Panasonic’s Lumix DMC-FZ28 is a 10.1 Megapixel super-zoom camera with DSLR-styling and an 18x optically-stabilised zoom range. Announced in July 2008, it comes one year after the Lumix FZ18. The new model is strongly based on its predecessor, but features higher resolution, a larger screen, HD movie recording and quicker burst mode, along with a number of tweaks to the controls, viewfinder, menus and auto systems.

The AF Tracking function is the latest component to be added to Panasonic’s iA system, and allows users to lock focus on a moving subject. The camera then automatically tracks the subject as it moves, keeping it in focus without the need to hold the shutter halfway down. AF Tracking makes it easier to capture moving subjects and spur-of-the-moment action shots. The AF Tracking technology also improves Face Detection (up to 15 faces), by providing continuous adjustment of the focus and exposure, even if the face is turned away from the camera.

The FZ28 is a bridge-style compact camera, looking just like a true DSLR at first glance, but featuring a non-interchangeable lens instead. The Panasonic DMC-FZ28 offers an increase to 10 megapixels, larger 2.7-inch LCD screen, new Venus Engine IV processing engine which promises better low-light performance, and updated iA (intelligent auto) mode with newly added AF Tracking function.

Major DMC-FZ28 Features:

• 10.1-megapixel effective CCD for images up to 3648 x 2736 pixels
• Leica DC-VARIO ELMARIT 18x zoom, equivalent to 27-486mm on a 35mm camera
• Mega O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilization) system to help prevent camera shake and blurring
• Venus Engine IV LSI for robust camera operations
• JPEG and RAW still image capture
• Full-Resolution Burst capture at 2.5fps (total of 3 images in Fine mode)
• Face Detection AF technology for great portraits
• Macro focus with autofocus down to 0.39 inches (wide)
• 2.7-inch TFT color LCD monitor with 230K pixels of resolution
• Eye-level color electronic viewfinder with 201K pixels and dioptric adjustment
• Intelligent Auto, Program AE, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual modes
• Five Advanced (Portrait, Scenery, Sports, Night Portrait, Macro) and 17 Normal scene modes
• Four programmable Custom modes
• High Speed and Low Speed Continuous or “Burst” modes
• QuickTime movies WVGA (848×480), VGA (640×480) or HD (1280×720) at 30fps w/audio
• Shutter speeds from 1/2000 to 8 seconds in Shutter priority, (up to 60 secs. in Manual/Starry Sky modes)
• Built-in flash with auto, fill, slow synchro and red-eye reduction modes
• Intelligent Multiple and Spot exposure metering
• TTL Auto White Balance, 5 presets and custom set
• Approx. 50MB of internal memory, plus SD/SDHC/MMC memory card slot
• Plug-n-Play USB 2.0 High-speed, Mass Storage compliant
• PictBridge Direct-Print compatible
• Li-ion rechargeable battery and rapid charger included