. And last but not least, the gap between the handle and the objective barrel is too small. In particular, the widened base of the tube interferes with my (blunt) fingernails. Quite irritating indeed when I'm in a hurry.
Thus, while I like the fine HD video feature enough to keep the camera, I definitely prefer to use the FZ8 for still pictures. The much more conventient EVF of the FZ8 is another reason for that. There, it is much easier to see whether a picture is well focussed.
I'm trying to start with new aspects that I experienced so far. I must add that my comparisons will be with the FZ8, not the immediate predecessor, the FZ18.
One aspect is a special review switch that is located in the upper right corner of the camera's back. Compared to the FZ8, this allows reviewing without having to turn the mode dial wheel on the top. However, as I bought this camera primarily for its video features (HD and zoom capability while recording), it has happened several times that I inadvertantly turned the recording off with that review switch. With the FZ8, I usually recorded videos without a support. HD videos lose all their resolution advantage in such a case. The shake is just too much. Thus, I try to use a tripod now when I intend to record videos. But following a moving object like a bird or an airplane, means one may move a bit like a contortionist around that fixed tripod. Needless to say that keeping the object in the tiny EVF at the same time distracts sufficiently to forget about that review switch. Trying to get a better or new hold is often all it takes to turn off the recording.
A second aspect is that the mode dial now has so many features on it that it is tricky to quickly switch back and forth between my two preferred settings, P and video. Marking those stops with a black line has helped considerably.
Finally, for now, the handle is no longer as ergonomically designed as on the FZ8. It starts out with a less tacky cover. Then, that review switch is exactly where the FZ8 has a fine thumb rest to give a secure grip. And last but not least, the gap between the handle and the objective barrel is too small. In particular, the widened base of the tube interferes with my (blunt) fingernails. Quite irritating indeed when I'm in a hurry.
Thus, while I like the fine HD video feature enough to keep the camera, I definitely prefer to use the FZ8 for still pictures. The much more conventient EVF of the FZ8 is another reason for that. There, it is much easier to see whether a picture is well focussed.
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