Panasonic Lumix FZ28

I read a review of this camera by a new user who claimed to have taken 1,000 pictures in just a week.  Unless that writer is a professional photographer I doubt that she took so many pictures during that time period.  The problem with the reviews on cameras on web sites and in magazines is that those venues rely upon camera manufacturers for advertising dollars.  The consequence is that relying on the reviews is a gamble.  That is the reason I subscribe to Consumer Reports (CR).

The photography/camera shops seem to take the attitude that they have some superior knowledge and if they sell the product the customer should accept their judegement about quality.  The overwhelming product sold at local stores in my area seems to be Canon.  The neighborhood store salesman told me its “Canon, Canon, Nikon.”  No Sony, Olympus, Panasonic, or Kodak.  Return policy?  Forget it.  You buy it, it’s yours.

Then there is Costco.  Their prices aren’t too much lower than the camera shops.  Their variety is limited. BUT their return policy is heavenly at 90 days.

So I watched their display case and saw the Panasonic Lumix FZ28.  The reviews, real and phony were mostly outstanding.  Digital Camera HQ      seems like a reliable web site.  I posted my review there too.  At least not all cameras receive an A grade.  Digital Photography Review provides detailed specifications.

In the month I have had the camera I have taken more than 50 pictures.  I am delighted with the results.  It’s an easy to use and handle camera that provides a 428mm telephoto lens that zooms to a 28mm wide angle.  The camera offers manual controls, a large viewing screen, and weighs less than a pound.

I have a Canon A70 and bought my wife a Canon A560.  I am used to their controls and so I have a learning curve for the controls but they are easy to learn.